Back To School............

...............at The Cuttlebug Spot! Our challenge this week is to create a project using "Celebrate Education" as your theme! I made a card using a new technique for me - masking! I stamped my Tilda first, stamped her a second time on a scrap sheet of paper and then masked her and stamped the desk over her to give it the appearance of being behind her. It took a couple tries to get it lined up just right but I think I like this technique! Most the time I just stamp the background image and then cut out the foreground image and pop dot it so I might just do this masking thing again!

I used the DCWV school packs - High School and Grade School (I really like these 2 if you can tell I've used them a lot lately........LOL), ribbon from my stash, the Adventure ticket is from EK Success, Swiss Dots and Numbers Cuttlebug Embossing Folders, Copics and check out that cute little corkboard star on the bow!! I had it in my stash and thought it would go great with this!

My card:



The cute little corkboard star:



and Copics:



I think this little Tilda is just adorable. While I was working on this card I was thinking of one of my co-workers little girl who just started her first year of school this past week. I remember when I put Cait in school the first time it was a big adventure for her so the EK Success ticket Adventure fit just perfect for me. It also reminded me that my babies aren't babies anymore! Can you believe our son will be 17 in October and our daughter 18 in February! UGH!!! LOL

Anywho, I am also submitting this card at PaperCraft Planet for the sketch challenge this week too so stop by and join us if you can!

The final challenge I used this card for was at Paper Play - who also used the theme Back to School.


As for personal stuff, let's see:

Kids are enjoying school and seem to be settling in good. They enjoy their classes so far so that is a plus.

Rob is still doing great at his job. He is out of training and actually working on his own so when he gets home his brain is a little fried but he is enjoying it.

Me, my job is going well. I've gotten some good recognition for my hard work - I am still learning the ropes though so things are still a little fuzzy for me but they are happy with me so far - that's a good thing..........LOL.

My Mom and Dad will be here this Thursday!!!! I am so tickled about this lemme tell ya! I haven't seen them since we moved in May and I was used to seeing them every 3 weeks or so - a big adjustment for me! LOL My brother was going to try and come down for the weekend too because we haven't seen him in a few years but his work has been slow so he can't make it this time. Luckily we only live 6 hours from him so hopefully after a few months he is back to working steady and we've finally come out of our financial hole from being out of work for almost a year and then the move on top of it that we can get together.

OK, I'm off - I started back to school this past week as well so I have a lot to get done in order to spend time with my parents this next weekend!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

BELLARIFIC FRIDAY AUG 28

Hi all!! I was blog surfing some more tonite and ran across the sketch challenge at Stampin' Bella - why the heck do I forget about the weekly challenge there?? I have close to 20 Bella stamps and def need to use them more so, I've added the Bella Blog to my blog roll so I'll see when it is updated! Maybe then I'll remember to use my Bella's more!!

Anywho, my card is based off the sketch at Bloggin' Bella for the Bellarific Friday challenge (if you scroll about halfway down you'll see my card posted there...wooohoo).

My card:



and Copics used:



With my new term starting back yesterday I thought this Bella fit perfectly for a quick reminder that it is time for me to hit the books again!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!

Some More Yummy Blog Candy

I ran across this blog candy today at Inkling 2 Stamp and had to share!!! Make sure you follow all her tips for extra entries as well!

Profesional 'Blow'job..............Wait a minute, WHAT????

..................Yep, you read the title right - Professional 'Blow'job!!! This week at Charisma we decided to step it up a little and change our normal card challenges into a layout challenge. My LO was inspired by the sketch over at Unscripted Sketches - although I don't know if they will like me linking to them with this title but...........it is all in fun so get your minds out of the gutter!!!!

So background on my LO:


In April of this year if you recall I went to Tennessee on a scrappy retreat with some lovely ladies. Since the retreat we haven't been as close and this tears at my scrappy heart but what do you do. Regardless, the subject of my layout is Aymee. Aymee is just adorable and definitely girly. I just love her style and outlook on life. While we were in Tennessee before going up to the cabin Aymee decided to paint her toenails. She was in a hurry to dry them so she grabbed the hair dryer - and I grabbed the camera. While she was "blowing" her toenails I told her I had the perfect layout in mind titled "Professional 'Blow'job"!!! Since April I haven't done a lot of layouts due to time constraints with so much going on in our lives including a move, new jobs, getting settled in, school, etc. When Carly challenged us this week to do a LO to shake things up a little at Charisma I knew that this LO was ready to make its debut to the scrapping world - and most likely get me some nasty comments/emails but hey, lighten up, it is all in fun!!!!

So, get your minds out of the gutter and be gentle on me with this - it truly was done all in fun!!!



