Croptastic Fun

Equal Pay Day

2009-04-28T10:24:00.002-05:00

In today's world, it still gets boggles my mind that men on average get paid more than women for the same job and the same skills. Women are the backbone of our society yet sadly we are still viewed as "lesser" of the sexes when it comes to the workplace. America as a whole has had great advances with women in the workplace but there is so much more that must be done. Equal pay is a great starting point in this journey. We as a nation need to be outraged by the stastics below and need to vow to make it better for our sons and daughters.

Statistics:

Women earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men; In Alabama, women earn 73 cents for every dollar earned by men.

Today- The average women's wages have finally caught up with what the average men earned in 2008.

First layout of 2009 - Kadyn

2009-04-06T18:44:00.005-05:00

I was so happy when I finished this layout. This was the first layout that I had completed this year. Frightening, I know but I have just been so tired with this pregnancy and such. For this cutie-patatootie layout, I used Basic Grey. I just love how it turned out.

Little Brag Book Info

2008-08-26T21:38:00.003-05:00

This little brag book was created using a chipboard accordian album. I used K and Company "Trend" Scrap Pad which offered various designs and colors of patterned paper, tags, cut outs and stickers to chose from. The album took a bit longer than I thought but I was finally able to send it to my Mom from Mother's Day and her birthday.

Little Brag Book

2008-08-26T21:37:00.001-05:00

Little Chipboard Book - Info

2008-05-21T21:13:00.004-05:00

Here is my latest creation...a chipboard book. This is my first attempt at creating something like this and I really enjoyed it. It was nice to create a book rather than just doing single or double layouts. I believe the "alter bug" has bit me. LOL! The patterned paper I used for this book was Colorbok - Vintage Rose. Very shabby chic..don't you think? Anyway, below is the slideshow of my book so enjoy the show!

Little Chipboard Book - Slideshow

2008-05-21T21:13:00.001-05:00

New Look

2008-03-28T15:19:00.003-05:00

Well I found this and just knew I had to update the "look" of my blog. It is just so "girly" and cute. Thank you so much Sharnee at Free Blogger Designs for this design! This is exactly what I was looking for!

Time is just flying by....

2008-03-05T09:16:00.003-06:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything. I have been busy creating layouts lately. For the first time in six months, my creative mojo is back. Currently, I am working on a chipboard book. It is just soo girly and cute. It just feels good to do something different than just a layout. It is actually invigorating. With all of the stuff that has happened over the past two weeks, it is just nice to sit and work on the chipboard book with no pressures or outside demands.

It has been a while

2007-12-17T14:51:00.000-06:00

I know... it has been a while. I have been scrapping (not as much as I hope) but I am getting things done little by little. Work and the holidays seems to be getting in the way. LOL!

This layout I created using Basic Grey Recess- I absolutely LOVE this line. Totally awesome. Perfect papers for this "urban cowboy"!! The stitching is all stamped which I think add a certain "roughness" to the layout. Don't you?

2007-09-18T09:35:00.001-05:00

9/11 - Happy Birthday Colton!!!

2007-09-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

This day is filled with so many emotions especially for me. Today is my oldest son's birthday- he is now 5 years old. WOW, Time really flies. As I was driving into work today, I started thinking about my sons's world. And it made me realize some things that I had never realized before:

- My son will never know a world without a reference to 9/11. And since his birthday is on 9/11, this day holds particular special meaning to all of us.

- My son knows more about computers than some adults.

- My son does not know who Bugs Bunny is or what those cartoons were like.

- My son was amazed to find out that my brother and I use to play with Transformers too. :P

- My son still thinks his dad hung the moon and that his mom is very pretty. These are the years that I treasure with all my heart because I know there will come a time when he will think his dad doesn't know anything and his mom won't be considered so pretty. LOL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLTON!!! WE ALL LOVE YOU!!!

Club Scrap Kit "This is my Story" Line.....

2007-06-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

One of our sponsors at The School of Scrap isClub Scrap. I just love getting a kit each month and creating pages that I would have never thought of on my own. It is like getting a present in the mail each month just for me! :)

For June, the Club Scrap kit is title "This is my story"...and IT RAWKS!!!! The blue and red colors are so vivid and the titles are just fabulous! Thanks Club Scrap!!!

