Create a Mess

Card share

2011-10-04T16:39:00.003-04:00

World Card Making day was this pasted Saturday, Oct 1. I had a chance to get a card done for a challenge over at the Fawn Lawn blog. I made a Thank You card for a friend that is always driving us around. Please excuse the poorly lit photo.

Supplies: Cardstocks - Unknown, Ink - Memories Black ink, colors by Stampin' Up; Homemade Twinkling H2Os; Ribbon - Michaels; White pen - Inksentials

Hot Pink Challenge

2011-08-18T14:23:00.004-04:00

Here's another page done for the challenges Shimelle is hosting this week. To get the details and see a video of Shimelle's page check this blog post. From Shimelle's layout, I used the 7x7 square of paper and a little hot pink as my inspiration.

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Paper, Thickers & Flair - American Crafts; Punch - Fiskars

Surprise...another challenge and layout.

2011-08-15T22:55:00.004-04:00

Well, Shimelle said she had some surprises in store for us this week. She had a video and a challenge posted on her blog today. So I got my stuff back out and made another layout. Check this blog post for the video and to see the details of the challenge.

I stuck really close to the design of her layout. I had both versions of the Adore Bingo card from Jenni Bowlin. I decided to use the lighter version on a black cardstock base. Instead of paint, which would be to messy to use in bed, I used yellow cardstock.

Supplies: Black Cardstock - unknown; Yellow Paper - American Crafts;
Adore Bingo Card - Jenni Bowlin; Butterfly Punch - Martha Stewart Crafts;
Small letter Stickers - Making Memories; Staples - Tim Holtz

Sketch of the Week with Shimelle

2011-08-14T22:36:00.003-04:00

This is the last layout of my crafty weekend.

I have made:
One 6x12 photo-less layout that adds to a story.
Four 8.5x11 single page layouts
Seven 12x12 single page layouts
And One 12x12 double page layout
That's a lot of scrapping.

Making these layouts made me realize that I work better with a set of plans in front of me. Having Shimelle issue challenges, gave me a clear set of goals to complete. I need to right down some similar challenges to take with me to my monthly crop. I seem to have trouble doing layouts there.

And I enjoy working with a limited set of supplies. Most of the layouts I completed used supplies from American Crafts. The most used supplies were from 2 different older collections, Moda Bella and Everyday. I chose those 2 collections, because I had the complete set of supplies to work with. And I love the colors. I worked with heritage, special occasions. and everyday photos with the same papers and embellishments. And all the layouts worked.

Now here's the last layout I completed. It's for Shimelle's sketch of the week. See this post to get the sketch and join along. I followed the sketch pretty close. I just had to replace the smaller photos with a strip of pattern paper.

Supplies:Graph Paper - Scenic Route; Cardstock, Pattern Paper, Details Stickers, & Thickers - American Crafts; Small Letter Stickers - Making Memories; Circle Punch - Martha Stewart Crafts;

The Signature Accent Challenge

2011-08-14T22:21:00.005-04:00

This challenge was to create a page with a product or technique that you use often. To learn more about the challenge, visit this blog post.

As soon as I saw this challenge, I knew what I would do. It's something I use quite often. I have used it a few times this crafty weekend. My go-to technique is using pattern paper in a block with a photo and ribbon. I use this technique, most often, when I only have a single photo from an event. All the layouts I did this weekend featured a vertical photo. But I use it with horizontal photos, too. With horizontal photos, I usually substitute accordion folded paper strips for the ribbon.

Supplies: Cardstock, Pattern Paper, & Thickers - American Crafts; Ribbon - Lil' Davis Designs;
Staples - Tim Holtz

Since I don't store my layouts in chronological order, the layouts that are similar in design are almost never beside each other in my albums. And while, I use this technique often, people looking at my albums never notice, because there are so many other pages in there.

The Half Page Challenge

2011-08-14T15:20:00.003-04:00

I think this challenge has been the easiest for me. If you'd like to join in on this challenge, just visit this blog post for all the info.

Having lots of white space is something I do a lot when scrapbooking. Just looking back at the rest of the layouts I've done this weekend. You can see I like lots of open space.

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Paper (including the Pink) & Thickers - American Crafts; Border Bunch - Martha Stewart

Just a small note about this layout. It doesn't have a date or place on it. But I have another single page from this same trip. It has more journaling and info. So I plan on adding this layout to the facing page.

3 is a Magic Number Challenge.

2011-08-14T14:58:00.004-04:00

I may have taken this challenge too far. I have a bunch of threes on this layout. If you'd like to join along, check this post for all the details.

Last October, my husband and I went to see "Rocky Horror Picture Show" that featured audience participation. It was fun. And it makes me want to go to see it again. But this time, I want to find a showing that features actors acting it out along side of the movie. Seeing this movie in a theater was actually something I had wanted to do for years. So, it was nice to cross it off my bucket list.

I have 3 groupings of 3 flowers on this one. I tried going with just 1 grouping, but it didn't seem to work. My photos had some blank spaces that needed filling. And speaking of photos, I used 3 of those.

Supplies; Cardstock - Bazzill; Black Flocked paper - unknown; Black & White flowers - Making Memories; Red Flowers (Originally White) - Prima; Spray Mist - Maya Road; Thickers and Black center brads - American Crafts; Ribbon - Michaels

I made this layout a little over the top. (Well, it is for me) But I think it's fitting, given the movie's plot line.

Let's Go Retro Challenge

2011-08-14T14:49:00.003-04:00

It's a bright new day. And I've already been plugging away at layouts for the Online Scrapbooking Weekend with Shimelle. The link takes you to her blog, so you can join in.

The next challenge was to use a photo that was taken before 2011. Get all the details at this post.
This photo is of my husband when he was a baby. The journaling is about his hairline, then and now.

Supplies; Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Paper, Journaling Block (cut into 2 pieces) & Letter Stickers - Making Memories; Ribbon - American Crafts; Mini Staple - Tim Holtz

Last Challenge of the Day

2011-08-14T00:11:00.003-04:00

Check this post at www.shimelle.com for details. It's a challenge to scrap something you "heart" or love.

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Paper & Foam Thicker Heart - American Crafts; Black Letter Stickers - Making Memories; Journaling Spot - Martha Stewart Crafts; Mini Staples - Tim Holtz; Ribbon - Michaels

I know, for some people, a treat from Starbucks wouldn't be a big deal. But for me, there are only a few times a year that I indulge. So, I'm glad that I got to record this memory on a page.
(And it's one I must have really wanted to get on a page. I found a couple copies of this photo.)

Grid It Up Scrapbook Challenge

2011-08-13T22:45:00.003-04:00

I did a 2-page layout for the next challenge. Get the details at this post.

I've had these photos printed out for a while now. I snapped them through the car window during a trip from New Jersey to South Carolina. That's about 750 miles (or about 1,207 km). That's 6 states and the District of Columbia.

Supplies: Cardstock, Pattern Paper, Brads & Flair Button - American Crafts; Letter Stickers - Making Memories; White Pen - Ranger; Photos taken with Hipstamatic iPhone app

A Color Story Challenge

2011-08-13T22:34:00.003-04:00

Here's my take on a red, white and aqua layout. Check this post for details.