A close up of Aymee's toes!!! Hey Aymee, at least I didn't use the picture of you flipping me off!!! LOL



Check out the rub-on of nail polish, how cute is that?? LOL



And how bout that rub-on of the hair dryer???



And my final tribute to my girly girl Aymee, "Girls Will Be Girls":




I also used this LO for a challenge I found during my blog surfing over at Creations by KW since it was a simple challenge to just do a LO.

I hope you got a good laugh from this layout. I truly do not mean to insult anyone, it is a lighthearted play on words for a very fun memory I have of our time together in Tennessee!!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

Magnolia-licious Monthly Group Challenge - Bookmark

This month the Magnolia-licious Yahoo Group that I am a member of posted the challenge for the home page card for September as a bookmark. I haven't made bookmarks in quite some time now but I had a blast using my Tilda image for this bookmark.

My bookmark:



Close up of my Tilda Tassel:



and Copics used:




All DP's are DCWV from the school stacks and that cah-yute little Tilda was stamped, colored and Shrinky Dinked - I had a blast doing that!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

The Road to 500

Hi All!!! The Scrapping Cottage, a very generous sponsor over at The Cuttlebug Spot, is on the drive to 500 followers and are giving away a $250 shopping spree to one lucky follower once they reach 500!! So, cruise on over to The Scrapping Cottage and follow the requirements (as I am doing) and get yourself entered into a chance to win the $250 shopping spree! Good Luck!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!

Quick Pop Up Card

Hi all - back again to post my DT Card for Charisma Cardz. No, not my weekly card but my DT Challenge card. Carly hosts a challenge for the DT members to play along with and have a chance to win a small something every couple months and this month we were challenged to "pop up" for the occasion. Now pop up cards are not my thing - I've tried before and failed miserably. I tried again for this challenge and while I don't consider it a complete failure, it is def not what I had envisioned.

So, for my card! I used The Cat's Pajama's image and sentiment, Copics and Little Yellow Bicycle papers along with the patter for the cake from here. This is kind of a fun thing but I def think I need a lot more work!!

My card front:




inside w/pop up:




and Copics used:



Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

Three for One

Howdy ho neighbors!!! I just finished up a fun Magnolia card that I'm submitting for 3 challenges:


Card Positioning Systems - Super cute sketch.

ABC Challenge - Buttons!

Pile It On - Good things come in threes! So, I used 3 papers from the Fancy Pants Aged Florals Line: Lovebird, Honeybunches & Sweet Nothings; 3 Flowers with 3 Buttons AND...................3 challenges, CPS, ABC and Pile It ON!!!

My card:




and the Copics I used:




Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

Come on over...........

..............the grill is HOT!!

It's coming to the end of summer for us here in the States - well, about another month officially. Our challenge this week at The Cuttlebug Spot was to use the word "HOT" on our card. I chose this fab Grillin' Fella Bella stamp from Stampin' Bella to use. The sentiment was computer generated, DP's are DCWV Summer Stack, Copics, buttons from my stash and I used the Diamond Plate and Morrocan Cuttlebug Embossing Folders along with my Nesties to cut out my image and image background.


And for my card:





and Copics used:





And as usual, I have used this card for two other challenges!

Cute Card Thursday - The challenge is "Lazy Days of Summer" and when I think of summer I always think of cookouts with friends and family even though we don't live close to family we used to have them quite frequent!

Friday Sketchers - Carole hosted with another fab sketch to work from. I flipped it and added a sentiment spot and put just 3 buttons where the flowers show on her sketch but I really like how it turned out!


And for my news.................Cute Card Thursday has asked me to Guest DT in October! I have two weeks where I will be playing along with the rest of the amazing DT so be ready to play along with me - I already have my cards in process and they will be too cah-yute!!! (If I do say so myself......***snicker***)!!!

As always thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!!

How Bout a Sketch?

I created several sketches today and thought I'd share one that I used to make a card with tonight. You are more than welcome to use my sketches at any time, heck, I'd be honored if you used them. The only thing I ask for you to do is credit me and link back to my blog if you do decided to use one.

This card was made using one of the sketches I made today and to fill a couple challenges:

Basic Grey - Color combo of pink, brown and yellow. I used papers from Blush and Infuse lines along with LilyKate ribbon.

Stamp Something - Birthday somethings.

My sketch:




My card:




and Copics used:




Let's see, supplies used: BG DP from Infuse and Blush lines, BG Ribbon from LilyKate line, Copics, Stickles, beads from stash for "sprinkles", Prima flower, Image and sentiments The Cat's Pajamas and Bazzill CS.