Digital fun with Scrapstreet.com

2007-06-13T15:14:00.001-05:00

I just love creating digital layouts. You can really experiment with colors, sizes, and even textures and not worry about "ruining" anything. If you don't like it, just hit the "undo" feature. At The School of Scrap.com, we were challenged to create a layout using the poem "Sick" by Shel Silverstein. Upon looking at some older pictures, I can across this picture of my oldest son and thought...That is PERFECT!!

Thank you to Dora Phillips at Scrap Street.com for creating this awesome digital kit "Touch of Tile".

Sick
"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more--that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue--
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke--
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
By back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My toungue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is --what?
You say today is . . . Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

Basic Grey and Metal Embellishments

2007-05-31T10:28:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love it when a layout just comes together? When the vision in your head matches what actually is viewed on the layout? It is a great feeling, isn't it? This layout was one of those layouts. I picked the photo and the Basic Grey Skate Shoppe paper and the rest just seemed to flow. The strips of paper and circles draw the attention to the photo and accented it rather than distracted from it. Staples formed in a stitching pattern accents the top circle while snaps decorate the bottom circle. The metal embellishments just seem perfect for the Basic Grey Skate Shoppe collection. It just fits!

Crayons and Scrapbooking

2007-05-22T12:59:00.000-05:00

The other day I was sitting at my house one day watching my children use sidewalk chalk on our driveway. I watched the colors they were using and the texture of the chalk against the rough driveway. It was at that moment I had one of those "Ahhh!!" lighbulb moments. (Don't you just LOVE those creative out of the blue moments?) That night I picked up a black piece of cardstock and some watercolor crayons and started to doodle. Just to see how it would look. I just fell in love with the look but wanted something more "polished". So I decided to use my Doodle Genie with my watercolor crayons. Viola!!! It was able to draw "polished" flowers that had a childlike quality about them.

So why not try using crayons on your next layout...you will be amazed at the results!

Truckload of fun...With Daisy D's.

2007-05-15T15:50:00.000-05:00

I just love the new Daisy D's "Beacon Hill". The whole line offers a patterned paper for every type of scrapbooker. It truly is extremely versatile and the color is so vibrant. This layout "Truckload of Fun" uses Boston Damask, Beacon Hill Stripe and Boston Stripe.

I have been tagged!!!

2007-05-09T12:01:00.000-05:00

Lisa from The School of Scrap has tagged me to play Scattagories using the first letter in our first name...so here goes!

Your Name: Kirstie

Famous Singer: Kurt Coban

4-letter word: K-I-S-S

Street: Kesington

Color: Khakhi

Gifts/Presents: Kittens

Vehicle: Kia

Things In Souvenir Shop: Keyrings

Boy Name: Ken

Girl Name: Kristina

Movie Title: Kiss the Girls (very suspenseful movie..YIKES!)

Drink: Kaluha

Occupation: Kite Maker

Flower: Kaffer Lilly

Celebrity: Katie Curric

Magazine: Kaleidoscope

US City: Kankakee, IL

Pro Sports Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Fruit: Kiwi

Reason For Being Late For Work: Keys!

Something You Throw Away: Kegs

Things You Shout: Karoke

Cartoon Character: Kathy

Basic Grey Fun!

2007-05-08T14:03:00.001-05:00

I just love Basic Grey- Color Me Silly. This collection really lends itself well to layouts emphasizing little boys playing and having fun. Color Me Silly is so colorful and funky. Have you played with Basic Grey today?

This layout was inspired by using the extraordinary sketches from Ingrid Lingman. All her sketches can be found at
The School of Scrap.

Bringing Texture into a Layout

2007-05-07T16:36:00.000-05:00

I just love adding unexpected elements to my scrapbook layouts. There is something about looking at a page and thinking "Why didn't I think of that?". I obtained some screen material (yes, the same stuff used on windows and doors)and was dying to try to use on a layout. After some trial and error, I came up with a reasonable solution with outstanding results. This material not only makes this layout feel "grungy" and "funky"; but it also adds some depth and character. Why not try to use screen material on one of your layouts?

Scrapbooker of the Year

2007-03-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

I would like to challenge all of the scrapbookers to entry CK's Scrapbooker of the Year (SOY) contest. This is a great way to develop your own personal scrapbook style as well as create some awesome layouts. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain in participating in this challenge.

For more information visit: Creating Keepsakes Scrapbooker of the Year

BONUS: Any "School of Scrap" student who reads this post and responds will get 20 extra School Bucks!! Anyone who ENTERS the SOY contest and posts it here will be 100 extra School Bucks!!!

