Scrapping My Life Away

My First 2 Page Layout!

2011-07-27T21:37:00.001-04:00

Die Cuts With a View (DCWV) has a Stack-a-holic template challenge once a month. For the past couple of months, I've tried to play along. This month's challenge is a 2 page layout, which I've never done. I decided to give it a try.

While looking through my photos, I found the large one on the left of my best buddie, Cid. I wanted to create a page for him... so, here is my very first 2 page layout and my entry to the July Stack-a-holic Template Challenge!

Here is the left side closer:

and here is the right side:

I honestly enjoyed making this, so there are more 2 page layouts in my future. Thanks DCWV!

Credits:

DCWV - Rustic Stack (one of my very favorites)

Recollections (Michael's brand) chipboard letters

American Crafts Thickers

Pebbles, Inc. Journal Card

Felt Ribbon from my stash (my apologies, I don't have the maker's name anymore)

Clearsnap ColorBox Cat's Eye Fluid Chalk Ink

Fiskar's border punch and ribbon punch

Beacon's 3-in-1 Glue

Scotch ATG 714

CAS-ual Friday CFC #9

2011-07-06T21:15:00.002-04:00

The challenge for CAS-ual Fridays CFC9 was to create a Clean and Simple masculine project using craft. I created a card (possibly my first CAS card). I punched squares, then inked them. I cut a strip of paper and inked it. I attached the papr, then the squares. I added the stickers onto the squares. Lastly I inked up one of my very favorite stamps - by Stamps of Life, and stamped the sentiment. You can find CAS-ual Fridays here. Thanks for looking.

(sorry for the so-so photo)

I used DCWV craft cardstock and paper, ColorBox and Inkadinkado inks, K&Co Blue Awning stickers, Stamps of Life - kids2love stamps and my Scotch ATG, which I LOVE.

New Card

2011-07-06T19:12:00.000-04:00

I created this card for a challenge that I didn't win...lol. Still, I like the card and I had fun creating it. I used stamps from 4 different sets (listed below) to create the background and the focal image, which I fussy cut. I stamped one image on gray paper and raised it with a foam dot for interest. I punched lots of butterflies using Martha Stewart punches. I layered 2 butterflies for each one. I used black grosgrain ribbon, and I attached it with my Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher (love it!). I distressed all of the cardstock with Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink. I threaded a vintage button from my stash and used it as the center of one flower. I used pearls frim Michael's for the center of the others.

Stamps used:

Stamps of Life - kids2love and trees2build

Stampin Daisies - Just the Basics

Hampton Art - Craft Affair

Autum Leaves - Flowers by Rhonna Farrer

My New Workbox

2011-06-15T00:38:00.001-04:00

phew! I finally have it to a place where I can use it (although it isn't finished, and neither is my scraproom - or craft room as dh calls it). But - here are some photos, as promised.

I'll do a more in-depth post with a review within the next few weeks. I'm absolutely crazy about my Workbox. What do you think? Go here to check it out at their store!

Mojo Monday 194

2011-06-12T16:30:00.000-04:00

Here is my first try at a Mojo Monday card. It's SO much easier for me to create cards and scrapbook, now that I have my Workbox! More photos of that to follow in the next post.

I thought it would be fun to create a child's birthday card - for a 4 year old! I made my own embellishment. Cardstock and paper are from DCWV, the ribbon is a piece of paper, and a bit of raffia from my stash. The bling is also from my stash. Thank you for looking.

Everday Update

2011-05-19T22:58:00.000-04:00

It's been a while again. Not that much has happened since I updated last time. I did lose my big dog, Jake. He had cancer and he was very, very sick. I did bring him home with me when he was 4 years old, and he made it to 13 years old. Not too bad for a 76 pound guy, eh? He was such a good guy. He was protective, sweet, goofy, easy-going and well-trained. I couldn't have asked for a better behaved dog (well, except for the barking). Here is is:

Goodbye sweetie. Sam and I miss you terribly. Rest in Peace.

2011-02-13T01:45:00.002-05:00

Check out the new the new site and blog

for Create & Craft! What a great store... and their paper crafting lessons are wonderful. Click on the blue link above and you'll see what I'm talking about!

2011-02-01T15:19:00.002-05:00

Sus Designs is having a Birthday and Anniversary Celebration - check this out!

Sus has a freebie on her blog, too!

The PaperLife

2010-11-23T13:50:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this? The PaperLife

2010-11-12T15:13:00.001-05:00

Happy Blogiversary Moxie Fab World!

