About Me

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DFW, Texas, United States
I'm the luckiest woman out there. I'm blessed to be married to my best friend. I have two amazing children, one son-in-law and the most adorable grandson ever with grandson number two due February 2013!!! My passion is people and preserving their memories for generations to come.
Questions, Comments or Concerns:

Email me at craf_t_scrapper@yahoo.com

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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Sheetload of Cards

This first card I made using October's Sheetload of Cards which can be found here - I have to admit, I look at the file every month and think how cute the designs are but I've never sat down and utilized the format they have until now (with a few tweaks of my own...LOL)!!! I flew through making this card in an unbelievable amount of time, heck, it took me longer to choose my image and papers than to make the cards!!!

Anywho, here's my card:

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So seriously, if you are looking for a way to make quick holiday cards I totally recommend going to Sheetload of Cards and check out each months project sheets - you will be amazed at how quick you can pop together some absolutely adorable cards while utilizing your papers to their fullest extent! I am definitely using this again for the rest of my holiday cards!!!

This next pic is my 2nd set of 5 cards that I've made for my show on the 14th of November - I am hoping to get 48 more sets made by then!!! I am also still working on single cards, jewelry and maybe some sewn things!!!

My cards:

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Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin' - I am off to make some more card sets (I'm thinking my ice skating Changito is gonna be a 5 card set since I used the sheetload of cards desgin)!!!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Something A Little Different......................

.............in my attempt to NOT make another easel card!!! LOL Seriously though, I was so flippin' close to hammering out another easel card then I remembered my promise - I'd "TRY" not to make another for a while at least not any that I show and well, I love to show everything I make so........................no easel card for me tonite!!!

I am not sure how I am liking this one as it is extremely simple for me other than all the flaps and flippin' but it is kinda of cool I guess...........you tell me!!!

My card (sorry the first pic is blurry, not sure what is up with that):

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as it unfolds the 1st time:

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and the third time to reveal the gift card:

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and Copics used:

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The little silver circles you see on the first and third flap are little magnets - I just love how they hold the card closed til it is ready to be opened!!!

Thanks for stoppin' by, let me know what you think and happy scrappin'!!!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

A Quick Card

I got this image as part of a prize pack from a challenge blog a while back and haven't really gone through the images to see what was there til yesterday. I found this gorgeous WoJ image and knew I had to use her - isn't she just gorgeous!!!

Anywho, this card is for the Caardvarks challenge asking for a tall card - well, it isn't really really tall but it is definitely more tall than wide than my usual cards!!

My card:

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and Copics used:

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A very simple card but I think I like how it turned out!!!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!

More Snow!!!

Wow oh wowzers!!! We got more snow today!!! Today's snow wasn't quite as exciting as my trek with Daisy up the mountain yesterday but for it to snow at my house this early in the season it was very thrilling!! Here are a few pics of the little we got this afternoon!!!

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

Charisma Cardz & Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 84 - Midnight Marghueritas! (Cocktails/Drinks theme)

I know, enough already with the easel cards!!! But I really can't seem to help myself!! I think I've done one "normal" card since making the first easel card because I am just hooked on them!! Well for both my challenges being posted today I am using the easel card and I will try (key word is try) to not do anymore (that I post at least) for a bit!!!

My first card is for the challenge over at Charisma Cardz!!! We were challenged by Jan to use no use no designer papers! AGH!! I mean come on, how many times have I never used a DP for a project - well, to be honest only when I am told I can't otherwise there is always DP on my stuff!! I was a bit challenged with this one - really, I was - as I kept reaching for my DP to use and then would remember no no no you can't!! I finally managed to come up with this little card by embossing with my Cuttlebug folder to give it the feel of DP for me!!

