Beate's sketch challenge

I checked Beate's sketch challenge out this morning while the kids were eating breakfast. I initially didn't have any ideas but I knew I wanted to participate. So as soon as my hubby left to take the kids to school- I pulled out my One of a Kind stamp set and my brand new Boho Blossoms punch. I had this card just about finished by the time my hubby got back! Not bad, huh?

I am discovering that even though I am not that great at coloring yet- it always looks better with watercolor paper!!

Recipe:

Stamps: One of a Kind

Paper: Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper, River Rock, Guava, Water color

Ink: Black Stazon, Guava, Appricot

Other: Guava Ribbon, Boho Blossoms Punch, Corner Rounder, Aquapainter, Demensionals, Rhinestone brad

Sweet Strawberries!

As I was dressing the girls this morning- all I could think about was how great the strawberry stamp from Tart and Tangy matches their dress. So I asked me to pose for pics. Which they happily agreed to! Even Kyler wanted in on it! Now I have the perfect pics for a scrapbook layout using Tart and Tangy!! I am sure that you will be seeing it soon!

Everything I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny

This is the layout that my March scrapbook clubs will be making! I love the way that it turned out! And it has room for at least 8 photos- which is a plus for people (like me) who will take a million pictures on Easter! I plan on just putting photos on the squares with plain carstock. The ones that have patterned paper and ribbon- I am going to leave as is- so that the eye has somewhere to rest. Don't you love the eggs?! I stamped them with A Good Egg stamp set and then colored with with markers and blender pen. Then I used versamark ink on the entire egg and heat embossed them with Irredescent Ice. They sparkle! The colors for the page are So Safron, Regal Rose, Wild Wasabi and Soft Sky.

If you click on the picture, you can enlarge it so you can read the poem. It is adorable! I printed the poem and the title on my computer. Usually I make my club stamp everything, but this poem was just too cute to pass up!

Let me know what you think!! I would be willing to sell this one as a kit to those who aren't in my club. Email me for info: sears1130@cox.net

Funky, Fresh and Fun!

It was 82 degrees here today! So I knew that I needed to make a fun summer card. And what says summer better than a strawberry?! The stamp set and the paper are from the occasions mini catalog that you can order from starting March 1st. The sentiment is from the Eastern Elegance rub-ons. And I made the window for my strawberry with my square punch. The colors are Real Red and Always Artichoke.

My twins!

My twins are as different as can be! One is loud and one is quiet. One is girly and one is rough and tough. One loves to sing and one loves to dance. They compliment each other perfectly! And they are both adorable!

Priceless Case

I cased this sweet card from Stampin' Success magazine. I think the colors are very bright and cheerful!

The colors are White, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red. The stamp set is Priceless and I did cut the butterfly out and pop it up on demensionals.

Tart and Tangy Class

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple days, but I have been so busy with classes and workshops that I have been on the go all weekend! But I am back now!

My March class will feature the stamp set Tart and Tangy and the patterned paper from the new occasion mini catalog. We will be amking 10 cards and a super cute box to keep them in!

When: Friday, March 28th at 7PM or

Sunday, March 30th at 1PM

Fee: $20

If you can't attend class, I will off long distance kits for $25. I will prestamp, punch and cut the projects. You will recieve all the suplies along with instructions and pictures to put the projects together. Please email me at sears1130@cox.net to RSVP.

Special surprise for my rub-on class!

I am having my rub-on class tonight. Each participant is supposed to get their own package of the Eastern Elegance rub-ons to use to make the projects. I ordered them over a week ago. But they aren't here!! I didn't want to cancel. So I got all my rub-ons out and they will make the projects with the rub-ons that I have. It may not be exactly like the sample- but they will learn how to use them! Then when their rub-ons arrive, they will have the entire package to use on their own! Well I still felt bad- so I decided to design an extra project for the class! This morning I made this 12x12 layout for my class to make with the sale-a-bration rub-ons and the Enjoy Every Moment stamp set. Hopefully this will keep them happy!

And aren't the pics of my girls from the park last week pretty cute?!