1st Layout in Basic Grey Gallery

2007-03-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

I am so happy and proud to announce that one of my layouts "Binkey Boy" has been selected to be in the Basic Grey Gallery. This is my first layout ever to be selected for the gallery at Basic Grey. This has been a goal that I have wanted to achieve for a long time. I am just soo excited!!!!!

Here is the link: Binkie Boy in Basic Grey Gallery

Here is the layout which was inspired by Ingrid Lingman's 1st sketch for the School of Scrap! Thank you Ingrid for the awesome inspiration!!!

Fangtastic -Digital Fun

2007-03-20T09:41:00.000-05:00

I downloaded a great and FREE digital scrapbooking kit from Fuji films (who would have known!). They had various kits for every season. However, the two Halloween kits caught my eye and my imagination. Both kits had various type of papers, embellishments, tags, titles, and letters to suit every digital scrapper. Fangtastic uses the two Halloween Fuji kits plus some elements from the Shabby Princess kits. The color combination makes this layout eerily pretty.

Shabby Princess "Festival" Digi Pack

2007-03-14T13:06:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been trying to get some experience in the realm of "digital" scrapbooking. At first, I was quite intimidated by the whole process. Once I figured out how use Adobe Photoshop CS2, I have really been enjoying myself in "digital" scrapbooking.

The Shabby Princess website is just awesome. She offers a variety of free "digital kits" that anyone can download. The kits include a variety of patterned papers, embellishments,letters, and stitching/ribbons. This is perfect for any digital scrapbooker.

The newest free digital pack is "Festival". I saw this and just fell in love with the color combination and patterns. The kit includes six different patterned papers, four colored buttons, journaling block, rick rack, brads, alphabets and multiple types of photo frames. What a great pack!!!

Binkey Boy

2007-03-06T11:49:00.000-06:00

Lot's of great things are happening over atThe School of Scrap and some great scrappers are actively part of our school. Ingrid Lingman has posted some of her sketches in our School Gallery. WOW! I just LOVE LOVE Sketchz by Ingrid!

This is a layout created from one of her latest sketches - School Sketchz #001. I used Basic Grey Color Me Silly patterned paper. The ribbon is from Stampin Up. The hidden journaling is at the top of the page. Hidden journaling is a fantastic way to add journaling without it being seen by everyone who looks at the layout.

Thanks Ingrid for the GREAT sketch!!!!!

More Club Scrap........

2007-03-05T11:58:00.000-06:00

This layout was a lot of fun to do. I loved these pictures of butterflies but couldn't find the proper paper for a layout. This month's selection of Club Scrap's"Refresh" changed my mind. I thought the bold spring-like colors would make a great layout. It was a lot of fun to create the triple mats for the photos. The butterfly embellishments were handmade using the paper from the Club Scrap "Refresh" line. I added the "Fandangles" on the wings to add some shimmer. Plus using the "pop-dots" for adhesive helped make the butterflies appear to be floating on top of the page.

Club Scrap = Bright Spring Colors

2007-03-01T11:05:00.000-06:00

The bright colored patterned paper that come in the Club Scrap "Refresh" kit are so easy and fun to work with. They are the PERFECT foundation for spring layouts. So it wasn't hard to select the photos that went with this patterned paper. The layout "Simple Beauty" was an easy layout to create. The beautiful green patterned paper adds color and design that co-exist with the three pictures of the beautiful roses.

Thank you Club Scrapfor the great kits for the Design Team at The School of Scrap.

Club Scrap = Awesome!

2007-02-27T11:24:00.000-06:00

Club Scrap is one of The School of Scrap sponsers. The School of Scrap is so proud to have the pleasure of working with Club Scrap and their fabulous kits. One week ago, I had the absolute joy of receiving the Club Scrap kit- "Refresh". OH MY GOSH! I can't tell you how awesome this kit is. So many items, such vivid colors, and great tips on how to use the spritzer bottles and stamp.