My card:

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So this week I am saying farewell to my guest DT spot at Cute Card Thursday. I must admit I have had a great time the past two weeks creating with these amazingly talented ladies! My farewell theme really tickled me:

Challenge 84 ~ Midnight Marghueritas! (Cocktails/Drinks theme)

as anyone who knows me knows I love love love a good Margarita so this challenge was perfect for me!!! I chose to alter my image by combining again - I think this has become my favorite past time and my favorite challenge to myself............LOL. I chose my Cosmobella stamp for the drink theme because I just love this girl and then the sentiment is one I picked up at a stamp store in Fort Worth as they were closing and we were getting ready to move. I added the Santa hat by stamping Merrybella and cutting it off her head - OUCH!! HA HA HA, sorry I crack myself up sometimes! Anywho, the papers are some old ones I found in my stash from Creative Imaginations and I wonder now why I never used them - I just love them, maybe that is why as I tend to horde everything I really like (let's not get started on the BG stash of papers I had when we moved in 2008 ugh!!!).

The layout inspiration for this came from Sketch Saturday this week - I just loved this sketch and knew I could make it work for this card so well!!! Ok, enough of my yapping - time for my "eat, drink & be merry" Cosmobella w/Santa Hat!!!

My card - I did multiple angles hoping I could give you a good look at the entire card:

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and Copics used:

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I hope you stop by Cute Card Thursday and join in on the fun this week - let them know I sent you over and def come back and show me your project for this week!

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

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The First of Many.......................

.....................5 piece card sets made for the holidays!!! I have a show on November 14th so my goal is to have 50 of these 5 piece card sets done along with the 65 other cards that are ready and..................hopefully earrings & necklaces finished and if I am really energetic some sewn items!!! I just wanted to share these before I headed to bed tonite!!!

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Don't forget to stop back by tomorrow!! My Charisma Cardz release and my final week as guest DT at Cute Card Thursday will be here!!!

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

Snow Play!!!

We woke to a gorgeous scene - mountains covered in snow! So, Daisy and I decided we should go play! Here are a few pics from our outing!! Enjoy!!

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Boy how I love the snow! My Daisy girl loved it too -heck, I could hardly keep up with her to snap pics!!

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

Monday, October 26, 2009

Happy Day!!!

It's been a nice, quiet and productive day today and I'm loving it! Cait and I went to WalMart to pick up a few groceries then home to spend the day scrapping together!!! I've managed to get two of my DT cards finished and then one card just for fun done that covers a few challenges and is for a good cause!!

This card was inspired by the sketch over at Sunday Sketch & Stamp, Line's Extra Bonus Fun, Priscilla's Blog Candy Chance by sending the card in to donate to cards for cancer patients, Simon Says Challenge of All That Sparkles and ABC Challenge Blog using F for Flying - now I know Tilda isn't flying in this card but she has wings which are used for flying and the hearts she is blowing into the breeze are flying so.........that is my take on flying for today!! LOL

My card:

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And the inside (yeah I rarely do insides but since it is for a good cause I took a few minutes extra...LOL):

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and Copics used:

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OK, off to watch a movie with the family while we eat dinner then back to finish up my last DT card. I also have an essay to finish up for class by Tuesday so wish me luck............LOL

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

Halloween Greetings!!

The witching hour is getting near and The Cuttlebug Spot is helping to celebrate Halloween this week with projects featuring the theme Halloween and colors purple, green and black as the main colors!!!

Before you ask me how many more times I am gonna use Tilda w/Ladybug I will answer you - A LOT!! She is one of my few and favorite Tilda's and definitely the most versatile stamp I have right now as I can plop just about anything on top of the ladybug and voila - plus I'm still on a spending freeze (no end in sight) so until Rob lifts that I won't be getting any new girls...........LOL

I once again chose to pop a pumpkin in Tilda's hand to make her just right for this project. I also chose my new favorite style of card - the easel card! This card was a lot of fun to make and easy as I used the sketch over at Friday Sketcher's again this week to get me started. The papers are from Basic Grey's new Eerie collection (I literally scrounged quarters to buy the 6x6 pad....LOL) and I used the Moroccan Screen and D'vine Swirls Cuttlebug folders to emboss the layered pieces (even though you can't hardly tell from the pic).

My card:

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Copics used:

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So what do you think? I hope you all join us at The Cuttlebug Spot this week as I'd love to see your creations!!

