Postcards from the Studio

January ATC from Janet

2012-01-12T08:21:00.000-06:00

Happy 2012 to everyone!!!

I have received my January Blissfull ATC from Ms. Janet in Missouri. This month's theme was Jane Austen. I love the background, the way Janet gave Jane's hat such dimension and the added touch of lace. A wonderful job by a very talented lady. You can hop on over the Janet's blog to admire more of her amazing art work.

I had difficulty trying to decide what I wanted to do for my ATC, I started thinking about the design over the Christmas/New Year Holiday. So what did I do? I ended up creating not 1 but 2 ATC's. This is the one that I ended up sending to Janet. I so hope she enjoys it.

The other ATC was the first one I attempted. I was soooo arrrrrgh over how it turned out that I send a photo of it to Wendy and asked her opinion. She told me that she loved it and would love to have it, soooooo the ATC below is now on its way to Ms. Wendy. I have she enjoys it...

Our theme for next month is Alice in Wonderland and the wheels are already turning...

This Month Wendy also started something new over at Blissfull ATC. Its called Winner Takes All. She randomly selects one person to choose a topic for and ATC and everyone who signs up sends the Winner an ATC in her choice of theme. I choose Mardi Gras, but I didn't win. The winner's theme is Steampunk, which is a theme I adore. If you want to check out the Blissfull site here is the link. Happy January to Everyone

P K Glitz Blog: $100 P K Glitz Prize Package Giveaway

2011-12-27T07:13:00.000-06:00

P K Glitz Blog: $100 P K Glitz Prize Package Giveaway

December ATC from Wendy A.

2011-12-20T05:04:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend, I received my package from Wendy in GA which contained my beautiful December ATC. Wendy is such a talented artist. Her cards have such dimension and depth. The theme was "A Christmas Carol", which I totally screwed up by interpreting as representing a song. As you can see from Wendy's beautiful card the theme was actually Dicken's story.

The photo does not do this beautiful card justice. Wendy was also kind enough to include an additional ATC in my envelope. The card below is just another example of her creativity.

And lastly, Wendy included a little zippy bag filled with winter goodies to add to my collection of bits and pieces that are all so important to the creation of ATCs. Don't forget to check out Wendy's other creations at her blog Bliss Angels

Thanks Wendy for being a wonderful swap partner. Looking forward to swapping with you again in the new year.

December ATC for Blissfull ATC Swaps

2011-12-14T09:11:00.000-06:00

Well I finished my ATC for the Blissfull December swap. But I think I did it all wrong. The Theme was A Christmas Carol, which I took to mean "A Christmas song". I think I got the theme wrong. I am now thinking that it was suppose to be a reference to Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Boy did I goof up. Anyway, I really love the atc card that I created and living in South Louisiana we are always "Dreaming of a White Christmas". I just hope Wendy in Georgia likes its as much as I do. Merry Christmas Wendy !!!

November ATC's

2011-12-03T09:10:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to participate in the Blissfull ATC November swap. I was paired up with the wonderful Debbie. The theme for November was Thankful. It didn't take me long to know what I was going to do for my card. After just having gone through back surgery and having to rely on other for my recovery I knew that I was eternally thankful for my family and friends for helping us through this process. I was also thankful for my faith in God for pulling me through and walking with me when I didn't think I was going to recover.

Below is the card that Debbie sent to me. It really spoke to my heart, I guess because I am also thankful for the same things she is.

It will soon be time to start making the December ATC. This month the theme is Christmas Carols. I will take the next couple of days and think about what I want to do and will post a picture of it when I have completed it.

I've been published!!!

2011-11-29T02:32:00.001-06:00

Me, Moi, I... I, i, I just can't believe it. I was notified that not one but two layouts will be published. The first one will be in Scrapbook News and Review's January issue. The second one will be due out next month. I am just so excited.

Another Publication Shout Out

2011-11-29T02:32:00.000-06:00

I had two layouts published to online magazines in the last couple of months. One was published back in January, but with Mardi Gras and Matt deploying, I hadn't had a chance to post any information. Here is the first layout that was published back in January. The online magazine is http://www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com/ There you will find some wonderful articles, layouts and techniques that are featured each month. If you get a moment, you might want to check them out.

Cirque by Donna Lanclos Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Heidi Swapp, Pink Paislee, kaiserfraft; Flourishes: Dusty Attic; Glimmer Mist: Tattered Angels; Other: Fibers, pearls, stick pins, buttons, ephemera

With surgery just a few days away, I'm sure hoping I can get back into scrapping full time soon.

I won!!!

2011-11-01T11:04:00.003-05:00

Oh wow, I was just notified by email that I was chosen as one of the winners of the Gecko Galz Blog Hop. I won a Tricks and Treats Goodie Bag full of Gecko Galz products and kits. I can't wait to get it and see what exactly I won. Wow, I'm still in shock. Thanks Gecko Galz and the talented design team who provided everyone with fantastic projects for us to admire. I'll post pictures when I get my package. Thanks again Gecko Galz...

Gecko Galz Blog Hop

2011-10-29T10:08:00.000-05:00

Gecko Galz are also having a blog hop!! All kinds of prizes are being offered, but best of all, the Design Team has some very inspirational cards, layouts, and altered projects on the websites. Go check it out.

I Love Gecko Galz Ephemera

2011-10-29T10:03:00.001-05:00

Check out thier Blog at http://geckogalzscrapbooking.blogspot.com/. Leanne, the owner, is very inspirational. I saw her at CKC- Houston and just love her bubbly personality.

My Oct ATC Swap

2011-10-24T09:58:00.002-05:00

My Swap Partner was Donna Liljegren from Florida. She totally blew me out of the water, or maybe it was a pain meds induced fog, lol, with her ATC. It is soooooo creative and inspirational, Its just something I would have never thought of. The theme was Movie/TV Monsters and she chose the movie "The Mummy". I think her version on the ATC is perfect all the way down to the scarab. Donna not only creates awesome ATC cards, she also creates awesome hand sewn items for your home. If you are intrerested in checking out her blog the link is here. I suggest you go check out all her items from her ATC's she has made for swapping to her hand crafted items. Thanks Donna for being such an awesome swap partner, it was a pleasure.

Here is the card I send to Donna. My take was to try to represent a bit about Louisiana as well as Monsters. So what better than a Swamp Monster. I almost went with the blob, but couldn't figure out how to hold that goop on the card, lol.. Anyway here is my ATC that Donna got.

All I can say is the backtround and the tree were made before my surgery and the moss and monster were added later, so don't judge me to harshly.

Until next time...

ATC Trades

2011-10-19T11:37:00.002-05:00

Well since I last posted a lot has happened in my life. The short story is I was admitted to the hospital on 9-19 with leg pains, I was diagnosed with a pinched nerve at L5 S1 which after a failed nerve block I was scheduled for surgery. So on 9-23 I had a Lami/fusion and spend a total of 16 days in the hospital with 5 of those being in therapy rehab, But I'm home now still having nerve pain because the nerve was that pinched. But before all this happened I was able to finish the September themed ATC swap and get it mailed out. Mine went to a nice lady in Michigan, I haven't received mine yet because she had bladder surgery recently. So I though I would post mine. The theme was industrial and the first thing that came to my mind was the Industrial Revolution, steel mills and clothing factories. I first glued some gears down on the card then covered the entire card with medal tape, Next I added more gears on top added a picture of a factory, added some watch springs and the title. This is the one I kept for myself. Ms Fran hasn't been able to post the one she got but it was very simila to this one,

Next Again before my surgery, I signed up for the Oct. Swap wich was tv monsters. How fun is that??? S0 this month my partner is Donna. I have already received my ATC from Donna, Thank goodness for me I had already started my card prior to my hospital stay, I informed Donna I wqs going to be late and she graciously understood. Well as of Yesterday her card was shipped. So in the meantime I'll Post Donna's fabulous card. I just love it.