I received the following in my "Refresh" kit:
(8) 12x12 Prints/2 ea. Dark Green, Light Green, Dark Blue, Light Blue
(10) 12x12 Plain/2 ea. Dark Green, Light Green, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Translucent
(4) 8.5x11 Prints/2 ea. Dark Green, Light Blue
(6) 8.5x11 Plain/2 ea. Light Green, Dark Blue, Translucent
(10) Delicate Forest Paper Leaves
(2) Spritzer Bottles
(6) Manila Square Tags
(1) Packet Fresh Fandangles
(1) Sheet CS Rejuvenated Stickers
(1) Sheet CS Blank Canvas Mosaic Stickers
(3) Idea Recipe Cards - Fonts, Layouts, Backgrounds & Borders
(1) Scrap Rap Newsletter
(1) CS Side Order (Stamp Set)
(1) CS Side Order (Embellishment Pack)
(1) CS Side Order (Greetings to Go)

This week I will post a new Club Scrap layout that I created using this amazing kit.
If you haven't tried it yet, run over to Club Scrap and order this "Refresh" kit today. You will be so glad that you did!!!!

Using Buttons in Your Layouts

2007-01-29T15:31:00.000-06:00

In my Shop class at The School of Scrap.com, I recently challenge everyone to use buttons in their layout. But wait...there is a catch! I wanted them to ONLY use buttons as their embellishments. No other type of embellishments were allowed. It was amazing to see how many people used the buttons in such extraordinary ways. See all the wonderful layouts at the School Gallery. Based on the great response, I am extending the challenge out to you. How many creative and extraordinary ways can you use buttons? Post the layouts in the comment section...Can't wait to see your creation!

Interviews in Scrapbook Layouts

2007-01-24T09:58:00.000-06:00

Quite often in scrapbooking we are trying to create a "snapshot" in time to capture a specific moment in our lives. As a mother, I often have the "if only I can save this moment" thinking when my children do something silly, fun, or exciting. One way to capture thoughts of a child (or anyone else) is to do an "interview" that the person. It only take a couple of minutes to write down some questions that you want to ask the person. The type of questions is up to you. The question can be something serious like "Who do you admire the most?" to something silly like "What you rather be a buffalo or a horse?" The idea is to capture the person's thoughts in that particular moment in time to reflect the person's age, situation in life, mood, dreams, goals, desires, etc.

For this layout, I wanted to capture the thoughts of a 4 year old boy who is my oldest son. His mind is so interesting and his thoughts just amaze me. Kids are just so honest. The point of the interview was to capture his innocence and honesty. So I asked him some serious questions along with some silly type questions to get a good range. This interview was a great experience for the both of us because he had an awesome time answering my questions and I loved hearing his responses.

The layout that I created to go along with the interview used photos taken this year as well. I wanted the pictures to make his personality and his innocence as much as the interview. I used some flourish rub-on's on the bottom corners of the pictures to add some color detail. MME Bohemia "Just be You" and "Imagine" lines were selected as the paper as well as chipboard flower with buttons. The stripped paper going across the page which looks like ribbon is accented with the "Spirit" MM metal ribbon embellishment. The title is hand sewn on one side using Stampin Up silver cord for a nice special touch.

1st Birthday Today!

2007-01-11T15:43:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to my sweet little R!
Happy Birthday to you!

Your first year has been awesome and your little personality is just shining through like never before. You are soo loved and adored.

Using Music Albums as Inspirations for Layouts

2007-01-04T09:03:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I am a proud teacher at the School of Scrap. This quarter my class is Music Inspiration. As I parused around the Internet, I found the most fabulous album art that just practical leaped off the screen at me. So I challenged the students at the School of Scrap to use the fabulous album art as inspiration on one of their layouts for the month of January.

After I went home for the day and was printing pictures for my layouts, I noticed a picture of my little one's first tooth. Like a lightening bolt out of the sky, the idea struck me. I can use this photo for the album art layout! The hardest part of this layout was cutting the 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch squares and then placing them on the layout. The rest of the layout just fell into place.

Here is the album art:

Using Non-Scrapbook Items in Layouts

2007-01-02T11:00:00.000-06:00

Up until recently, I had always been a bit intimidated about using "non-scrapbook" items on a layout. I was worried that somehow it would ruin a page or make it "not as good". So I purposely branched out, and used these leaves from Michaels on this layout. I LOVE the added depth that the leaves added. Try to add some "non-scrapbook" items to some of your pages...You will be surprised at the outcome and look of the layout!

Altered Christmas Tree

2006-12-14T11:06:00.000-06:00

I saw an "altered" Christmas Tree on Two Peas and decided that it would make the perfect Christmas gift for my oldest son's teacher. This tree took about 2.5 hours from start to finish. You can coordinate any type of paper or ribbon with the design to make this tree.