Supplies: Red Carstock - Bazzill; Aqua Carstock, Pattern Paper, & Thickers - American Crafts; Enjoy Cutting File - Kerri Bradford

This layout started with the color pallet given to us by Shimelle. The second thing I knew I was going to use was this "enjoy" border cut file from Kerri Bradford. It's a simple layout, but the journaling is what stands out on this one.

Add To The Story Challenge.

2011-08-13T13:06:00.002-04:00

Warning: my page this challenge deals with loss and miscarriage. I know lots of people only scrap the good things. But I'm not like that. Sometimes the misfortunes of our lives must be recorded. And this is one of the times for me.

Here's the next Shimelle challenge. Click this link to find out the details.

This challenge was an easy/hard one for me. The page came together easy. But the journaling under the flap was very hard. I wanted it private., so that's why the gray flower paper was used to make a hidden spot for my thoughts. I suffered a miscarriage at 11.5 weeks this past April. We saw the heartbeat a few times before that. I thought we were in the clear. I was wrong. I have some pages that I did before the miscarriage. But I don't want to do a whole page on the loss. So this 6x12 page, with the hidden journaling was a good solution. This one will go before those other pages. Just so things stay clear to people looking in the album in the future.

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Paper & Thickers - American Crafts; Ribbon - Michaels

Now any children we may have in the future can see why there aren't any photos of this baby growing up. They can read about the hurt, but also my desire to remember a life that was lost way to soon.

Starting Point Challenge

2011-08-13T10:53:00.002-04:00

Here's another page for the challenges at www.shimelle.com. This time Shimelle challenged us to use a layout she designed as a starting point. Check this post of all the details and to see the layout.

This layout used photos of my husband's mom when she was a young girl.

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Paper, Chipboard, Thickers & Ribbon - American Crafts; Small Letter Stickers - Making Memories.

Shimelle has a Wake Up Call this morning with a giveaway to one lucky person. She asked what we wanted to scrapbook today. My answer was "old family photos. And with this layout, I've done that. I've linked the post, so go check it out. But you have to hurry. The giveaway closes tonight (13th August 2011) at midnight UK time.

Playing with Paper

2011-08-13T09:40:00.002-04:00

I'm on a roll now. Here's the latest layout. You can find out the details of this challenge at this blog post. I tried to stick with just paper as embellishments, but it didn't work for me. I tried to use paper in place of that ribbon. In the end, I just had to change it to that ribbon. It made the layout work so much better.

Supplies: Kraft Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Paper - Studio Calico; Ribbon - SEI

I saw someone use the SC paper like this. I have wanted to try this since then. It took 2 sheets of the scallop paper to do this. Then the "Welcome Home" comes from another sheet of paper. My husband asked, "Why did you use that "Welcome Home" piece." Well, to me, where he is is home. And I thought it worked for the layout of us through the years.

Another layout

2011-08-12T21:11:00.004-04:00

Another layout for the Online Scrapbooking Weekend hosted by Shimelle. This challenge was to use a printable made by Mary Anne Walters. You download it at the bottom of this post. You can see the details of the challenge at that link.

My printer is out of color ink, so I had to improvise. I printed the journaling box in grey-scale. Then I colored it with a orange marker. It actually worked out better for me, because the original colors didn't work with my chosen papers.

Supplies: Gray cardstock - unknown; Pattern papers (including the orange, which is a backside of a print) and Thickers - American Crafts; Small letter stickers - Making Memories; Ribbon - Michaels

I went ahead and used the same collection of American Crafts products, since they were already out in front of me. This layout started out with the title on the printable journaling block. Then I flipped through my photos and found something that worked with the colors in the paper. And notice that the "N" in FUN is really a "Z" turned on it's side. And that worked because I could fit those smaller stickers under it. I love when things fall together like this.

I have millions of this type of photo. I boogie board every time we go to the beach. And Mark always gets the camera out and takes photos of me. So finding a bathing suit that matched the colors in the paper was pretty easy.

Sticker Layout

2011-08-12T20:08:00.005-04:00

So, the story of this blogs life. Shimelle hosts something, new stuff gets posted here. This weekend, she's hosting an Online Scrapbokking Weekend. Challenges and prizes are going on at her blog. If you'd like to join along this weekend, here's the link to the blog post with the info, Shimelle's Online Scrapbooking Weekend.

And here's the first layout that I completed. It was for this challenge, mixing stickers from different collections.

Supplies: White Cardstock - Bazzill; Thickers, Details Stickers, Pattern Paper - American Crafts

This layout is about a dear friend that passed away last month. She was like another mother to me and my husband. I was so happy to get this photo of the 2 of them together from another friend.

All the products from American Crafts are older lines. The pattern paper and the Details stickers that look like flowers are from the Moda Bella line. The heart shaped Details sticker is from the Everyday line. I have a hard time using those Details stickers, so I was glad to break into 2 different packages of them.

Poor blog

2011-03-16T15:32:00.002-04:00

Dear blog,
I have signed up for Shimelle's class "Blogging of Scrapbookers". It starts on Monday. So I hope that I can become a better blogger. We also have some extra special news to share soon. It should kick start the blogging.

Until then check out Shimelle's website at http://www.shimelle.com/paper/940/scrapbooking-giveaway-day/ for a chance to win a spot at the upcoming True Scrap event.

Days 1 & 2

2010-09-03T13:58:00.002-04:00

Here's the first 2 pages for my Learn Something New album. My classmates are going to learn a lot of stuff about me and IVF. I hope their ready.

Supplies:
Pattern Paper - Studio Calico; Mists - Maya Road

Getting ready for a busy September.

2010-08-31T15:21:00.005-04:00

I was surprised to see that Shimelle linked my album up on her blog today. I got a little excited to see my name on her blog. I'm ready to start my learning tomorrow. I have a fresh memory card in the camera. And the batteries are all charge up. I may even use my iPhone for some of the photos.

And the best news is that we are going to start IVF on schedule. I have a cyst on my right ovary that the Dr was worried about. But it's not producing hormones, so after a small prick tomorrow, it shouldn't be any problem.

Learn Something New 2010

2010-08-30T16:57:00.006-04:00

Here's my album for this year's version of Shimelle's "Learn Something New Everyday" class. I can't believe it's been going on since 2006. I have a few half or mostly complete albums. This year I vow to finish my album.

This year is a little special. Since we should start IVF on the 2nd. This year's class runs a great time for me. Whether or not our journey ends up like we hope, I should have a lot to learn this year.

So I decided to use a homemade album this year. I made covers from canvas. The covers are about 5.5"x7.5". I wrapped chipboard with the canvas and sewed the edges. I added grommets for the book rings.

Supplies: Pattern Paper - Studio Calico; Cardstock- Bazzill; Canvas; foam letter stickers - American Crafts; Square Fabric covered brad - K & Company; Pink Elastic - Paper Salon; Maya Mists

The inside pages were made from Kraft Bazzill. I made pocket pages that are about 5"x7". I wanted a place to write a lot of journaling. I plan on writing a little about what I learn on the outside of the page. But I wanted a place to write more private stuff, if I need it. I can also put extra photos in the pockets.

