Well hello there!

Hello my friends!  I know it's been FOREVER since I've posted and I'm sorry for that.  Hopefully I was missed a teeny bit?  Lol. ;) I just had to take a break from scrapping.  I was completely overwhelmed with pictures, product, responsibilities...ack it was just too much!  Now that I've had a rest from it all and started purging a TON of supplies and getting organized, I feel refreshed and full of inspiration.

 

I have a few projects to share with you that I created during this downtime.  Doing one every once in a while kept me SANE.  Scrapping is my release...my me-time...and I could never stop cold-turkey, nor would I want to!

 

First up is a thank you jar I made for Madison's teachers at the end of the school year back in June.  They LOVED them!!  It was super simple to do and I loved being able to get crafty in order to show them my appreciation...

Supplies: Making Memories/Colorbok Paper - Cartwheel & Sunshowers; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain; Paper Smooches Stamps - Smarty Pants, Word Salad, Word Up; Fiskars Extra Large Circle Punch; Martha Stewart Circle Cutter; Martha Stewart Large Circle Cutter; American Crafts Twine; Crop-A-Dile

 

Next up is a tray I made for my sweet mommy's 60th birthday in July.  I really wanted to make her something special so I went digging through my older pictures.  I found one of her as a kid, one of each of my sisters and myself as kids, and two of each of my girls and my niece (one as kids and one as babies).  They worked perfectly for what I wanted and I know she loved it because it made her cry.  SCORE!  You always know how much a gift is appreciated by someone when the tears show up, lol...

 

 

 

Supplies: 7 Gypsies White Artist Printers Tray; Crate Paper Storyteller 6x6 Paper Pad; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain; Ali Edwards Stamps - Favorite Memories; Studio Calico Mister Huey - Classic Calico; Fiskars Small Squeeze Punches - That's Amore, Twinkle Twinkle; Fiskars Flower Punch; Marvy 3/4" Circle Punch; Stampin' Up! Heart Punch; EK Success Photo Corner Punch; Martha Stewart 3-in-1 Butterfly Punch; My Mind's Eye The Sweetest Thing Enamel Dots; Studio Calico Wood Veneers; Misc. Buttons; Sequins; Segoe Script Font

 

Last but definitely not least I have a layout to share.  A couple of weeks ago I went to the beach with my sister and since my hubby had to work, he stayed home.  It was REALLY hard being away from him and when I got home the first thing I wanted to do was create a layout about us.  I journaled about my feelings for him so he'd be sure to know how much I appreciate him and how thankful I am that he's in my life.  He really loved it. :) My love for him inspired me!

 

 

Supplies: BoBunny Mama-Razzi Collection - Stripe, Tabloid, Shutter, Mama-Razzi, Dot; Echo Park This & That Collection - Primer; Dictionary Paper; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain; Studio Calico Mister Huey - Classic Calico; October Afternoon Sprinkler - Buttermilk; Ali Edwards Stamps - This One; Studio Calico Roller Date Stamp; EK Success Border Punch - Embossed Curve; Studio Calico Card (Journaling); Le Box Boutique (Etsy) Glassine Bag; American Crafts Wood Veneer Card; Tim Holtz Mini Paperclip; Jenni Bowlin Studios Chipboard Button; Sequins; Twine

 

So there you go!  I truly hope to be back SOON with more to share.  I'm still working through purging my supplies and getting completely organized, but the itch to get creative is definitely there!  Oh and I bought a new PL binder (I'm starting over and doing the 12x12 size), some cards and I subscribed to Studio Calico's PL kit so I'll have some of that to share also.  Thank you SO much for stopping by today!!

Scrap It Girl September Challenge

Good morning friends!! Today is the start of a new month and that means it's time for a new challenge at Scrap It Girl! This month we want you to create a project using twine, arrows, circles, a bird and the color red...easy! ;) I decided to create a candy jar for Madison's new teacher...

Supplies: Basic Grey Boxer Collection - Commando; Crate Paper School Spirit Collection - Study Hall; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain, Fired Brick; Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan; Technique Tuesday Stamps - Storytellers School Days; Paper Smooches Stamps - Word Up; Fiskars Twinkle Twinkle Star Punch; Martha Stewart Circle Cutter; Studio Calico Wood Veneers - Arrows, Tweets; Basic Grey Micro Mini Stickers - Kioshi; BoBunny Button; Twine

Isn't it cute? I filled it up with chocolate (of course, lol!) and we gave it to her on the first day of school and she absolutely LOVED it! I love making teachers happy. ;)

If you like the challenge and want to play along, you can be entered to win this super awesome prize pack...



This will be perfect for creating any Halloween projects you want to do, so you know you want to enter, right? :) Good because I can't wait to see what you'll make! Be sure to get your project linked up over at the Scrap It Girl blog by 9/30 for your chance to win. Thanks for stopping by!