As for personal - let's see: Rob is feeling better. He went to the cardiologist this week and they haven't figured out what has hospitalized him twice this year with severe chest pains but they are working on his cholesterol and keeping an eye on things. The one great thing is that his heart is strong and there are no signs of anything going wrong there. As for me, I'm definitely feeling better after my bout with the flu and strept throat within what, a weeks time right? I went back to working part time until after my appointment with the rhuematologist on November 11 to see what it is that I can do and not do. The kids are doing great and Cait got a job so she is thrilled. Now for Dylan to get one and things will be even better as it will get them both out of the house for a bit each day!!!

Thanks to everyone who has sent messages wishing us well - they are greatly appreciated!

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

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Daisy, Daisy.......................

..................delightful Daisy!!! This week at Charisma Cardz our challenge is Delightful Daisies!!! You can interpret this any way you like just make sure we can see daisies somewhere in the project!

I have to admit, I was at a bit of a loss on this one when I first started thinking on it. After a week of sickness and hospital visits blah blah blah my creative mojo was definitely on hiatus. Of course I was trying to figure out what stamped images I had that had daisies on them - I almost always use a stamped image on a card. None came to mind so I started sorting through my box of flowers and this pack of Bo Bunny flowers popped up at me and I knew what to do right then! I hope you like it and let me know what you think!

My card:

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After choosing my sentiment I thought that this would be a perfect anniversary card for Rob so Monday this is the card he got!!!

Don't forget to stop over at Charisma and join in on the fun and as always, if you play along I'd love for you to link it here too!!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin'!!

Sweet Treats & Cute Card Thursday

Hi all!!! I was asked to guest DT at Cute Card Thursday this week and next and am so honored and thrilled to play along with them!!! Our challenge this week was Candy Corn (or sweets themed projects). I have utilized my little Magnolia Tilda w/Ladybug once again by popping a pumpkin on her hand to cover the ladybug to make her a Halloween themed image this week (last week she was a Christmas image and her normal ladybug self......lol). I really love this image because she is really just so versatile but don't think I'm not NEEDING more images just gotta wait a little longer before I can indulge myself!!!

Anywho, my project for Cute Card Thursday isn't a card but a treat bag for Halloween treats!!! I would just love to take credit for this little bag but I got the idea from Diana Gibbs over at the SCS galleries and followed her tutorial for the Box In A Bag to make it - this is a very simple bag making it quick and easy to make!!!

My treat bag:

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and Copics used:

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This little bag is also used for two additional entries: Paper Garden Projects Design Team Call and my DT submission for Charisma Cardz. Each month Carly hosts a challenge for the DT and this month she is looking for favor boxes for her upcoming wedding in 2010. I thought this little treat box would be versatile enough to use as you can change the size and it would easily hold whatever you needed with the open top.

I'm really digging these little bags so I plan on using them for more real soon - I have so many ideas on how I can transform them by using punches and much more!!!

Thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin' - and if you make one of the Bag In A Box treat bags I'd love to see it!!!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

HUGE CONTEST!!!

Whatever you do, whoever you are, make sure you go:



HERE

and help out my friend Cristal! Not only do you get a chance to win prizes yourself, you help her in a contest to win stuff too!

GO GO GO GO GO - NOW!!!

What are you waiting for!

Update - nothing crafty yet.

So Monday had my follow up with the doctor. Started out horrible and ended up worse. He asked how I was feeling from the flu the week prior and I told him better but still tired and run down. He started the routine exam: eyes, ears, nose, throat and heart. His first stop was the throat - said I came in with an elevated temperature so he was concerned because my throat was bright red and looked as if it had a little blister on the back. For any that know me that is not good news because when I get strept throat it usually puts me to bed for a week. I told him no way I had strept because I didn't feel it - the redness and tenderness had to be from drainage from being sick. He disagreed and swabbed my throat and brought it back 10 minutes or so later and it was positive - ugh! He finished with the routine examine by listening to my lungs and my heart - he stopped again! He asked if I had ever been diagnosed with a heart murmur and I told him nothing official but I remember when I was a teenager a doctor had mentioned it during a physical but nothing was ever looked into further. So, he said I'll have to see a cardiologist to check that out. Then, the last bit of oh so freaking fabulous news................My blood work and testing came back with everything negative (which is a good thing) except for one which tested positive (which is a bad thing). I can not remember what he called it as I already had too much on my mind but he said the test that was run came back indicative that I have Fibromyalgia but he wants me to see a Rhuematologist for a confirming diagnosis..........so...........11/11/09 I have an appointment with a Rhuematologist who will most likely put me through MORE testing to find out if it is Fibromyalgia or, as my doctor said there was a slight chance, that it is something else.