The inside pages do have some pattern papers on them. I plan of adding embellishments and photos as I go along. I used papers Studio Calico, Sassafras Lass, and Lily Bee. The Studio Calico papers are from the Home Front collection. And the other papers were part of August 09 Studio Calico kit, "Over the Rainbow".
So now I'm just waiting on Sept. to roll around.

One last page

2010-08-16T23:21:00.004-04:00

This is the last page I got done for the challenges at www.shimelle.com. It was a busy weekend that started with me going to CKC Charlotte on Friday. I have all the challenges printed out. I plan on getting more of them done in the coming weeks.

Here's a direct link to this challenge. Scrap with Pink.Supplies:
Pink papers - Crystal Wilkerson Funky Polka Dot Paper
Kraft paper - Jessica Sprague You Are Awsome
Font - Impact and Georgia
Photo taken with Hipstamatic app for iPhone

Quadrants

2010-08-16T22:42:00.003-04:00

Another challenge page. See all the challenges here at www.shimelle.com
Here's a direct link to this Quadrant Challenge.

And as I did these pages, I realized how simple I digi scrap. My paper pages are much more complex than the digi ones.

Anyway, here's my page for this challenge.

Supplies:

Blue papers - Crystal Wilkerson Funky Polka Dot Paper
Kraft paper - Jessica Sprague You Are Awsome
Vintage photo frame - KitschyDigitals Vintage Photo Frames
Font - Courier

A digital page

2010-08-16T21:58:00.004-04:00

Here's another page for the challenges at www.shimelle.com. I'm glad I got a few pages done.
Here's the direct link for this challenge, use the Pink Polka Dot Alphabet.

And here's my page.

Supplies:
Green Dot paper - Crystal Wilkerson Funky Polka Dot Paper
Kraft paper - Jessica Sprague You Are Awsome
Photos taking via iPhone Hipsamatic app

Shimelle challenges

2010-08-16T21:52:00.004-04:00

Supplies:
Kraft paper - Jessica Sprague You Are Awsome
All other papers - Karen Funk Paisley Pop Papers
Label Stamp - Jen Allyson Labels
Font - Courier

Here's a page I did for the challenges at www.shimelle.com

Here's a direct link to this challenge Pages with Circles challenge.

Trying out a new iPhone app

2010-05-06T01:32:00.001-04:00

Just testing out a new way to blog. I have to find an app that works.

2010-04-15T22:55:00.001-04:00

Testing my settings.

Grand Canyon photo

2010-04-15T22:42:00.002-04:00

~ Connie

iPhones and the App store are the best!

2010-04-14T23:38:00.002-04:00

I don't know what took me so long to get an iPhone. The things this thing will do are amazing. Right now, I'm using Glue to post to my very neglected blog. Hopefully being able to post from my iPhone will help me post more.

EDIT: Well, Glue isn't working that great for me. It's posting the titles for the posts, but I'm having to manually add the text for the entry. Now that defeats the purpose of posting from Glue. Maybe they can get that corrects, so I can use it.

Still testing

2010-04-14T23:32:00.001-04:00

Too Much Tea...

2010-03-20T01:21:00.004-04:00

Drinking a couple glasses of sweet iced tea at dinner, leads to blog posts at 1:22 am. I knew I shouldn't drink them. But they were so good.

Since I'm up, here's a page I did for my www.shimelle.com class. Shimelle offered up a challenge to use pattern paper, metals, ribbons and cardstock on a page.

So here's mine.
(The cardstock label holder was cut from scraps and I've had it for at least 4 years.)

Use all the supplies from this week on a page.

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern paper - Basic Grey; Ribbon - Michaels; Letter stickers, metal snaps and brads - Making Memories; Die Cut Label Holder made from Bazzill cardstock and Sizzix Die

I only use this blog to document Shimelle classes.

2010-03-19T15:09:00.003-04:00

I think the title says it all. I only seem to post when I'm doing a class with www.shimelle.com

I'm taking this one right now.

Here's the layouts I've done so far.

Using metals.

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Tape - Michael's; Letters - Heidi Swapp for Advantus; Pattern paper - Basic Grey; Metal Snaps and Brad - Making Memories; Filigree Circle - Unknown

Using Pattern Paper
Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Papers - Collage Press; Basic Grey; Love, Elsie; Making Memories
Chipboard Frame - Sassafras Lass; Letters - Basic Grey

Using Ribbon.
Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Pattern Paper - Love, Elsie; Ribbon - Offray; Journaling Sticker - Luxe Designs; Letters - Basic Grey; Stapler - Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher

Using Cardstock.
Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill; Journaling Block - Shimelle Printable; Letters - American Crafts; Stapler - Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.

Bought a Cricut

2009-10-19T17:48:00.002-04:00

I finally broke down and bought a Cricut. It was all the fault of the Gypsy. That little handheld computer thing broke my resolve. But I'm very pleased with my purchases. And I've been able to make some turkey photos mats to use with Mark's hunting photos.

I've been soaking up a lot of Cricut info. And www.aboverubiesstudio.com was a great start. It has a great cutting guide. It makes cutting all the different mediums such an easy task. No having to waste paper because you didn't set the blade deep enough. Go poke around the site and watch the nice videos there.

I'm off to play with my Cricut a little more.

Day 1 - LSNED

2009-09-01T22:12:00.004-04:00

Digital Kit - Caldera by the Queen of Quirk
Word Art by Shimelle Laine

My first page for my September class, "Learn Something New Everyday" It's only half finished. I'm going to add traditional supplies to my digital page when I get them printed.

This page is going to be about learning new technology. DH and I just added text plans to our phones. And I set up a Facebook page for him today. He's so behind on this type of stuff.

Another Shimelle class

2009-09-01T14:30:00.004-04:00

It seems that the only time I post regularly on this blog, is when I'm in a Shimelle class. I just haven't been able to make blogging into a habit. Maybe I can make it a habit during this month long class.

Click the image to find out more about the class

It's time for Learn Something New Every Day. A super fun class with Shimelle Laine. I'm going to try to post my pages everyday. I'm doing my project digitally. I can't wait to get started. I should have my first page done later today.

Color Challenge Layout #3

2009-06-05T21:18:00.003-04:00

Here's another layout I did thanks to Shimelle. This challenge was to use the color wheel and color theory to do a layout. Again, here is Shimelle's post for more information.

And here's my digital layout using complimentary colors.

Supplies: Template - Sketch Collection #26 by Jen Caputo; Papers - Art Greco Mini Kit by The Queen of Quirk; Fonts - Jefferson and Georgia

Using the color wheel is something that I don't normally do. So it was a nice change to start with colors in mind, then find supplies that work. I did have fun and I think that I will do more layouts using the wheel.

Color Challenge Layout #2

2009-06-04T22:31:00.003-04:00

Today there is more color fun from Shimelle.
Check out this post to join in on this challenge. That post explains the challenge a lot better than I can.

I had a lot of fun spinning the color wheel at this web site.
Here's the color combo that I decided to use as the basis for my layout.

