Scrapbooks and Cows?

52 Week Swap, Round 5

2011-08-11T14:21:00.004-04:00

Whew!!! This is quite a feat and those ladies who have been participating since round one began - hats off to you!!! This swap is quite a challenge, but really keeps you going. Beautiful items this round, as always. I just love the way we all have the same theme, but nothing ever turns out the same :)

Star Theme (yes, the star that is not made from paper was ok'ed)

Bird Theme

Yellow Theme

Zoo Theme

Bo Bunny Paper line - two pieces

Summer ATC's

Flag Theme

Butterfly Tags (and a sneaky little gnome who was missed for the yellow theme pic :))

Wow is summer flying by

2011-08-09T17:48:00.003-04:00

Camping, travel, events - I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted on my blog!!

Anyway - I have been having fun working on various layouts and trying new techniques with Alcohol Inks. I found a wonderful box that I am altering for a swap (sorry, no full pics just yet). Below is my first attempt. I messed up the instructions, but like how it looks a bit peeled/old. This is just my sample/trial one - the real one will be different colors and all. Since purple is my favorite, I figured that in case it works out - I want to have one I will enjoy!!

We also held a short and sweet tag class last week over at www.scrapbookingfun.biz. Below are the tags we created. Again - another pic from my cell phone as my camera was busy traveling!

Part two of this class of quickie tags will take place this week (Thursday). To attend the class, you just need to be a member of the site.

Starting in September, we will go to audio and visual and ability to ask questions of the instructor for our classes. Kind of a big step as we have had written instructions and video, but never together. I am really excited to make this step on my site.

A few of our upcoming classes include:
Post It Note holders
Tim Holtz Inspired tags
Spinner Album
Rolodex/Birthday reminder file
Ink and Water techniques
Alcohol Ink techniques

Challenges going on over at Scrapbooking Fun

2011-07-19T09:22:00.004-04:00

Need a way to beat the heat? Got a/c and want to scrap. Over at www.scrapbookingfun.biz, we currently have 7 different challenges going on through either the end of July or the end of August (check dates for specific challenges).

Going Old School - got an old tool that hasn't been used in a while? Get it out and make it new again.

Stickers, Stickers, Stickers - alter and use - we all have a stash.

Altered Items - your choice of item, great ideas and prize

Photo background challenge - use some of those old photos to create a unique look

Tag Challenge - you have until July 20th to sign up for this one. We all start with identical supplies, then create!

Christmas Challenge - use Christmas paper for a layout that isn't! Push outside your regular box.

As always we have swaps and games going on as well. The last Disney swap round turned out really cute.

Have a great day and try to stay cool! Below is just a fun picture. The view out my window where I sit to 'surf the net' and check out scrappy blogs. Kind of neat watching the helicopters (or planes - depends on the field) doing their crop dusting. I do need to figure out a good title for the layout this will appear on soon.

2011-07-17T11:27:00.001-04:00

While I know it won't last, I have enjoyed having the last few Sunday mornings to scrap. The boys are almost done CIT (councilor-in-training) for the summer, they do love it. Dh leaves to pick them up and I have a few hours to myself. It has been nice though really, really quiet in the house.

After the challenging mosaic technique last week, I was really happy to see the Lasting Memories Distress challenge this week. Though I have a long way to go, it is one of my favorite techniques. Maybe because it allows for hiding errors so well? Or maybe it is the core'dinations paper? Or maybe just because it is messy and fun!

Below is my example for this week's project. I had hoped to try some perfect pearls, but, I don't remember where I put them. I only have one set and seldom use them (due to lack of knowledge), but over at Lasting Memories there was a link on using them. Looked like fun! Maybe soon (once I remember where I put them) ROFL.

This layout will also go into the Use Your Stash Challenge over at www.ScrapbookingFun.Biz because all of the papers and elements used are over 6 months old. (Whoops, no it won't, the brown/red core'dinations is new - oh well, the rest of the elements are old - still used a lot of stash)

Distress Techniques used: Embossing by placing elements under the paper and sanding (along the bottom edge); stamping, embossing and sanding core'dinations papers; inking edges of photo; distressing the edge of cardstock (then inking some of them); using ink to edge around the inside of the clock; 'painting' a border with a cat's eye ink pad; using a mini-mister for a bit more copper on the background paper; doing a bit of sporadic sanding on the background paper as well.