What do ya think? I'm hoping I'll be back tomorrow with another card using one of my sketches. Remember, you are more than welcome to use my sketches just please link back to me giving me credit for them.

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

Free Chicken Sandwich..................

..............from Chic-Fil-A!!!

Go HERE and sign up!!!

Featured!

OMG! I am tickled pink this evening! I got an email from Susana Boyd of Paper Craft Planet and my card that I posted last Sunday fulfilling several challenges including a couple on PCP is being featured on the main page! And it is featured as one of their "shooting stars" this week in their newsletter (just click on newsletter to download the issue)!!! How cool is that??? I just had to share!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!

What a great day!

Today was a fab day! I have had a great week at work - still learning the ropes but doing better in my opinion. I've been told by several co-workers and management that I am doing a great job so that makes me totally happy. Today though, I was "awarded" with a certificate to recognize my efforts, a goodie bag and a treat from our district manager so that made me smile even more than I typically do!

As for my scrappy life - well I got a little secret that I am ready to spill but I gotta find out if I can yet! Want a hint?? It is guest designer for a blog that I have played on before and it will be in October - as soon as I find out if I can spill the beans I'll def let you ALL know!

I don't think I have anything scrappy to show today - this week I worked more than anticipated (only 5 hours but those 5 hours kicked my butt....LOL) so I didn't take much crafting time. I spent most of my "off" time with the hubby and kids which was nice to kick back and relax.

For now, I'm off to pay bills ****ugh**** the one thing that I DON'T like about payday............LOL. Then I think I am going to sweet talk the hubby into taking me to Genghis Grill tonite - I'm itching for some Mongolian!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!

Cupcake-a-Bella!

I so love this image! I stamp her all the time but rarely use her - why? I got nothing'!! LOL I do have her sitting around quite often though as she just brings a smile to my face!

This card is for our weekly challenge at Charisma Cardz - use the colors lemon, pink and green. I used Paris in Spring papers by Autumn Leaves, Cupcake-a-Bella image, rub-on from Kelly Panacci for SandyLion, my Copics, ribbon from Making Memories and Stickles!

My card:




and Copics used:



I also used this card for the 1st Birthday Challenge at Cupcake Craft Challenges where the challenge was something sweet!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

The Pixie Cottage Design Team Call

Hi all! Michelle at Michelle's Scrapbooking has started her own stamp company - The Pixie Cottage. She is holding a design team call and well, I decided I wanted to try out! So, if you are interested go to The Pixie Cottage Design Team Call post and do as I am doing!!!

The requirements are to post 3 of your recent projects, link back to the DT call post and an email with the information requested for the call..................so.............here goes!!!

My 3 recent projects I'd like to submit are:











I could post so many more that are favored by me but since the call only asks for 3 I won't bombard them with more (the side link on my blog goes to all my cards....***snicker***)!!!

So, cross your fingers and wish me luck!!!!


As always thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

Mama Always Said..................

...............Imitation is the best form of flattery. So, I must say I am flattered to see several imitations of my Just Magnolia card floating around out there. I am so honored that I was able to provide inspiration for some of you - thanks for letting me know!!!

It is such a great design that I decided to "imitate" it myself this week for the Inky Impressions blog challenge "Tag, Your It" challenge - I did change it up just a bit by putting the image on the tag and inside the pocket instead of outside the pocket but I stuck with the basic overall design.

Inky Impressions were generous to offer a digi design to use for the challenge so that even us that are unfortunate to own any Inky Impressions at this time could play along!!!

My card:




the tag pulled out:




the tag by itself:




and Copics used:




Isn't this image just adorable??? I totally love it and plan to use it again soon!!!


Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!



PS: This design was originally inspired by the weekly challenge at Just Magnolia using the fab sketch by Martine!

More Blog Candy

I can't help but sharing when I find yummy blog candy. I've not won any yet but I hope that my dear friends win if I can't! This candy is just freaking amazing!!! Denise is offering up this huge prize so make sure you pop on over and enter for a chance to win. While you are there check out her amazing work - she truly is one talented lady!!!

Party Time.........

...............at The Cuttlebug Spot!!! This weeks challenge is "Invitations" - any type of invitation you would like!! I chose a cupcake that I cut out using my Cricut and then embossed the "cupcake liner" and the "frosting" while adding a candle cut out with the Birthday Wishes die by Cuttlebug. I added gems to the "frosting" and Stickles to the "candle" for the flame effect. Inside I kept it simple - Party Time and date, time, place. These would be really quick and easy invites for a kids party at school.