And here's my layout for today. The scan is a little washed out. It is a little brighter in real life. And it looks crooked, but it's not.

Supplies: Cardstock - American Crafts; Die cut paper - KI Memories; Letter Stickers - American Crafts and Making Memories; White pen - Ranger Inkssentials

That makes 2 layouts I've made this month. I hope I can keep it up for all of June.

A Month of Color thanks to Shimelle.

2009-06-02T19:38:00.006-04:00

Go check out www.shimelle.com and join Shimelle for a month of color.

I was inspired to do this digital page for today's challenge.

Supplies: Papers - Playtime (retired) by Meredith Fenwick; Template - Scrap Canvas 10 by The Queen of Quirk
Rainbow Border - Kate Teague; Fonts - Diesel and MF Willy Nilly (retired)

I've been scrapping a lot with paper lately. And it felt good to do a digital page. I can't wait to play with color all month long.

Free Mini Class

2009-01-16T18:00:00.002-05:00

Image by Shimelle

Shimelle is offering a free mini class. Check out this blog post for more info. It has all the dates and the supply list.

And check out this post to enter a drawing for a few prizes Shimelle is offering.

Plans

2009-01-10T22:27:00.002-05:00

So it's been a long time. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do here. One goal for this year is to get a plan all figured out.

Also on the list for this year are the following items.
1. Get fit with Wii Fit
2. Clean out my scraproom and get rid of half of the stuff in there.
3. Take more photos. Especially ttv shots.
4. Create more. Digital pages and traditional scrap pages.
5. Have more fun.

So here's to 2009. I know you'll be a great year.

Yay! Digital Scrapbooking TV is back.

2008-11-22T20:21:00.002-05:00

Last year, Jen Caputo debuted Digital Scrapbooking TV. It was a very good online "how-to" show.
I enjoyed watching the episodes she produced.

Then she bought a house. And if you have ever bought a house, you know how that can suck up all your spare time.

And then even worse, her laptop was stolen.

So the episodes tapered off.

Lucky for me, she's back. In a slightly different format. The episodes aren't as long. But really that's ok. I don't have a lot of time. So being able to sit down and watch a 10 minute show fits my schedule.

So go check out her latest episode. Episode 5
I can't wait to get those text paths. They look like they would be a lot of fun. And if you share the new, maybe you can win a set.

I just need to say...

2008-11-19T20:36:00.003-05:00

crowdSPRING, hire Kelly Purkey for your new Community Marketing Manager!

I didn't have anything else to say today. But I can share a photo to took a couple weeks ago.

Video

2008-11-17T00:57:00.000-05:00

Let's see if this will work.

Win a Quilt and a few other things.

2008-11-16T22:02:00.005-05:00

I still have to post the Cuttlebug cards. I just didn't have enough time this weekend to get everything done. I'll try to get a few projects posted this week.

Would you like to win this quilt?

Go check out this cool contest from Dana at http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/
She has a nice 3 quilt giveaway going on. You have until tomorrow to enter. All 3 quilts are beautiful. Go check her blog and enter the contest. I promise you'll thank me.

I really need one of those quilts. It's getting cold here. And we need a new heating unit. So no heat isn't really fun right now. I have a space heater going. I'm waiting on the local gas company to come run a gas line and put in a meter. They should have been here Thursday or Friday. But it rained, so no men came to hook me up. Then the heater men have to come and put in the new unit. I hope this can all be worked out this week. I know if it rolls into next week, I'm going to have trouble. It's so hard to get work done in a holiday week.

And I turned 34 Saturday. I feel the same. I got a new lens for my camera. A 50 mm 1.8. I think I should have gotten the better made 50 mm 1.4. The 1.8 is noisy and I hope I can get used to that.

Cuttlebug

2008-11-13T23:57:00.000-05:00

Why did I wait so long to buy you?

I'll be back tomorrow with a few projects.

Planning for the next week.

2008-11-12T23:55:00.003-05:00

I'm trying to plan a little scrapping time. I hope that I can go to a friend's house Friday evening and get some stuff done. I have a few projects that I want to do for Thanksgiving. I need to make a plan and gather my materials for those projects.

I also need to plan out our Christmas cards. I can't make up my mind if I want to do a digital card or hand stamped one.

I'm planning on going to get a Cuttlebug tomorrow. I want it and a few of the embossing folders. I have my list planned out.

And I have a new camera lens coming. It's my birthday present. So I'm planning what I can shoot when it gets here.

And I have a box of paper stuff coming. So I'm planning the cute stuff I'll make when it gets here.

Now that I have my plans made. I need to make sure they get completed.

ttv

2008-11-11T23:06:00.003-05:00

While I was waiting around Saturday for the hunters to return from the hunt, I went for a little walk. I knew there were train tracks close by. So I took my cameras and walked along the tracks looking for some cool shots. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled across a junkyard in the woods. I think it is really someone's backyard. But there were about 15 cars in the pines. Here are a few shots I took. I hope you enjoy.

Baking Gals

2008-11-10T21:52:00.002-05:00

I mailed my package off for my Baking Gals group.
I had 2 containers of these cookie bars. I got the recipe at Cookie Madness.
Here's a direct link to the recipe.
These are wonderful. I added the nuts.

I totally forgot to take a photo of the bars in the container. I had to stuff the container full.

Here are the Christmas cards I made. There are 11 of those. All pretty simple.
I love the bright paper. All but the ones with the stockings were made with We Are Memory Keepers paper. It had the green dot on the back. The other patterns were in each quadrant on the backside. So I got a lot of different looks from the same paper.

The stocking cards were made with some older Junkitz paper designed by Teresa Collins. It's hard to make out but under the stockings it reads, "the stocking were hung".

I also included some other cards I made. Most of these are "Thank you" and "Thinking of You". I thought both of those would be in demand. There are 40 cards here. I made most of these at a crop a while ago. They have been waiting for me to send them off to www.cardsforheroes.org. But I added them in this box instead. I still have a lot of cards to mail off to Cards for Heroes.

Then I included almost all these drink mix packets. There are 116 servings. I couldn't fit one of the cherry flavored box. I'll save that for next round.

And I put in 3 packs of wet wipes, a box of q-tips and a magazine my husband wanted to send. And I forgot to take a photo of those things. It took me an hour to squeeze everything in. My box weighted 11 pounds and 12 ounces. And I couldn't fit in another thing. I hope it gets there safe. And I hope that those cookie bars taste good in that far off place.

Tired

2008-11-09T20:49:00.002-05:00

I have a good excuse for not blogging Friday and Saturday. I cooked food for a lot of people. I'm not sure of the exact number. But dinner Friday had to be more than 110 people. Lunch Saturday was 60 to 70. And I served leftovers to about 20 last night. And all the food they ate, I cooked with my own hands. It was a lot of work. But I wouldn't trade for anything. It was for the hunt that my husband puts on for Disabled people. I'm still recovering. I'll have some photos to share tomorrow.

Spoiled...

2008-11-06T22:49:00.002-05:00

I've been reading The Pioneer Woman's blog for a while now. Here's a link. Make sure and visit all the tabs. I enjoy her humor. And because of her blog, I found the blog linked in the post about Faith a few days ago.