Directions:
1. Take one sheet of cardstock and create a large circle and cut the circle out.
(I used a big plate to trace around)
2. Cut the circle straight up the middle and then twist the circle to create a cone.
3. Cut 1 inch stripes out of patterned paper (or cardstock).
4. Loop the 1 inch stripes and secure it to the cone using staples or adhesive.
5. Work your way around the cone placing the 1 inches stripes on the cone until it is full.
6. Get a large flower and place it on the top (to look like snow and to cover any staples) and secure it to the cone with adhesive.
7. Take ribbon and make bows and secure them onto the tree using brads.
8. Top the tree with a cut out of your choice.

Black and white photos

2006-12-05T14:40:00.002-06:00

There are some layouts that just call for black and white photos. Bright colored paper and busy designs on paper make it quite easy to use black and white photos. Not only does it make the photos stand out but the look is timeless.

I created this layout for the 2 Scrappy Chicks DT submission.

Made another DT

2006-11-30T14:55:00.000-06:00

Great news! I have made another Design Team...on 2 Scrappy Chicks.com. I am just super excited to have been choosen amoung the many applicants.

Sketchz by Ingrid

2006-10-27T10:15:00.000-05:00

I have found a fabulous website for fresh and funky sketches- Sketchez by Ingrid . The layout "Mr. Hobbes" was created from sketch # 022 and was an October challenge from 2 Scrappy Chicks.

In this layout, Scenic Route Capetown paper was used along with coordinating Bazzill cardstock. The Alpha stickers on the tags are American Crafts. I really love using green, brown and red together. It just makes the black and white photo really pop out of the page.

Simple Pleasures

2006-10-24T14:38:00.000-05:00

Share at 2 Scrappy Chicks gave us a blog challenge to think about the Simple Pleasures in life.

Here is my list of my "Simple Pleasures":
1. Baby cooing
2. Hearing "Mommy" from your child
3. Finding more than 2 hours in a day to scrapbook
4. Feeling your hubby's hands in your hands
5. Cat purring
6. Playing in leaves
7. Pumpkins
8. Halloween
9. Having someone praise you for a job "well done!"
10. Hearing "you are pretty" from your child
11. The smell of freshly baked cookies

Accomplishments for the rest of 2006

2006-10-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

The "Ralphie" layout was inspired by the Amazing Scrapping Race challenge on 2 Scrappy Chicks. We were challenged to create a layout using something that we don't normally use. So I decided to use fiber since I don't use it that often. I really like the softness that it adds to the circle.

I have been challenged by Share from 2ScrappyChicks
to list five accomplishment I was to achieve before the end of 2006. So here goes:

Scrap previous years Christmas events

Make Halloween costume

Make everyone Thanksgiving cards

Make my dh a card each week and hiding them in places that he will never expect.

Help Colton make Christmas gifts for everyone this year

Sweet Simple Love

2006-10-12T13:38:00.000-05:00

The site Two Scrappy Chicks is having an Amazing Crop Race contest. It is really a lot of fun. The challenge for last week was to alter a photo and then use it in a layout. "Sweet Simple Love" was created for this challenge. In Photoshop, I changed the intensity of the various colors to make it appear black and white yet still bringing out the "Blue" in the photo. Next, I had to find the perfect paper for the photo. Deciding to use My Mind's Eye Blue Bird Bohemia was relatively easy because of the exact match of the blues in the paper to the blues in the photo. Journaling was done on blue vellum and secured with bronze brads. The title was created by using a tag from the Blue Bird collection along with Heidi Swapp She Letters. The letters were sanded and then inked brown to make them appear worn.

Cosmo Cricket...

2006-10-06T16:05:00.000-05:00

This layout was inspired by two locations
2 Scrappy Chicks and The School of Scrap. For 2 Scrappy Chicks, it was the for the Amazing Scrap Race challenge. The challenge was to use a specific sketch from Sketchez by Ingrid. From The School of Scrap, I incorporated Donna's Economics assignment and Kerri's Definition assignment on Laughter. Don't you just LOVE multitasking? LOL!

I have just fallen in love with Cosmo Cricket...Love the paper..Just LOVE IT!! I especially like the Storytime collection. I thought the sketch lended itself to work fabulous with this collection.

I've been tagged!!
Have You Ever...