Isn't this the coolest card!! I love it!!!

I will post my Atc in a few days, after I know that Donna has gotten her package/

Checking In...

2011-09-15T08:22:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I have posted anything here. My last post was right before I underwent surgery to decompress the radial nerve in my dominant hand. As of today, there is still swelling of the nerve and I continue to have a lot of pain. I am trying not to let it dominate my life, so in between bouts of muscle spasms I continue to live. I can cook one day and suffer with pain for two or three days after. I can drive around town running errands in the morning, then again down for the rest of the day with pain. I can type or write in short bursts then must stop. I have actually perfected the art of watching TV and reading, which is achieved without pain, as long as I hold the remote or book with my right hand. I do try to create little pieces of art at least a couple of hours a week, just have to do it in short bursts. Anyway, I will be posting an ATC Card that I made, took me two weeks to complete. I signed up to trade with a lady in Michigan and can not wait to get her card so I can post pictures.

I've been published. In the magazine Scrapstreet, March, 2011

2011-03-10T05:45:00.000-06:00

Backstreet Beat
By: Liz Qualman

Page 38

Real World Print

Personalizing a page with handwritten elements is another perfect opportunity to include real world print on a project. Handwriting is one of the most intimate forms of real world print and really adds an extra indication of sincerity to a page. Saving a letter from a loved one or something personal they wrote like his/her name, a letter, or musical lyrics are all ingenious ways of archiving the past. On another note, all of these real world print ideas can be digitalized. The final digital project in the article includes a scanned page from an authentic French newspaper, which really contrasts nicely with the dark background. The same idea could apply to many other items such as report cards, letters, signatures, “passed” notes, birth announcements, etc. Adding real world print to a project is a wonderful and practical way to preserve memories in an authentic and creative way.

Lost & Found by Lynn Warner

Supplies: Paper: K & Company, Making Memories, Pink Paislee, Alphabets: The Girls’ Paperie, Pens: Sharpie, Tape: 7 Gypsies, Staples: Tim Holtz. Tools: Punch: Fiskars.

Design Notes: Some of the everyday items included in this layout are: WARNER name from a layaway receipt; number 03 cut from a cardboard box shipping label; number 81 cut from a vintage bingo card; CAUTION from a reinforced tape from a cardboard box mailed home from girl in photo; and packaging. By using repurposed everyday items paper items, I believe it celebrates our daughter’s journey. Just as an interesting layout can be created out of “found” everyday printed elements, the Navy will certainly take the qualities my daughter has currently, show her how to flourish and become the person she was always meant to be.

Journaling: It’s fitting that this layout is made from real world printed objects, because they all relate to the girl in the photo. She is my daughter, and she recently left for Navy Basic Training. The LOST and FOUND packaging represents the letter in which she wrote she felt she would FIND herself through this experience. The large name, printed on a layaway receipt, represents how she learned to print, the Navy way… which is hard for a lefty! The cardboard box number and CAUTION TAPE represent the brown corrugated box we received from the Navy, with all her belongings contained inside it. (That was a very challenging day for us, as parents.)

Les Le Bon Temp Ruler by Donna Lanclos

Supplies: Paper: Graphic 45, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Journaling Spots: Close To My Heart, Charms, Ink: Tim Holtz, Brads: Close To My Heart, Fabric: Joanne’s. Tools: Paper Cutter: Fiskars, Stapler, Scissors: Tim Holtz, Paper Distresser: Close To My Heart, Other: sewing machine, sandpaper.

Design Notes: The Title is actually the name of a traditional Cajun song, which translates to “Let the Good Times Roll.” The title and words to the song are written in my Grandfather’s handwriting.

Journaling: September 1998 – LJ Hebert on stage at Festivals Acadien where he was recognized as a Pioneer of Cajun Music

Pain au Raisin by Katey Green

Digital Supplies: Paper: HalloWillie by Baers Garten Designs, Old French newspaper, Elements: Heart Tag, Flower, Stitched Tab, Straight Stitches, Swirl, Bow and Little Button from Cottage Chic by Elemental Scraps Designers, Large Button from French Country by Cristina Renee and Shabby Princess, Messy Stitches from Sew What by Melissa Bennett, Software: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Fonts: Toldeo.

Design Notes: To add a true French feel to the layout, I scanned a page of adverts from an old French newspaper I have. I then erased the middle of one of the adverts and cut it out to make the photo frame, to which I added a stroke (outline) in a toning color for emphasis.

Journaling: YUM!

Thanks for looking!!!

New Direction

2011-03-03T09:40:00.000-06:00

Life is taking us in a new direction. My husband and I have decided to open a Retreat House for ladies. The Lazy Lucy Retreat House is in the planning stages. We have been searching for a house for months now. We find the perfect house in a not so convenient location, then the perfect location has not so perfect houses. This is really, really frustrating. We have a bid on a great house in a great location at the moment. Why am I not rejoicing, We are second in line. Our bid came right on the heels of another bid, soooo we are waiting for the bank to make its determination. ARGH!!!!! I'm ready to get this phase behind us so we can move on to the actual grand opening. Our website is up with an announcement page and we have a facebook page also. So, mosey on over the both sites and check us out.

More later.

http://www.lazylucy.com/

2011-01-20T07:43:00.000-06:00

The photos were taking in Florida this past November while we were on a family vacation. We knew that our youngest son was deploying soon and I wanted my family together before he left.

The journalling reads "November 21, 2010; Olde Town, Florida, Jacob and Matthew on the Sky Coaster. You two dropped at the rate of 64 mph. This was our last family vacation before Matt left for Afghanistan for his second tour.

More tags and a Challenge entry

2010-12-08T15:50:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more tags for the 25 tags of Christmas.

Day 5 was a tag with dangles.

Day 7 was a personalized Tag.

I was unable to participate on Day 6. But I won on Day 5 with my Dangle Tag!!

This is the daily prize that is being given away. It's a Prima Keepsake Ornament Box.

Swirlydoos is also have a December Challenge. The Layout must be a Winter Layout, using a white on white color scheme and must include a spring or summer picture. Wow, this truly was a challenge. Here is my entry below.

Believe

It's beginning to look...

2010-12-04T07:41:00.001-06:00

a lot like Christmas in my scraproom. I still can't do too much with the injury to my arm, but I can't just sit and do nothing. I never now what will set the nerve off unitl it happens. Anyway, here are some things I've been working on over the past several months.
The tags were created as part of a contest at Swirlydoos. Create 25 tags in 25 days. Each day has a theme. Its really fun.

Day One: what Christmas means to me

Day Two: Monochromatic

Day Three: Sparkle!

Day 4: Reindeer

This is a photo of Russ and I taken in our hotel room before attending an evening performance of Cirque: Dreams. It was an awesome performance and a night to remember.

