Joni's Stuff

Too Stinkin' Cute

2012-02-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today's challenge at FROSTED DESIGNS is to pick a shape and use it 3 times...

Of course, I picked CIRCLE.... here's my layout. (used AC Amy Tan line)

A Hunter Layout -- and January published layouts (SNR MAG)

2012-02-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME, we're doing an "open" sketch...we can use any sketch we want...

So I used this awesome sketch from Susan Stringfellow's blog SKETCH SAVVY

This is my nephew Hunter from our visit to Ohio last summer:

Also... the Feburary edition of Scrapbook News & Review Magazine is out...so I can now share the layouts that were published in the January issue:

Category: 8.5x11

KISS (keep it simple)

Black & White (color)

Funny Faces

Free for All (anything goes)

Jesus, Thorns, Love & Best Friends....

2012-02-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME, Tiffany made this fun 2 page sketch...

And here's my layout.... (my next door neighbor's name is Jesus...and we use their pool...hence the title)

And...a few for Memorable Seasons using my DT kit for Feb which had MME Love Me (a Valentine line of papers).

and a card:

New challenges at Sketches in Thyme & Frosted Designs & catchup for Memorble Seasons

2012-02-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME we have this cool sketch....

And this is my layout using American Crafts Amy Tangerine line:

And at FROSTED DESIGNS our Fabulous Friday challenge is LOVE!!

So I made this layout:

And.....we finished up our Sketchathon last month at Memorable SEasons and I just realized I never posted my final few layouts...so here they are:

(the first two are using my DT kit featuring LYB's Winter Twig line)

School 3-Peat

2012-02-02T09:15:00.004-07:00

So today at SKETCHES IN THYME we have the sketch below.... oh my...I was freaking myself out with this one!! I actually did a layout that I HATED (you probably won't see that one posted here..lol!!) .... so I tried it again...and I"m really thrilled with how it turned out. See it below!! I like it so much that I'm going to submit it to SNR magazine for a call in the future for "multiple pics" on a page. I thought this was a unique and fun way to show that!! Thanks to Tiffany for another sketch to get me out of my box and "challenge" me!! (that's what it's about, right?!!)

So the pics here are from December 2011 at Joseph's school assembly.

1) He had a speaking part in their little play

2) He got perfect attendance award

3) He got Student of the Month (surprise)

Hence...the 3 Peat title.

Papers & embellies are Little Yellow Bicycle school line from last summer.

(still have it...still love it...still using it!!)

Cheerios -- Recipe Challenge

2012-01-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Today at FROSTED DESIGNS our Fabulous Friday challenge is a recipe....

3 diff PP's, 2 buttons & 1 word title...

Here's my layout ... I pulled a really old photo of Joseph... and I pulled a Cheerios box out of the pantry... For my 3 pieces of PP, I know it looks like more, but the little circles are the "flip side" of what I punched out of the larger circles.

Blog Hop Winner & some more layouts!!

2012-01-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

So..the Memorable Seasons Sketch-a-thon continues and here are some more layouts:

And our Frosted Designs Blog hop over the weekend was fun!! Blogger is apparently having a problem and some gals couldn't comment on my blog (and some other's too)...and I'm having trouble commenting on some blogs too...so I'm just blaming it on Blogger. So anyway...instead of only taking those who commented, I also threw in everyone that became a follower. And I chose my winner...and I went to her blog but can't find an eamil address to contact her...so hope she comes by and sees this..... or if you know her...please send her my way!!! --- My winner is ME-MA-KIM!! Email me your snail mail and I'll get a little something in the mail to you!

Welcome to the Frosted Designs Blog Hop!!!

2012-01-20T01:02:00.006-07:00

Welcome to the FROSTED DESIGNS blog hop!!!

The blog hop will start on Friday January 20th at 12:01am central time and end on Sunday January 22 at midnight.

Two ways to win the big prize at Frosted Designs --

1. As you travel around the blogs, collect the words to make a complete phrase...
And email that phrase to todanica4us@yahoo.com by midnight Sunday. (Subject Line should say "Blog Hop")

2. Link your LO to the Frosted Design Blog by Midnight Sunday.

This weeks Fabulous Friday challenge is to use Acrylic, Tranparancy or Vellum..
I used all 3 on this layout!!

Please become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment and answer this question...(Yes, that way I know you actually read this...lol!!).. Because of my layout about "checking in on my son at bedtime"... here's my question: If you had kids, did you still check them every night to see if they were breathing.? Until they were how old?...If you don't have kids, tell me if I'm crazy to still be doing this at age 8...??
......I'll send a little RAK to someone at the end of the blog hop..!! I'll try to contact the winner, but you can check back with me on Tuesday 2/24 and I'll post the winners name here too.

Oh...and the word you need from me is HOME --- and after me, you should head over to MARTINA's BLOG next...

Below is the order of the hop in case you get lost along the way...

Diana http://itsmylifeandimscrappingit.blogspot.com/

Andrea http://www.scrapality.com/
Amanda http://www.whiteruffles.blogspot.com/
Jenny http://jennygevans-mylittlescrapcorner.blogspot.com/
Ashley http://ashleyspaperdoll.blogspot.com/
Marina M. http://sunnysbasteloase.blogspot.com/
Lori http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/
Joni http://www.joniparkerstuff.blogspot.com/

Martina http://stampinggoddess-stampalicious.blogspot.com/

Fern http://www.texasstampinmamaw.blogspot.com/

Debbie B http://debbiebakk.blogspot.com/

Eli http://scrap-colors.blogspot.com/

Ali - http://missybossy65.blogspot.com/

Panorama Sedona

2012-01-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

ok...so today it's the week for a 2 page sketch at SKETCHES IN THYME....

Ok..now seriously ... this sketch has TONS of room for interpretation!!!

And I gotta be honest...I've been trying to figure out how to use these 5 pictures that I took as I moved left to right of the Sedona view.... this sketch was perfect and I'm thrilled with how this turned out!!!

(so thrilled that I'm going to put it up for the SNR mag for March...so this one will be published!!)

And come back on Friday ... Frosted Designs is having a blog hop!!!

More Sketch-a-thon....

2012-01-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Sketch-a-thon continues at Memorable Seasons......

Here are more.....

And my challenge for Wednesday 1/18... I used my DT kit w/LYB Winter Twig...

It's a JOSEPH CANVAS!!!!

2012-01-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

Join us next week for a blog hop!!!

Ok..so making a canvas isn't all the big of news.... But Joseph snagged this one for his room....
( I'm thinking that's about the best compliment I can get, huh?)

FROSTED DESIGNS challenge this week is to use PAINT... So, I've been having fun making canvases lately...and so I made this one (11x14)... and on Sunday 1/15, there will be a tutorial on their blog showing how I made it... FUN STUFF!!! The black is paint and all the red/blue/white on the letters...is crackle paint.

And at Memorable Seasons...we continue our Sketchathon...

Here's another one...

Memorable Seasons Sketch-a-Thon

2012-01-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

We're having a sketch-a-thon over at MEMORABLE SEASONS

And we have a sketch each weekday....so before i get too far behind, I thought I'd better post the last few from over there... So far I've done every sketch (which is nice since I'm on the DT, I get to see them ahead of time)....

In the interest of space and time, I will not show the sketches...but just my projects....

The first two are using my DT kit featuring Little Yellow Bicycle's Winter Twig Line...

Hellooooooo 2012

2012-01-05T00:32:00.000-07:00

Howdy... back to the grindstone after the holidays??... crazy fun times, huh?

So, today for SKETCHES IN THYME we have this fun and simple sketch... (LOVE IT)

And here is my Fun and Simple layout!!

And over at Memorable Seaons we've been playing with some fun stuff...

We're having a sketch-a-thon..!!

Here are the first few days...

Sketch #1:

Sketch #2:

I had day 3 (today) and here is my sketch from SKETCH SAVVY

And the layout I made using my Jan DT kit, featuring LYB Twig:

And I also made this layout...for Erika's Issue challenge over at the CK blog...

Challenge was to use a "mood"... In our house THANKFUL is a mood...

Used Amy Tangerine (everything)

Thanks for coming by today...

Wow...end of 2011??

2011-12-30T00:29:00.000-07:00

So...it's been a fun year huh?...can't believe it's almost over!!!

So today at FROSTED DESIGNS our challenge is "new"...New technique, new product...whatever...

So, I used my "new" paper from Pink Paislee (it's MISTABLE...so cool) and also I used "text speak" instead of actual words..which is really crazy new for me... I used U.B.U. instead of You Be You... but it fit right in with my skating cool Joseph...

Also some layouts for MEMORABLE SEASONS

This is a challenge to scrap a "tradition:

Which has become this ~~stupid silly~~ fun Candy Cane Tree:

And this layout for a recipe challenge:

And this one to scrap xmas photos from THIS year:

Not a lot of posts lately, I know...busy working on all my layouts for the SNR magazine... crazy!!!
Thanks for visiting me!!

Some fun layouts before xmas!!

2011-12-22T01:56:00.001-07:00

So, the scrapping world doesn't stop for the holidays....we actually look forward to them (more photo ops)...

So, over at SKETCHES IN THYME this week, we have a 2 pager..!!!

And the perfect opportunity to scrap some pics from Wet N' Wild this past summer using Echo Park Splash line...

And over at MEMORABLE SEASONS, it's my turn to issue a challenge today...and so I'm using my Dec DT kit featuring MME Sunshine and my challenge is to use a Stairstep or Graduated effect on your project.. Like I did on my sample below along the right side with the 2 papers & ribbon.... see how they "step" up? -- I made this one pretty big so you could see the cool stitiching that I did on this one!

Also at Memorable Seasons we had a sketch challenge last week and I made this goodness with my Dec DT kit also...

Frame w/Ribbon & Some Cousins

2011-12-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

So today over at FROSTED DESIGNS we start another weekly challenge... this week... RIBBON!!!

And I was given the assignment to make a PROJECT (not just a layout)... so can't stray too far from my roots... and I made this frame (kinda a scrapbook page in a frame), but then I decorated the outside of the glass with some ric-rac and a ribbon bow. Gave this as a gift to the gal on the first horse (riding w/her mother).