Worn braces? Yes but only for six months
Broken a bone? Yes, this past year.. my wrist
Had stitches? Yes...
Gone SCUBA diving? No but really want to learn
Been stung by a bee? Oh yes many times! EEK!
Thrown up in public? Unfortunately yes to this one too
Been to overnight camp? Absolutely!!
Written a letter to Santa Claus? As a child yes
Been sent to the principal's office? NO WAY!! I am too perfect ..HE HE

Who/What was the last...

Person to call you? my MIL
Last person you hugged? my oldest son
Thing you touched (before your keyboard!!)? my glasses
Thing you ate? chicken fingers (lunch)
Thing you said? Love you
Website you visited (before this one !!) School of Scrap / 2 Scrappy Chicks

Pieces of Me

2006-09-25T11:08:00.000-05:00

This layout was inspired by Marci's BOM (Book of Me) assignment at The School of Scrap. This was my first layout in which I actually cut up a photo. I have doodled on a photo before but never cut one up...until now. It was quite liberating and I felt so creative. The swirls on the page were created using embossing powder and adhesive glue. For more information on this technique, go to my Shop class. For the title I used Heidi Swapp chipboard "She" letters that I colored with Stampin Up markers. The new Storybook paper line from Cosmo Cricket was just too awesome to not use it in this "Pieces of Me" layout.

9-11.....Remember Michael Selves

2006-09-11T09:36:00.000-05:00

To Michael Selves' family.....
It is now five years later and I still remember 9-11 and the impact it had on me. I can't imagine the impact 9-11 had on your family. I hope that this small memorial on this day, 9-11, is a testimony to his life and those he left behind.

Michael Selves worked at the Pentagon and was a resident of Fairfax, Virginia.

Michael....You are remembered. Rest in peace!!!!

Embossing The Night Away

2006-08-23T14:35:00.000-05:00

Last night, I decided to do a technique that I do not frequently try...embossing. I embossed the flowers on the cardstock. Then I embossed the flower on the metal tag...and then I embossed the edges of the tag for a antique look. Waala! An entire card created by embossing and stamps.

There were two important lessons that I learned last night:

After using the heating gun, the embossing liquid is hot. (Never had the "pleasure" of touching hot embossing liquid until last night..LOL!)
The Versimark ink really does not come off of the paper....even if you want it to.

I've been tagged

2006-08-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

Liza from The School of Scrap tagged everyone there, so here goes...

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? Chicago
2. What's your favorite article of clothing? Burkenstock shoes
3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? eyes
4. What's the last CD that you bought? Imogen Heap
5. Where's your favorite place to be? In my husband's arms
6. Where's your least favorite place to be? Work
7. What's your favorite place to be massaged? neck and back and shoulders
8. Strong in mind or strong in body? mind
9. What time do you wake up in the morning? between 6 and 6:30 am
10. What is your favourite kitchen appliance? blender
11. What makes you really angry? lying and cheating
12. If you could play any instrument what would it be? I can already play the flute.
13. Favourite colour? blue
14. Sports car or SUV? sports car
15. Do you believe in an afterlife? Yup
16. Favorite children's book? Green Eggs and Ham
17. What's your favorite season? Fall/Autumn
18. What is your least favorite household chore? laundry
19. If you could have one super-power, what would it be? To be invisible
20. If you have a tattoo what is it? Nope
21. Can you juggle? Definately..not..no
22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? My best friend from grade school...Dawn
23. What's your favorite day? Saturday
24. What's in the trunk of your car? Hummm...jumper cables..and I think that is it
25. Which do you prefer-sushi or hamburger? Hamburger

Tag goes to anyone who reads this blog (and hasn't already been tagged)!

Design Team Member

2006-08-18T13:30:00.000-05:00

I have some fantastic news! I am a Design Team member for the School of Scrap. This is so exciting for me and I am thrilled that Lisa picked me along with several other outstanding scrappers. Can't wait to get started!!

Last Scrapper Standing Round 2- Update

2006-08-18T13:27:00.000-05:00

Well, it appears that my layout was not creative enough to allow me to move on to Round 3 of the Last Scrapper Standing. It was a great opportunity and I feel great that I at least made it this far. A BIG congratulations to all those scrappers who made it to Round 3.

YEAHOOOO.....I am still standing...

2006-08-11T10:23:00.000-05:00

Well, the results for the Last Scrapper Standing are in....and I have made it to the next round. I am sooooo excited and happy. I was preparing myself to not be chosen ....but I was...so now I get to go to the next round! YEAHOOOOOOO!