My invitation:



inside:



I started out differently with this but it became so bulky I had to remove a couple layers. I do plan on trying it again later to see if I can figure out how to make it layered and interactive like I wanted but not so bulky it doesn't close - I promise, it was really cool being a flap card opening from several directions but by the time I added the "frosting" and "cupcake liner" on each layer (which was needed to keep the look going) it was so bulky I couldn't close it ------->>>>> :( that is my sad face but never fear, I will try again!!!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

Digi Images

I'm starting to really fall in love with digi images - no mess, no storage issues (they can go anywhere I go on the laptop) and what a huge variety I am finding out there. This card was made for a sketch challenge at Paper Craft Planet using a digi image from Mo at Digital Pencil and being used for the Copic Buzz Challenge as well!!!


My card:




and Copics used:




Make sure you stop by and check out the rest of Mo's digi images at Digital Pencil - you won't be disappointed!!!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

Happy Birthday from Friday Sketchers

This card is for the sketch at Friday Sketchers this week. I had other plans for this card but changed direction once I got started. I used the Happy Birthday and Birthday Wishes embossing folders although you can't really see the Happy Birthday one on the blue patterned paper. I also used my nesties for the background shape on the image, Basic Grey papers, Stickles, Whipper Snapper Designs image, Happy Birthday rub-on from DCWV, American Crafts ribbon, flowers by Prima and gems/buttons from my stash!


My card:



and Copics used:




If you look close you can see a different color on the dots on her bow on the original but when I realized I was off on the colors I had to fix it and was to lazy to color the entire image again.........LOL.

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

Bad, Bad.....................

................Girlfriend!!

Oh yeah, this song rocks! I've been singing it all day in my head and had to pop up the video on YouTube so thought I'd share! These guys are flippin' awesome!!!


*********IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER*************

This song contains lyrics that are not necessarily appropriate for all so listen at your own risk!




And now for me being a bad, bad girl..................LOL!!!

I ordered some new Magnolia stamps about a week ago - I couldn't resist them even though I shouldn't have!!!



I got Butterfly Tilda, School Books Tilda and then background images: Spring, Cottage, Desk, Swing.

Now I just need to find time to play with them! I have been working this week and then finals are this week and my DT work so it leaves little time for me to play right now!!!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin' - I hope to have some work up this weekend!!!

Attention, Attention: Blog Candy Alert

I've always loved Stephanie's work and enjoying checking out her blog weekly but this week she has really done it! She is offering up a yummy blog candy prize of $150 to the store of your choice - yep, you read that right! So, take some time to check out her work - you will be floored - and take a chance at entering for her blog candy! If you comment tell her you found her blog through me - it doesn't help me win as it is totally random, I just like for people to know I'm sending visitors their way!

GOOD LUCK!!

Charisma and The Cutting Cafe

This week over at Charisma Cardz we are sponsored again by the fabulous digi products from The Cutting Cafe. I haven't done a lot with digi designs before but I have to say that Regina's sentiments are perfect to use in cardmaking as well as scrapbooking. I chose to use a Happy Birthday sentiment on my card which was inspired by the sketch we have this week. My Mom's birthday is coming up in November and this sentiment just really fit the bill for what I always want her to know.

My card:




and the Copics used:




Make sure you stop by Charisma Cardz and play along with out sketch challenge and YOU could be the winner of some fabulous digi products from The Cutting Cafe!!!

I used Stickles, papers from Making Memories, image from Stampavie Rachel Anne Miller and bling from Hero Arts. I kept this card pretty simple but of course wanted to add flowers and ribbon - who knows, closer it gets to her birthday I might have to add more to it!! LOL

As always, thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!

New Do's

While at the mall with the kids waiting for JC Penney to open so we could finish school clothes shopping I told Cait she should go into the salon and get her hair cut - she's been talking about it for a while just hadn't done anything about it. So, in we went while Dylan did his shopping in Penney's. Cait chose a stacked bob style cut and talked me into getting my hair cut as well - into a very similar style.

Here are pics of our new "do's":










Whaddaya think? I am hoping it is easier and quicker for me to fix for work and the same for her with school.

And I can't forget Dylan - he found these shorts and just loved them but man they are so heavy!



Don't forget tomorrow is Charisma time! Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!

A Gift For You

This week at Just Magnolia we were challenged to create from a fantastic sketch by Martine. I immediately thought of making my card a gift card holder since there was a tag that could be used.

My card:




My tag:




The gift card holder:




and the Copics used:




If you notice the image is on both the card and the tag - I only adhered her by her head so she would slide in and out with the tag. I have the blue ribbon across the front anchoring her feet when the tag is in the pocket.

Well, it is time for me to get ready for work. Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!!


PS Don't forget Thursday is another reveal at Charisma Cardz - just wait til you see what everyone has created, fabulous stuff I'm tellin' ya!!!