You came true

This is the make and take that we will be doing at a scrapbooking event I am attending tonight. I cased this sweet page from Beate! I changes the colors, patterned paper and ribbon but I kept the same stamps because I loved the way they looked!!! Thanks, Beate!

I just got this patterned paper. It is called Spring Break. I really wasn't too in love with it in the catalog- but now that I have it- it's awesome!!!! It will be perfect for summer pics and the colors are great for some "Boy" papges!

The stamp sets are Fun and Fast Notes and Sem Sayings. The colors are Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Soft Sky. The images are colored with a blender pen and ink pads. The little flower in cut out and popped up with demensionals.

Isn't this striped ribbon yummy?! I am already on my 2nd spool of the orange and the red and I just finished the Wild Wasabi! These ribbons are a must!

One of a Kind Butterflies

My daughter's shirt inspired me to make this card. It was turquoise with teal and chocolate chip butterflies on it! The color combo looked pretty! I just wish that I had used my stamp-a-ma-jig for the sentiment. It is crooked! Oh well!

You can't really tell in the pic, but I heat embossed the butterfly with irredescent ice embossing poweder so it sparkles!

Recipe:

Stamps: Pricemess, One of a Kind

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate chip, Whisper White

Ink: Taken with Teal, Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise craft

Other: Circle punches, scallop punch, white gel pen, chocolate chip ribbon, irredescent ice embossing powder, heat gun

Yippee!!!

One of my cards is going to be published for the 1st time! This was my goal for this year and it is only February! I can't tell you anymore but I wanted to share my exciting news. I will post a new project later this morning. Gotta go get the kiddos ready!

More swap cards

Here are some more swap cards that I made for a swap from the occasion mini. It is a variation of a card I made a couple weeks ago. But I like this one better!! I used markers to color the stamps and the stamped image is popped up with dementionals. I don't know if you can tell in the pic but I used crystal effects on the cherries to make them shine! They look yummy! The patterned paper is also from the mini. Isn't it yummy?!

A blast from the past!

I found this picture a couple nights ago and I was just amazed by how tiny the twins were when they were born. They look like dolls!!! This page was made with the Winter Bright Simply Scrappin kit. I have no idea what made me decide to use that kit!

All I added was some whisper white cardstock, some ribbon and a couple rhinestone brads. And I used a rub-on for the title which is "It's a Love Thing."

My Tutu Princess

Laynee decided to wear 5 different tutus around her waist and one on her head! Isn't she a cutie??

Practicing my coloring!

Coloring is not my strength. So I am working on it! Thanks to all my blogging buddies who inspire me!

I made this card to give to my hostess for one of my scrapbook clubs this month. I knew I wanted a stamp that I would get to watercolor so I picked this flower from Embrace Life. I had no idea what I would do with it when I was done coloring but I like the way my card turned out!

The card is a 4x4 card. The base is whisper white and the patterned papers on from the Bali Breeze paper pack. I use my white gel pen to emphasize the centers of the flowers on he DP. I added my favorite old olive ribbon. The sentiment comes from the stamp set Enjoy Every Moment. Now for the flower- I stamped it in stazon ink onm watercolor paper. Then I colored the ntire flower with Tempting Torquoise marker. Then I took Taken with teal and added a little shodow around some of the edges of the flower. Then I took my aquapainter and blended the colors. I cut the flower out and added a rhinestone brad from the pretties kit. Finally I rolled the edges of the flowers with my fingers to give it a more realistic look. I hope that makes sense. Just ask any questions you have!

Anyway- Embrace Life was one of the most popular stamps on your wish lists in my blog candy post. Other favorites were Always and Boho Backgrounds. Those are two that are on my wsih list!!! And I really want the Boho blossom punch as I just go the set One of a Kind.

By te way- I made dinner last night and my hubby loved it. Even the kids loved it. So I guess it was worth the wait. I am back tothen grocery store today for things that I forgot!

And the winner is...

kathy w is the winner of my first blog candy!!! Kathy please email me at sears1130@cox.net with your shipping address and which pack of SU designer series paper you want!
Thanks to everyone for the super sweet comments! You really brightened my weekend!

My first Beate sketch!