It's their 2 year anniversary and I want to say that I read that blog every single day! check it out here.

2010-09-30T11:53:00.001-04:00

New kit, coming soon - wanna win it?

Sus Designs has a new kit in the store on Thursday, would you like to win it, then just leave a comment here. For extra chances, then Twitter, Facebook or blog about this give-away. You need to do one comment for each time you mention it, to get the extra chances.
She'll pick 1 winner next weekend, so make sure to look in then :)

And as a little thank you for looking in, she has a little freebie today for you :) Click on the page below.

Doodlicious [JMRD-007] - $4.55 : e-scape and scrap, Fresh New Real Designs

2010-09-06T23:50:00.001-04:00

Doodlicious [JMRD-007] - $4.55 : e-scape and scrap, Fresh New Real Designs

You have to check this kit out! It's the most fun one I've ever played with!

2010-09-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

I have joined a competition at Brownie Scraps and for the first challenge, I've made my first freestyle layout. I don't even know if it's truly freestyle, but from what I've seen, I believe it is. The challenge was to scrap something about your everyday life, then find a song that fit it and to be unique and creative. No other wording than what is in the song, and you must use a kit from one of the featured 3 designers, but only one that is on sale. Whew... and that is only the first one. So - here it is...

I used Scrappin' Daisies, The Guys kit. This is my first freestyle layout, so be kind... lol. The song is one of my alltime favorites, "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof. Course, the first time I heard it, it did not have the impact on me that it does now.

2010-09-04T23:51:00.003-04:00

This one is for E-ScapeandScrap.net. It is a layout of my youngest son (giving away my age here) washing our dogs. He was actually only washing Jake - the large one. The tiny one, Sammy - can be overly curious - and sometimes it gets him in trouble. Like this time. He got a bath, too. It was almost 100 degrees out, so it was ok, but he was shaking like a little black leaf.

Coppercurls Designs, PhotoBunches Set 1, PhotoBunches 1
Gouzinette Design, Krafty, Paper
Kay Eflin, Garden Magic, Green Flags
Laura Burger, Creative Reloaded, Stitched Circles (all available at www.e-scapeandscrap.net.)
Fonts, Good Dog and jailbird JenNA

2010-09-04T23:49:00.003-04:00

Sorry, it's been a while. I'm not a great blogger... my medication clouds my head and I don't always remember to check in. So I have a step-grand daughter. Her name is Madison Alexa and she is absolutely gorgeous! Here is a layout I did about her. It's not the best, I promise to do better ones Madison! I used Bella Gypsy's Pink Sugar, available at www.acherryontop.com.

2010-08-19T18:39:00.003-04:00

http://www.imaginisceblog.com/

Check out this contest! At Pink Cricut and at Imaginisce. HURRY!

Nifty Boutique Blog Hop

2010-06-11T21:00:00.007-04:00

Woo HOO! The designers at The Nifty Boutique have created a full and fun collab kit for summer---Summer So Fine. Right now, you can get the entire kit for free with a $10 purchase from the Boutique. The items in the blog train coordinate with the kit, elements and word art. Check out this beautiful kit:

Hi! My name is Sandy and I am on the Creative Team for E-ScapeandScrap.net. I have created a frame using "Summer So Fine". The background is actually transparent, not black, as it looks in this preview. You can get this frame here.

Next up on the blog hop is Tania, with this wonderful quickpage. Her blog is here.

If you get lost along the way, here is the link to the Nifty Boutique’s blog so you don’t miss any of the stops. Enjoy!! Hope you are having a "Summer So Fine!" Thanks for stopping by my blog!

2010-06-09T14:54:00.003-04:00

Here is a fun layout I did using Doodlicious by Julie Mead and Ruth Davis. It is available at www.e-scapeandscrap.net. I saw this Turkey Vulture flying over my yard and I tried to take some photos of it. I totally love these elements and the bright colors in this kit! Aren't the flowers and the birds fabulous?

Summer So Fine

2010-06-09T14:17:00.002-04:00

News from The Nifty Boutique, the store of the E-Scape and Scrap designers, is that we've collaborated on a large kit with a summer theme; it's called 'Summer So Fine'.

'Summer So Fine' is now in the store and you can purchase it for $8.00 or, better still, get it FREE when you spend $10 on other products in the store. The code to receive it free is SSF Summer Gift, but if you forget, it's mentioned in the production description area on it's page in the boutique.