The following picutre is a close up my flower and stickpins. I used three on this layout. Is it a bit over the top?? You decide.

Latest Layouts

2010-10-01T07:50:00.003-05:00

It has been a busy summer. I attended several 4 day crops and had an absolutely fantabulous time. My husband and I took several short trips close to home and I tried to do some scrapping at home in between. Below are several of the layouts that I worked on and completed over the summer break.

This is my graduation picture. I can honestly say, its the first time I have scrapped a "vintage" picture of myself. I just love the colors of this layout. The picture really doesn't do it justice. The blues are a smokey color. The Cameo embellishment comes from Swirlydoos as does the dusty attic clock. The doily was cut using the Mother's Day cartridge from Cricut. Both the doily and clock embellishment were colored using several different colors of glimmer mist. The feather with the rhinestone jewels was purchased at Hobby Lobby, it was a barrette that I destroyed, LOL.... The flowers were cut from material using Tim Holtz's flower Sizzix die. The lace and buttons are vintage.

The layout above is one of Matthew's graduation pictures. It had that old Hollywood feel to it. Every time I look at it I think Art Deco. Soooo I did a search online for examples of designs in the Art Deco style and found a leaded glass menorah that I liked and used it has the inspiration for the art deco arches on this layout.

I still need to add my title and think I will use something like Heart Throb. You can see in the photo below, that I have used three stick pins and one has a red heart on top. I also scattered red and black vintage buttons, used a vintage "frog" and button card. The tux tie was part of a costume that Matt used for one of the Mardi Gras balls he participated in and the journal card reminded me of an old coat check claim ticket, again, thinking old Hollywood glamour, when everyone dressed to the "nine" every evening.

Torn, so proud yet so very scared. The layout above was very hard for me to complete. I started it in July and didn't finish it until Labor Day. I had the vision in my head but had a heck of a time transferring it to the layout.

I would like to add that I have had many "difficult" times in my life, just like we all have, but I have to tell you that this was one the most difficult to date. I had dreaded that day since he had informed us 18 months earlier that he had joined the Marines. He and his brother are my heart and to watch your child leave for a war torn country knowing full well it could be the last time you see him alive was soooo very hard. The only thing that got me through the whole ordeal was knowing that it was all in God's plan for Matthew and nothing would happen if it wasn't part of the plan. I am happy to report that Matt did return from Afghanistan in April and we are now awaiting his second deployment in January of 2011.

A class I participated in, taught by Connie, a very talented teacher at our local scrapbook store, Treasured Memories. The pictures are of some of my hibiscus blooms. The soft purple flower won a gold ribbon at the Hibiscus Show in 2007.

Another class, this time taught by Melissa, again from Treasured Memories. Now I need to add the pictures.

That's all for now.

Summertime Crops

2010-07-24T06:19:00.006-05:00

I love summer break, not only do I get about 10 weeks off from school, but its also the time I get to attend 4 day crops. Already this summer I have attended two cropping events, TAC and Treasured Memories. I really love attending this events. The inspiration that oozes from the room is awesome. I took tons and tons of pictures so that I will be able to scraplift my favorite layouts during the long dreary months of winter. Here are some layouts that I completed recently, along with some of my favorites from others.

Memories from Disney World. I love the way this layout turned out. The map looks old and burned around the edges, and the little treasured scattered here and there just remind me of pirate loot. I used Graphic 45 paper on this layout. I love, love, love Graphic 45, especially the back side or to me its the back, most people use the more graphic side, while I tend to use the patterned side, LOL.

Here is one of the little treasured I added to the layout. The coin came from a pirate set that I bought in the airport in Wilmington, NC when we flew out to welcome Matt home from Afghanistan. The set had the coin, a map and a eye patch. I just had to have that set, I knew I could incorporate some of the items into a layout. I also attached a cluster of beads and charms on a jump ring, then attached to whole thing to the trim. Love this look!!!

Here is a cluster of feathers, tied with a ribbon and some scattered buttons and charms. Stuck in the feathers is a custom made stick pin from Treasured Memories, a local scrapbook store. I just brought my layout to the counter and together the owner and I picked out the beads. I love stick pins, they just seen to add the right amount of POP to a layout.

The last cluster is more feathers, buttons and a little drawer pull along with my journaling card. I tend to like my journaling hidden, after all, I think of my layouts as parts of a diary, private, and therefore tend to hide the journaling.

I'll add the rest of the photos a bit later today, the garden is screaming for attention and there is a storm in the gulf that I must prepare for.

Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler

2010-06-21T05:00:00.014-05:00

I can not believe it but I won a layout contest!!! This layout pictures my Grandfather playing his accordion. The smaller picture was taken at Festival Acadiens when he was honored as a pioneer of French Cajun Music. He began playing the accordion and fiddle when he was a young boy. He told me his father taught him to play the fiddle and one of the local legends, Joe Falcon, taught him to play the accordion. His father was the fiddle player in Joe Falcon's band and they would let my grandfather play the music while the band took their break. Another legend, Mark Savoy, once told me that Paw played versions of these great old french songs that no one else did. Mr. Savoy also told me what a wonderful accordion player Paw was. After my grandmother passed away, while cleaning out their house, we found a notebook filled with the classic french music my grandfather played. All of the music was written by him in french. One of those old songs, Let the Good Times Roll, was the perfect addition to the layout. Anyway, last weekend the scrappers voted this layout as their favorite. What an honor!!!

Inspiration

2010-05-22T18:38:00.014-05:00

Where does inspiration come from? For me, it comes from looking at common objects and daily activities of living. I can find inspiration for my scrapbook pages just by looking at bath salt bottles, chipped enamel coffee pots, vintage buttons, vintage lace, vintage jewelry, postcards and clothing. When working in the garden, I get the flashes of the perfect scrapbook page or title, the layouts just fall into place. The major problem I have when I get these moments of inspiration is that I don't stop what I'm doing and write the fleeting thoughts down. Then much later, when I'm seated at my desk, I try to think back on those moments only to find that they are lost. Lost in the shuffle of chaos that envelopes my daily life. So, my goal for this summer is to try and write down these spurts of inspiration as they flutter through my thoughts.

The project below was born of such a moment. I was in a flea market in North Carolina when I ran across a bag of odd earrings. There was not a matching set in the bunch. The pieces that were in that bag were fabulous, and several just screamed to be used on a page about my grandmother.

The flower center is an old clip-on earring that just reminded me of my grandmother. The hat pin is another reminder. After my Grandmother passed away and my grandfather went to live with my father, my father and his siblings had the daunting task of cleaning out their home. One of my sons, who was helping with the clean up, found my grandmother's hats. Attached to several of the hats were hat pins. After finding the hat pins, I started searching flea markets for these little jewels. The one I used on this layout is a reproduction that was given to me by a friend. Our local scrapbook Store, Treasured Memories, has a wide assortment of pins and will even make them to match your layouts.

The other two layouts also use vintage jewelry pieces.

The beautiful "buckle" on the ribbon is actually a pin that I picked up at a flea market for a dollar, the small metal disc at the top of the right hand page is actually another earring.

This layout has a clock face in the cluster of buttons and gears at the top of the right hand page, which was salvaged from a broken watch I purchased in another grab bag of old jewelry, and what a better way to reinforce the topic of "Les Le Bon Temp Rouler".