Next shows the clock element. I used some of the core'dinations bling type paper (sorry, but I don't remember the actual name), stamped with brown stazon, added some more core'dinations paper behind and a flower. The stamp set with the clocks, hands and sayings is really nice however it is one of those stamp sets that drives me nuts. The acrylic doesn't seem strong enough for standard stamping, so it usually takes me approximately 3-4 tries with the text pieces to get one that is acceptable. I prefer my rubber stamps, but the acrylic are so much less expensive that I am trying some of these as well. I wish the learning curve was a bit shorter.

My vintage buttons are always fun to use as well. For this layout, they were kind of necessary - in the corner, above the head, was a really fun statue that looked like some sort of bizarre hat on the subject's head. I had to do something. Photos like this only come around every few years, it is the only one I have, so I am not going to toss it and don't have photo shop or anything like that, so vintage buttons to the rescue!

Make your own embossing folders!

2011-07-14T10:37:00.003-04:00

This is not an original idea by me, but by a scrappy friend I met over at Sketches 4 All. You can read about her technique/how to and all in her blog. Below are some of my results.

First - using some chipboard pieces I had in my stash. I used my Big Kick and the rubber pad and it came out really nice:

Next, using a piece of grungeboard I had in my stash (already had shapes cut out for a different projects, but worked to try). It was a bit thick, so the paper wrinkled some. That is a good/bad thing - depends on what you are going for. The surprise - the texture of the grungeboard showed up lightly in the paper. Not sure why it surprised me, but it did.

Anyway - it was fun to try. If you have time, give it a shot.

PS - after re-reading her post, she got the idea here

Mosaic Layout and Continuing Contest

2011-07-13T13:07:00.003-04:00

I am really enjoying the Lasting Memories Blog posts these days. I have found quite a few inspiring ideas that I cannot wait to incorporate into my future mini-albums!

This week, they have a challenge to use Mosaics. I love the look of mosaics, but always find them challenging to complete with photos. However, jumping outside my box, I decided to give it a try. Below is my result. I just couldn't bring myself to chop my subject's head into two pieces, so went with what you see. It took a minute to calculate sizes, but worked out ok. Not perfect (notice the corners), but satisfactory.

I kind of ended up with a mosaic inside another mosaic. Definitely fun. Thanks so much for the challenge!

Don't forget that Scrapbookingfun.biz has it's membership drive continuing for a few more months. If you really enjoy swaps, be sure to check it out. Just mention this blog post when registering (or drop me an email) and I will be sure that you end up with quick approval.

Happy Scrapping!

Finally some scrappy time!

2011-07-09T11:46:00.006-04:00

to work on challenges!!! Whenever I just want to scrap, but no clear direction, I love to hit up sites with a lot of challenges or work on swaps. This morning - no kids, no hubby around - time to scrap! I managed to use (without any problem what-so-ever) 6 of my flowers from the Ephemera Flower swap over at www.scrapbookingfun.biz. The flowers from this swap totally rocked and work wonderfully with the older photos.

Started out over at www.scrapbookingfun.biz and worked on KMG's photo background challenge! Remember - there is a challenge going on over there right now, so if you join the site, I would love to have you mention (on the boards) that Scraprageous sent you!!! If you work on a swap and complete it - we both get additional entries!! Thanks

Here are my results. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, once I gave myself permission to use some not so hot photos that I kept (because they are all I had). I am kind of happy with the results. I am debating covering the black 1992 with silver metallic letters so they show better, but not sure if I will yet or not.

I also have a challenge listed over at www.scrapbookingfun.biz if you are interested - check out the Scrappy Challenges Section!

The next challenge site I hit, Sketches4All, run by Fia, has a lot of challenges going on. First, in Khristen's Challenges, I created the following for her July Challenge #1: 'round in circles. It required at least two circles, only one flower and the color red.

I used a core'dinations background - and went 'old school' by using my Fiskars Shape Boss embossing system to get the roosters and hearts (I love roosters, and they went with the 100+ year old house the photos were taken inside). Emboss, sand, and viola - love my background. Simple and easy. The red circles are all old scraps and the journal pocket contains the reason for the photos.