Well right now, her husband and 2 daughters are in the Dominican Republic. Go read about their trip. And maybe you'll realize that Americans (in general) are spoiled. I'm tired of hearing how bad we have it. I personally know, I am very blessed.

This post really touched me. In the midst of all that poverty. One family found Hope. Real hope.

Finding a way to help.

2008-11-05T20:47:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to post a little note about a project I'm working on.
I joined a group of bakers/cardmarkers at this site http://bakinggals.com/
It works like this.
Someone forms a group and finds people to join.
All group members agree to bake some homemade cookies to send to soldiers overseas.
And sometimes the groups agree to add something special to their packages.

The group I joined is mailing cookies and 10 homemade cards. One of the other group members has a son who is in the Army. He is our send to person. We mail our packages out to him. He has to give the stuff out.

I've got a recipe for a cookie bar that I'm going to make. I need to make a test run this week. I have to mail the package out by Monday. I should be ready.

I just wanted to post about this little thing. And I hope that you can find some small way to help the world around you.

Faith

2008-11-04T15:11:00.002-05:00

I have a confession to make. I don't attend church. I haven't since I was in my early teens. I used to lie about it to my friends. If they asked I told them that I attended one, but I really didn't. I mean I have attended a service or 2. But I haven't attended regularly in years and years.

I do consider myself a Christian. I try to live my life as God would like. I try to be good to less fortunate people. I don't lie, cheat or steal. I don't feel like going to church wipes the sins of the other 6 days away. I try to be good all 7 days of the week.

I've been reading a blog lately. And it's making me think hard about my faith. Here's a link This is Reverb. Maybe you have doubts too. And maybe that pastor can show you that not all Christians are the same.

I need a "do over"

2008-11-03T22:28:00.005-05:00

So I can't blog everyday in November. I never turned the computer on yesterday. I had a busy day of cleaning out a storage trailer. I had to make a trip to Big Lots for a plastic storage bin.

Then I spend some time visiting a few friends. I didn't realize how long I took doing that. It was after 10pm when I got home.

I had to call the police because some kids knocked over some large mailboxes. The mailboxes were in the road. a few streets from my house. It's a stupid thing to have to call the police about, but I don't want it to escalate into anything larger. I did use the non emergency line.

Here's a digital page I did tonight.

click here for a complete supply list
Most of the supplies are from www.scrapbookgraphics.com

I have busy week. Mark's disabled deer hunt is this weekend. And crazy me is cooking for about 100 people. I must have been out of my mind when I agreed to that. But I am going to try to blog the rest of the week.

Blog Everyday???

2008-11-01T23:45:00.001-04:00

I wonder if I can blog everyday in November? I'm going to try it and see what happens.

Wanna win some paper goodies?

2008-10-16T19:00:00.001-04:00

Check out the Webster's Pages blog. They are doing a give away with their newest line. It looks like some beautiful stuff.
Check them out right here, Webster's blog

Digital Layout

2008-10-13T22:22:00.008-04:00

This is a layout I did tonight. It's a new kit from Meredith Fenwick called Pitter Pat.

Click here for credits

Here's a photo of the kit.

Here's the link to the kit in her store at www.scrapbookgraphics.com. The kit is called Pitter Pat and it's a great kit for fall photos.

And if you haven't checked out Meredith's shop, you need to. She is one talented designer and she is very generous. When I took the classes at Jessica Sprague to learn to digi scrap...Meredith was always one of the designers that donated supplies and coupon codes. And I was able to pick up this kit with a gift certificate I won by doing a challenge with one of her templates. I own almost 80% of her shop at Scrapbook Graphics, because I love her stuff.

Now I need to get out and find some fall colors, so I can make more pages.

Photos

2008-10-11T16:18:00.004-04:00

Two photos from our trip to Edisto Island 2 weeks ago. It was warm and pretty nice.

Thank goodness Fall is in the air...

2008-09-22T15:14:00.005-04:00

taken with Kodak Duaflex II and Canon Digital Rebel XT, enhanced with EZ Actions

I live in the South. It's usually hot or hotter here. So I'm very thankful that Fall is trying to pay us a visit this year. It's already getting cooler. I actually wore a long sleeve shirt Saturday morning for a few hours. And I turned off the air conditioner last Thursday. Highs have been around the lower 80's.

I especially glad that cooler temperatures are here, because it means I can get out and take more photos. It's hard to lug around 2 cameras when the temp. is over 95. And since I only seem to want to take ttv photos lately, my load has gotten heavier. So the heat kept me close to home.

I'm excited that I finally bought one of the cameras on my ttv wish list. It's an Ensign Ful-Vue. It is a vintage camera that was made in England. I won an Ebay auction for one yesterday. But I'm getting a little worried, since I haven't gotten a revised invoice from the seller. I won it early yesterday and requested the invoice right way. And it's been over 24 hours. The seller did respond to my question about the shipping costs to the US very quickly. So the seller may have gone off for the weekend. I'm just being impaitent. I've been trying to win one on Ebay for months. I can't wait to get it, so I can post a photo of it. I hope the shipping from England will be fast.

And I bought 4 other cameras on Ebay yesterday. The Ful-Vue is going to cost almost $22.50 with shipping. The other 4 cost me $20.32 total. Those cameras are 2 more Kodak Duaflex IIs, an Argoflex 75, and an Ansco camera. The Ansco isn't for ttv, it was in a lot with the Argoflex, so I had to take it. It will look good on my camera shelf.

I didn't mean to buy 2 more of the Duaflex, but they were such bargins. I paid $3.99 for one. And the other was $5.54. And the collector in me couldn't pass those up.

And it looks like I'll get to take some beach ttv photos. Mark and I are heading to Edisto this Friday for the weekend. I can't wait to take a bunch of photos.

Childhood Memories

2008-09-13T08:55:00.003-04:00

So last month, Kerry Lyn Yeary had a pre-sale of her first kit at Kenner Road. On that day, I was at the CK Convention in Charlotte. And I decided not to take my laptop, so I totally missed out. I know that Kerry will have some on sale starting midnight EST on the 15th. But I think it will be next month, before I could even try to swing a kit. Car taxes and insurance are due. I hate when bills get in the way of my scrapping habit.

I guess, I first noticed Kerry on the Hambly design team. I love her vintage touches. She always seems to do projects that appeal to me. I was secretly glad when she announced that she was doing a monthly kit. To celebrate the beginning of Kenner Road, the girls on the Creative team are offering a few few giveaways. I love to win stuff, and I want to win a prize from Kenner Road. So here's a post about my childhood street, so that maybe, I can win a cool prize.

I grew up on Diamond Street. We actually lived in 2 houses there. We first moved to a small 2 bedroom house, when my sister was a baby. About the time that we would have had to share a room, my parents bought the house next door. It was much larger. And it was a nasty green color.

The street was on a large hill. I remember my dad having to park at the top of the hill, when icy roads were expected. Once the road got a little ice on it, you couldn't make it to the top. It was so steep, most of the kids had to push their bikes to the top. You couldn't ride to the top. It was just too hard.