Also over at MEMORABLE SEASONS Audrey posted her Thursday challenge yesterday and it was a color challenge:

So I used Echo Park Time & Seasons line and made this: (and I know, I took a lot of liberty with the neutral cream color)

Skateboarding & stuff...

2011-12-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday.... Today at SKETCHES IN THYME, Tiffany made this sketch....
Now I saw that big star and went...YIKES.... which usually means that I should TRY to do the sketch cuz I end up liking those layouts because they seem to "stretch me" just a little...
So, this is NOT my DT week to do a layout...but I did one anyway..!!!

And guess what... I really think this is cute how it turned out...
It's a big transparency...(I had Joseph hold it up so it was kinda obvious that's what it was)...
And just a few embellies..and the title... yea, good sketch.....as usual...Good job, Tiffany!!

And I've been quite busy over at MEMORABLE SEASONS .. and here are a few layouts I'd like to share...

These layouts were both challenges to "lift" another layout... For both, I used my Dec DT kit that featured My Minds Eye Lost & Found Sunshine papers.

Bushel & a Peck and a Happy Birthday 2U

2011-12-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME we have this fun sketch...

And my layout....

And for MEMORABLE SEASONS DT member Tami issued our Tuesday challenge this week to "mix manufacturers"...so I used Pink Paislee, Fancy Pants and Sassafras...

Thanks for coming by!!

A few layouts & SNR Mag calls

2011-12-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

Sharing a few layouts and the January calls for SNR magazine...

For MEMORABLE SEASONS the Thursday Challenge last week was "trends"..and we were challenged to use Diamonds, Hexagons, Chevrons or Zig Zags....
I knew the Pebbles Fresh Goods line had a really cool Chevron print paper ...so I dug it out .... I cut the Chevrons at each point...inked them around the edges and put it back together for my banner.

And my last layout for SCRAP OUR STASH DT... (I stepped down due to my new committments...)

I used Purple (not a color I use very often) and flowers and circles all inspired by a layout from another member at that blog. -- This is a friends daughter and I just LOVE the innocence in this photo I snapped of her.

SCRAPBOOK NEWS and REVIEW MAGAZINE calls for the January issue are ready....they are due Dec 24th.... I encourage you to submit.... HERE!!!

Here are the calls for Jan...

Free for All Paper Scrapbooking Call
Free for All: In each of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, we spotlight scrapbook pages of any size, style and genre. Please note that this call is for PAPER scrapbookers only. The digital sign-up is below in the digital calls area.

Scrapbooking Calls
Inspiration: 8.5x11 Pages: For this call, we’re looking for pages that are ONLY 8.5x11. They can be of any theme or topic but they cannot be any other size.

Being Us/Our Love/Love Story: It may be cold outside but love is in the air around here! Please submit stories that relate to love, being in a relationship, or a love story that has touched your heart.

Funny Faces: We all make them and it’s always an extra special coup when we capture them in a photo. Now let’s get them onto our layouts. Pages can be about any subject or topic but must feature a funny face or a bunch of great facial expressions!

Goals/Resolutions/What I Want for 2012: It’s that time of year when we reflect on the past, look ahead and plan for the future and what better way to set your dreams in action than to memorialize them on a scrapbook page? Pages can be of any size but must reflect your current or upcoming goals and resolutions or use the title What I Want for 2012.

Monthly Series:
All About Me-Things You May Not Know: Over the course of 2012, we’ll be featuring a monthly series called All About Me that will help you develop an album that focuses mainly on you and your life and your feelings and anything else you would like to share. For January, we’re looking for pages that are centered on “Things You May Not Know About Me” but this does NOT have to be the title. This is the subject only.

Color of the Month-Black and White: How will you use these two colors on your pages? Projects can be of any theme or subject but you MUST use at least 80% of the “Color of the Month” colors, so think black and white with a couple other colors to balance them out.

KISS – Keep It Simple, Sweetheart: We’re on the hunt for Clean and Simple pages or Modern and Graphic pages. Layouts that are rely more on the subject or the photo rather than a lot of embellishments or dressing up the page.

One Word Title-Curiosity: This has been a popular call and we’re continuing it for 2012. Please note that the title must only be one word (the word of the month) and cannot have more than that word, but you can use other words for a sub-title.

Recipe Challenge (Not Food Related): We’re excited to roll out this new call for 2012 and it’s sure to be a lot of fun! For this call, please submit layouts that follow this recipe:
1 Flourish
2 Photos
3 Different Patterned Papers
4 Colors
5 Embellishments

Scrap Your Stash-Chipboard: For this call, please only submit layouts that feature chipboard embellishments on them – nothing else will be accepted for publication.

Sketch of the Month:The following sketch is up for interpretation as you see fit- you can create with it as-is, use bits and pieces or turn it on its ear to create a fun but still true to the sketch.All submissions must be layouts. Go to website to see sketch..

Cards & Stamping Calls
Inspiration:
Always & Forever/Hugs & Kisses: We’re looking for cards that feature Always & Forever OR Hugs & Kisses as the sentiment.

Butterflies: Baby, it’s cold outside but we’re thinking of spring for this card call. Butterflies can be embellishments, handmade or stamped, and can be of any style and with any theme.

French/Parisian: Let’s take a trip to Paris! The City of Love evokes feelings of charm and elegance and romance, and for this call we’re looking for frilly and feminine paired with French or Parisian elements.

Favorite Movie: We all have one or two that just makes our heart go pitty-pat or set our creative spirits soaring, and we want to see your take on your favorite movie, whether it’s the actual movie poster, the title or the theme. It’s a free for all. The only requirement is to have fun.

Product-K&Co: Readers have asked that we feature a company each month as it’s a great way to show a variety of uses for popular lines or items that we have squirreled away but aren’t quite sure what to do with them. This month, the company in the spotlight is K&Co and you can use any collection or item from this amazing brand.

Holiday-Girl Power: Each month there are a plethora of odd or bizarre holidays that seldom get the attention they deserve. For January, we’re celebrating Women’s Self-Empowerment Week with a Girl Power theme. Please feel free to interpret as you desire and in any style you choose.

Recipe Challenge (Not Food Related): We’re excited to roll out this new call for 2012 and it’s sure to be a lot of fun! For this call, please submit cards that follow this recipe:

1 piece of ribbon
2 patterned papers
3 buttons
4 circles
Stamped image

Sketch of the Month:The following sketch is up for interpretation as you see fit- you can create with it as-is, use bits and pieces or turn it on its ear to create a fun but still true to the card sketch.All submissions must be cards.

Technique of the Month: Show off your heat embossing talents with either traditional embossing powder in any weight or thickness or color and/or Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (UTEE). Please include any tips or tricks you may have to share with our readers.

Digital Scrapbooking Calls

Doodle It: Show use your digital creations using doodled elements - journaling boxes and lines, doodled frames, hand-drawn elements, you name it!

Family Game Night: It's too cold outside, so it's the perfect time for a little friendly family competition. This call is for layouts all about your family game night.

Hybrid: A little bit paper, a little bit digital. Wow us with your hybrid skills! We're looking for any kind of hybrid project - layouts, cards, ATCs, home decor, etc.

Style: Whimsical: Whimsical is defined as playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. Characterized by artful extractions, fantastical scenes and realistic elements, whimsical layouts are certainly works of art. Show us your whimsical digital or hybrid layouts.

Digital Scrapbooking Free for All Call
Free for All: In each of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, we spotlight scrapbook pages of any size, style and genre. Please note that this call is for DIGITAL scrapbookers only. The paper sign-up is above in the scrapbookingl calls area.

Mixed Media Calls
Artist Trading Cards-Series of 3: For this call, we’re looking for a series of three ATCs that have the same continuous theme and/or color combo on all three cards.

Artist Trading Cards-Free for All: Grab your 15 minutes of fame and send in ATCs featuring any theme, style or color scheme.

Inchies-Seasons: Choose ONE season and create a set of three inchies based on that seasonal theme.

Tag-Calendars: Theme wise, anything goes for this tag call but your tag must have at least one calendar on it.

Please Note: All mixed media calls are for artists of all styles and categories including traditional paper, hybrid or digital.

News News Big News --- and a few layouts!!

2011-12-01T23:00:00.001-07:00

Ok...so I'll post my layouts and THEN share my news...

Today at FROSTED DESIGNS we start our new weekly challenge on Fridays!!! This week's topic

..... MUSIC/SONG....

And here is my layout...

And some for MEMORABLE SEASONS

first..a color challenge... blue, cream & red...

And a couple more with my DT kit featuring Prima North Country line.

Ok..so now my news.... you know the last 3 months, I was honored to be published in SCRAPBOOK NEWS AND REVIEW magazine...??..... well...........

they offered me a STAFF position...and duh...of course, I accepted!!!! It's really just like their DT...so that'll be fun.

Also at MEMORABLE SEASONS...I've accepted the position as DT co-coordinator.....

Yikes...what have I gotten myself into?....lol!!!

With that though and a heavy heart!! ... I stepped down from the DT at SCRAP OUR STASH ... love that place...been there 2 years (since it started).... but I just can't spread myself too thin!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-23T23:26:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Thursday.... and us scrappers don't take days off for the holidays right...??

So today at SKETCHES IN THYME we have this really cool 2 page sketch.
(we have switched the 3rd Thursday of the month from "open" sketches to our own 2 pagers...YEA!!)

And here is my layout of when we went to the Patriot's Day celebration (for 9-11)

at Paseo Hills park on 9/10/11

And a few more to share:

MEMORABLE SEASONS DT projects...

First...we are doing Christmas Crafts each week...each week a DT member posts a xmas craft they made. So I created a xmas card holder so I have somewhere to finally store and display my cards...

Julie...look at the left pocket...wink!!

Also this layout from our sketch challenge using my Nov DT kit that was Prima North Country:

Don't eat too much today, ok?!!!

Playing Catch up!!