Next challenge - again over at Sketches4All, Jessica's Challenges - July ... Layout Journaling. Challenge was to journal directly onto your layout. Never really a problem for me, but I know it is for many. I also added a few bits of doodling here and there. I may add more, just haven't decided.

My final challenge that I completed for the morning, again at Sketches4All, was Stacy's June 26th Stash Challenge using a sketch (I love sketches) and a punch. I grabbed my favorite Martha punch (while I am not a huge fan of most of her product, her punch around the page punch sets are out of this world cool!!!), some Sassafrass lass papers I really like, some flowers from an ephemera swap over at www.scrapbookingfun.biz and was off to the races!

Love Swaps?

2011-07-08T10:34:00.000-04:00

We have a really cool contest going on right now over at www.scrapbookingfun.biz. Simply become a member and participate in a swap to earn an entry into our postage giveaway!!!

The more swaps you participate (and complete), the more entries you earn. Stop over and check out the details!

Fun Mini Album

2011-07-05T11:34:00.011-04:00

Created as a memory album for dd who is working away from home this summer. It is actually an accordion album - started out with a different purpose, but that is how the binding went. I added some ribbons through holes (love the big bite) and a ribbon book marker down the spine.

NOTE: after checking out some more links, this has an accordion style binding, but is not an actual accordion album. Love learning!

Cover (name and all covered up, so not a very interesting picture)

A few tags in a pocket on the page, plus, there are some larger tags for full size photos between the pages - they pull out. Overall, there are approximately 50 pictures included in this mini-album. Outer dimensions are 7" wide by 6" tall (not counting the inserted tags)
Showing how tags pull out with ribbons - plus some normal pages with photos. She wondered how all the baby animals were coming along. The Cat's Rule side is a flip set of pages so she can see close-ups of cats and kittens.
a big dust storm hit after she left - tag that says what hit lifts so the photos can be seen. On the right hand page (as looking at the photo) has a sort of waterfall thing going on with the photos - there are 4 on that page.

Above is one of her favorite baby lambs. The tags are in a fancier, heart shaped pocket. The heart is a die-cut that I received as a hostess gift from a swap. I hadn't planned on it becoming a pocket, but the photos worked great for tags, so it became a pocket.

The album was put together with a fun set of We R Memory Keepers Page Stacks - Inked mainly with green and some stickles included through-out. Kind of a just for fun album.

Also completed as a mini album for the Lasting Memories Blog as mini with a summer theme. It isn't a direct summer theme with bathing suits and all as most people see it, but more floral and baby animals growing after being born in the spring. 24 page album created. Not all pages are shown.

PS - If you like mini-albums, check out a few posts below for a Laura Dennison Inspired mini created for my MIL. Thanks also to Candy for sending me the link for creating!!!

Make and Take Giveaway over at

2011-06-25T12:27:00.003-04:00

www.scrapbookingfun.biz

Sign-ups end today.

Pretty simple - sign up on the site, make a post, then you can join in the fun!

Rain, Rain, Went away - hip, hip, hurray!

2011-05-16T19:27:00.004-04:00

Love the rain, but it is nice to have some dry weather every now and then. My plants are getting ready to go, however, planting won't be for another two weeks, so they sit in my makeshift green house. Basically - the frame from one of those pop-up type canopies that is covered in plastic rather than with the canopy. It works just fine for now, but for long term, this would not be the way to go.

Below is a really fun garage sale find. I plan to remove the doors on the top and it will become storage for my bottled prima's and assorted other flowers and buttons. I haven't decided if I should repaint or just use some techniques and keep the vintage feel.

Mother's Day Mini-album/Card

2011-05-05T14:19:00.004-04:00

Thanks for the wonderful ideas - this was inspired by the http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/ blog. There was a 12 days of Christmas post showing a mini tag album - I just adjusted the size for the tags I had on hand and created the mini below.

The sides holding pages together were created using a Tim Holtz sizzix edge die - put the paper through twice. The metal flowers were in some hot chocolate from the Crop Chocolate daily deal site. I wasn't sure where I would use them, but they worked perfect here.