As for Rob: he is feeling better and the pains in his chest have once again subsided. Our family doctor and the doctor's at the hospital are a bit baffled as to what is causing the pains to appear and disappear the way they are as they are more intense and severe than indigestion - which was their first assumption when all the tests came back showing Rob has a good strong heart. He goes to the cardiologist tomorrow to see where they will go from here. I am just concerned because about 2 years ago he had a similar bout that started in the chest with pain that he thought was indigestion and then moved to his abdomen and he ended up in the hospital with acute pancreatitis. Then in January he had a bout that was pretty much identical to this one but this time the pains were much more intense and lasted longer than in January.

Anywho, thought I'd update here because I've gotten a lot of emails since yesterday's post asking me how I was feeling and how Rob is feeling. I thank you all for your concern and words of comfort as well as the prayers being said for us. As of right now no news is good news right?

As always, thanks for stoppin' by and happy scrappin' - I'm off to rest and do some school work and hopefully have time to do a little something scrappy but we'll see!


PS A video I ran across that I had to share because I love the message but, my son and I had a conversation just last week about the physics aspect of heat and cold and this made me giggle to a point - he had me scratching my head for sure!


Monday, October 19, 2009

Where do I start???

OK, again with the auto post - I'm digging that feature for my blog entries!!! It's great to type this up several days in advance for multiple reasons: a.) I don't forget to post and b.) It gives me time to revise and edit it catching any little blurbs I may have in my post.

Let's see what has gone on in my crazy life this past week: Monday I had some blood work and testing done trying to find out if there are underlying causes with my back pain (not that the degenerative disc disease isn't enough) not to mention the doctor is thinking I may have fibromyalgia. Tuesday went to work, tired as heck but figured nothing new as the last two weeks I've been totally run down, was told I could go full time which will help tremendously on us getting caught up from being out of work for almost a year then a 700+ mile move for a better life w/hubby getting an amazing opportunity with the government. Wednesday woke up not feeling so great again (the Thursday prior I was feeling like this) and ended up going to the doctor to be told I have the flu - YIPPEE!!! At least it was not the H1N1 though Albuquerque has had quite a few cases going around. Around 1:30 a.m. Thursday hubby wakes me up with chest pains and asks to go to the hospital - he was admitted around 4 a.m. and wasn't released until Friday mid day w/a follow up appointment with the cardiologist this coming Wednesday since all the testing in the hospital was inconclusive. Saturday and Sunday roll around and I'm still tired (worn out actually) but feeling better although the Tamiflu makes my tummy hurt and feel like I wanna pah-yuke!!! UGH!!!

Today is Monday, I will be heading back to work and hopefully feeling back to normal this week - I'm tired of being sick and tired!!!

Today, October 19th is also mine and Rob's anniversary!! Happy Anniversary to us - I know he won't read this cuz he never does but I will let you guys in on a little secret: Rob is an amazing man, husband and father. I am truly blessed to have him as my husband and in my life. He means the world to me and I would be lost without him - trust me, this past week freaked me out!!! So to my darling husband, I love you more than you will ever know and thank you for being in my life!!!

OK, enough with the mushy stuff!!!

Monday also brings around my DT reveal for The Cuttlebug Spot!!! This week our challenge is:

Boo : Halloween Candy containers, wrappers, etc

I started out making one container, got it almost finished and then it dawned on em - I didn't use my Cuttlebug at all on the project!! DOH!!! Luckily I needed it for another reveal on Thursday where I am guest DT'ng at Cute Card Thursday so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Anywho, I digress (so easily sometimes)!!! My container for my project this week was really fun to make!!! I saw it on a blog somewhere (I'm sorry, with all that has gone on the last week I don't remember which one) and so I went searching for it again because I thought it was too cute. I found a tutorial for something really similar to what I saw on SCS so I used that but tweaked it just a bit to suit my needs but, you can find the tutorial for Pumpkin Patch Peeps here!!!