Inspiration, where does yours come from?

A couple of new projects

2010-03-23T05:31:00.004-05:00

I have finally found some much needed down time in the studio. It has been so very hectic with Mardi Gras and our trip to Disney. School is winding down, the days are getting longer and I am getting back into the swing of scrapping. I have several 4 day crops planned in the next couple of months. I have been jotting down ideas for layouts and trying to get everything together into page kits. We will see how it works, but knowing me, I'm a fly by the seat of my pants kinda scrapper so planning page kits is beyond my comfort zone.

On to my latest projects.

I have been wanting to do this layout for months. I saw a button tree on the internet and loved it so I adapted the design by adding a few pictures of my ancestors and came up with a family tree. The pictures are of my Parents and Grandparents. I'm about 4 and Mom says the photo was taken on Easter Sunday.

This is the third time I have created layout using this photo of my grandparents. I did a two page layout last summer for myself, and a shadow box similar to the one above for my dad for Father's Day. Well over the Christmas holidays, my aunt saw it and fell in love with it, so I told her I would make one for her. It will be shipping out this weekend.

This was created for a co-worker who snort whenever she laughs, which in turn makes me laugh. Anyway, I saw this saying in a magazine and decided it was perfect for her. I cut the letter out using my circut.

This is my example of the tape transfer process. I am a bit disappointed that my lady didn't show up better, but hey not bad for my first time.

I have some other photos I need to post, but for now I'm signing off and heading to dreamland.

My Latest Project, flowers and a class layout

2009-11-18T23:31:00.011-06:00

I have not been working in the studio for some time now. I have been busy getting ready for Mardi Gras pictures and visiting with my son who came home on leave for a week. I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things next week. I will have the week off for Thanksgiving break. I can't wait!!!

I have been tinkering with this layout for weeks now and have finally completed it. I love the photos of my family. We were all so young.

What do you think about my rose? I recently stumbled across this wonderful tutorial on how to make your own beautiful roses out of cardstock! This technique is sooooo easy. Please understand that this is not my idea. The only credit I can take is the copy and paste part, LOL. This is a stolen tutorial from the Scrap a Little blog. Enjoy!

To start you will need 18 hearts in 4 different sizes. If you have a Cricut it comes in real handy here. Cut from sturdy card stock: 6 hearts at 2 1/4" 5 at 2" 4 at 1 3/4" and 3 at 1 1/2"

If you don't have a Cricut you could use a Fiskars heart template.

Ink all edges Punch a tiny hole at the bottom of every heart. Take a brad (in the same color) and turn it upside down and start stacking all the hearts from smallest to largest

Now the magic starts: take petal by petal and scrunch them up and around towards the middle. Don't be gentle here; the more manhandling the better!

Last step is to spray the rose with glimmer mist. I have tried this with smaller sized hearts also.

Lastly, I want to share with you a fun layout below that I recently completed as part of a calendar class which is offered by Treasured Memories, my local scrapbook store, The class was taught by Wendy R, a very talented friend of mine. Every class she teaches she makes sure to include several new techniques like the fence on this one.

Well like I said things have been slow in the studio, hope to post more later.

Projects from the Studio

2009-10-15T17:00:00.008-05:00

Its been a while, but life has gotten fairly hectic around here. We have been doing a very simple remodel in our guest bathroom. Well what I thought was simple, just slap some paint on the walls, change a light and some towel bars, add some crown molding and such. Well, its taken every weekend for a month now. Oh well, the outcome will be all I was hoping for.

I did sneak in some time to finish a few projects in between the bathroom redo. Here are some pictures

A shadow box I made for my father for Father's Day. Its based on the two page layout I did for myself earlier this year. The photo is of my father's parents.

A Father's Day present for Russell. The photo has no backing, so the wall color shows through and adds to the overall appearance of the layout.

Pictures of my grandmother, Germaine, at various stages of her life. My Great-Grandfather Alexandre Hebert is pictured in the first photo.

Birthday Banner

2009-09-20T19:21:00.010-05:00

I can't believe, I forgot to post a picture of my banner. I made this banner for my grandson's birthday party using the Cricut Paper Dolls Cartridge. I posted a picture of the banner on the circut message boards and was featured in the Cricut Chirp and on their website. I couldn't believe it when I got the April Chirp and there was a link to my post. Here is a picture of the banner.

I had a good time making it and my grandson must have enjoyed it also, because at the party he kept telling his guests "See my cake, and my presents and look what Nana did" LOL. He was just too cute. Two points for Nana!!

Weekend Crop

2009-09-12T07:10:00.006-05:00

I attended a weekend crop at the Ladybuy Lodge here in town recently. I had such a wonderful time. I didn't know any of the ladies that I was sharing a space with, but I have to tell you they were so much fun. I knew a few of the other ladies but didn't get to sit with them. The Carols from Shreveport were there, Mel Morris and the Treasured Memories ladies were all there. What a creative weekend.

Here are some pictures one of the layouts I did that weekend. I really like the way this one turned out. I used glimmer mist to create my own background paper, made the border with bridal tulle and used my cricut to cut out all the pumpkins and sunflowers then pieced them together and used water coloring to give everything dimension. Some of the sunflowers and pumpkins were popped up to also add dimension.

Paula will be hosting another one in November and I'm already signed up for that one. Can't wait!!!

100 Cricut Cartridges

2009-09-12T06:54:00.003-05:00

Wow, Cricut has already created 100 cartridges. Now in celebration of their 100th, the company is giving away 100 cartridges. Be sure to go to their website and check out all the products.

http://www.cricut.com/shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?id=361&s=1&sc=2

Happy Birthday America

2009-07-04T06:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Fourth of July America!!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy fourth!!

Vintage Layout

2009-07-04T06:00:00.009-05:00

I am so in love with the vintage look. I'm not sure if its because I have all those old photos that need scrapping or its just the look itself. On a recent trip to San Angelo, Texas to visit my son, who was stationed there, we went into town to do some shopping. I ventured into a store called J. Wilde's Boutique. The sold items from the 50s, 60s and 70s. It was like walking into my grandparent's house or even my house as a little girl. I saw suitcases I had, canisters like my grandmother had and furniture everyone had. In the back of the store there was a section on decorator fabric and trims from the same periods. I found the most adorable ribbon, it was green and fluffy with fabric roses. I just had to have some, but at $8 a yard, I couldn't get crazy. I also found some beautiful black trim with tassels. Love it. So, you want to see the layouts I did with the vintage ribbon and trim?

Journaling reads "Pearl and LJ Hebert, Married in October of 1932" My Dad couldn't remember the exact date, and this isn't their wedding picture. No one knows when this photo was taken so I just figured I would put their names and the year of the marriage because its when their love story began. For this layout I used bazzill cardstock, Patterned Paper by Creative Imaginations (Christine Adolph), that vintage green lace with 3D flowers incorporated into it, vintage cotton lace (purchased at a garage sale for 25 cents had almost three yards), feathers, a stick pin, jeweled brads, buttons, Prima butterfly, and a shabby chic bird I purchased at a crop. The title is something I found in the sewing department at Hobby Lobby. It think it says it all.

Uh Oh, I forgot to take a picture of the other layout. Everything is done except the title. I will take the picture this weekend and upload it on Monday.