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I'm entering this layout in the following challenges...
Paper Smooches Sparks - Photo Inspiration
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Super cute minis! (TPV)

Good morning! I have a project to share with you today that I did for the latest challenge over at The Paper Variety...






Supplies: Basic Grey Paper; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain; Ali Edwards Stamp Set - It's In The Details; Fiskars Butterfly Punch; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch; i-Rock; i-Rock Clear Gems; Crop-A-Dile; WRMK Eyelets; Elle's Studio Binder Rings

This is a fabulous challenge! I love photo inspiration because you can get so many ideas out of one thing and definitely make it your own each and every time. For my project, I took inspiration from the amazing colors in the photo and I absolutely love how these adorable little mini's turned out. ;)

So how about you? If you're feeling inspired by our challenge and create a project and upload it by next Tuesday at noon EST, you'll be entered to win this amazing prize...



How perfect is that?? You could use it to buy yourself some new goodies at any store that you love. You can't beat that!

Make sure you hop over to The Paper Variety's blog and check out all of the other DT member's projects because they're amazing!! And thanks for stopping by today...I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!

Halloween Treats!

Well hello there! It's not very often that I do an afternoon post but I wanted to share these super cute treat bags I made for my daughter's class for Halloween!




Supplies: BoBunny Whoo-ligans Paper - Dot & Rahh; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Black Soot; Studio G Stamp; Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher

They're really simple (which was awesome since I made 20) but I think they'll be a big hit. I mean, come on, there's CANDY in there, lol!! Plus I added some little goodies which always seems to be a good idea with 1st graders. ;)

Are you making any Halloween goodies? If so, please feel free to leave me a comment with a link so I can check them out!

Thanks for popping in today! I appreciate your visit...

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I'm entering this project in the following challenges...
Frosted Designs - Food & Candy
The Paper Variety - Halloween Project
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Altered Notebook (Artful Delight)

Good morning friends! It's time for me to share my first project of the month using the October kit from Artful Delight. I'm part of a Senior Buddy program where I'm paired up with an older, homebound lady and I send her cards each week and occasionally send her little goodies. I saw a cute notebook at Michaels a couple of weeks ago and knew it would be perfect to alter for her so I grabbed it up!








Supplies Used From The Artful Delight October Kit: Pink Paislee Nantucket Paper - Clam Bake; Melissa Frances Newstand Medium Frame Resin Embellishment; Felt Rolled Roses (Created by Leeanne)
Other Supplies Used: Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream Cardstock; Tim Holtz Ink - Walnut Stain; Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan; Adirondack Paint Dabber - Espresso; Papertrey Ink Stamp Set - Happy Trails; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punches; American Crafts Jewelry Box Thickers; Brown Washi Tape; Recollections Pearls; Recollections Mulberry Paper Rose Leaves (From the September AD Kit)

Is that great or what? I'm loving how it turned out and I can't wait to send it to her this week. I really hope it brightens her day every time she uses it. :)

So have you gotten an October kit for yourself yet? If not, what are you waiting for? It's totally packed with yumminess that you're sure to love so go for it!

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I'm entering this project in the following challenges...
Wee Memories - Favorite Technique (Punches)
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Big Idea Festival Mini

For the past 2 weeks I've been playing along with the Big Idea Festival at Big Picture Classes and it's been great! The way it worked this year was that there were 12 teachers who each picked a word that meant something special to them. They then each created a layout about that word and videotaped a message for all of us to watch and get inspired! It definitely worked for me because I made a mini album with all 12 words and had a ton of fun with it. :) I thought it over for a while before deciding what my album would be about but in the end it came down to a handful of my favorite pictures that each hold a special place in my heart...



























Isn't it just fabulous?? I can't stop looking through it and neither can my girls, which is pretty cool in my book. ;) I can see more albums like this one in my future for sure...

Thank you for letting me share my album with you...I hope you like it. :) Thanks for stopping by today!

Album Supplies: Doodlebug Design Plain and Simple Collection 6 x 6 Chipboard Album; Sassafras Lass 6x6 Paper Pad - Sunshine Broadcast; Bazzill Cardstock - Raspberry Parfait; Ali Edwards Stamp Set - Favorite Memories; Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain; Adirondack Paint Dabber - Pitch Black; Cuttlebug; Quickutz Heart Die; Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch; Martha Stewart Heart Scallop Border Punch; EK Success Binding Edge Border Punch; EK Success Dotted Scallop Border Punch; Fiskars Circle Punches; Fiskars Butterfly Punch; Fiskars Star Punches; Fiskars Heart Punch; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punches; Martha Stewart Heart Confetti Punch; I-Rock; I-Rock Black Gems; Doodlebug Loopy Lou Cardstock Alphabet Stickers - Beetle Black; Jillibean Soup Corrugated Flowers; Heidi Swapp Ghost Heart; Maya Road Chipboard Heart; Tim Holtz Grungeboard Heart; Bazzill Flower; Recollections Flower; BoBunny Clock Brad; Basic Grey Buttons; Making Memories Button; Recollections Pearls; Tim Holtz Mini Paperclip; Twine; Lace; Paper Doily (Greatest View Etsy Shop); DYMO Label Maker