Now to come up with something great for the next round. The next challenge I have to use 13 pictures in a layout. WOW! This one is going to get interesting!

Last Scrapper Standing....Round One

2006-08-09T13:29:00.000-05:00

Well, I decided two weeks ago to participate in the Last Scrapper Standing by the Effers. For round one, we had to journal on our photograph. I finished my layout last night but didn't have time to scan it in...will do that tonight. I will post my layout here after I get it posted in 2peas and on the Effer blog for the competition. Wish me luck!

I wanted to wish Lisa, Liza, and Gina from School of Scrap the best of luck in this competition. We are all entering it ....It would be great if one of us would get to the final round. Good luck to all of you...BIG HUGS!

Creative Uses for Ribbon

2006-08-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

Do you sit in your scrap room and look at your ribbon and wonder what to do with it? Want to use more than one type of ribbon and a layotu but can not quite figure out how to incorporate it in a layout? Well, this layout is example of a great way to use different ribbon in one layout. By using ribbon to frame a photo, you not only are adding depth to your layout but also a bunch of different possible combinations and colors.

This layout was today's pick for layout of the day on 2ScrappyChicks.com. If you haven't already done so, why not go to 2 Scrappy Chicks today to meet some awesome talented scrapbookers. You will be glad that you did..the site is friendly and they have really great challenges to inspire you.

Quilting in Layouts

2006-08-03T13:38:00.000-05:00

To me, one of the best techniques to try on a heritage or recipe page is quilting. Quilting adds depth to a layout as well as creating a homemade look. Adding quilting to you page is an easy task. In this layout "Goodwin Chili", the sides of the layout were quilted.

How to add quilt patches to a layout
1. First, decide where on the page
you want to add the patches.
2. Decide the type of patterned paper you want for your patches.
3. Distress the whole page of the patterned paper. NOTE: Lightly dampen your
paper and then crumble the paper up and let dry. Carefully, pull the paper apart
and then use an iron to get all big crimples out. The paper will be very soft and
clothlike at this point.
4. Cut your patches in any shape that is desired for your layout. I usually do
rectangles, triangles, and squares but any shape will work.
5. Lay your patch in the exact position on the layout and use a paper piercer to put holes through the patch and the layout under it in pairs of two. So you will
have either 2,4,6,8, etc. holes on each side of the patch.
6. Using a needle and embroidery thread (number of strands depends on the desired thickness of the stitch) start to sew around the patch using the holes that you just pierced into the paper. NOTE: When you have just one side left to stitch, STOP!
7. Cut a tiny piece of quilting batting and stuff into the patch. The amount of
batting needed depends on how full you want the patch.
8. Sew up the final one side of the patch.
9. Repeat steps 1-8 for the rest of the patches.

Double Matting Photos

2006-08-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite ways to ensure that a photo stands out against patterned paper is to double matte the photos. By using contrasting but coordinating cardstock for your photo mattes, the human eye will be naturally drawn to the picture.

The possibilities are endless with the combinations you can create when matting photos.

Basic Grey Challenge

2006-07-31T13:52:00.000-05:00

Hello, My name is Kirstie and I am a Basic Grey addict. LOL! It certainly feels that way since the past week I have created two- two page layouts using nothing but Basic Grey paper. I would safely say I am over my "fear" of using too much patterned paper. LOL!

My challenge, if you choose to accept, is to use more than three different Basic Grey papers in one layout. Go wild. Have fun. Let the creative genius in you come out and play.

In love with Basic Grey...

2006-07-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

Have you ever come across a paper line that just spoke to you when you first laid eyes on it? Well, that is what happened with me and Basic Grey. I am completely and totally NUTS about this brand. I love the paper and all the coordinating items. Basic Grey just feels different and looks different than other lines. Even the "girly" papers from Basic Grey have a certain "earthy" element to them. If you haven't tried to use Basic Grey, why not give it try?

This two page layout was created last night for my CJ group. The theme of this CJ was "Femininity" so I decided to use Basic Grey Lollipop for this layout. In this layout, I used six different types of patterned paper. I believe this is definately a record amount for me. The journaling is the song "I feel pretty" from the West Side Story. I just couldn't resist putting that in this layout. LOL!