The Few... The Proud...

2009-05-27T05:39:00.010-05:00

I am so happy with this layout. I'm not sure if it's the actual layout or the fact that I'm so proud of my son. This is his boot camp graduation picture. I used the cricut cartridge "Base Camp" for the title. All edged were distressed and inked. The patterned paper is from Graphic 45.

I have only seen him a few time since he graduated from boot camp. After graduation he came home for about 10 days then he was off for additional training in North Carolina. After that he was moved to an airforce base for his MOS. He is now awaiting another transfer to a different MOS. He surprised me this past Saturday with a 3 day visit. I was so excited to see and feel him it was great. Of course, the time flew by. He only had 1 and 1/2 days to visit with me and more importantly all his friends, LOL. I took him back to the airport at 6:30 am on Memorial Day.

It was so nice to see people treat him with such kindness the whole time he was here. The restruant where we took him Saturday night, comped his meal after they found out he was a Marine on leave. Sunday morning he said he wanted donuts for breakfast, when the shop owner overheard us talking about what time he had to report back to base, he asked, what branch he was in AND again, comped our breakfast. When I took him back to the airport for his return flight, everyone who realized he was military, shook his hand and thanked him. It was soooo impressive to see.

Anyway, this layout is my tribute to his courage.

Ms. Gardener

2009-03-29T06:32:00.007-05:00

My co workers threw me a surprise party for my Birthday a couple of weeks ago. I was sooo sick I really couldn't enjoy it like I wanted to. But the sheer fact that they cared enough to surprise me was very touching.

So how to let them know how very much I appreciated their gesture? Why a handmade card does the trick every time.

The Majority of my supplies are CTMH. I used CTMH Cardstock in Vanilla Cream and Cocoa. The teal color is Bazzill. The Stamp Set is Ms. Gardener. I just love this little set. I stamped it with Staz On Brown Ink then tied that bit of Brown and White Dotted Swiss ribbon for the piece de resistance.

Outside Sentiment: THANKS
Inside Sentiment: You Brighten My Day

Storage System for Cricut Cartridges

2009-03-16T09:55:00.010-05:00

I have seen numerous systems for storing all those cricut cartridges floating around on the web and I finally decided that I needed to make one for myself. There's been a post that I saved I believe from the cricut message board using the snapware containers to store your cricut carts and handbooks in. I found my storage containers at Lowes after Christmas on sale 75% off so I bought two. Glad I did now.

I'll explain step by step what I did starting with my handbooks.

1. I tore out all the "extra" pages in my handbooks, you know the ones... the "ones" most of us can't read, all the "other" languages. By doing this, your books are considerably less bulky and you can fit more in your containers.

2. I used Fabulous Finds and George to make dividers the right size to go between each handbook and overlay. I used a lable maker for the titles. I glued my labels on each divider then used my Crop a Dile to punch holes for two eyelets. I didn't want to chance losing any labels. I also like the way it give it that old library cart catalog feel. Then I color coded my shapes, solutions carts with green and the fonts with gold.

3. I used the plastic canvas from Walmart. Got six sheets for less than 2 bucks to make the divider for the cartridges. I found those instructions somewhere online. Sorry I was bad and didn't save the credit info. But whoever you are I loved your idea the best.

The cutting directions are: I used a black marker to mark my cut lines first then just used an exacto knife to make the cuts.

You will need 7 strips of 59x10 (# of holes) Cut 5 holes deep @ 12, 24, 36, 48

4 strips of 39x10 (#of holes) Cut 6 deep @ 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 & 35 59x10:

You should see 59 rows by 10 rows so you’re cutting at 60 and 11. The same for 39x10.

I'm thrilled with the set up and the cost. Now if I'm designing with DS and just need the carts I can grab one container and I'm ready to go. If I want to cut from the books I can take all the containers to my work station.

And there you have it. My cricut storage system. The one that worked the best for me. I know there are others out there, but this is what I found that worked the best. Very sturdy.

Have an awesome day!

Designer's Eye Class

2009-02-23T06:49:00.004-06:00

My local scrapbook class offers this wonderful class once a year. It is taught by a very talented lady, C. Girard. This is one of her creations with my twist on it. It was so much fun to create. I have already signed up for the next portion of the class. In the class, which is two parts, you get to create the layout of your choice from the first 5 of 10 that she created, but you get the booklet with the other layouts as part of your supplies. Then the next month you can create a layout from the second set of 5. You learn so many of the latest techniques. Hope you enjoy.

This is a white on white layout. Its hard to see but the entire layout is lined with chipboard letters (painted white) with the phrase "Let it Snow" running from left to right. Some of the letters are heat embossed with silver and some are glittered using stickles star dust. The photos were distressed with sandpaper and the tiny files and the photo mats were torn. We also added several chipboard snowflakes that were painted white and then had an application of crystal effects added. See the dangling crystal from the snowflake on the right hand page?

BLOG CANDY ALERT

2009-02-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

Hey gang, check out the link below. This sweet soul is giving a way a Score Pal!!. Cruise on over and check out her blog. It sure is inspirational.

http://papertherapy-wendy.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-first-blog-candy-giveaway.html

Recent Projects

2009-01-27T05:36:00.007-06:00

Life has been really hectic around here. You would think that now that Matt is living away from home and Jake is on his own, I would have all the time in the world to indulge in my paper crafts. But alas, I do not. I work a full time job and during the week after work I'm just too tired. On Saturdays I watch my grandson and on Sundays, I split my time between working in the garden, creating in the sun room, doing laundry and housework.

But I did find some time recently to do a little creating. Here are pictures of some recent projects. Hope you enjoy them.

I entered above layout in a sketch contest and came in second. Not bad for my first layout contest.

The Religious Milestones layout was completed in 2007 as part of an album for my husband.

Wanted was also completed in 2007 and added to my husband's album.

The layout below was done using the Paper Dolls Cartridge only. The initial idea came from a class at a lss. I purchased one of the left over kits and completed it at home with, of course, a few changes. I, like most people can not copy a layout completely. You know we always have to change something, LOL...

This is a little book I created for my Dad. He loved it and displays it on the coffee table for all to see.

Wow, looking back at some of those pictures is a bit scary, especially the last one that says 48. All I can say is "Who ME??"

My latest projects

2008-12-18T07:35:00.001-06:00

I have been very busy with Christmas Preparation, so much so that it was been hard to get into the studio and do any type of creating. But I have managed to sneak in a few times and here are the results.

My version of a Christmas Planner.

This was just a little notebook I found at the dollar store. I unassembled it, added the divider pages, covered the front and back with Christmas Paper from CTMH and then embellished. Oh what Fun.

I also created a few cards lately.

I'm off next week for Christmas Break. Hope to really do some creating then.

A Cristmas Card

2008-11-08T06:06:00.003-06:00

I spent this past week, putting the finishing touches on a Christmas Card for Matt. I'm thinking I will send this to him in Boot Camp. Hopefully the DI will not make fun of him for getting a card.

All of the products I used are from Close to My Heart. I used the Merry Pursuits stamps, Grey Flannel and Citrus Leaf Cardstock. The sentiment is from the Wonderful Season Stamp Set and reads: Have Yourself (on the front) and Merry Little Christmas (on the inside) and is stamped in Grey Flannel. I also added a sprinkling of Primsa Glitter for some sparkle.