Altered Notebooks (Artful Delight)

I have a project to share with you this morning that I created using my July kit from Artful Delight. The other night my sister and I were at our local Dollar Tree store when I found 3-packs of mini composition notebooks and just had to get some! They are around 5" x 3" and just the perfect size to throw into your bag or keep in your car...

Supplies Used From The Artful Delight July Kit: My Mind's Eye Lime Twist Fly A Kite "Everyday" Alpha Paper; My Mind's Eye Lime Twist Out Of The Blue "Remember" Argyle Paper; Bazzill Cardstock - Lagoon; My Mind's Eye Lime Twist Fly A Kite Twine
Other Supplies Used: Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan; Craft Smart Ink - Chocolate Brown; Unity Stamp; EK Success Dotted Scallop Border Punch; Basic Grey Precision File Set

Aren't they adorable? It was SO quick and easy to alter these and now I have two cute little books to use myself or share with a friend. ;) I seriously love that!

Teacher Appreciation Minis

Hi there friends! I recently realized that I never shared these super cute minis with you so I wanted to do it now...

Supplies: Crate Paper School Spirit Collection Paper; Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan; Craft Smart Ink - Chocolate Brown; Ali Edwards Stamp Set - Sentimentally Ali; EK Success Dotted Scallop Border Punch; Fiskars Star Punch; Tim Holtz Mini Paper Clips; Crop-A-Dile

I made 6 of these to show my appreciation for each of my girls' teachers at the end of the school year in June and they were a huge hit! Each one has 20 pages inside that have teacher quotes or inspirational sayings on them, and I created the album so that it can be opened to any page and stay open sitting on a desk. I got some little giftbags and put the mini in, along with a cute card, and the teachers really seemed to enjoy them! I think these could be a great gift idea for anyone, and it was super easy and quick to do. :)

Thanks for popping by today...I hope you enjoyed your visit!

A new mini! (Artful Delight)

I had the chance to sit down and do some more creating with my July kit from Artful Delight and this time the result was a cute mini album! I really love it...





Supplies Used From The Artful Delight July Kit: My Mind's Eye Lime Twist Out Of The Blue Paper - "Boy" Spots; Bazzill Cardstock - Lagoon; Bazzill Cardstock - White
Other Supplies Used: Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan; Craft Smart Ink - Chocolate Brown; Ali Edwards Stamp Set - Favorite Memories; Fiskars Triangle Punch; Fiskars Butterfly Punch; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punches; I-Rock; I-Rock Clear Gems

Super sweet right? I wanted to keep it a little monochromatic to give it a soft feel and I think the result is great!

I'm having SO much fun with the kit this month and I still have tons of product! It's awesome. ;)

Everyday (Artful Delight)

Gooooooood morning my friends!! I've got a super cute altered notebook to share with you today that I created using the amazing July kit from Artful Delight...

Supplies Used From The Artful Delight July Kit: My Mind's Eye Lime Twist Fly A Kite "Wish" Confetti Paper; Jillibean Soup Watermelon Gazpacho Soup Paper - Orange Juice
Other Supplies Used: Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Wild Honey; Ali Edwards Stamp Set - Ordinary Days; Fiskars Triangle Punch; Tim Holtz Edge Distresser; Basic Grey & Making Memories Buttons; Misc. Ribbon
*I apologize for the dark pictures...we've had no sunshine this week!!

I love how easy these are to make! All you need to do is pick up a notebook from somewhere (I get mine in the $1 section at Michaels), measure how much paper you need to cover the front, and then get creating! A little bit of time and effort can go a long way to make somebody's day bright. :)

Speaking of bright, the colors in the kit this month are awesome and perfect for some Summer projects. There is only ONE kit left so if you wanted one, grab it up!

Canvas Art (Artful Delight)

Good morning! I am so excited to share today's project with you!! I sat down with my June kit from Artful Delight this week and created both of these...