I remember playing with the other neighborhood kids. In the early 80's, you could stay outside all day until dark. Summer was spent building a dam in the creek and swimming in the water. I was probably lucky I was never bitten by a snake. Just thinking about the muddy water, gives me the chills now. So many things you do when you're a child look plain stupid when you grow up. Swimming in that creek is one of the them.

I also remember having bottle rocket wars. You always wanted to get the top of the hill. I don't know what our parents were thinking. 9 and 10 year olds, outside, tossing lit bottle rockets at each other. It's amazing that I'm able to type. I could have easily blown a few fingers off.

I remember playing on the playground. Swinging as high as I could, then jumping out. Soaring out. Competeing with the other kids. Trying to jump out the farthest. Nice easy times. No bills. No responsiblity. Wishing I could grow up faster. If I only knew then, what I know now. I think I'm still be swing in those swings. No cares in the world.

So that's a little taste of Diamond St.
Now visit the Kenner Road Creative team blogs and enter jthe drawings. You could win a cool prize too.
Kerry Lynn
Dina
Gi
Amy
Jayne

You never know

2008-09-12T17:23:00.002-04:00

I guess you just never realize how people affect you until they're gone.

Someone I never met, spoke to, or even emailed passed away today on her way to work. She was in a car crash. I knew her because we were both members of the monthly kit Studio Calico. Her name was Aleida Franklin. And I'll miss her posts. She had a quick sense of humor. And I think she saw it as her job to welcome new members to Studio Calico. It just won't be the same at Studio Calico without her posts.

I'll keep her family in my thoughts as they try to figure out what's next. I just can't image what her children are going through.

And I'll make sure an give my husband an extra hug tonight when he gets home from work. Because you just never know.

Here's a link to her blog.
The Scrappin Rican

2008-08-25T13:40:00.004-04:00

I did finish the rest of the World ttv Dazes last week. I just got busy and didn't get a chance to post those photos. But you can see them in my flickr photostream. Here's the link to that, my flickr

I did participate in Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk this past Saturday.
Here's a few of my favorites from the day. And yes, I took most of my shots ttv.

More shots are at flickr.

World TTV Daze - Day 4 photos

2008-08-14T21:33:00.004-04:00

I'm off to the CK Convention in Charlotte in the morning. And I'm not taking my laptop. But I am taking my SLR and Duaflex II. So I'll post my photos for Friday and Saturday sometime this week. I'm really glad I'm only taking 3 classes. I can spend a lot of my time taking photos of Charlotte.

So here are my images from today.

World TTV Daze - Day 3 photos

2008-08-14T21:20:00.005-04:00

Here are my photos from yesterday. I'll have today's coming up in another post.

World TTV Daze - Day 2 photos

2008-08-12T22:55:00.005-04:00

Here's today's photos.

World TTV Daze 2008

2008-08-11T22:22:00.006-04:00

Today was the first day of the 2008 World TTV Daze.
I'm happy to report that I got my contraption built this afternoon. Then, I went outside to take a bunch of photos in the yard.

Here are the 7 that I added to the Flickr group. And if you have time, check out the flickr group.
World TtV Daze Flickr group

All were edited in Photoshop Elements. I used actions from www.ezactions.com
I love that EZ Actions are really easy. Just a few clicks and simple adjustments and I have wonderfully edited photos.

I think tomorrow, I'm going to go take photos around town. I've been meaning to stop by a local building and take a few photos. The building has a vintage Pepsi advertisement painted on it's side. I think it would be a fun place to get a few shots.

Holiday Mini Album Christmas Tree Ornament

2008-08-04T16:55:00.005-04:00

Wow, that's a mouth full.

I love watching scrapbook and craft videos. I have a bunch of blogs bookmarked that show techniques and projects. One of my favorite blogs is Leah Fung's. Click her name to get to her blog.

Back at the end of June, she, Johanna Peterson, and Donna Salazar, did a video and it had a contest in it. All you had to do was go to Epson's Creative Zone and download a project and complete it. Epson's Creative Zone has a bunch of fun projects you can do using Epson printers and photos. There is a wide range of projects. And here's a direct link to the post about the contest. The deadline was extended until Aug 7. That's this Thursday. So you still have time to enter. And you can win a Epson Picturemate Zoom. It's the one that has a built-in CD reader/burner.

The project I chose was supposed to be a 4x6 mini album. But I resized the pages to be a small. They are only 4 x 2.66". That is the perfect size to hang on my Christmas tree. I think I may do one every year to add to my tree. That way, I can remember some of the little traditions we have. This mini is about our annual trip to a local children's home that really puts on a great Christmas show. There is a living Nativity play, carols, lights, horse drawn carriages to see all the lights, and hot chocolate.

So here's some photos of the completed project.
The Cover:
And the some inside pages:

And here is a direct link to the project I chose.
Project #275 (the pages are already done, you just have to add your photos and print)
Other Supplies:
Making Memories Wordfetti; ribbon; Photoshop Elements; Font: CK Ali's Hand

I hope will join me in doing a project and linking it to their blog. Last I heard, the chances were pretty good. But I know there has to be a lot of people like me...waiting until the last minute.

2008-07-19T17:18:00.002-04:00

I'm thinking of starting to post projects here. Just really for me, so I can stop by and admire my creations and photography.

I've made a ton of mini albums that I haven't posted anywhere. I'd like to post them to share with far off family. I'm really bad about getting photos to them. But maybe if I start sharing stuff online, it will get better.

And I've taken up TTV photography. I'd like to start posting my favorites someplace other than flickr
TTV stands for Through the Viewfinder. You use one camera to shoot through the viewfinder of another camera. Most of the viewfinder cameras are vintage Dual Lens Reflex cameras. The viewing lenses of those cameras are huge. Here's a link to my favorite flickr group - Through The Viewfinder
The discussions at that group fills in a lot to the technical questions on TTV.
And Russ Morris' website (http://www.russmorris.com/ttv/) is the best place to start if you want to start taking TTV photos.

So maybe what I should do is come up with a schedule for posting a few times a week. Maybe a day for mini album projects, a day for layouts, and one for TTV. I think I could swing 3 posts a week, if I know what I need to post before hand.

Let me think on that and maybe I'll start a real schedule in Aug.

Help me Win!

2008-07-15T19:58:00.004-04:00

Want to win this beautiful quilt???

(Photo taken from Dana's blog)

Dana over at the Old Red Barn Co is giving this beautiful handmade quilt away. And I'd love to win it.
Check out this blog post to get more info on how you could get a few chances at this quilt.
http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/2008/07/win-this-quilt.html

I found my way to the quilt giveaway because I have Sandy Henderson's blog bookmarked in bloglines. Sandy designed the fabric used in the quilt. I have a bunch of fabric blogs I like to read. I love the colors and designs that are in today's fabrics.

I love quilts. But I have to admit that quilting is something I haven't tried. Maybe I need to write that on my bucket list.

Now I'm off to figure out how to post a graphic in my sidebar. I need those extra 5 chances. And I think I need to break out the flip and see if I can do a video that earns me 50 more.
Wish me good luck.