I just love these little guys. Sooo much fun. You can also see that I took my color combination from the card that I saw posted here. Only thing I still want to do is add the white inking around the edges. I'm still waiting for my ink to come in.

Anniversary Card

2008-11-01T06:53:00.002-05:00

Here is a card I made for my husband for our Anniversary. All items with the exception of Ranger's Distressing Embossing Powder are from Close to My Heart, for which I am a consultant, so if anyone needs anything....

Paper is Close To My Heart's "Sarsaparilla". I inked the edges with CTMH's Autumn Terracotta inks and then dyed the natural twill ribbon with the same ink color. The Stamp is from CTMH's Steep and Deep set. Stamped in CTMH's Chocolate ink, embossed with Ranger's Distressed Embossing Powder then embossed again with CTMH clear EB. The sentiment was hand written using CTMH's chocolate pen.

Let the Crafting Begin....

2008-10-27T04:32:00.000-05:00

I love the Holiday season. I also love crafts. Every year I say I am going to do a bunch of crafts for the holiday season but somehow the time slips away. I think this is becuase I face the season unprepared. Well, not this year. I already have a list of things I want to accomplish. I want to do lots of homemade gifts this year. Here is how my list is shaping up:

Homemade tree ornaments
Christmas cards
Homemade Jellies
gift baskets for neighbors
Journals and journal covers
Soaps, salts and more
Gift tags

I am hoping to start my cards tomorrow. I have all the supplies and the stamps, just need to find the time to sit and do them. I also want to start on Mardi Gras table decorations. I have already started a few things for Mardi Gras, purchased the main item for my centerpiece. And it feels so good. I think that being prepared is the key for me this year. Not letting myself being overwhelmed and just enjoying the process as well as the end result. I hope to share a few more items with you between now and Christmas.

Mini Album Tutorial

2008-10-19T06:34:00.004-05:00

Trading Card Star Album
Instructions written by Donna Lanclos

Materials

2 mat or chip boards 3 5/8” X 4 1/2"
2 pieces patterned paper about an inch larger that the boards
2 pieces solid cardstock 3 3/8” X 4 ¼” to complete inside covers
Coordinating ribbon 16” long
Layer 1-7 pieces solid cardstock 3 5/8" X 9"
Layer 2-7 pieces solid cardstock 3 5/8" X 6 1/2"
Layer 3-7 pieces patterned paper 5 1/2" X 7 1/4"
Paper Trimmer
Bone Folder
Adhesive

Directions

To cover the mat/chip board: Take one mat or chip board cut to 3 5/8” x 4 1/2”. Cover the mat/chip boards with patterned paper. Miter the corners and secure with adhesive. Cut the ribbon in half. On the short side of each cover, adhere 2” – 3” of ribbon to the inside of the cover. Make sure that the ribbons are on the open side of the book and not the spine. Adhere the inside cardstock cover panels (3 3/8” X 4 ¼”) over the patterned paper covers.

First Layer (Largest) Cut 7 pieces of cardstock 3 5/8” x 9”. Fold each piece to 3 5/8 x 4 ½. Set these aside.

Second Layer (Middle) Cut 7 pieces of cardstock 3 5/8 x 6 ½. Fold to 3 5/8 x 3 ¼. Set these aside.

Last Layer - Photos are labeled 1-4 above - (smallest) Cut 7 pieces of patterned paper 5 ½ x 7 1/4 1. Fold to 2 ¾ x 7 ¼. 2. Open and fold to 3 5/8 x 5 ½. 3. Open and refold to 2 ¾ x 7 ¼. Cut from the bottom corner up to the fold in the middle on both side. 4. Fold the pointed end up to form the pocket page.

If you did not use double sided patterned paper reserve the two triangles that you cut off, and adhere them to cover the white side when folded. Ink the edges to hide any misalignment.

To Assemble the Book:

Take 1 of the bottom/larger pieces and run adhesive along both of the short ends. Take 1 of the middle pieces and line the left short edge with the left short edge of the bottom piece. Then adhere the right short edge with the rights short edge of the bottom piece. Next, run adhesive along both of the short ends on the top of the middle layer. Take 1 of the top/shortest layers and line the left short edge up with the left short edge of the middle layer and adhere. Then adhere the right edge of the middle layer to the right edge of the top layer. Repeat with remaining 6 pieces.

You now have 7 booklets with 3 layers each. Adhere the back of one booklet to the front of another booklet. Repeat with remaining booklets. Run a line of adhesive one all four edges of the top of the booklet. Adhere the top cover to the booklet. Repeat with the back cover. Make sure your ribbons are facing the open pages of the booklet and not the spine.

Your Star Album is now completed and should look something like this when opened.

This is a shot of my album filled with ATCs.

Happy Scrappin, Hope you enjoy making one for yourself.

Sassy Suzi Cards

2008-10-18T06:47:00.000-05:00

I have been in a card making frenzy lately but keep forgetting to take pictures of the little buggers. I purchased the cutest set of stamps form Stampin Up over the summer. It is called Sassy Suzie, Retired.

Anyway, I find that this stamp set is soooo versatile for girlfriend cards. Here are a few pictures of some that I have made. If you look back on my blog you will recognize this same coffee drinking girl from a couple of ATC's I made over the summer.

They look a little fuzzy here, sorry bout that. I stamped the word Bonjour on the front of the pink and black card then stamped the sentiment inside.

I love the sayings that come with this set. They sound like something I would say. She has a bit of a sassy mouth. Anyway the saying on both cards is "Your friendship is the most uplifting thing in my life without underwire!" Don't you just love it!! Some of the other sayings are "We are such good friends because surprisingly you're not intimidated by my beauty" along with a very generic "Happy Birthday". Just gotta love it.

Tomorrow I will post a Mardi Gras card I created using the Glimmer Mist Resist Technique. I might even do my first tutorial. Check in tomorrow to find out.

Blog Candy - Check out this blog for some sweet surprises

2008-09-22T05:28:00.000-05:00

30 000 HITS BLOG RAK!
It's 30 669 ! Wow! I am so happy that there are scrappers/card-makers out there who enjoy visiting my blog! This is such a confidence booster! I love blogging and I'm glad you all visit me in blogland.Well, let's get to the bloggy scrappy goody that I'm offering you all!The package will include:~some Stampin' Up cardstock~some stamped images on white cardstock~a mixture of ribbon~some buttons~and anything else I can find around my scrappy area!So, what YOU have to do for a chance to win this is to post here in the comments to say HI. If you post the second time with a link to your post where you told others about my blog RAK, then your name will go in twice!The winner will be chosen on OCT 5TH (which, btw, is the day after WORLD CARD DAY!!! Wahoo!) If you participate in my WORLD CARD DAY challenge HERE or on any of my other blogs: Sisterhood of Scrap, Just My Sketches or Christmas Cards All Year 'Round, you will get your name put in for each challenge you do!

Hunkered Down and Waiting

2008-09-01T04:00:00.001-05:00

We are all boarded up and all outside items have been secured. My photos and albums have been placed in waterproof containers and placed on top of my entertainment center, so those should be safe from any water. After Hurricane's Katrina and Rita people I spoke with said that the things they couldn't replace like photos was what they mourned the most.