I don't know if I will add more to the pages or not. Still deciding. The tags have a sentiment on the front (handwritten from each individual), with a photo of them this past year on the back.

A Jolee's baggie of Cherry Blossoms made this project go together much faster. I still am trying to figure out what Cricut cartridge has a good branch.

Thanks for stopping by.

Round three - sorry no pictures

2011-05-02T08:46:00.003-04:00

I forgot to take pictures before starting to use these wonderful swaps - sorry about that. However, as I type, I just remembered that I still have those swaps in a box here for one member - I may use hers to get some pics posted. It was another wonderful round.

BTW-I finally found my Graphic 45 swaps - they will be coming out with round four (sorry, just a really tough month).

So - since no pictures from swaps to display - here are a few layouts I did for a Bingo Challenge over at www.scrapbookingfun.biz. I used swaps on the following layouts (and card) - love them - they make layouts go soooo quickly! Thanks so much to anyone who created one of the swap pieces I used.

52 Week Round 2 Complete

2011-02-23T22:18:00.003-05:00

Cricut Cartridge Bundle Giveaway!!!!

2011-02-08T12:38:00.002-05:00

Really! All three cake cartridges are up for this give-away. You may enter once per day (twice per day if you are a member at www.scrapbookingfun.biz) for a chance in this wonderful drawing!

Check out the details at www.scrapbookingfun.biz and have a great day!

Good Morning!

2011-01-24T08:52:00.003-05:00

I am finally getting around to updating my blog in the new year. Although busy (who isn't?), I have had some time to create. Family is doing ok (dh home sick), and the fireplace is very warm. It is also 35 degrees warmer than yesterday morning at this time, so all is well.

A few recent creations:

Above - just a fun creation for a Fast Scrap Friday with Sunshine as the topic. The little flower in the lower right corner is simply scraps! It is the inside parts from some medallions I cut on my cricut - love recycling that way :). The top tag is for my first tag/charm/pin swap ever. Next is a card for someone who isn't feeling so great and finally - a messed up tag attempt that has endeared itself to me. I king of like the coloring now and it will be used as an element on a page.

52 Week Swap - Round One - Complete!!

2010-12-28T16:46:00.006-05:00

Below are pictures of items from the swap. A few of mine look different here than what you receive - if I messed up (yep, I did that), I kept the bad one, however, I should have taken pics before I sent these off. Oh well, you have the basic idea.

Everyone who remembered two layers, two embellishments (unless otherwise indicated), and followed size guidelines did a fantastic job!! I know there are a lot of guidelines, but it is just to try and get similar quality items. This is a swap I will be happy to use in my books.

To the ladies who did three dimensional flowers - would you be interested in teaching an online class? If so, let me know via email and I will go over details with you.

Sorry pictures aren't better, but you can get a good idea of how things are from them.

I love the different takes we all had on different items. The results are wonderful.

Christmas Tag

2010-12-05T22:18:00.005-05:00

This is my take on the Day 5 Tag from this year's Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas.

Of all the products he used, I only had some stickles, but they weren't the same ones, but oh well - love to try new things - so here is what I did:

Plain tag I messed up the stamped image - use the back side :) No waste that way

Next, I don't have the dabber paints he is using, so here goes with the imprintz white inkpad

I don't have the ink blending tool either, so used my two red inkpads and put the ink on with a foam brush (edges aren't quite right - I also added a burgundy and went back over the edges with white)
Instead of the mini-mister (another tool not around here), I used some paint and paintbrush flicking technique

Next - stamp a Santa Image and some Holly Leaves. However, since I don't own holly leaves, I used something that kind of looks like pine boughs
Next - distress stickles in green. No distress, but I do have green :) Heat set with embossing gun -- wait a minute - heating the stickles makes them bubble :) - unique effect, but just something to know about. It takes longer than I expected too. I think I liked them better before the heat - but it is unique look (unique smell too LOL)

Rub paint on image and dry - I just used my white ink pad and what are evidently very large fingers LOL

Next - a Merry Christmas Stamp (Yuletide Greetings) and higlighting with white ink pen (I used my gold smooch ink instead) I also added some gold to the top where there where 'holes'