Christmas is around the corner.

2007-12-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

Where did the year go? I can't believe that my grandfather has lived with us for a whole year. Time has really flown by.

Christmas is around the corner. Here's few places to visit to help get you in the holiday spirit.

Visit Tim Holtz's blog. He's doing a great "12 Tags of Christmas" series. I'm learning a lot and wanting to take some time to create.

Yesterday, Donna Salazar made my day. I left a comment on her blog and she sent me an email. Just a small unexpected note. Something that really brightened my day. I really love seeing the things she creates. So full of art and it looks like she has so much fun creating it.

And I love the small things Rebecca Sower is posting on her blog.

I have to admit the commercialism of Christmas has put a small damper on my Christmas. But I took a few steps yesterday to get things back on the right track. I took 2 names off on of the Christmas trees at the local mall. You know... the ones that charities and churches put up, to get less fortunate people a few gifts for Christmas. I picked a teen-aged girl and a man in hospice care. Both had really simple wishes, and that touched my heart. I almost started crying at the mall when I read the things they wanted. So, I got both of them some stuff. I really wanted to get the rest of those names off the that tree. Maybe next year, I can do more.

I have already turned in a toy, an outfit and some socks for another name I got off a different tree at my friend's beauty shop. That child is developmental challenged, so I hope that the blocks I got will be ok.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Wondering

2007-11-29T22:56:00.001-05:00

Really had a lot of trouble today. Don't really know what's going to happen with my grandfather. He looked pretty bad today. (Yesterday he told me the hospital wouldn't have released him if he wasn't well. I think he may have another opinion today. I don't think he's feeling good.)

Feeling a little guilty, because I said some really harsh things to him. Things that are the truth, but I don't think he wanted to hear them. Mainly about his kids and how sorry they really are. But that's me. I'm very blunt and to the point. No point in beating around a bush.

Also worried about other bigger news. Something that I hope is true, but I'm scared to let myself believe that it's really happening. We'll have to see how that pans out.

Also trying to figure out a shopping list for Christmas. And trying to plan out activities to do this month. I really want to make it special by doing all the small things that come with Christmas. Driving around looking at Christmas lights is a big one on my list.

Now I'm off to bed, hopefully I can get rid of this headache that I've had all day. It's really been a pain.

Yuck!!!

2007-11-28T23:20:00.000-05:00

Things not going well. My grandfather was back in the hospital this week. I'm really getting worried that he'll lose some more pieces off his foot.

Just had a huge fight with him. He's old and yes I understand he's taken care of himself for this long. But he's not doing a great job at it. And then gets mad at DH and I when we step in.

Then called his son, the man that donated sperm that created me. And I have to say that's the only thing that piece of sh!t has ever done good for me. He denied that my grandfather was his father, and hung up on me. I understand that he doesn't want to deal with the man. But the sperm donor will call my grandfather if he needs something. Makes me so mad. Not that I need the man's help. But it is his father, for goodness sake. My grandfather could use the help.

So the hospital released my grandfather. And I knew it was strange. When I talked to the Dr today, she told me she would only let him go if his regular Dr could see him in the next 2 days. Well, he came home with no appointment. So in the middle of the fight, he informs me, that he did talk to his regular Dr and she offered him an appointment for tomorrow, but he didn't take it. Talk about being angry again. I just don't understand why he can't get it through his head that these infections are very serious.

I take that back, I do understand why he can't understand. He's 81 and a man. Not to offend anyone, but he is acting more and more like a child. And for some reason it has fallen on me to be caretaker. I guess that's because his daughter is so busy with her family. And his son is a piece of sh!t. Really I don't what my grandparents were thinking when they raised those 2.

I hate to admit this, but I'm not going to fight with him every month. We have had the same fight the last 2 months. He says he can take care of himself, and I say he needs help. Next month, if this same fight comes up, I'll let him take care of himself and he'll have to go back to live with his daughter. I can only do so much. And I have had it up to here. I can't help someone that isn't willing to have help. I can't let this situation affect my marriage. I'm taking my frustrations out on my husband who is a wonderful man. He's taken my grandfather to appointments, checked on him at the hospital and just generally been there to help me. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have him.

I think it used to bother my husband that I didn't have a lot of contact with my family. But I think he's starting to see why I don't. My family isn't anything like his big loving family. Lucky for us we spent Thanksgiving with them. Those happy memories have helped me lot in the past few days.

I hope that I can get through this week. I need another vacation. Maybe I can talk DH into a trip at Christmas to see his family. I think that would be nice. (I don't think that will happen, but I can dream.)

Ali thinks I have good ideas.

2007-11-11T17:31:00.000-05:00

Took a little time to check out some of my favorite blogs the other day. And stumbled across a post about Advent calendar boxes on Ali Edward's blog (click her name to go to her blog). Here's a link to the post Ali's Christmas Project #3 . Go read about the project. It sound really cool. And if you have kids, I'm sure they'll love it. I left a comment about the project on her blog, which I rarely do.

Here's what I said. "I think it would be cool to find a big (and ornate) frame from a estate sale, junk store, or yard sale and back it with plywood. You could use paint or decorative paper to decorate the plywood. Then you have a framed piece to hang. And it's reusable."

So fast forward to today, when I'm checking a few blogs again. Friday, Ali posted a few replies and comments about the comments left by visitors on that post.

And I saw this comment by Ali, "3. loved the idea of a big old frame to go around the outside of the grouped boxes - may try that one next year"

So I go and check, I think I was the only one to mention the frame. So even if my family doesn't think I have good ideas...Ali does.

I lost more than a month.

2007-11-07T16:31:00.002-05:00

Man,
I knew October was going to busy. But then the surprise trip to the emergency room with my grandfather who is 81 and lives with my husband and I. And his week long stay in the hospital after one of his toes was amputated... I really got so far behind. I'm slowly digging myself out. It's hard to keep up with his appointments. Someone has to go with him, when he visits a doctor. And since his children won't take the responsibility, it fall on my shoulders. And he's blessed that I'm married to such a wonderful man, since my DH has gone with him about half the time.

I had to take time to do a few things that I wanted to do. Like joining the Digital Scrapbooking Day fun at www.scrapbookgraphics.com It was fun day. And I needed to have a day just to myself.

I'm also behind in my class at www.jessicasprague.com I can tell you the techniques we're learning this round are really cool, but I haven't had time to do my layouts.

And one more thing, if you do scrap digitally, please go check out www.songbirdavenue.com It's a great site that has a charity scrapbook kit each month. All proceeds go to a different charity each month. This month "Toys for Tots" benefits from the kit. Check out this great kit.

Click the photo to see it bigger.
Hope you check out Songbird Avenue. And maybe it won't be so long until my next post.

MIA

2007-09-21T01:17:00.000-04:00

Sorry, I've been trying to get some things done around the house. So I haven't turned on the computer in a few days. I've been trying to help my husband get some stuff done that had to go out ASAP. But I'm winding that down and should have more "me" time soon.

I have a bunch of stuff to post about. I also have a lot of creative stuff to post. Don't think I'll have a chance to post much this weekend. But will try to get back on track next week.