I am a huge fan of Beate's blog- but I have never participated in her sketch challenge. But this week I vowed to find time to work on it. And I did!! I am not over joyed with the card, but I was excited to use the hostess set that I have had for quite some time. I got my colors from the Jersy Shore paper pack. Very easy card!

Don't forget to leave a comment on my blog candy post. I will be picking a winner tonight!

Four Kids and a Grocery Store

For those of you who don't know- I have four toddlers. My oldest, just turned 4. I have twins who are 2 1/2 and the youngest is 1 1/2. Scary, huh?

I needed a few things for dinner tonight so I had the dumb idea of taking all four kids to the grocery store by myself. (Are you laughing yet?) The store was crowded and I had to park quite a ways from the door. This should have been my first sign. But no. I was in super mom mode. I took all the kids out of the truck and convinced them to all hold hands as we walked in the store. (There was some fighting over who held whos hand- but not too bad).

When we got inside the store (after numerous people stopped to stare) I found they they did not have any car carts left. If you have kids, you know what I am talking about. I broke the news to the kids. Two were pretty upset. I pulled out two carts and the kids began arguing about who would sit where. We ended up with Danika in the front of one cart, laynee and Kyler in the basket of the second cart and Makenzie in the front of that cart. By this time a line has formed behind me waiting to get at the carts. This is also the time that I get asked if they are triplets.

We proceed to produce (I am pushing one cart and pulling the other). I get some tomatoes. The kids fight over who will hold them. I didn't want anyone to hold them. I lost. It was time to get Bananas. Laynee threw a fit. This is her favorite food. Kyler becomes annoyed with her tantrum and begin kicking her. She cries even louder. I get asked if they are triplets. Another person comments that I have my hands full.

I move to the next aisle. Laynee is still screaming and now putting her legs over the side of the cart and trying to climb out. A woman stops and asks "What did you do to this baby?" I bite my toungue.

Laynee stops crying when I get to the cereal aisle. I gave each kid a box to hold. By the time we got to the end of the aisle- they were trading each other boxes.

The kids ask for cookies. I tell them "no" because they havn't had lunch. Dumb mom. Why didn't I just give them cookies. Someone asks if I have triplets.

The kids begin complaining as I go down the freezer aisles that they are cold. Laynee takes off her shoes, socks, and hair bow. I think that was my punishment for not giving her the banana.

Tomatoes are not in good shape by this point. Looks like we will be having tomatoe juice this week.

Finally I have made it down all the aisles!!! Then I remember that I forgot the taco seasoning that I need for tonight's dinner. It's clear on the other side of the store. I sure am getting tired of pushing two carts. I have run my own foot over several times and nearly taken out an entire retirement community. I am not a good driver. I want to impress my hubby with this fabulous dinner so I head to the other side of the store.

I go down the aisle. It's the wrong aisle. Dang it! The kids keep asking questions. "Where are the taco? Are we having pink tacos? Are we almost there?" People are staring. An employee asks if I am finding everything alright. I bite my toungue again.

Finally time to cash out. Kyler won't sit down and keeps pushing the cart with Danika.

The cashier asks how I am doing. I say "fine." I am a good liar. She asks if they are triplets. The bag boy asks if I need help out. Did he need to ask? I get Danika out of her cart because the bagger has put the groceries in a 3rd cart and we can't get three carts out. Now all the kids want out. They are crying and trying to climb out. A man stops me to ask if they are triplets.

Twenty minutes later the groceries and the kids are loaded. Mission accomplished.

And just in case you were wondering - I forgot to cook the dinner. We ended up having Mac and Cheese. Brilliant, huh?

Hot Shot!

This is the layout that I made for this week's scrappy chick's sketch. I ended up moving some tkhings around and I am not sure how much it looks like the sketch anymore! But it was a great starting place for me!

I took these pictures a year ago and I knew that I wanted to include them in Laynee's album. I even ordered the Just Basketball stamp set with those pictures in mind. That was back in July. Can you believe that I just mounted them yesterday?! But yesterday I was determined to scrap these pictures! At first I didn't like the way it was coming together- but in the end I am happy! Even if there isn't any ribbon on the page!