We have hunkered down with plenty of food and water. Now its just a matter of waiting. Hopefully during all that waiting I can play in the scraproom. I got all the supplies I needed to start my Christmas Cards. I think I' going to scraplift this card I saw on Andrea Walford's blog. This lady is very talented.

http://andreawalford.com/ I will post my version after the storm.

Check out my prehurricane pictures on my garden blog - Through the Garden Arbor.

http://gardenarbor.blogspot.com/

See ya after the storm.

Hurricane Scrapping

2008-08-31T04:47:00.000-05:00

With Hurricane Gustav making its way towards our coast, my leg has started to hurt terribly. I am hoping to finish securing our house this morning and will spend the remainder of the day working on Christmas Cards and a couple of thank you and birthday cards. The city is shut down until Wednesday, even the malls and craft stores. Thank goodness I received a large Close to my Heart order last week and will have all the supplies I need to make my cards. I will post pictures as I complete the projects.

Have a great Labor Day Holiday.

More ATC's

2008-07-22T07:03:00.000-05:00

I have created another set of Artist Trading Cards to swap out. They are going postal this morning. The theme was "something unique about me". I chose a cute little stamp of a sassy girl drinking coffee and added the word "Bonjour". How is this me? I'm a coffee drinker, who lives in south Louisiana (Cajun Country) where our language is filled with a lot of french phrases. I also work at a French Immersion school where French is spoken about 75% of the student's day.

The other one is a one of a kind I made for Julie H who was kind enough to swap Cricut cartridges with me. I love the colors on this one.

The rest are the cards I received in my swap to date. There were eight of us swapping. Won't these little cards look great in my ATC Star Album?

This one is from Shelley P.

This one is from Debbey T.

This one is from Liz F.

I will post the remaining cards when they all come in.

Happy Scrappin to you!!!

Embossing Petaloo Flowers

2008-07-09T07:51:00.001-05:00

While working on my buddy page for The Acadiana Cropper's, Cropping in the 60's crop I discovered that you can emboss the foam flowers by Petaloo. I was adding them to my page and the flowers were curling up. I figured if I hit the flowers with my heat gun for a few seconds they would unfold and lay flat. Well I guess I heated one up a bit too much and it started to curl up the other way. I immediately removed the heat and placed my hand on the flower with a bit of pressure to flatten it back out again. When I removed my hand I had my fingerprints embossed into the flower. This made me think I could possibly emboss these little flowers. So I reheated the same flower for about 30 seconds or until it started to curl upwards, placed it in one of the Cuttlebug embossing folders and just pressed down on the folder with my hand and.... voila.... it was embossed. Wanna see the pictures??

Its Official

2008-06-28T06:26:00.000-05:00

I'm a new consultant for Close To My Heart. I took the plunge and signed up. I received my "kit" yesterday evening and will spend the weekend going through it. Hopefully I will have a website by next week. I'm looking forward to learning about the products and then teaching what I love to others.

Otherwise, things on the home front are quiet. I completed a couple of pages in the last few weeks, one for an online contest and another for my husband's book. I will try to post pictures soon.

Have a great weekend and let me know if you need any CTMH products. Check back soon for the web address.

Make Your Own Shimmer Mist

2008-06-19T06:06:00.000-05:00

Found this while surfing around. Its from a lady named Beth. Thanks Beth for the great recipe.

Make Your Own Slimmer Mist.

To make the spray, get a small spray bottle.

Add to it: 1/4 teaspoon Perfect Pearls
1 ounce water
reinker - depends on how intense you want it. About 10 drops is a good place to start.
Shake well and spray on your project.

Of course, how close you are to the project when you spray will determine the amount of coverage and wetness. You do not have to measure the ingredients exactly. A popsicle stick works well too as a spoon/scoop. It is important to use Perfect Pearls and NOT Pearl-Ex. Perfect Pearls has a binding agent in it and it will “stick” to your project. Pearl-Ex will fall off your project after the water dries unless you use the alternate recipe…..

Alternate method:Get a travel size bottle of Hair Spray and add Pearl-Ex and reinker to it. Shake well and you are good to go.

Some combinations to try:

A light yellow re-inker with gold or bronze Perfect Pearls
A green re-inker with gold PP
Burgundy re-inker with gold PP

Hope this helps someone out there....

And thanks again to Beth for sharing the original post....

Results of Cropping in the 60s

2008-06-13T15:59:00.001-05:00

I had an absolutely fabulous time at "Croppin in the 60s" last weekend. I had never been to a large mega crop before and loved every minute. I met some wonderful ladies that I can now call friends from Shreveport, New Orleans, Mississippi and East Texas. I was able to get a lot of pages done but now know that I need page kits prepared to get even more done.

Here are a few pages I did....

This page is part of my husband's book. Its a picture of him at the camp in Toledo Bend during the late 80's. I know its hard to see, but I used silver thread for fishing line.

This is another page in his book. Its his first date. The Journaling reads:

Who: Russell and Shirley
What: Russell's First Date
When: April 1964.
Where: Rayne, Louisiana

Funny thing about this layout is he is going on his first date and I'm only 4 years old.

This layout is my favorite, however, Im stuck on what to title it. Its pictures of my husband's hands. I love his hands, so gentle. He is holding hands with the grandbaby and the other he is patting the grandbaby's bottom as he napped.

Someone help me with a title. If your title is chosen, I will send you some scissor jewelry. So, leave me a commend with a title and your email address and I will chose one I like.

You have until next Wednesday, June, 18th to inspire me with a title.

My first ATC

2008-06-04T05:07:00.000-05:00

Here is my very first ATC. I signed up for an ATC swap and this is what I am turning in. I wanted something that would reflect who I am. The Fleur de lis symbolizes Acadiana, which is where I live. I know its hard to see, but the Fleur de lis is embossed with a glittery embossing powder from Ranger Industries. Its is gold in color but has irredescent flakes of glitter. I first stamped the image with black ink on brown cardstock, then stamped over the image with versamark and embossed. The title was computer generated and printed directly on the cards, I created text boxes in the size I needed then cut them out. I think I got 8 on a page.

I leave for Croppin in the 60's tomorrow. I will try to scan and post all the ACT I receive next week.

Here is a link to Croppin in the 60's

http://www.theacadianacroppers.com/index.html

Later.....

Check out my new blog banner

2008-05-30T06:40:00.000-05:00

I love my new banner. I hated my old one. It was just plain white, but this really pops. Hope you like the changes also.

Artists Trading Card Star Album

2008-05-30T04:52:00.000-05:00

I made this cute little Star Book to hold ATCs.

Next Thrusday I am attending Cropping in the 60's, a 4 day crop about 30 minutes from home. I signed up for an ATC swap.

Every girl needs an album to showcase her swaps, so I threw this little star album together.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to post it in the comments section.

Postcards from the Studio wants some Candy

2008-05-27T04:26:00.000-05:00

Check out this link for a chance to win some candy.....

Stamps, Paper, Scissors and Donkey Smiles: 5000 Mark Blog Candy!

Mini Album of Firsts

2008-04-30T21:18:00.002-05:00

Here is a mini album I made for my niece. Hope you enjoy it.