2011-11-18T00:14:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I really messed this up... Over at SKETCHES IN THYME, I'm on the DT rotation that posted LAST week (and next week)... since we do every other week.. but I was an "over achiever" and did a layout for my "off" week...and it posted yesterday on the blog... but I didn't post it HERE on my blog...cuz I got the weeks mixed up and didn't check my "chart" well enough... DUH!!! So here it is....

Ok..so on to TODAY's business.... FROSTED DESIGNS Fabulous Friday challenge.... this week is....
DIE CUTS!!!! So, I wasn't sure if I should use a "die cut paper" or "an actual die cut"... I don't have a die cut machine... so, I used both.. The large scallop paper is Die-Cut (it's actually a calender and i turned it upside down and covered up the "months") and the Title "Too Cute" is a die cut that I've had in my stash...FOR EVAH!!!

So on to some items for my DT at MEMORABLE SEASONS ...

I issued a challenge to use the word "CRAZY" in your title or journaling..

Here is my layout using my Nov DT kit featuring Prima North Country...

And... Sally issued a recipe challenge...

2 photos, 3 leaves, stitching, scallop border & a banner.

I used a sketch from Sketch Inspiration and this is what I made:

And..my absolute favorite from this post is this one...

Audrey issued a challenge to use this Ad as inspiration:

I LOVED the squares and frames...so i took some chipboard that was "checkered" and 2 frames and misted onto this Kraft background. Then I re-used the frames in a different position and played with a few embellies and got this result:

Thanks for visiting me today!!

Climb to the Top & My Little Pony

2011-11-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Today at SKETCHES IN THYME we have this fun sketch...

And my DT layout... I flipped the photos and pp, but left the title up the left side.

This is a friend of Joseph's at his 8th B-day party (Joseph's b-day)

And a layout for MEMORABLE SEASONS to highlight "details"

My details are the cowgirl (fabric stitched on), the Rhinestones & the title ... the title because I'd never have thought of it... but I asked the 2 girls (twins) what the title should be and it was what they came up with!

These layouts are all for friends... btw..the boy in the first layout and the girls in the second are siblings...so both of these layouts are gifts for our family friends.!!

Some fun layouts to share:

2011-11-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

First a couple for MEMORABLE SEASONS..DT layouts:

Friends of ours...last name is Jewell... I gave this to them...she framed it and is giving it to Grandma (her mom) for xmas!!

And speaking of grandmas.... 2009 both g-mas were here at the same time

and a "use strips of paper" challenge:

and...for SCRAP OUR STASH... a recipe challenge:

These pictures were taken at my son's b-day party...the boy in the left photo is his friend and school-mate. We've come to know the family pretty well, so it was fun to get these pics of them. I'll be giving them this layout as a gift.

Recipe:

1 Solid - Black Cardstock

2 Patterned Papers - Black print is Pink Paislee, strip is Sassafras

3 Photos

4 Word Title - A Family Fun Climb

5 Embellies - Circly Arrow, Heart, Star, Paint swatch (w/Family), Twine

Family and Snow Fun...

2011-11-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

Today is Fabulous Friday Challenge day over at Frosted Designs .. and our topic this week is FAMILY...

Here's my DT layout:

And at MEMORABLE SEASONS our DT kits will now be used for challenges throughout the month (instead of all revealed on the 1st of the month)....

So I had the first challenge this week...and it is to ALTER YOUR ABC's...

Here is a layout I did that had glittery silver alphas..and I inked them in blue...

Also used all the "dots" on the Alpha sheet to decorate the raining circles...

Thanks!!

The Party & The Adams Family!!

2011-10-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

Just a couple to share today....

First at SCRAP OUR STASH our October challenge is to use a quote...

This is a layout of my mother & her 2 remaining living siblings (my mom is on the right)...

And over at MEMORABLE SEASONS I did Tami's challenge this week .. a color challenge to use Blue Green & Orange...

This is at Joseph's bday party (about a month ago)

And..I used my ARTFUL DELIGHT October kit to make this layout about my team at work..

My bridge for Frosted Designs!!

2011-10-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

It's Fabulous Friday!!! Time for FROSTED DESIGNS weekly challenge.... (one of 3 we have going every week..!!)...

This week...a Color challenge: -- use the colors below...

And I really have trouble with purple normally...so here is my layout:

Fun stuff this week!!!

2011-10-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Ok...so lots on today's agenda....

SKETCHES IN THYME .. this week's our "open" challenge...so we can use "any sketch"...
My faves to use are always from Susan Stringfellow over at SKETCH SAVVY, so I'm sharing 2 today that I've done...

Yes..that's a wildfire on the side of the road (actually on the highway side of the guardrail)..during our road trip to Sedona in August.

and

Yes...this is Joseph on the swingset, trying to "touch" the clothesline with his tongue on each "upswing"...LOL! I took the pics from inside the house cuz he would have thought he was in trouble and stopped if I had gone outside to do it.

and at MEMORABLE SEASONS we also had a sketch challenge last week:

and over at SCRAP OUR STASH our October challenge is to use a QUOTE...

So I made this fun layout:

Typed the quote into Word and printed it out...

Oh..and I made a couple cards...

And this one is an easel card that I made for my new Card challenge over at MEMORABLE SEASONS...it's even got a TUTORIAL over there TOO!!!

Front view:

Side view:

Everyday is full of smiles!!!

2011-10-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

So TECHNICALLY, this is my "off week" from the FROSTED DESIGNS DT challenges..(each team goes "every other week").... but the challenge this week of "Fancy Trim".... well, when I saw it.....It just reminded me of all the ribbon/trim I have and don't quite use enough....     and whenever do you START a layout with the ribbon/trim and not a Photo or the papers..???

So.... I pulled out this teal pleated ribbon that I got at a local "clearance fabric" store we have here in Phoenix a long long time ago...... (I think it was .99 a yard) -- I keep seeing it in my cabinet....and it's sooo pretty, but it just never quite worked....   But it did today!!!

Love how simple this turned out.... !!! I also used a "not perfect" photo.... not perfect because he's FROWNING and also not perfect cuz it's SOOO tilted.

Sweet Face & HUMOOR !!

2011-10-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today I"m doing a DT posting for the "Pagerize This" challenge over at SCRAP OUR STASH --

I pagerized (lifted) some of the design elements of this layout...and she specifically wanted us to "lift" the ribbon theme...
so first is "the to be lifted" layout by Wendy:

And my version using Echo Park Happy Days line:

And...I found a new KIT CLUB....ARTFUL DELIGHT!!!

And I've done a couple layouts using the October kit...

Here is one for their sketch challenge:

and YES the OO's over his head are "intentional" ...kinda... double click on layout to read the journaling (reminder for grandma)

And just to note..my style is NOT vintage or floral or anything like that..so I thought I'd have some struggles with this kit...but I'm actually having fun with it....

Here is another layout I did:

(my aunt & cousin)

I also have another one...ALMOST done on my table...just need to add a few names to the journaling...will post it soon!!!

And at MEMORABLE SEASONS this month, we have chosen a "member of the month" and honor her by lifting her layouts. I lifted 2 of Laura Cushmans' layouts. I won't show her originals since I don't really have permission?....

This one is using my Oct DT kit LYB Back to School...

The original layout had some squares along the bottom and circles up the right side, so I lifted that part of the design.

I also did a really simple layout using Fancy Pants To the Moon line..I only have 2 of the papers and the Glitter cuts... so, I decided to use 'em up!!! The original layout had a long line of flowers along the right side of the layout, so I copied that design element as well as placement of photo, title etc...

(oh..the photo was just sitting on my desk..I had "already" cut it out to use it "over" another photo where I gotten paint on the photo..but it didn't look right...so I finally used it here)!!

Thanks for coming by!!

Frosted Designs Recipe Challenge!!

2011-10-07T00:01:00.001-07:00

This week at FROSTED DESIGNS we have a fun RECIPE challenge.....

Here are 8 items.... you must use at least 4 on your layout....

1. The color yellow
2. Ribbon or lace
3. chipboard
4. flowers
5. misting or inks
6. buttons
7. stickers
8. rub ons

I used Yellow, Chipboard, Misting/Ink, Buttons, Stickers & Rubons...

also at Your Scrapbook Stash...they had a Sketch Challenge last month...use their sketches ... random winners to receive a GC to the store... I won a GC...!!! Yipee!!! Here are the 4 layouts I created and posted in their gallery...

Sketches in Thyme!!

2011-10-06T01:08:00.000-07:00

Hey all... this week we have a GREAT sketch from SKETCHES IN THYME ... now I gotta be honest...when I first saw this sketch...I was NOT thrilled. But I worked it..... and honestly, I'm SOOOO happy with my layout!!! Good to "get out of my comfort zone" sometimes!!!

I used OA Rocket Age line:

Oct DT layouts

2011-10-03T19:14:00.001-07:00

Ok...lots of fun stuff to share today....

For MEMORABLE SEASONS my October DT kit was some of the papers from Little Yellow Bicycle's school line called Head of the Class:
Here is what I got:

I also purchased other items in the line....chipboard, rest of the papers, fabric pieces...etc....

Here are my layouts:

and a bookmark:

Ok..so while I'm here...

My challenge this week at Memorable Seasons...

Use Kraft and white...and add your own 2 other colors..

Here is my sample layout:

And for this layout I used this sketch from SKETCH SAVVY

And...layout for SCRAP OUR STASH to use GRIDS...

I've already posted 2 DT samples...so this one is my third...so I thought I'd go a little "outside the box" and get into a "rectangle" grid!!

These Hands Create Art... Bo Bunny

2011-09-29T22:58:00.001-07:00

I saw over at the Bo Bunny blog they are having a challenge for a 2 pager layout... I did a layout the other day and although I NEVER (ok, hardly ever) do pagers... maybe because I have such a hard time photo'ing them well for submission...lol!!...

I actually used Bo Bunny Timeless for this one and so I thought I'd enter it.. I didn't see an "end date"...so I hope I'm posting it in time...

Their blog post is HERE

And this is my layout:

Ransom Note......

2011-09-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hey all.... this week at FROSTED DESIGNS our challenge is to use "mixed font" letters....kinda a Ransom note style...