3 days of Basic Grey fun

2010-06-08T13:27:00.002-04:00

Win this Giveaway a $76.00 value
you must do all 3 things:
To win this package-same rules as yesterday.
1- be a blog follower
2- post on your blog or Facebook/Twitter page about our 3 days of Basic Grey fun. If you want a logo you can pull the logos off this blog from the right column.
3- answer this question:
You are the new designer at Basic Grey, what theme or feel are you going to create for the next CHA? All flowers, boyish designs, artisy, graphic, watercolor, vintage... you tell me. Also, do you have an image (owl, butterfly, paece sign...) that you think will start the next fade for scrapbooking images?

A random winner will be chosen Thursday.
You have 48 hours to notify us that you have won.

This giveaway includes 9 stamps and 8 chip sticker packages.
Free shipping of this giveaway to US residents only.

Calling all Cricut users - Huge Vinyl Giveaway

2010-02-14T17:30:00.001-05:00

Check this out - vinyl designs

Snow. Jake.

2010-01-28T13:49:00.001-05:00

This is Jake. Jake loves the snow. It is snowing. Jake begged to go out and play. Maybe he made a snow angel. Can dogs make a snow angel? He sure leaves a lot of footprints. And he rolls in the snow. And he digs his nose down into the snow and burys his face in it. He is happiest in the snow. I think because he is getting old and the cold helps his hip pain and his joint pain. I'm not sure. But I love to watch Jake in the snow. It's a gift from above. I love the snow. I love Jake. It is snowing and Jake is outside playing in the snow.

It's been a while!

2009-11-17T14:06:00.002-05:00

I have so much to catch up on here. I will start with the news that I am now on the creative team for SAS Designs, too! I love creating for Sarah at SAS and for Julie and the other designers at e-scapeandscrap.net!

Next, I'm taking a wonderful free class from Jessica Sprague (love, love, love her!). She asked us to list our values and some intentions, specifically relating to the holiday season. Here are mine:

love
peace
hope
celebration
happiness
family
joy
laughter
togetherness
pleasing
appreciating
decorating
sharing
warmth
traditions

I would like my family to spend more time together during the holidays.
I would like to make my house look festive and beautiful.
I would like to perform some charity work during the month of December.
I would like to enjoy Christmas time, with the least amount of stress possible.

This year, I will donate some toys to kids through the Firehouse. I will also donate some of the coats in my closet and some of my clothes I don't wear to those less fortunate than myself. I will also make Christmas cards and bring them to a nursing home for the residents.

This year, I will drag out more of my ornaments and truly dress up the dining room and living room. Looking at these decorations and the tree makes me so very happy inside!

That's it for today... Hope to be back much sooner!

2009-09-28T11:39:00.003-04:00

Check out this contest: http://www.vanillajoy.com/random-giveaway-the-workbox-from-the-original-scrapbox.html

I also love the EZview desk! Imagine how sweet it would be to be sitting at the desk and scrapping away, when you realize that "something" is missing. You just look down into your desktop - and there is an array of brads, flowers, and small embellishments with lots of colors to choose from! If that sounds like something you could use, check out this offer: “Enter this code when you place your order to get $100 off your shipping: 100Writes.”!

So Very Happy!

2009-08-05T20:30:00.001-04:00

I'm so happy and excited for my friend, Meg. She was chosen to be on the CT for A Cherry On Top, which is my favorite scrappy site! I'm so proud of her and she totally deserves this! Check it out here.

I'm not a good Blogger

2009-02-25T07:51:00.002-05:00

It's been quite a while since I've written again. Sigh. I don't remember to visit my blog often, as you can tell. There's not much going on in my very quiet and very same every day life. Let's see... a doctor's appointment to check on my meds, my older son's birthday, got Mom a car, went to the grocery store. Oh - well - maybe I can come back later and write a bit about my firstborn's birthday and my Mom's car! I'll certainly try to remember. If I do - I'll see you soon!

Great Giveaway - Check it out!!

2009-02-12T08:25:00.000-05:00

http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2009/02/fruit-of-my-labor-blog-candy-time.html

You really MUST go check this out - and while you're there - she makes the CUTEST cards!