I started out with this mini pot, some scalloped ovals (about 10 if I remember right) and a replica of the Top Notch die (need 4 of these) from SU that I cut out with SCAL, Swiss Dots/Divine Swirls Embossing Folders:

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And assembled with candy corn, a pumpkin peep and a ghost peep:

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and a side view with the candy corn:

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What do you think? I'm already cooking up a couple ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas using this little holder - just need to find the time to get it done!!!

Well, I think I've yapped enough for this post. As always I thank you for stoppin' by and love to hear from you all! Happy scrappin' and keep your fingers crossed for good results Wednesday and for life to resume its happy course!!!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Easel Card

I'm keeping this short and simple because tomorrow's post with my Cuttlebug Spot reveal will explain more of what has gone on this past week and why I'm so tired..........LOL, it's been an interesting week.

Anywho, I got a lot done today including all 3 of my DT things for this week (Cuttlebug Spot, Charisma Cardz and guest DT at Cute Card Thursday) and then this one super fabulous card (if I do say so myself). I'm not one to usually toot my horn and say how great my stuff is - don't you hate those people who have to brag about how good they are to you? Anyway, I don't ever want to be one of those people but today is a must!!!

I made this card for several challenges:

Just Magnolia - Bright and Cheery


Friday Sketchers
- Amazing sketch this week (heck, every week)!!!

Magnolia-licious Highlites - Instead of the usual monthly sketch challenge it was a template challenge for an easel card. Let me tell you, this card was so fun to make and turned out so stinkin' cute that I see this style of card in my future quite often!!!


My easel card - I need to get a pic from the side so you can see how it stands up:

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Top view:

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Details:

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And flat for mailing purposes:

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And Copics used:

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I would love to hear what you think about this one!!!

I think I am about to head to bed - doctor appointment for me in the morning before work then a long day at work and after being sick (more details tomorrow) a whole day tomorrow will most likely kick my butt!!

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

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Charisma Thursday - It's So Distressing!

I've set this post to auto post so let's hope it works!!!

This is my first week to host over at Charisma Cardz and I'm so darn excited about it! As my first challenge I put thought into the time of year it is, the fact that EVERYONE will be doing Halloween stuff and the approaching holidays. I was thinking how stressful the approaching holidays can be and BAM my challenge came to me! My challenge this week is "It's So Distressing"!!! I want everyone to pull out their distressing tools, inks, paints, scissors, sandpaper, you name it and "de-stress" yourself by taking it out on your cards, layouts or projects!!!

So, here's my "de-stressing" that I did on my card, the cute little laced up part I borrowed from my dear friend Aymee!!!

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And Copics used:

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So what do you think? Can you help your self "de-stress" a little from the approaching holidays by "distressing" your projects? I'd love to see what you do so make sure you post at Charisma and I'd love if you post here sharing that you took part in the challenge!!!

Now a few pics to share:

As I mentioned, Monday was my son's 17th birthday. He requested smothered pork chops, home made mashed potatoes, home made bread and the veggie was up to me - so, as part of what I try to do for my kids birthday each year, I cooked the meal he asked for.

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Him enjoying his meal:

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The birthday cake & blowing out the candles:

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And finally the card - we ended up giving him cash so he could buy what he wanted:

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And a few pics from my parents visit over Labor Day weekend - these were taken in Old Towne and then a couple from the top of Sandia Peak:


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

Followers

Just to cover all bases...................

I am not the best scrapper out there. I don't claim to be totally original, I lift from many places and in many forms from color combinations, to product usage, to technique and so forth. I try to be fair to all scrappers out there and mention them when I lift from them - now keep in mind, there are so many people out there scrapping, card making and altering items that naturally more than one person will have similar ideas. When I mention lifting, or casing as some call it, I mean when you intentionally take a design you see and duplicate it exactly or only change up the coloring........KWIM???

With that said..........

All content, including text, photographs, and concept design elements are © Karen Brooks unless otherwise noted. Content within this blog is shared for personal, non-commercial use and inspiration only and shall not be used for personal gain or entry into contests or for publication. That wouldn’t be very nice now would it???

Thanks and happy scrappin'!!!!