So I created this layout...

then realized it was my week to do a "project"...so I also made a teacher gift for Joseph's teacher that we'll use at Christmas and fill with some fun kind of gift or gift cards.....

So I had a little wooden box and I painted it and then glued the crayons on... (I laid a line of them out the same size as the side, covered it with Modge Podge and then laid the box on it... for each side.... then filled in the corners with an "extra" crayon)..... a little ribbon and some fun tags using MIXED FONTS....
WAA LAA...

Dare to Dream ?? Plus ++

2011-09-22T00:01:00.002-07:00

Ok...so it's Thursday...and that means another sketch challenge at SKETCHES IN THYME and since it's the third Thursday, it's OPEN SKETCH...meaning you can use ANY sketch you want... I almost always use sketches from SKETCH SAVVY because Susan's sketches ROCK...and they fit my style so well.

So this week I actually had 2 ready to go...so here they are:

And that one actually worked for another DT I'm on over at SCRAP OUR STASH where our monthly challenge for September is to use a "grid"...

And here is the second one I did:

Also while I'm here...this week's weekly challenge at MEMORABLE SEASONS is to use a song title or lyrics.... so I "loosely" used a song that you should all be familiar with....

(Changed the word "over" to "under")....

Ok...well, I got 3 out of my 4 DT's all listed in this post... come back tomorrow to see a layout AND a project that at I did for FROSTED DESIGNS !! (Ha...got all 4 in here!!)

Catching UP....

2011-09-18T20:46:00.001-07:00

Ok...so some news first... SCRAPBOOK NEWS and REVIEW magazine September issue came out today....... I had EIGHT layouts published this month!!!!
Here are the 8 that were published and in what category:

The style: Clean & Simple:

Use the featured Color PINK:

Childhood Memories:

Sewing:

And SPORTS or ACTION SHOTS (4 in this category)

Ok..so now some new layouts:

Memorable Seasons:

Lift our Member of the Month -- Jenny

and a sketch challenge:

(yes Mom, this one is for you)

And a weekly challenge:

And another weekly challenge to use FALL colors or theme:

Sorry for the long post!!

My mother.... LAUGH!!!

2011-09-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ok..so as I mentioned a few weeks ago, I have left the "SKETCH" team at FROSTED DESIGNS and have moved back to the "regular weekly" challenges. I'm happy about that... I do enough sketches, so it's fun to have "item/technique" challenges again....

So this week the challenge is to use TICKETS, ENVELOPES or POSTAGE STAMPS....

Here is the layout I did...using My Minds Eye papers & embellies. Please double click to enlarge and read the journaling that I was willing to share (it's pretty funny).... I also added some private journling in the envelope at the top.

The Trout Farm & some Grandkids!!

2011-09-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME our sketch is this little beauty.....

And here is my layout of Joseph fishing (ok..at the Trout Farm) in Oak Creek/Sedona...

(and of the boys seasoning the fish for consumption......but not by me..)

Also, while I'm posting...there was a challenge at Memorable Seasons where you "blindly" pick 3 Random pieces of paper from your stash and then use them to do a layout:

Here is what I picked...(front sides) -- YIKES...

And luckily they were 2 sided ....

And here's the layout I did...simple...but hard for me with "non-matching" stuff!!

A pile of Cousins!!!!

2011-09-03T23:44:00.000-07:00

This month at SCRAP OUR STASH our challenge to you is to use GRIDS on your layouts...

Easy Peasy for me... LOVE GRIDS....

So here is a layout I did using Fancy Pants papers....I punches squares and a few circles to mix it up.... knew where I was going to place my photos...and then added all the details.. (PLEASE double click to enlarge the layout and check them out!!)...

When I showed Joseph the layout and asked him if I should "fill in" the space above the title...he said "no" and when I asked him why not....he responded.... "because it gives your eye a place to rest"... ... good...teaching the boy some design elements!!!!

Memorable Seasons DT layouts

2011-09-01T21:26:00.001-07:00

My September DT kit at MEMORABLE SEASONS was Echo Park Happy Days...here is the kit I got :

I really love that this line is soooo colorful.... yet, not EVERY sheet has ALL the colors, so I did one layout with "all" the colors and then the rest with "specific" color schemes... that was fun!!

This month we had the extra challenge of having limited embellishments in our kits, so I really tried to focus on using the stickers and papers themselves for my embellishments. I did use some items from my stash, but tried to limit those to show off the collection itself.

I cut away the outer edge out the sheet that looked like a die-cut and then split it across the left & right side of the page... added some of the pp's to fill up some of the "stark" white spaces... Love how my banner turned out... (it's triple popped up).

I love how I was able to just use a few of the colors of paper from this line and have layouts that don't have "all the colors"...so they all look so different....

Like on this one...I focused on the black/White & teal/Yellow..

And on this one...I focused on that GRANDMA's DRIVE IN sticker (and chose my photos & theme based on that one sticker)... ...and used the PINK & TEAL as my primary color scheme

and for this one, I focused on the black & white with RED...

And my card..... used some of the journal cards and some of the word strips...

This is a tri-fold card...with a window.. I covered up the window on layer 1, but left it open on layer 2... Hope you can see that and it makes sense?.. -- The little strip of red dotted paper along the bottom is a piece from the first layout where I had cutaway the diecut scallop...it was a scrap..!!

AND....

We had a "Members issue the challenges" crop over at MEMORABLE SEASONS this week... I haven't gotten them all done, but wanted to go ahead and share a few layouts that I did for some of the challenges:

Challenge to use stamps as background and embellishments:

Challenge to use this ad as inspiration:

And my layout:

And this challenge to use a series of photos to tell a story:

And a challenge to "grunge it up"....mists, tearing...etc....

No wonder I can't get anything else done around here...I've been scrappin' my butt off!!!

Moody Blues

2011-08-25T08:36:00.002-07:00

Morning all....

This week is "open sketch" challenge week at SKETCHES IN THYME -- so I used a sketch from SKETCH SAVVY .. (#61)

the BLUES letters were already "flocked" letters that I got from a CK convention a few years back..I just added a swish of darker blue ink to make them match my layout. Papers are BG Out of Print. Chipboard is Maya..painted. -- some fun journaling about how Joseph gets "MOODY"....when he's hungry... JUST LIKE HIS DADDY!!! (note to grandma: double click layout to enlarge and read the journaling)..

Frosted Designs DT change..and lots of other fun stuff!!

2011-08-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

This week at FROSTED DESIGNS we have this fun sketch!! -- But first let me announce that I'm leaving the "sketch" team at Frosted Designs and this will be my last official sketch layout for the DT... but not to fret..I'm moving back to the "original" weekly challenge team... Good to get away from the sketches sometimes ... I'm happy to make the move back!!! So my Frosted Design posts will move to Fridays instead of Tuesdays...(in case anyone really cares...lol!!)

And here's my layout of my cute little nephew that we just visited in Ohio this summer.. this is his spring pre-school photo. I'm sending this layout to my brother & his wife.... (next box headed to Ohio)...

And at SCRAP OUR STASH our challenge this month is to "re-do" a layout...

Instead of re-doing a layout that I didn't like, I decided to redo a layout I do like..so I redid the "All Your Idea" layout that got published last week in Scrapbook News & Review Magazine...

Here's my redo:

Which honestly is ok..but not as good as the original... If you want to see it, you'll have to scroll to the next post...or CLICK HERE

And over at MEMORABLE SEASONS we've had some challenges...

First my DT challenge to do things in "twos"...

Two colors and then any other 2's you want.

I did teal & yellow...

2 fingers (peace sign)

2 twine used in 2 different ways

2 numbers "popped" --- the 2 and the 7

2 titles...one of them is a 2 word title...

You get the idea...

And we had a sketch challenge over there too...

And my version using a photo from last year...(last school year)...

Thanks for coming by!! See you on Thursday for my Sketches in Thyme layout this week... Gotta say..I really like it...!!! (and used a Sketch Savvy sketch which always rock!!)

I've been Published!!

2011-08-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today Volume #4, Issue #8 of the Scrapbook News & Review Magazine was published...and it had one of my layouts in it!! YIPEE!!!

The category was "From a Child's Perspective" ... and I submitted this layout of Joseph taking his own photo...

The Perfect Storm (and a tip)

2011-08-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

Today I'm posting for my DT at SCRAP OUR STASH -- This month our challenge to you is to "re-do" a layout....

So, for me "re-do" a layout is quite a stretch... So, as I really was thinking about it, I had a tip that I do that I wanted to share with you... Not really a re-do, but kinda along those lines....

When I finish a layout.... I look at it, evaluate it (not like cross-examination or anything...lol!).... but as I'm looking at it, I ask myself these questions:

1) What are 3 things that I LIKE about this layout.....
2) What are 3 things that I DON'T LIKE about this layout....

Then, I mentally make a note of the things that I liked.... good to have those thoughts to use again later!!

Then I look at the things I didn't like...and I think... "Can I fix or change those things to make it better?"...sometimes I can't...and that's ok (again mental note for next time)...... But sometimes I CAN make a little adjustment or change that eliminates one of the "dislikes"....

So, with that in mind.... let me share this layout with you....

Now I scrap indoors, after dark and don't have natural light..... so even after I took a picture of this layout, I didn't see anything wrong. But then I loaded the picture on my computer and I went.. OH MY...that teal color tape DOESN'T MATCH COLORS AT ALL!!!!! (See it above the word STORM & at the left edge of the border below the photo? )..... YIKES!!

So, my quick re-do...... removed it and added some Tim Holtz tape in a neutral color....
Much better!!

So don't forget to take a quick look at your layouts and make an adjustment or two....or just make some mental notes for next time (good or bad!)....

Homemade Waterslide & No Bad Apples!

2011-08-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday..!!! First day of school...no problem!!! Love that little boy...he's just too cute!!

Here's some layouts for your viewing pleasure!!

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME we have this cute little sketch...

And my DT layout using Bo Bunny Ad Lib...