Supplies Used From The Artful Delight June Kit: Fancy Pants It's The Little Things Paper - Feathered, Humming Bird & Spring Fever
Other Supplies Used: Artists Loft Canvas Panel; Bazzill Dotted Swiss Cardstock - Black Cow; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Black Soot; Adirondack Paint Dabber - Pitch Black; Pearl Glimmer Mist; EK Success Scallop Circle Punch; Fiskars Circle Punch; Fiskars Butterfly Punch; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch; I-Rock; I-Rock Clear Gems

Aren't they just gorgeous?? A few weeks ago, I read a post on Lori Mancini's blog where she was talking about a quote she was inspired by on Pinterest. She used the quote on an absolutely beautiful butterfly project she created and I totally fell in love with it when I saw it. I've wanted to create a project of my own inspired by hers ever since then and I'm so glad I finally had the chance to! It was so much fun. :) You should definitely check out Lori's project to see what I'm talking about...you'll be amazed!

Ok, I know it's the end of the month, but there are still a few June kits left, so if you missed your chance at getting one before, now's the time. I promise you...it's fabulous!

My sweet Granny... (Artful Delight)

Hello there! This morning I have a layout to share with you that I made using the June kit from Artful Delight. My mom's birthday is coming up in July and I wanted to make her something special for it. I took out this picture of her and my sweet Granny, who passed away 3 years ago, on a trip they took together to Arizona, and knew it would be just right...

Supplies Used From The Artful Delight June Kit - Lily Bee This & That Paper - Teacup & Brooch; Lily Bee This & That Sticker Sheet (Banner); Prima Mini Roses - Sunrise
Other Supplies Used: Bazzill Dotted Swiss Cardstock - Black Cow; Colorbox Chalk Ink - Blackbird; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Black Soot; Ali Edwards Stamp Set - Loving Words; Fiskars Butterfly Punch; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch; I-Rock; I-Rock Black Gems

I found a great shadow box frame at Michaels to put it in and I can't wait to give it to her. I'm sure it will make her a little sad at first, but I know she'll treasure it and love it also. :)

So have you gotten your hands on a June kit yet?? If you haven't, you should grab one up while you can...it's amazing!

Oh, and let me share something cool with you. The first embellishment I added to my layout was the flower cluster in the corner. After that, I punched the yellow butterflies to match the yellow of the flowers but I also wanted something green to match the leaves. Well, I don’t have anything the right color in my stash, but realized I had something perfect to use, which was the packaging from the flowers! It’s the exact shade of green that the leaves are and worked great for the smaller butterflies. Pretty neat huh? Just doing my part to recycle, I guess, lol!! ;) Have a great day...

Some more minis! (Artful Delight)

Helllllllo there!! I have some more mini albums (the teeny tiny ones!) to share with you today that I made using the fabulous June kit from Artful Delight...





Supplies Used From The Artful Delight June Kit: Fancy Pants It's The Little Things Paper - Honeysuckle; Crate Paper Portrait Paper - Bouquet; Bazzill Cardstock - Blush Red Medium
Other Supplies Used: Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan; Craft Smart Ink - Chocolate Brown; Ali Edwards Stamp Sets - Favorite Memories & Sentimentally Ali; EK Success Dotted Scallop Border Punch; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch; Papertrey Ink Buttons; Crop-A-Dile; We R Memory Keepers Eyelets; Elle's Studio Binder Rings

Aren't they just adorable? They are so easy and quick to make that I can't seem to stop, lol! Plus, my layout mojo seems to have gone on vacation and I have no idea when it plans on returning, ugh. If anyone out there sees it, please tell it to come home as soon as possible, ok??

Make sure you grab up a June kit from Artful Delight for yourself if you haven't already...you'll love it for sure!
Thanks so much for stopping by today. :)

Prom Mini (Artful Delight)

Good morning friends!! I have a SUPER cute mini to share with you today that I made for my niece Kasey using the June kit from Artful Delight. She just went to her very first Prom a few weeks ago and I wanted her to have a great album of her own to keep those special pictures in...





Supplies Used From The Artful Delight June Kit: Lily Bee This & That Paper - Teacup; American Crafts Jewelry Box Thickers - Black
Other Supplies Used: Bazzill Dotted Swiss Cardstock - Black; Adirondack Paint Dabber - Pitch Black; Colorbox Chalk Ink - Blackbird; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Black Soot; Papertrey Ink Alphabet Stamp Set; Cuttlebug; Papertrey Ink Butterfly Die; Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch; Crop-A-Dile; Tim Holtz Distress Tool; I-Rock; I-Rock Black Gems; Jenni Bowlin Name Ticket; Button; Twine; Ribbon

Isn't that just fabulous!?! I'm totally in love with it. :) Kasey's lucky it says something about Prom on the front because if it didn't, I might be tempted to keep it for myself, lol! Since I've shown you the album, let me show you one of the gorgeous pictures inside also...



She looked SO pretty!! I can't believe she's even old enough to GO to Prom yet, ack! Craziness for sure...

Make sure you go over and check out this month's kit, because it's amazing as always! Definitely a must have. ;) Have a terrific day and thanks for stopping by!