Front Cover
Inside Cover Poem

Birth stats

First Day Home

First Halloween

First Bath

First Christmas

First Thanksgiving First Easter

First Haircut

First Steps

First Birthday

Inside Back Cover with envie for lock of hair

Back Cover

I also included pages for the following firsts:

Diaper Change

Feeding

Outing/Vacation

Rolled over

Smiled

Tooth

I really enjoyed making this little book. I modge podged the front and back cover to make it a tad more durable.

Missy, my niece, cried when I gave it to her.

Cricut Creations

2008-03-28T13:19:00.001-05:00

I have been busy working on a few recipe swaps that needed to be completed. I decided to use the cricut design studio this time. Here is what I came up with....

The swap could be any recipe but you needed to have a bunny theme going on. I was kinda tired of what I had been doing on my swaps and was trying to come up with something different. So I started playing around with the cricut design studio and my Geroge Cartridge and came up with the little "Mesh" as I call it of flowers and circles, made with the polka dot paper. That was all cut using the cricut. Then I needed to add the bunny theme. When I saw this little guy I knew he was right. Here is a close up shot of him.

Ain't he cute!!

I am also involved in a Recipe Divider Swap. Each participant could choose 2 sections to make dividers for. I chose snacks and desserts, two of my favorites things. After the success of the Mesh I had created, I went back to the design studio for my divider. Here it is, what do you think?

I used the Doodlecharms, Alphalicious and George Cartridges to create this little frame. I am very pleased with the way it turned out. Now I only need to make 10 more.... but not today,

Today I'm off to a specialty cake decorating class. My DIL gave me an all day class on specialty cakes. Last year for her birthday, I gave her lessons for the Wilton Cake Decorating Class, I also bought the lessons for myself. We had a great time, so when this came up, she bought us both a ticket. Tell you more about the class next time.

Fab 5 List

2008-03-09T05:53:00.001-05:00

I was tagged by Jewels to list five things about me. Well, here goes....

1. I'm a mother, sister, daughter, granddaughter, grandmother and friend.

2. I love Roses. I have been rose gardening since I was about 8 years old. My first home in the late 70's included a rose garden with three rose bushes and every home I have had since then has had one. Today I have over 50 bushes.

3. I love music. Just about any type will soothe me. I perfer to listen to music then watch tv. I mostly listen to country.

4. Reading is another passion for me. My reading material must be light and entertaining. Nothing depressing or scary for me.

5. I love to journal in little notebooks. Well, okay maybe its the journals I love. I use them for all sorts of things. Taking notes at workshops, recording my daily events and I particularly love handmade notebooks, I am waiting on an altered journal swap to be returned to me anyday now.

Whose next to list their fab 5???

My Lastest Projects

2008-02-23T05:31:00.002-06:00

I've been creating in the studio again. This time I played off of the Tropical Pradise theme from the Drinks Tin and created an altered journal for a swap. After I completed the entire project, I gave it two coats of Modge Podge and a final spray of Clear sealer to protect it. I love the way this turned out.

The sand is actual sand and glitter mixed. It is applied by running the tan colored cardstock, which has been torn by hand to give it an uneven shoreline like edge, so the adhesive is on the top. After the adhesive is applied, you just sprinkle your sand and glitter mix over the adhesive and press with your palm to make sure the majority sticks. After that, I just add a thin layer of modge podge to seal the top. Once the entire front cover was finished, I again added several coats of Modge Podge to seal it well. After that drys completely, a couple of days, I spray the entire surface with a clear sealer. I have found that without this last layer of sealer, the modge podge remains tacky and will stick to anything... The palm tree was cut from the cricut using the doodletype palm, I then hand cut the fringed edges, I find it gave it more dimension.

This is a quote on the inside cover of the notebook.

Here are a couple of recipes I did for two different swaps. The top is for a Chocolate swap. We had to use pink and brown colors and the recipe had to contain chocolate. The bottom recipe was for a March Recipe. It could by any recipe but it must contain the word March somewhere on the card.

Altered Notebook

2008-02-04T09:04:00.001-06:00

I altered a notebook for a friend for her birthday that I bought it at Micheal's for $1.oo.

I first removed the wire binding so that I could cover the front and back as well as add two divider pages.

Before rebinding the notebook, using my Bind-it-all, I added two dividers within the pages. The first one is a place to jot down important phone numbers. The second divider is a Birthday list. I divided the notebook pages into thirds and place the two dividers between the sections. I found this really cute quote so added it to the inside cover and added a bookmark with a charm.

The last thing I did before rebinding was modge podge the the entire surface of both the front and back covers let dry and then gave it a quick coating of clear sealer to protect the surfaces. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Altered Tin Swap

2007-12-28T08:41:00.000-06:00

I'm finally getting around to posting the pictures of the Altered Tin I created for a swap this past summer. I had to create two Altered Tins. It took forever for me to come up with a design that I was pleased with. I knew that I didn't just want to alter the tin, but that I wanted to also include a little sussie inside. For those of you who don't know, a sussie is another name for Lagniappe or a little something extra. So I racked my brains in the sweltering humid heat of late June and early July and finally hit upon the idea of a small specialized recipe book inside the tin. So I created 5 small cards to fit inside the tin with recipes of summertime drinks printed on them. I embellished each recipe with drink stickers. The cover of the drink tin needed to represent some far off place and as you can see, I thought of a tropical paradise setting. The palm tree was handmade. The inside cover is a replica of a postcard from paradise. Hope you enjoy looking.

All drinks are non-alcoholic.

Back in the Saddle Again

2007-12-11T05:07:00.001-06:00

Well its been a while since I posted. I have been soooo busy with work and other committments that Scrapbooking has been placed on the back burner, not completely forgotten but just sitting back and simmering.

I have worked on several recipe cards lately and am in the process of creating a book of baby's first. I also want to work on a small book for my dad for his birthday that just passed. I turned 72 last week. I can't believe that my wonderful father is 72 or even more shocking is that I will soon be 50, well okay in a few years, but still its there just looming in the not too distant future. But then you know the alternative to getting older is not anything I want to think about.
Will post some pictures soon.

Lafayette Swarm

2007-07-08T16:40:00.001-05:00

Today for the first time in about three weeks, it has not rained. I am soooo tired of the rain. The only good thing about the rain is I have been able to scrap. This weekend I even decided to hold a cricut swarm. I had 4 scrapbuddies come to the house on Friday and again on Saturday. We had a wonderful time. I cooked supper for everyone of Friday and then on Saturday night we ran into town to pick up Indian food. I didn't get as many pages as I would have liked done but playing hostess was fun also. Here is a picture of us at the swarm.

I now need to go to the cricuit site and enter our swarm into the monthly drawing for free cricut merchandise.

Below is one of the projects that I as able to complete during the swarm.

I will post more later.

National Scrapbooking Day.

2007-05-24T04:52:00.000-05:00

Spent National Scrapbooking day at a Mega Crop. We have so much fun. I learned a few new tricks and completed my pregnancy journal. Several of the ladies asked the owner of the shop if she would allow me to teach a class on mini albums. I love making mini albums. Here are a few shots of the pregnancy journal I just completed.

Hope you enjoy.

Welcome

2007-05-02T05:09:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my studio. I am an avid crafter and gardener. I love to create scrapbook pages, mini albums, handmade cards and soap and toiletry items. I recently bought a cricut personal cutter and have been enjoying it. If you are interested in seeing my garden shots just use the link posted here and you will be transported "Through the Garden Arbor".