And....over at MEMORABLE SEASONS we had this ad as our inspiration for a layout:

And I did this layout about Joseph not being able to eat "whole" apples due to his new braces (we have to cut them up now).

It's Tuesday!!! Back to school soon?

2011-08-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Can't believe that summer is almost over...you'd never know it from the temperature outside here in Phoenix!! 101 degrees at 9:30pm...!! And Joseph starts school tomorrow.... my big second grader!!

Welcome to Sketch Along Tuesday at FROSTED DESIGNS!!!

This week, we have this cute sketch!!!

And this is my DT layout using My Minds Eye.... (I flipped the sketch left to right)

And....over at SCRAPBOOKERS ANONYMOUS this month's challenge is to use those old Journaling Cards/Journal Spots. So, I dug around a little and found 2 12x12 sheets of Journal cards from Collage Press....I have NO paper to match these...so they were PEFECT for this challenge!!
After I had arranged the Journal blocks & my photos, it really needed to be "tied" together..so I added the large stitched circle...

And they also have a challenge to make a card from the scraps...so this was one of the journal cards that didn't quite work on the layout (cupcakes?)...but perfect for a b-day card!!

And a few other things to share:

DT Layout for challenge at MEMORABLE SEASONS - challenge was to use our "school colors"...
My colors were scarlet/red, grey, white & black. We were the "Scots" and we had a Tartan plaid...

And also at Memorable Seasons, this week's challenge it to "lift" our Member of the Month...CAROL!!

Now, I always work WAY ahead on my DT committments...but then I realized on Monday that I missed this assignment.... so I whipped up this layout... First I'll show you Carol's that I lifted and then mine..

Carols:

My version:

And...at Scrap Our Stash in July our challenge was to use Red, White & Blue... this was my 2nd DT layout for the month and when I went on vacation, I didn't know when it was going to post on the SOS blog. I just realized that it happened while I was gone..and I didn't catch it until just now when I wondered why it never posted.... it did...I was on vacation...I missed it.. I'm so lame!!

So I'm sharing it now.

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Pieces of my Heart

2011-08-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Over at the online store/site called Your Scrapbook Stash they are having a "scraplift their DT" contest....

I chose to scraplift a layout by Jennie McGarvey called "You".... Nice and simple (and gorgeous) ... and exactly my style...
Here's her layout (hope she didn't mind that I pulled it over here?) ... sorry it's a little blurry..but you get the idea.

And here is my layout... i didn't realized that I had even used the same colors until just now....

Memorable Seasons - DT Kit -- Bo Bunny Liberty

2011-08-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

This month at MEMORABLE SEASONS, I got the fun Bo Bunny line called Liberty to work with!!!

You know me...love my distressed edges. Used some jewels around the outside, but the smaller droplets are done with Viva Decor pens from my stash. -- I knew I was getting this paper line, so when we were in Ohio, I made Joseph stand by Grandpa's flag so I could get this shot....although I'd wish I'd have made him change his shirt first!!! -- I fussy cut the lower right hand section..the star and popped it 1 thickness and the rocket & it's "trail" and double popped that...(wanted to mention that since it's hard to see)

I took Joseph to a barn I saw off the road in Ohio for a little photo shoot and got some fun pics.

This one is Joseph's favorite this month...probably because he thought it was so funny to see him & his cousin Hunter perfectly "in step" in so many pictures. (My brother Jason, Hunter's Dad, took these)

And this is also a "family" shot from Ohio. I thought the title was fun for this.... -- I used a Spellbinders Die to make the scallop die cut.

This card I mailed the other day to my Dad for his 80th Birthday. -- It's an easel card (my favorite to make).

I'm featured on Jillibean Soup Spotting today!!!

2011-07-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

I COPIED THE INFO BELOW FROM AN OLDER BLOG POST.... Because I had submitted the layout to Jillibean Soup and they picked it up and are featuring it on their blog today...OMG!!! SO EXCITED:

LINK to JILLIBEAN BLOG POST

Here it is again..

Now, on this layout, I used Jillibean Dutch Mustard Soup... I have to be totally honest...I totally scraplifted this design from another layout I saw...I'm so sorry that all I know is that her name was Helen and I've tried to contact her to give her credit ...

This is my "chickenbutt" layout!! Whenever someone says "Guess What?", it is always followed by "Chicken Butt". (journaled on the tag on the left)

Me & the "T" ??

2011-07-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

Hey all... I did a layout with PINK!!!!

Our sketch challenge this week at FROSTED DESIGNS is this really cool sketch!!!

And here is a layout I made using a photo taken outside of the Phoenix Art Musuem (Joseph took the photo).. of me and the HUGE T-REX...

Also wanted to share this color challenge layout I did... it's for Memorable Seasons and the challenge is Blue/Teal/Orange which are the banner colors for the website...

Showcased at Nikki's Blog today!!

2011-07-23T01:15:00.000-07:00

We actually had some rain here in Phoenix back in April and I got some really great pictures of Joseph playing in the rain with his Happy Face umbrella... so I knew that Nikki Sivil's "It's Raining It's Pouring" line was perfect for these photos....so after getting my hands on the papers (thanks Julie)...here are 2 layouts that I did and today they are being showcased at Nikki's Blog!!!!

Art & Handprints & Fishing!!!

2011-07-20T21:02:00.001-07:00

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME we are having another "open" sketch challenge week!! I used
the LEFT side of this sketch from SKETCH SAVVY

And this is my layout about Joseph's ART that his school PURCHASED from him for their

PERMANENT ART COLLECTION!!!

Also wanted to share a layout that I "totally lifted" but love how it turned out.. I saw a layout over on the Lily Bee blog by Ronda Palazzari -- and I had been trying to figure out how to scrap this photo of the "Stepping Stone" that Joseph gave me for Mother's Day and when I saw this layout, I knew..... so here is what I did:

(Thanks Ronda!! -- and I even used Lily Bee papers too!)

And I thought I'd share one more..... This layout is from our Ohio vacation this summer. Joseph caught a bass on the very first cast EVER (first time he's ever been fishing)..... I used October Afternoon Campfire papers. (and that glare is on the actual photo... just a bad angle... not much posing going on when I wasn't really ready for him to catch a fish on the first cast....AND the fish was wiggly and Joseph didn't want to hold it!!)

All Your Idea!!!

2011-07-18T19:08:00.003-07:00

So we're currently in WEEK #5 of our LAST SCRAPPER STANDING contest over at MEMORABLE SEASONS -- Guess who your hostess for this week's challenge is..???? ME!!!!

So, here is the 411 on my challenge and a link to the "DETAILS"
1) Photo must not have "faces"...(people or animals)
2) Use at least 1 color Medium
3) Use at least 2 textiles (besides paper)

CHALLENGE DETAILS HERE

My layout includes:
1) Shadow photo of Joseph (self-taken)
2) Droplets of Mist (brown) and also ink used for distressing (green)
3) Corrugated Cardboard & Paper TAPE

DOUBLE CLICK on the layout to see it larger if you'd like....(just a reminder for Grandma)

Also last week at Memorable Seasons we had a sketch challenge...here is the sketch & my layout using Echo Park's Splash line..

2011-07-11T22:57:00.002-07:00

This week at FROSTED DESIGNS our wonderful sketch is this:

And my layout is Joseph's poem that he wrote and was chosen to read at Poetry night at school...

I made him write his poem on the layout:

If you double click on this layout below, you can see the details and read his poem too!!

And at Memorable Seasons we are in Week #4 of our "Last Scrapper Standing" contest... This weeks challenge...
1) NO PHOTO
2) use 3 different Manufactuers Patterned papers - I used Crate, Sass Lass & Studio Calico
3) use at least 20 of the "same" embellishment.. I used 20 DIE CUTS... (along with some other embellies)

This was an assignment Joseph brought home from school... I thought it was "smart"... although I'm not sure how practical or logical it is...lol!!

Vacation is over & Catching up on some posts!!

2011-07-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Well....we're finally back from vacation!!! Great to get away and also great to be home...kwim??

So today at SKETCHES IN THYME we have this really cute sketch!!!

And here's my DT layout:

Also, this month at SCRAP OUR STASH our challenge is to use RED, WHITE AND BLUE...

So here is a layout I did that posted over there on Monday (sorry, I was out of town when I found out the post date, so I missed it).

And.... at MEMORABLE SEASONS, my DT kit this month was October Afternoon's Rocket Age Collection... I added some other pieces that didn't come in my kit and here are the projects that I did:

(oh, here's a quick shot of the kit too)

When I got the chipboard album, I knew exactly what I was going to do .... Joseph has these really cute "allowance" jars.... so I did a makeover....
BEFORE:

AFTER:

And my layouts:

Non-Rocket Themed:

I made this card for my parents and left it for them in Ohio to find it after we left!

OH, almost forgot this one.. ..... also at MEMORABLE SEASONS we are having a "LAST SCRAPPER STANDING" Contest... (I'm hosting week 5 in a few weeks)

We are currently in week 3 .. the challenge is

1) use this sketch

2) use 7 stars

3) Main color of Red, White OR Blue

So here is the layout I did for that challenge:

Be Yourself ... Sketch Along Tuesdays at Frosted Designs

2011-06-27T21:12:00.001-07:00

Howdy....our Sketch along Tuesday sketch at Frosted Designs is this pretty little sketch...

And here is how I used that as inspiration for this layout... also, I posted a couple layouts late last night in the post below...so please scroll down or Click here to see them....

Thanks for stopping by...

Oh... My son Joseph has his own scrapbooking blog, but has also started a "personal" blog....

If you all don't mind popping over there and leaving him a little love...that'd be great... also he LOVES when he gets new followers, so if you could oblige in that manner, it'd be sooo appreciated...

JOSEPH's PERSONAL BLOG

Pottery Wheel & Earth & Moon

2011-06-27T19:31:00.000-07:00

Soooooo.... I finally got a layout done for one of my fave challenge sites..(I really need to do more over there!!),,,, But the current challenge at FAVE THINGS is your FAVORITE ART....

So, I do a lot of Art layouts since we go to the Art Musuem a lot and also since I do lots of Joseph's school projects... but then it dawned on me.... We FOUND a NEW ART that we LOVE....just this month... Here is my layout about it...