Patterned Paper Titles

2006-07-27T11:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was out sick with a sinus infection. Ughh! I can deal with just about anything but sinus headaches are the worst. But will a trip to the doctor and a few shots later, I am feeling pretty well today.

As I was thumbing through my layouts on Tuesday evening, I noticed a disturbing trend. I was using patterned paper in a lot of my layouts. But there was one area that had no patterned paper...My titles! My titles were always stamps, rub ons, cardstock, etc. So I thought this layout would be a perfect opportunity to use patterned paper for my title. It adds a nice "punch" to the page! Don't you agree?

Freestyle Fun

2006-07-25T09:40:00.000-05:00

I have been in a fun and funky mood lately. On From Here to Scrapternity, this weeks journaling challenge was called "Writing on the Wall". Our mission, if we chose to accept it, was to write on the photo. Yes, I know, most scrapbookers would balk at this challenge and say "That's just crazy". But I LOVED the idea of it and welcomed the challenge with open arms. Too often, a great picture presents itself for a more artsy approach and majority of us just crop and mount tue picture to the paper without a second thought. Doing this challenge made me appreciate freestyle more and brought me further outside my "comfort" box.

Doodling Mania

2006-07-24T11:31:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been on a real doodling" kick" with my layouts. I just love the "personal" touch that doodling provides a layout. The layout "Sweetest Dreams" was created for a DT submission where the criteria was flowers, doodling, and stitching. I was fortunate enough to be in the "right place at the right time" to capture our youngest son smiling in his sleep.

In June, this same layout was "Layout of the Day" on 2 Scrappy Chicks. ( Love that website...great women who bring scrapbooking to a whole new level...awesome layouts...great inspiration and challenges). If you have visited, 2 Scrappy chicks (http://www.2scrappychicks.com) then go by and visit today. You will be glad that you did.

Using Multiple Pictures Creatively

2006-07-21T10:59:00.000-05:00

Are you stuck in a multiple pictures layout rut? Do you seem to be using multiple pictures in the same way on your layouts? I have the solution to this ever present problem. Think of the smaller pictures as embellishments.

When you look at the smaller pictures as embellishments a world of possibilities open before your eyes. One possibility is to put the picture in a tiny decorated slide frame. Another possibility is to use paint or chalk to distress the picture and then put the picture in a title or other unique location.

In this two page layout, I wanted to incorporate a lot of pictures of my son smiling, laughing and having fun to go along with the "theme" of the layout. So rather than putting a bunch of pictures on the page, I put the smaller pictures (ones of just his facial expressions) in decorated slide frames. I used the frames as embellishments to enhance the page. The frames add to the mood of the page and do not distract the viewer from the main pictures in the layout.

Layout Simplicity

2006-07-20T08:37:00.000-05:00

Too often in scrapbooking, I see layouts that are just overdone whether it be too much patterned paper or too many embellishments. This is often a common mistake amongst beginning scrapbookers as well as advanced scrapbookers alike. With some pictures, less is truly more. The pictures should do the "explaining" therefore adding a lot of embellishments or patterned paper to a page would just drawn the attention away from the picture. If you have a picture that speaks a thousand words to those who view it, try doing a more simplistic layout.

Freestyle Newbie

2006-07-19T09:38:00.000-05:00

I really love the edgy,creative look of a Freestyle layout. It is so refreshing and for me, very challenging. Often I am so thinking "what will others think" that composing a layout in Freestyle form allows me to just create and have fun. On From Here to Scrapternity, we were each given a "kit" that included the same various items such as ribbon, cloth, rub on's, patterned paper, cardstock, etc. Our task was to create a one or two page layout that used as many of these items as we could. So I took this as an opportunity to make a freestyle type LO. Not too shabby for a first timer! LOL!

No Patterned Paper Allowed

2006-07-18T10:24:00.000-05:00

Recently, I noticed nothing but patterned paper in all my new layouts. I chuckled to myself and thought "You, my dear, are in a creative 'rut' ". So I decided to challenge myself and create scrapbook layouts with no patterned paper allowed. EKKK! My poor Basic Grey, K I Memories, Junkitz, and Wild Asparugus paper will not be used for a couple of layouts.

This is one of my attempts at creating a layout with the "no patterned paper allowed" rule in effect.

I was pleased with this layout because the color not only match the picture but the color combination works well for the layout as a whole.

This is only a test

2006-07-18T08:55:00.000-05:00

If this had been an actual post...it would be better. LOL!