Recipe:

Stamps,

Well Worn Alphabet, Just Basketball

Paper: Kraft, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Jersey Shore Designer Series Paper

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumkin Pie

Other: Cicle Punch and demensionals (for the ball)

A onsie card for Emma!

My mom asked me to make a card for her neighbor who is having her first birthday. The colors for the party are pink and brown and she is serving cupcakes. So this is what I came up with. I didn't think I had a little cupcake stamp until I thought of the set ABC images. I used an aquapainter and my ink pads to color the cupcake and then I added dazzling diamonds with my 2 way glue pen. The cupcake is popped up on a demensional. The sentiment is from the new set called By Ones and By Twos. As for the card base- I used the tutorial at this blog to create the onsie: http://laurenm.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2008/02/05/create-your-own-onesie-card-tutorial-and-important-note-please-read/ It was really very easy!!! I might use it for my card class next month!

Don't forget to leave a comment on the Blog Candy post. You have until Monday evening.

Two Cute!

Here is another card that I made with the set By Ones and By Twos. The set will be available in the mini catalog on March 1st. This is a card I made for a swap. I know it is simple- but I have to make 30 of them!! I thought it would be a great card for twin boys.

Recipe:

Stamps: By Ones and By Twos

Paper: Summer Picnic, Bashful Blue, Kraft, Whisper White

Ink: Black

Other: Markers, Old Olive Ribbon, Oval Punches

My First Blog Candy!!!!

I cannot believe how much fun I am having with this blog! I am motivated to create new projects everyday and I am learning so much from my blogging buddies. I love all the sweet comments you have been leaving on my blog! It really makes my day! And so I want to thank you by giving away some freebies!!!
For my first blog candy- I have decided to give away a pack of Stampin' Up! Designer series paper! And it can be any pack that you want!!! You pick! I love them all! They are 12x12 and double sided.
All you have to do to win is leave a comment on this post telling me one stamp set that is on your wish list right now. I will radomly select a winner on Monday the 18th at 7pm Mountain standard time.

You make me smile!!!

Who wouldn't smile at this cute baby?!! I had no idea what I was going to create when I sat down to stamp. And the funny thing- I ended up creating this 6x6 without any stamps at all! I never much liked Not Quite Navy- until now. I think it looks great with the Guava! And I am loving those rub-ons!!! I used them on the buttons and for the title! I used my slit punch for the scallop with the white gel pen for the dots. The patterned paper behind the picture is from the Ginger Blossom pack.
This is another project that my rub-on class will be making!

Check back later today as I will be posting my first blog candy! Who doesn't LOVE free goodies?!!

Life is Beautiful

I made this card with the same basic layout as the one yesterday. And even the same stamp set- because I use it all the time! I LOVE the way this card turned out! It may be my favorite card that I have made. And if you are taking my rub-on class- you will be making one too!!

The base of the card is Kraft. I then took a piece of white and used my corner rounder to make the scallop edge. I added that beautiful old olive patterned paper from the Bali Breeze pack. I stamped the flowers from Embrace Life three times on white cardstock with stazon ink. I used my blender pen with Regal Rose, Rose Red, and Old Olive inks to color the flowers. I matted them each with Regal Rose. I then used the wide old olive ribbon. The sentiment on the ribbon "Life is Beautiful" is from the Eastern Elegance rub-ons. Pretty cool, huh! I stamped the large flower in stazon and colored it with regal rose ink. I cute it out and then I curled the tips of the flower with my fingers. I added a rhinestone brad from the Pretties kit and viola!

I hope you like!

A tragic loss

I have a good friend who is in direct sales. Her upline's husband was tragically killed on Saturday night. Someone came into the store his family owned and shot him in the head. There are no leads or motives. He leaves behind a wife and a 3 year-old daughter. You never think these kinds of things will happen to people you know. Makes you want to hug your hubby. Please keep this family in your prayers.

I made this card for my friend to take to the funeral. I cased the card from one I saw on the stampyourheartout blog. I changed a few things but it still looks similar.