And it'd have been nice to show a "done" piece.... but we don't have any of them back yet!!! We have to go paint them!!! We did 6 pieces the first trip and 5 the second trip... (SERIOUSLY....NEW ADDICTION!!)

Also over at MEMORABLE SEASONS we are having a LAST SCRAPPER STANDING contest...we are currently in WEEK #2...

This weeks challenge is

1) "NOT A SQUARE BACKGROUND" --- so I used a circle

2) Photo must be 2.5x3.5 or smaller -- check

3) handmake a flower... oh crud...I've started a boy layout with ROCKETS.... Ok...star punch, layer them up....yep, boy star!!!

Play Clothes, Best Dad Ever, Conquer & Goofy Friends ?

2011-06-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME .. it's our "open" challenge week..so we can use ANY sketch we want.. My fave sketch site is SKETCH SAVVY and I used sketch #58 for my layout:

Product line is My Minds Eye:

Over at SCRAP OUR STASH, I won the last "pagerize" (lift a layout) contest, so I got to "put up" the next layout to be "lifted".. I used this one I did of Joseph Rock Climbing and "conquering" his fear....

Also used My Minds Eye products on this and some Basic Grey..

And...Joseph and I collorborated on this layout that we did for Daddy for Father's Day.... It also fit the LAST SCRAPPER STANDING contest (week 1) over at MEMORABLE SEASONS --
Joseph picked the embellisments, did the stitching and the journaling... it was fun to do this together!

And...this was a 1 Hour sketch over at MEMORABLE SEASONS and the twist was to use beads... with the clock ticking down, I couldn't stitch them on like I wanted..so drops of glue and let the beads stick where they may....

Frosted Designs 2 page sketch this week!!!

2011-06-13T20:59:00.001-07:00

Wow!!! A 2 pager this week!! This week at FROSTED DESIGNS our wonderful sketch is a 2 pager for our "Sketch Along Tuesday" challenge!!

I created this layout of one of Joseph's school projects (which usually need to be 2 pagers since there are so many pics of it!!)

Also, I wanted to share a couple layouts for MEMORABLE SEASONS -- our challenge this week is our monthly "MEMBER OF THE MONTH" feature where we feature one of our board members and lift their layouts. I actually couldn't decide, so I ended up lifting 2 of Detta's layouts:

These are both mine...to see hers and the other DT lifts click HERE

My Boy, No title? and Enjoy Art !!

2011-06-09T04:10:00.004-07:00

Three layouts to share with you today!!

Today at Sketches in Thyme our Team A Sketch is this beauty!!

And here is may layout...using MME Stella & Rose

So this layout covers 2 challenges for me ..
First) This weeks challenge at MEMORABLE SEASONS is to use "journal spots" (at least 3) on your layout. So, I have lots of these...and it seems that the square ones don't make it onto layouts very often, so what a great challenge to use some...I used 7 of them.. --
Second) at THE PAPER VARIETY their challenge to do a layout "about for for a special man/boy" -- This is my special little guy on a recent drive searching for snow.

I left the loose ends from when I stitched the grid... I thought it looked kinda cool... (maybe not?...lol.!!) -- Joseph told me this layout didn't need a title...so it doesn't have one!!

Also this month at SCRAPBOOKERS ANONYMOUS their challenge is to use the mini pads (at least 3 sheets) on your layout. I had these cool MatStacks from DCWV that Erika just gave me and so I really wanted to use those..(hope that counts....they're 4x6 mats)... Anyway here's a photo of the product...

And I used the graphic one (5 sheets) to make the background of this layout...and also 2 more from the solid pad. A few rub-ons and extra embellies (didn't need much since the paper was so busy)....

Making a Splash!

2011-06-05T00:17:00.000-07:00

This month at SCRAP OUR STASH the challenge is "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" ---
So here is a layout that I did... and also was a "monochromatic" challenge layout for MEMORABLE SEASONS

Something old: The circle KI Memories paper, brads, trim under photo & Heidi Swapp Chipboard heart.
Something new: The patterned paper is the new Bella Blvd Sophisticates line & the alphas the new Bella Blvd Quattrofino alphas (4 alphas all on one sheet..yummy!)
Something borrowed: I "borrowed" those 3 papers to the left of the photo from "Home Depot"...they are paint swatches that I cut down and punched a scallop border.
Something blue: Ok, that should be obvious!!

It's JUNE!!!!

2011-06-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

So, it's reveal day over at Memorable Seasons...but before I do that, I had a layout that posted yesterday at SCRAP OUR STASH that was kinda a last minute thing, so it didn't get in my blog post yesterday, so I wanted to share it today....

The challenge is to "Pagerize" (or lift) a layout..and this is the layout by Lea that we were given:

I really like the strips and all the rubons that Lea used....so using that as my inspiration, this is my layout:

Ok, so now my MEMORABLE SEASONS DT layouts... This month instead of having a "kit" of product to use, we used "stuff we already have bought from MEMORABLE SEASONS"... which gave me LOTS of options:

First... Bo Bunny Ad Lib!! (LOVE this line...)

I used the stripe paper & the circle paper and layered them alternately here... a neat blanket stitch on my new sewing machine and some of the Chipboard accents & Frame... Red Alphas are also from this line, but the blue alphas are from a really old line from my stash:

Another Ad Lib Layout...a little simpler, cutting out some of the patterns from one of the papers & also using some of the sticker accents & brads. I took the idea from the "document everyday life" to scrap this pic of my dh & son in the Costco parking lot...

Now, on this layout, I used Jillibean Dutch Mustard Soup... I have to be totally honest...I totally scraplifted this design from another layout I saw...I'm so sorry that all I know is that her name was Helen and I've tried to contact her to give her credit ...

This is my "chickenbutt" layout!! Whenever someone says "Guess What?", it is always followed by "Chicken Butt". (journaled on the tag on the left)

I used Little Yellow Bicycle Twig for this layout...the embellies were perfect for this topic!

And...I did a couple layouts with October Afternoon 5 & Dime line and realized that I'm not very happy with the layouts that I do when the line has a vintage feel to it...so I'm only sharing one...

Thanks so much for checking out my layouts!!!

Tuesday sketch & sneak peek!!

2011-05-31T00:05:00.002-07:00

This week at FROSTED DESIGNS this is our Sketch Along Tuesday sketch by Debbie!!

I had a little fun with some Echo Park and created this:

Also wanted to share another layout that I finished for Joseph's First Grade album:

I cut a slit in the background paper for the accompanying homework & teachers grade could slide in. It's not attched on the back, but will be fine once I put this in sheet protectors in his album.

And don't forget to stop back tomorrow (June 1st) as I reveal my DT Kit layouts for MEMORABLE SEASONS --- Here is a sneak I posted today on the Message Board over there...

Grade 1 & some other fun stuff.

2011-05-26T09:14:00.001-07:00

Well, this week at SKETCHES IN THYME it's OPEN challenge week...so you can use any sketch you want to enter our challenge. I used this wonderful sketch from Susan Stringfellow over at SKETCH SAVVY.

This layout is really "timely".... cuz tomorrow is the last day of school and the LAST day that Joseph is in First Grade!!!

So, while I'm here...I'll share some other layouts that were for challenges at Memorable Seasons or ones I did "just because"!~!! (don't always have to have a challenge!!)

One of Joseph school projects for his 1st grade album.. (trying to get caught up on his 1st Grade school projects before the year ends!! --

And a card for a friend that is having surgery this week...

Today we are Believing and Soaring!!

2011-05-17T01:43:00.003-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!!

So today is "Sketch Along Tuesday" at FROSTED DESIGNS .....
Here is the sketch and my DT layout!

I loved the cardboard so I kept that element ... used some Tim Holtz paper from the Seasonal Pack...

And this month at Moxie Fab World they are showcasing lots of fun stuff...as always.

But I was particularly inspired by the Chevron Stripe fad after seeing Kim Kesti's gorgeous card in the latest Paper Crafts Mag. So here is my layout using Chevron Stripes for their Chevron Chic Challenge. (Under the photo...cut & popped up).. Also the banner at the top is the negative cut from the stripes!!

Paper is My Minds Eye Lime Twist.

Art layout - Again...lol!! -- Blogger Lost Thursday post

2011-05-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Blogger Black Hole strikes again... I've been complaining about this for a while... but apparently I'm not the only one this time.... lots of us having Blogger issues this week.

Another post is "GONE"...and I know it was there... Julie & Jinny both commmented on it....!!! Now ... gone.

Here's the info again:

First: SCRAPBOOK PAL is an awesome store and where I buy all my adhesive and some markers and my mats for my cutterpede... anyhoo...they are having a contest where you can win SEVEN COPIC markers..yikes!! check it out HERE and on their FB page.

Ok...so DT news at SKETCHES IN THYME -- Tiffany has taken over the blog and has made a few format changes.... Here is the first sketch for May & my DT layout:

ART on a Thursday!

2011-05-11T20:14:00.000-07:00

(Posting Wednesday night - west coast....since posted already on East Coat blog)

Well....one of the challenge blogs where I'm on the DT has recently undergone some changes. The wonderful gals who were running it decided it was time to move on and so Tiffany has stepped up and taken over SKETCHES IN THYME...she's made a few format changes...and I think it's going to be lots of fun.... so head over there and check it out... but first...look at my DT layout!! (Oh...still a sketch challenge blog...so the sketch & my layout)...

This photo is at the Phoenix Art Museum and although we just went there last Sunday, this photo is actually from November 2010.

And...check this out... SCRAPBOOK PAL is a store where I buy ALL my adhesive and lots of other scrappy supplies... they have free shipping with a $25 order and they ship same day (I get my orders within 2 days...WOW!!)... anyhoo...they have having a contest and giving away SEVEN free COPIC markers!! Go check it out..!!! HERE HERE HERE

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2011-05-07T22:12:00.001-07:00

Sunday I'll be spending the day at the Phoenix Art Museum with Joseph & John. John has a chair massage "gig" there and they let Joseph & I in for free...so we walk around and enjoy the art. Then when John's done, we take him around and show him "our favorites" and then we're going to a nice lunch.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mother's out there!!