List about my life

2009-01-15T13:23:00.002-05:00

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. visited Hawaii
4. played in a band
5. watched a meteor shower
7. been to disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
11. bungee jumped
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice (been to venice)
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen michelangelo's david in person
41. sung karaoke.
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies.
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house - but only the outside
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the alamo in person.
96. swum in the great salt lake.
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee
100. seen Mt. Everest
101. scuba dive the great barrier reef
101. Been to Thailand, Vietnam, and/or India
102. Lounged on a tropical beach with a drink with an umbrella in your hand
103. seen the parthenon
104. visited the lost city of Pompeii
105. climbed Half Dome in Yosemite park
106. climbed Mt. Kilamenjaro
107. visited Angkor Wat
108. visted Macchu Picchu
109. visited Antarctica
110. been skiing
111. seen the fjords in Norway
112. Seen the pyramids in Egypt
113. seen Petra

Hurry - Great GiveAway!

2009-01-04T16:30:00.004-05:00

Helmar Adhesives is having a huge giveaway!

If you would like to enter, check this out
Helmar USA Contest. Look at that prize!! I love the liquid Craft Glue and the 450 quick adhesive. It makes my crafting sooo much easier. The Professional Acid Free Glue is perfect for all of your paper crafting. Someone will be very lucky! I sure hope it's me.

Psssssst.... Helmar Adhesives will be at CHA Winter 2009 in Anaheim booth #2260. If you are attending CHA, why don't you stop by and see the Helmar Team! You can complete this CARD and stop by their booth every day at 3:00 PM. They love giving things away!

Get ready, set, Spread the News.........................Helmar Adhesives are taking over crafting in the United States.

Great Give-Away from Cosmo Cricket!!! Hurry!

2008-12-20T21:13:00.003-05:00

While web browsing today (looking for something to spark my imagination as I am in a scrappy-rut and not even finished with my darned Christmas cards) I found this great contest from Cosmo Cricut. You can win 6 kits, stickers and die cuts, 2 packs of blackboard, ribbon, several sheets of different stickers, a blackboard mini album and rubons! All you need to do is go here: http://lifeaslou.blogsome.com/2008/12/20/christmas-mini-album-pages-6-7-plus-150-give-a-way. Sorry the link isn't clickable; HTML is kicking my butt tonight.

Oh - and you'll also get to see this great Christmas mini-album that Leah Killian is making. I think I'm going to try and make one the week after Christmas. Good luck and have fun!

Goofin Around

2008-07-30T17:02:00.002-04:00

Here is a layout I made with a fun kit from Designs by Crazy Diamond, called Goofin Around. This is my oldest son when he was around 4, playing with his Dad. This is great for scrapping those Disney photos, too!! This kit is on sale right now at Ahhh Scraps.com... here is the link: http://ahhhscrap.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=306&zenid=67e78777b4647474f9eb116b7595c9e9

Loving My Garden

2008-07-30T13:47:00.000-04:00

Love the new kit "An Enchanted Forest" by Angelfaye. It is full of lovely papers and elements, and my favorite things, unicorns. Here are a couple of flowers from my garden. Don't you love the ribbon with the sparkle buckle? How about those too cool staples? This kit can be used for just about anything. Hurry over to digitalscrapping.com and grab this awesome kit!

Another Toot For Me!

2008-07-23T16:53:00.000-04:00

No kidding, I'm on another CT team, too! Wow - I'm so darned happy! I am now a member of Angelfaye's Cherubs CT Team. Here are the two layouts I created from her kits as my application. I am having a lot of fun doing these. Check out Angelfaye's kits at: http://www.digitalscrapping.com/shop/

Toot For Me

2008-07-15T14:26:00.000-04:00

I have been asked to be on the DT for Designs by Crazy Diamond. Of course, I graciously accepted. What an honor and such a great opportunity for me. I'm so excited!

Here is the first layout I did with her kits:

Scrapwords - Huge Online Crop July 12!!!

2008-07-10T12:13:00.001-04:00

Scrapwords is having an online crop! Join us July 12 10am-10pm for lots of challenges, fun, games and prizes! Did I mention prizes? The top prize is a $75 gift pack! You've got that right - $75 of scrappy goodness!

Challenges will be posted throughout the day. Every challenge that you complete on Saturday will get full point value, but feel free to keep working on your entries Sunday too for a reduced point value and even MORE chance at that big prize!

I'm hosting 2 challenges - one at 12 pm and one at 1 pm (EST). I sure hope you stop by and play!!