Catching Up - Part 1

2007-09-13T22:18:00.001-04:00

Had a great time at the beach. Wish I could stay for a month or two.
Getting caught up with everything. I can't believe how far behind I got in just 3 days.
I'll have to make another "catch up" post tomorrow or Saturday to show you some of the great goodies that arrived while I was gone.

To tide you over until I have more time to post, here's 4 days of my Shimelle class. I still have to finish today's. I just have to print the picture.

Day 9 - "It's easy to relax on the beach"
All supplies Making Memories

Day 10 - "You can Adapt"

All supplies from Making Memories except pink paper under "you" from Hambly Studios

Day 11 - "Never leave the camera in the room. You'll miss dolphins."

Supplies - Pink letter stickers - MAMBI, Small letter stickers - Making Memories
Pattern Paper - Fontwerks

Day 12 - "I don't recover from quick trips like I use to."

Supplies - Pattern paper - Hambly Studios, All stickers - Making Memories

To the Beach

2007-09-08T23:16:00.001-04:00

Going to Hilton Head Island, SC in the morning for a few days. Can't wait to get to the beach.

Here's my Shimelle page for today. Helping my husband with an event for disabled people gave me my lesson learned today. It's so easy to take for granted what you have. When you see people missing limbs and in wheelchairs, it does make you realize all the small things that a person can complain about are so trivial.

I am glad to have a few days off from real life. I'll take my computer, but I doubt the condo has internet service. I usually need it to clear off my memory cards for the camera. It's nothing for me to take a thousand or more photos on a trip like this. I always take more than I need, so that I am sure to have exactly what I want.

Hope the rest of the weekend is fun for you.

Quick Post

2007-09-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

Here's my page for today.
PP and transparency are from Hambly Studios
Letter stickers, ribbon and sticker label are from Making Memories.

I have a long day tomorrow (well really later this morning.), so I'm off to bed.

Stuff

2007-09-06T17:52:00.001-04:00

Here's my pages for Day 5 & 6 for my Learn Something New Class with shimelle, with a little background info.

Day 5 - "Some days you have to force yourself to do things". All supplies from Making Memories

And I had to get out and take some photos for another online class. This water tower was one of the photos. I took 3 different towers at old mills near my home.

I am behind in the photo class. I signed up for it at www.feelgoodphotos.co.uk. Click on the camera lens to get to the workshops. It is a 10 week course with Cheryl Johnson. Her photos are wonderful. But the weather has been so hot that I haven't wanted to get out and take any pictures. So I really had to force myself to get out.

(Why I signed up for 3 in the same time period, I don't know, but I am having fun. I am staying caught up in the Shimelle and Jessica Sprague classes. Of course I can stay in the air-conditioning for those. And the weather seems to be cooling down, so I should be able to get out more.)

Day 6 - "Even adults need playtime"
Supplies: pattern paper from Tinkering Ink; Bazzill cardstock; letter stickers from Making Memories & MAMBI; paint from MM and Heidi Swapp; transparency from Hambly Studios and 2 sizes of bubble wrap

This one was just about getting out paint and bubble wrap and playing. Seeing the technique so many times in the past 2 days, made me think about doing a page on it. And I have to say, it wasn't as messy as I thought. And I can't wait to play with this technique some more.

In other notes:
I've bought 2 glass pendants from Allison Kreft ( Her Etsy Store )
I'm waiting on a package from Anodyne Design
I'll post about both when they get here.

And I'm off to Hilton Head Island, SC on Sunday for a small trip. I can't wait for that. I get to see my sister-in-law and her husband. And that will be fun. And it will be the third time this year I've gone to the beach. That's highly unusual, since my husband isn't crazy about the beach. But I like it, so I'm happy.

Hopefully, I'll get 2 more posts in before the beach.

Digital Scrapbooking

2007-09-05T17:17:00.000-04:00

I really love scrapbooking with paper. And I'll never give it up, but I have to admit that digital scrapbooking has really gotten my interest lately.

I'm currently in an online class at www.jessicasprague.com. It's her "Up & Running" class. And I think it's the best online class I've ever taken. I've taken a lot that I like, but the knowledge I'm gaining in this one is worth every penny I paid. And for $40, I really think it's a steal.

You get almost all the materials you need to complete weekly layouts. You do have to supply a computer, photos, and some sort of editing software. I already had Photoshop Elements 5. But you can download a free trial, if you want to try it out. Or you can use another brand if you have it. The videos are showing the screen in PSE5, but there have been hints for Mac users.

Today's mid-week lesson in the class, helped me do a layout that I struggled with all weekend. My favorite online digi store, scrapbookgraphics.com has added a new designing team. It's a brother and sister team from Germany called ONdesigns. Here's a link to their store, ONdesigns. They have some cool "textured" items in their store I can't wait to get my hands on.

And on the ONdesign Blog, they are running a contest using one of their templates. So I thought I would try to do a page. Let me say that I took half the afternoon Sunday trying to figure out how to do the page. I finally had to save the layout at the point I had it at, and close it. I really thought I wouldn't get to do the layout. So I'm glad to say that Jessica, came to my rescue today. She did a lesson on Clipping Masks. So I can now proudly post my layout using ONdesigns' template.

And here it is. All I had to do was add paper, and I colored the title and swirls. And it's the first layout I've ever done with a template. Now that I know what I'm doing, it really is easier to start with a template. And next time, I'll be able to add more embellishments.

Supplies:
Template - Ondesigns ( ONdesigns blog and store )
All Papers - "Out There" mini kit, Meredith Fenwick Designs ( Studio Meredith also at scrapbookgraphics.com )

I do have most of my Shimelle page done for the day, but I still need to add the photo. Really I have to take and add the photo. So it may be the morning before I can post it.

Today's Page

2007-09-04T21:34:00.001-04:00

Here's today's page. Glad that I'm keeping up.

Hopefully, I will get some time to add a few other things I'm doing sometime this week.

Learn Something New pages

2007-09-03T22:30:00.000-04:00

Here's the other pages for the Shimelle class.
Check out www.shimelle.com for more info.

Click the photos to get a bigger view, so you can read the journaling.
Here's day one -

Here's day 2 -

Here is today's -

I spent the whole day in my PJs, cutting and gathering all the supplies for this album. It was a nice and relaxing day. Just what Labor Day is supposed to be.

2007-09-03T20:31:00.001-04:00

I'm a little late posting this. I just got caught up. I'll post the other pages tomorrow.

This September, I'm going back to school. In my own little world.
I've got a book and a pen and I'm going to record what I learn from life.
I believe I really can learn something new every day.
I'll share what I'm learning in the form of pages from my book, posted right here on my blog.

I'm not alone: lots of crafty ladies are learning and recording right along with me.

See their work
here
and
here.

Learn more about our project
here.

Hope everyone in the US had a great Labor Day. I stayed in my PJs. And it was great!

The beginning

2007-08-25T23:45:00.000-04:00

Let's drink to the beginning of a new blog. Does the world really need another blog? Probably not, but I think I may need a place to share, vent and record my thoughts.

Let's hope that it lives up to my expectations.