Here are a few fun layouts I wanted to share today:

This is a layout for the NSD crop at MEMORABLE SEASONS -- My DT challenge was "Mom's Hold Things Together".. For my challenge, I shared that my mother was a great seamstress and shared this VERY OLD layout....

My challenge is to use "Things that Hold Things Together"... stitching, buttons, zippers, clips, clasps...etc...

Here is my sample layout... I used stitching (on the pleats) and also buttons:

Also there were lots of other NSD challenges from my other DT sisters:

"Moms Job is a Dirty Job" - (do a messy layout)

Sketch Challenge:

(honestly this could have been my "messy" layout too..lol!!)

"Things Mom Say"

I always tell Joseph "don't give me that fake smile...Laugh"

"Play" challenge

Use "scraps" from one of above layouts to make a card.. challenge

I used scraps from my own "she is beautiful" layout to make this card for John's Mom:

Also, our weekly challenge at Memorable Seasons was to use "old product" on a layout.. I used Bo Bunny Oliva for this layout:

And Last but not least... this month's challenge at Scrap Our Stash is to use Flowers...
So I made my own flowers on this layout and used my STASH of rubons for the "This is What Love looks like" title... (although the papers are new Bo Bunny Ad Lib & Bella Blvd Family Dynamix)

Love you guys for stopping by and leaving me comments!!

Lots of DT layouts today and a great Lemonade Story!

2011-05-03T02:10:00.001-07:00

It's MAY!!!

This ended up being a pretty long post...hope you hang around til the end!

So first my layout for FROSTED DESIGNS SKETCH ALONG TUESDAY!

And yesterday was the big reveal for MEMORABLE SEASONS DT --

This month I got Pink Paisee Hometown Summer line to work with:

B side of the double sided papers:

And here are the projects I created:

This layout was fun... I just cut out the center of the paper & distressed it....stitched around the outer edge (in orange...can you see it?).... added some orange paint splatters & Circles of that fun Thermometer paper... -- One thing I wanted to share about the photos on this one. When I was taking them, I realized that he was "looking down at his feet" a lot.... so I got down on the ground and shot a few looking up at him so I'd have some shots of his face. (See photo #3) -- Always thinking about scrappin' when I'm taking pics..(is that good or bad?)

For this layout, I went back and pulled some Watermelon photos from summer 2009. I really liked the watermelon pattern, but didn't want to over do it...and I liked the pink squares on the b side of the same paper....so I decided to grid out the page and this is how it turned out:

Now this one, I almost couldn't do...it was pretty emotional for me... (It's my grandparents house).. But I pushed through it and now I'm sooo happy I have this documented. Now as I'm staring at the photo, I don't think I like that heart stick pin placed where it is...it looks like it's coming out of the girl's head..lol!! I think I'm going to move it...

This last layout I wanted to do a swimming photo, so this is a pic from last summer.

And of course my card:

Ok... something I normally don't do, but I'm so proud that i wanted to share this:

We had a yard sale on Saturday ..and my 7 year old son did something that I'm soooo proud of....Momma's just gotta share!
Joseph had a lemonade stand set up and he was accepting donations for the Arizona Humane Society:

He had even planned for this by getting items donated sugar, ice, straws...etc....from Chik-Fil-A, another local restaurant, Fry's and a friend let him come over and we picked and hand squeezed all the lemons. (A labor of love).. He's very shy, so asking for these items was a step out of his comfort zone... (a good thing).

So after the yard sale, we took the box of donated items (lots of towels, brushes, leashes, bowls..etc) and $50 cash to the AZ Humane Society. They are so great about encouraging kids...last time, they went and got a hamster and took his picture with the hamster (which ended up coming home with us)...today they took his picture with a little puppy that wasn't yet ready for adoption (only 6 weeks old, must be 10 weeks to be ready for adoption) .. but Joseph got to give him a name.... he named him Joey. Then cried all the way home cuz he fell in love with that puppy. He's adorable...how could you not? So here is Joseph & Joey!

Oh...and also this is my DT week to post a challenge at Memorable Seasons... So in preparation for our CROP this weekend... My challenge is to do a "soft" layout... whatever that makes you think of.... For me it's pastel colors.... I don't do them often...I do BOY layouts... so...here is my Boy Layout using pastel colors (and flowers). This is Joseph (left) and his friend Kyle (right). I lifted a layout I saw by Isay!

Hey...if you're still here... thanks for sticking with me!! I know this was a long post!!

Wonderful Wednesday!!

2011-04-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I lost another blog post....how the heck does that happen? I even checked it after it was scheduled and made sure it had posted, but 2 days later it's gone...?? Blogger Black Hole strikes again!!

So last Thursday was sketch reveal at SKETCHES IN THYME and here's the sketch and my DT layout:

And for SCRAPBOOKERS ANONYMOUS their April Challenge is to use 23 eyelets. I think I actually used 24 on this layout below.

And The SASSAFRAS blog has this awesome sketch!!

Layout must be 90% Sass...I think mine is 100% --!!

I used Paper Crush, Indie Girl, Starters & Count Me In! (4 lines plus Sassafras chipboard too!)

Memorable Seasons Blog Hop!!!!

2011-04-20T04:25:00.003-07:00

Hello and Welcome to my blog!

Today we are celebrating the beginning of a new season with the Step into Spring Blog Hop brought to you by the Design Team from MEMORABLE SEASONS! If you did not start your hop today on the MEMORABLE SEASONS blog...    please jump back over there so you do not miss anything.

Today we are looking at the word S-P-R-I-N-G and taking you through all the steps for creating a fabulous layout using an exclusive sketch created for this blog hop by Liz Chidester from The Scrappiest which was the first step!

S - Sketch (by Liz)
P - Patterned Paper & Photos (by me...Joni) -- YOU ARE HERE!

Keep hopping for the rest of the letters!!

R - Kristen
I - Megan
N - Tami
G - Telah

So, Now you are ready for the 2nd letter, 2nd step which is P.

P stands for Picking your Papers and your Photos.

I wanted to quickly discuss "patterns" ...  One general rule of thumb is to NOT use too much "small" (or tight) pattern or too much "large" (loose) pattern. One larger sized print piece of each (tight and loose pattern) is usually sufficient or if you want to use several small/tight patterns, be sure to use small sized pieces. Too much of a good thing can be overwhelming to the viewer and distract from your photo. Also, a key element to design is giving the eye a place to rest.... one good way to do that is with solid colors and/or VERY muted papers..ie..solid color with very light patterns. --- But....Rules were made to be broken!!!

I don't have too much to say about photos, except to use any pictures you want...don't worry if the shot isn't perfect....you can make up for that in the jounaling. Can you imagine having a "bad photo" of your relatives from 100 years ago?? With the story telling about them?? You wouldn't care how bad the photo is, right?
Also, don't worry about trying to match the "clothes" all the time... good if you can, but that's not what it's all about right?....

Now, the info above is just that!!...there is no patterened paper or photo requirement for your finished layout on this Blog Hop Challenge...   (well, you should probably USE a photo and some pp, ..?? lol!!)
So here is Liz's sketch again:

So, for my layout, I knew I had to use the Jillibean Soup Chilled Strawberry Soup line because YES, I bought the paper to go with a photo I knew I already had...sound familiar anyone?? ...
So here is the line of paper and my photo -- Oh...that paper is just sooooo pretty... how do you choose??? Also, I really liked the die cut that says "yummy" so I set that out too so I could make sure I brought that color into the layout and it didn't look weird.

So, I ended up choosing the Strawberry as my large pattern (for obvious reasons...see my son!)... and then I just laid each smaller/tighter pattern on top until I found the one that looked the best to me. It was this green plaid that I selected. I also decided that my background was going to be red cardstock. Still working with that little orange die cut...

Next, I cut everything to size ..

And deciding on the Circle for the sketch, none of the pp's looked good...they all made the layout WAAYYY too busy. So I turned over one of the pp's and used the solid Kraft color for my circle.
I have Circle Quilting rulers that I use to make circles...since this circle is a little off center, I used 2 different sizes, and traced around them and then "roughly" cut my circle... (sorry for my messy mat...it is what it is!!... maybe time for a new one...lol!)

So here is my layout.... using S and P --- you'll have to go to the next blog to get the rest of the fun... and then you can see my completed layout at the end of the hop!!! -- And notice that the orange "Yummy die cut" is gone?.... It doesn't come back...it didn't work... that's ok..... being flexible is good!!

Be sure to leave me a comment telling me what you think about this step. By doing so, you will be one step closer to a fabulous Memorable Seasons prize as well as getting your name entered in for a RAK from me! If you don't mind...can you also become a follower?? I'm really close to 100 ..and I think when I hit 100, I'll do an extra RAK!!! So 2 chances to win.. (if you're already a follower, just mention that in your comment)... Also, be sure to hop all the way until the end, where you will be taken back to the Memorable Seasons forum, where you will see a complete reveal of all the Design Team's finished layouts!

Now it's your turn to head on over to KRISTIN'S where she will be giving you the 3rd step in S-P-R-I-N-G!

Here is a list of all the blogs in case you get lost along the way:

Memorable Seasons blog: http://www.memorableseasons.blogspot.com/

Joni's blog: http://joniparkerstuff.blogspot.com/ (you are here!)

Kristin's blog: http://memoriesbythepageful-kristin.blogspot.com/

Megan's blog: http://www.made-by-design.blogspot.com/

Tami's blog: http://tami-lifeinthewhitehouse.blogspot.com/

Telah's blog: http://bamabuttercupscraps.blogspot.com/

Happy - Frosted Sketch Along Tuesday & a few extras!

2011-04-19T02:21:00.001-07:00

This week at FROSTED DESIGNS we have this sketch:

And I used MME new lines Stella & Rose to create this:

Also over at MEMORABLE SEASONS, last week we "lifted" a Message Board member... we are honoring Caroline and I lifted one of her layouts and created this:

And we had our Happy Hour sketch too... here is the sketch and my DT layout:

Playing Catch up...