Recipe:

Stamps: Embrace Life, Sincere Salutations

Paper: River Rock, Ruby Red, Whisper White, Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper

Ink: Black, Ruby Red, Guava (for the flower)

Other: Corner Rounder, Crop-a-dile (for the embossed dots on the scallop), Guava double-stitched ribbon, blender pen, flower and pearl from the pretties kit snd demensionals.

New Dresses!

My aunt brought these beautiful dresses down this weekend for the girls! The girls had fun modeling them for me this morning!

A gift for my hostess

I made these little 3x3 notecards for my hostess at today's workshop. I used the Pun Fun set and scraps of various patterned paper. All the images were stamped on watercolor paper and colored with my ink pads and blender pen. Don't you just love the striped ribbon?!

Loving the little birdie!

I did not originally order this stamp set from the preview catalog. But when I started to see all the sweet cards- I added it to my wish list. But I am really not all that great at watercoloring and so I was still a bit hesitant about the set. But last month I earned it for free!! So yesterday, I got brave and pulled out the auquapainter and the watercolor paper. And I am prod of how it turned out! This will be one of the projects at my card class at the end of the month. Sorry the photo is so dark.

Recipe:

Stamps: A little Birdie Told Me

Paper: Taken with Teal, Tempting Torquoise, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Watercolor paper

Ink: Black Stazon, Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery, Basic Gray

Other: Auquapainter, Certainly Celery Ribbon, Small Oval Punch (for the shadow), Corner Rounder, Dementionals, paper piercer

Scrappy Chick's Sketch

This is not your traditional "Back to School" scrapbook page. There is no red or blue in it. No "ABC." There are apples though!! In the pictures, the girls were wearing yellow and green dresses so I decided to go with that color scheme. The apple stamps are from the Tart and Tangy set that will be available on Mrach first. I first inked it up in old olive. Then I took my Chocolate Chip marker and colors the stem and then stamped it. The title was printed on my computer and I made the notbook paper myself. I just used my Red and my Bashful Blue Markers and a ruler. Then I took my spiral punch to it. Oh! I almost forgot! Did you see the cute apple dp? It will also be available oln March 1st!

Previews from the Occasions Mini

I was so excited when UPS arrived at 6:30 last night. I put together a few quick cards with my two new stamp sets and my new designer series paper! The stamp sets are die cut so it was so easy and fast to get them put together!

The fruit cards are fromm the set called Tart and Tangy. I LOVE this set!!! It's such a fun summer set! Also- on both of these cards I used the new Summer picnic patterned paper. Isn't it yummy?! The colors are Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red and Kraft. I used my markers to color the stamp directly. Oh- and I got the word "Sweet" from the By Ones and By Twos set.

The baby card is from the set By Ones and By Twos. It's so cute and perfect for baby cards. Plus their are sentiments about twins and adoption. This set was a must have for me. I made this card for my downline, Kati, who just found out that she is having twins! The patterned paper is from the hostess pack. I stamped the onsies two times and paper pieced them. The colors are Apricot Appeal, Black, Pretty in Pink, and Bashful Blue.

These stamp sets and many more are available to customers in the Occasions Mini starting on March 1st!

Eggstra Cute- Take 2

This is another version of the Eggstra Cute layout that I posted last month. I like the bright colors on these eggs much better. I am just having fun with this set as I will be using it for a class next month.

This layout was cased from the ScrappyChick's blog. She posts sketches each week and this week she did an Easter sample page. I loved it and had to make one of my own!

Recipe:

Stamps: Good Egg

Paper: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, So Safron, Cameo Coral, Whisper White

Ink: Black

Other, Markers, Grosgrain Ribbon, Brads, Ticket Corner Punch, Demensionals (I popped the middle egg up). computer (for the title)

the Guava version!

I showed you this same card a few days ago in blue. I cased the card from fatcatstamper. She has an awesome blog!

Yesterday I decided to make the same card in Guava. I really like this version!

I will have another scrapbook layout to show you later today! tfl

An Arizona Snowman!

We live in the desert. The high for this weekend is 73 degrees. But my kids are obsessed with snowmen!! This morning they stacked their bean bag chairs and then put a "magic" hat on top. They were so excited to show me their snowman! Then they all held hands and danced around the snowman singing Frosty the Snowman. I couldn't stop laughing!