In a Bit of a Funk

2008-06-26T16:16:00.000-04:00

The weather is just plain weird. It's been overcast with thunderstorms for over a week here in CT. My pain level has raised exponetionally. It's also depressing to see gray outside every single day. My peonies didn't last as long as usual this year. It's beginning to really give me pause - this weather... I suspect there may be something seriously wrong. I don't know what, and I sure don't know how to fix it. I am doing what I can in my little universe. I have switched out all my light bulbs, I hang my laundry outside to dry, I purchased an energy efficient boiler system with a tankless water heater, I redid the electricity panel in my basement, I plant a garden and can some of my own veggies, and all electronics of any sort (tv, fridge, etc.) MUST be Energy Star qualified to live in my home. Oh - and let's not forget my reusable grocery bags. So - that's what I've done so far. But it's not enough. And I'm really worried. And I can't afford to purchase the technology to use solar power for my home. Or wind power. And I'm getting frightened. Because it's just not enough. What if every single person in the US did everything that I have done? Would that be enough? I don't think so. I think perhaps we waited too long - and wanted too much... too fast... with no thought of the consequences. And therefore, I am in a bit of a funk...

So - Now It's April

2008-04-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

They say that April showers bring May flowers... How about March showers bring April flowers? That's what's happening in Connecticut. The birds that are usually arriving in May or June are here now. I love watching them. I have 5 birdfeeders and a birdhouse right outside my dining room doors and the cats and I enjoy watching the birds together often. However, this past week, crows came... yup, big, black crows. I was NOT pleased. I put a scarecrow out - and the crows ignored it, but the other birds didn't come to the feeders. So - the scarecrow came down. Now when I see crows at the feeders, I take my cane and hobble outside and wave my cane at the crows wildly... it must be amusing to my neighbors.

I love being a Senior Wordsmith Designer at www. scrapwords.com. It is the nicest, friendliest and most wonderful scrapping website I have found, and I sure looked at a few along the way. I feel cared about and welcomed when I'm there. It is full of wonderful inspiration and very, very talented ladies. It is progressing from a physical store to a hybrid/digital store... and I'm excited to be part of it.

Not much else new in my little world. I did get to see my oldest son, Greg last weekend. He lives in New Hampshire with his lovely girlfriend, Jill (or Ruby, which is her middle name). I don't get to see them often, but he came down to see a friend and go to dinner with his dad, and he had a little time between - so I got a visit. I got to give him his birthday gift (bd is 2/25). I was happy that he liked it! It was wonderful to see him again. I miss him very much!

Matt (my youngest son) is working on his book. It's a really good book. I have been reading it as he's writing and I'm really into it. I love Stephen King and this book has some of that type of writing, and some unique writing of Matt's own... he's quite talented. His words paint vivid pictures in my head - which I love. That's what my favorite books do. He's struggling at the moment, as I believe all authors do. He's writing a chapter he's just not happy with, but he'll get it figured out. I can't wait to read the next part!!

As far as me... well... Maybe I should write some. Or perhaps, I should enter politics. Both intrigue me. We'll have to see what plays out. I do need to become more vocal in many parts of my life. So that is my challenge for this month. Become vocal... express myself - in one way or another. I pray for all people who are sick or poor or homeless every night. Please pray with me.

Wow - I'm a Really BAAAD Blogger

2008-03-30T15:12:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I've been here - actually, I totally forgot about this blog! I am no longer going to school, since I can't really drive anymore. I have developed a lovely "syndrome" called RSD or CRPS - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It is terrible and I am in pain 24/7. I take a LOT of pain meds and still feel pain... sigh. I can't work, can't drive... but I'm sure on the computer. It keeps me in touch with the world - thank you inventors of the internet!!! I have developed a love of digital scrapbooking, along with paper scrapbooking. I belong to several online groups. I also belong to several online support groups for RSD and for those of us who live in Chronic Pain! It really changes one. At least, it changed me. I'm calmer, more sensitive to other's feelings, more concerned with the needs of all people, more instrospective, more in tune with my creative side, more compassionate... and a lot of other things. I guess I would say I'm a much nicer person now. It's sad that it took this syndrome to teach me some things.

Well, now that I've found here again, I'll blog a LOT more often... lol. Take good care of you and of each other.

My First Blog!

2008-03-15T10:57:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my home away from home. I hope to write about creating, living, loving, thinking, dreaming... and things dear to my heart - or terrible injustices and criminal acts... depending on my mood of the day. I am a newbie digital designer and I belong to a lovely site called "ScrapWords". The owner, Leslie, has given me a huge opportunity by making me the Senior Digital Wordsmith Designer. I am grateful and hope to improve all of my skills. There may occasionally be freebies here... as I am learning digital design... and will have to try out my new stuff. More to come.