2011-04-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Ok..so I've been crazy busy.... not that is any kind of excuse...but honestly, family and stuff comes first, so I just haven't gotten everything posted to the good ole' blog. But Julie will be happy that I did her challenge this month (and honestly, I really like it)..so I wanted to be sure to get it up before her deadline...and so you get all the other layouts today as well!!!

So Julie's challenge over at THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS is your fave scrappy tool... well, after a week of thinking about it.... I realized it was my paints.. so here is my layout... I had fun throwing this one together...

Also the current challege at SKETCHES IN THYME is this sketch & my DT layout:

And over at SCRAP OUR STASH our we have a challenge to lift Helena's layout : see below

So I liked the stamped image, and "artsy" feel to the layout and created this:

And for a color challenge at MEMORABLE SEASONS to use Blue/Green & Brown...

I made this:

And for a blog hop challenge at SCRAP FRIENDZY I created this:

Tuesday fun!!

2011-04-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

So today is Sketch Along Tuesday at FROSTED DESIGNS!!!

Here is the sketch:

and here is my DT layout using MME products:

And This month at SCRAP OUR STASH our challenge is SUNSHINE....

Here is a layout I did .. do you like my flower cluster?

I really love my title on this one!!

Memorable Seasons April DT Kit - UPCYCLE by Cosmo Cricket

2011-04-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ok...I got this wonderful line from Jill this month for my DT kit at MEMORABLE SEASONS -- I had a blast and made waaaayyyy more projects than were required!!!

And here is what I made: 5 layouts, 1 project & 7 cards... I'm just going to get them posted right now and I'll come back and add info later this afternoon or evening after I get off work...

OUCH!! ---

2011-03-27T13:14:00.003-07:00

This week's challenge at THE PAPER VARIETY is called Tic-Tac-Toe ... So basically you look at this chart below and use 3 squares (IN A ROW) to create your project... FUN HUH??

So I used the bottom row (horizontal) -- Make a Layout, With a Bird and Scallops

I used Jillibean Soup's new line Dutch Mustard Soup, & Jillibean Corrugated Shapes & Alphas and also some Elle's Studio flash cards for the "Scary Bike Tricks".. And "Scary" and "Tricks" are from a "Halloween" set...

I love these pics (not that I love he got hurt, these pics were a couple days after his "wreck" ..I just LOVE his scrunchy face on that second one!!) ...it was fun to finally use them.

I also used this sketch from SKETCH SAVVY as my inspiration for this layout!!

Freedom Flight - Sketches in Thyme

2011-03-24T02:13:00.000-07:00

Today we have an "OPEN" sketch challenge over at SKETCHES IN THYME ! So that means you can use any sketch to create your layout and submit it for our challenge.

Here is a sketch from SKETCH SAVVY and my DT layout using Echo Park For the Record.

Frosted Designs Sketchy Tuesday - Bike Layout

2011-03-22T02:16:00.001-07:00

Howdy Tuesday!!! Today is Sketch Along Tuesday at FROSTED DESIGNS !!

Here's the sketch & my layout...

I used a photo that I took outside the bike store as my title... Bo Bunny Block Party...yep, still using this fun & colorful line ~!!

Today his Smile is beautiful....

2011-03-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've done photos from this day a few times now, so coming up with a title for this was a little tough for me....

But I think I nailed it... (lol!).... just be sure to put the appropriate pauses in...

This is for a sketch at THE PAPER VARIETY this week... other than my DT work, this seems to be the only challenges I'm having time to do. (which means I like their challenges....to be the first one I get to!)

Anyhoo.... here's the sketch from Jana Eubank and my layout:

Used mostly Crates new Portrait line:

Some fun layouts (it's been a week?) - Memorable Seasons has kept me busy!!

2011-03-18T22:16:00.000-07:00

Wow...it's been a week since I posted any layouts...so I have a few...

Tonight we had a HAPPY HOUR sketch challenge at MEMORABLE SEASONS -- Here is the sketch...

And the theme was to use Green or "go green" by using a recycled product... but I had forgotten that when I did my DT sample... so I did this first layout.

So last night I realized the theme and did another quick layout that used the theme... Green & Recycled... my recycled item was the cording from the buttons...it's cording from an old blouse.

So I also did this layout using the MONTHLY kit from MEMORABLE SEASONS...(this is my team from work).

Also this week at MEMORABLE SEASONS we are highlighting one of our "members"....and lifting one of their layouts from the gallery... I created this layout:

And...for our weekly Throwdown Challenge at MEMORABLE SEASONS, our challenge was 3+ photos, sanded edges of the photos and use a stamp... i used a ticket stamp for the title letters. This is a friends family that we spent some time with at a local Carnival a few weekends ago.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Snow in the Desert

2011-03-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Yep it snowed kinda in our mountains a few weekends ago... we tried to drive "up"..but didn't want to go TOO far (we had a ton of other stuff to do that Sunday)... so we did find some snow by the side of the road in Cave Creek, but had some stunning views of the snow capped mountains. And I got some good photos...

So I got LYB Twig the other day in one of my monthly kits...and Erika over at the CLUB CK blog is having a BLUE/BROWN/GREEN challenge this week....so I used a sketch by SUSAN STRINGFELLOW OVER AT SKETCH SAVVY to make this little layout.

Time Flies, A Happy Hat and a couple of cards

2011-03-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

This week at SKETCHES IN THYME we have this awesome sketch.... and our sponsor this month is PIZZAZZ A PLENTY and so I ordered a few things from our sponsor and created this masculine layout with a few "touches".... lacy rosettes...bakers twine ... FUN STUFF!! I used Cosmo Circa 1934 and I really love how this turned out!!

And at MEMORABLE SEASONS I got the fun monthly kit with some new CHA products (MME mostly) and created this...

And I wanted to share a couple cards that I did... this first one is a birthday card for a friend that travels to South Africa quite a bit... So I used some Stampin' Up stamps and embossed the images to made this easel card...

And...I used Crate's Restoration line to make this card for my boss, who is retiring this week... again, an easel card (I like to make these!!...it's like a mini 6x6 layout!)..

LUCKY BOY showcased & A WINDY DAY at Frosted Designs!!

2011-03-08T06:04:00.002-07:00

Ok..couple things today...first Diana is having a little giveway on her blog... check it out DIANA'S BLOG GIVEAWAY -- once she reaches 200 followers she's giving away a $15 Michael's Gift Card...COOL!!

Also my LUCKY BOY layout from a few posts back (here it is again)... was chosen as one of the SHOWCASED entries from the week at The Paper Variety...(out of over 80 entries..).. so honored

And this week at FROSTED DESIGNS our SKETCH ALONG TUESDAY SKETCH is this:

And here is my DT layout:

Do you have a FASTENATOR??

2011-03-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

This month at SCRAP OUR STASH our challenge is to "DUST OFF" something and use it... so here's what my DT post today was....

Anyone have a FASTENATOR?? What the heck is a FASTENATOR?? Well, it's a tool that "staples" these large "bars" instead of staples... and yes, you have to buy the bars too...different colors, different designs....oh my!!

So this was all the rage a few years back.... and of course I got one. And I used it a few times... and now it's sitting on a shelf, collecting dust...(sound familiar anyone??).....

So, here's a pic of the tool.. and all the packages of those "bars" that I purchased... (some on clearance at BIG LOTS)...

and after doing this layout, I remember why it got dusty. It's kinda hard to "line-up" exactly where the bar/staple is going to go.

So, I had fun and decided to just "go with it".. and ended up using this as a pretty large part of my design!! Here is what I ended up with!!

LUCKY BOY - GOING GREEN!!!

2011-03-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm had a lot of fun doing a Blog Hop over at THE PAPER VARIETY .. and their challenge this week is to do a project with 50% green... I had quite a bit of fun doing this one!!

Here's my Lucky Boy!!
Journaling: So lucky to have sooo many toys. But give a boy a cardboard box....

He makes the Earth Move

2011-03-02T17:18:00.001-07:00

You know, every week I print the sketch from SKETCHY THURSDAYS

but I don't always get it done..... But I did this week!!!

Memorable Seasons March DT kit reveal !!! Happy March 1st!!

2011-03-01T10:03:00.001-07:00

HAPPY MARCH!!! and that means DT kit reveal day over at MEMORABLE SEASONS!!!

We all got IMAGINISCE's Animal Crackers line..

Here is a photo of the kit and a second photo showing the "other side" of the papers and also the extras that I purchased to "round out" my kit:

And here's all the fun stuff I made!!

I actually EMBOSSED those hearts...they are Studio Calico Wood Veneers... they came out cute, I thought!

Really played up the whole "wardrobe" theme here...buttons, stitching and that little dress form....

Us...SILLY...What do you expect?...and of course, Momma KNOWS best!!

This one is busier than my "normal" style... (I think?)...

Really liking the cards I made this month.... (showed you this first one yesterday)....

This is my least favorite of all my layouts... but that's ok...I still got that whole baby elephant story documented and that's what it's all about right? (Maybe someday he'll take his kids to the circus and the BIG elephant will be "this baby" and he can tell his kids he saw that baby when it was just a baby....and show them this layout to prove it and refresh his memory) -- At least that's the story I'm going with!!

Some fun stuff for today!!!

2011-02-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

HELLO!!!! This week at MEMORABLE SEASONS we are in week number 4 of our THROWDOWN challenges!! This week TAMI was our host chef and her challenge was 5+ patterned papers, and embellishment cluster with 3+ parts, ONE photo and use something "non-scrapbook" related.

So I created this...and those white "flowers" are actually tile spacers...

AND...I found a new challenge site and thought I'd play along...THE PAPER VARIETY challenge is stitching..so I hand stitched a half circle in orange on this layout.

And tomorrow is my DT reveal for our March kits over at MEMORABLE SEASONS, but I wanted to give a little sneaky..... and show this card that I made using a sketch I saw over at KIM KESTI'S THINK FAST blog..(she rocks).... ---- Come back tomorrow to see all my creations with this month's kit!!