Next a diecut with grungepaper. No die or grungepaper. So - started with a 1 1/2" tall x 2 1/2 " wide scrap of green paper. cut out a similar shape and ink the edges. I just thought - cricut may have a shape, or a rectangle and circle - lots of choices - but using what is quick and easy right now :)

Next - music paper from my stash (ink the edges) is added to the diecut shape and adhere to your tag (I did alter my shape a bit more)
Next a 2 and a 5 - I don't have metal letters or utee, so first I cut some Alphalicious letters with the Cricut (1 1/2 "). Then inked and embossed. I used some Christmas green tinsel glitter embossing powder that I don't really like for a lot of things, but in this case - I do :) I put two layers of embossing powder on each number. Then I inked the edges a bit with brown. Not a vintage porcelain look, but I like what I have. (however, next time, I plan on 1.25" letters - they are a bit big). I attached my letters with pop dots behind and brads to try for a more raised look.

Next - three colors of foliage. I used some chipboard piece, a silk flower, a punched star piece of scrap and an ornament charm for mine. Placement is also different, but my greeting takes more space. (Yes, I should look at goal before just starting ROFL :) :)

Add some ribbon - then he had jingle bells - I am out, so used one sheer and one printed ribbon instead and the fluff to santa. I used cotton rather than the paint stuff he shows. Also added some red stickles to his hat. Corner is just plain :) If I had a jingle bell or something, I may add, but just leaving for now

One last photo - I just couldn't leave the upper left corner plain and noticed there were holly leaves in later photos - added some stickles in green, but probably won't use heat gun - not sure yet.

Great Give-away

2010-11-17T14:35:00.003-05:00

over at Scrapbooking Fun.

If you complete the seven days, you get entered into a drawing for a wonderful Stamping kit (stampin up brand, maybe?)

Anyway - just register with the site and follow what it says. It would be great to "see" you.

Peanut Update

2010-11-17T10:02:00.005-05:00

Peanut is a nice little heifer these days. She is growing well and likes other cows, though still hangs out with her buddy, Waffles, the donkey, quite often.

Izzy and Iko are coming along quite well too. They have nice, thick coats for winter and will be spending their time in the pen with the rest of the ewe lambs.

Ds completed a shearing school out at NDSU this past weekend - he plans to work shearing for others to be a way to help increase his cash flow for his sheep project.

Still having fun scrapping - below is a picture of an ornament I made with a borrowed Sizzix die, grungeboard, copic markers, liquid crystal, and just had some fun.

Finished up a swap

2010-11-03T11:19:00.003-04:00

The first one I have participated in over at the Cricut message board. Had a lot of fun creating. A few of the winter pieces are in the post below this one.

The fall/Thanksgiving were fun. My extra piece is the little squirrel. I do enjoy googly eyes.

The Birthday Boy set was fun, but I think I would end up spreading out the items over two or three pages since I tend to take a lot of pictures. But, below is a sample layout anyway. I didn't include sticker pics as they are the extra with this set.

Making Pages at Cricut

2010-10-29T18:49:00.002-04:00

Issues with the Cricut message board, so just in case anyone stops by - working to complete pieces swap.

A few parts from the winter group:

Scrapbook Swaps

2010-09-28T08:52:00.002-04:00

Right now, I am looking for a few more participants in some open swaps over at Scrapbooking Fun

If you are interested - register and sign up. The paper line for Imaginesce Apple Cider is beautiful and so much fun to touch!

If you want to create a swap that is not paper based - check out the anything but paper swap.

If you want some fun Christmas embellishments, check out the Christmas Kit swap.

Note: If you are new to the site or swapping, you may be limited on participation. If you do a lot of swapping, please be sure and let us know which site and then you should be allowed to sign up for more than one.

Thanks!

Free Online class

2010-09-10T10:51:00.004-04:00

I am teaching an online class over at Scrapbooking Fun on Monday 9/13. It is a basic notepad - the type you hang on a refrigerator.

If you are interested or would like to attend - check the details and supply lists over at Scrapbooking Fun. You need to become a member of the site to participate in the free monthly classes.

Above is a photo of the project. I did not create this project on my own or anything. I found it at a craft store and thought the notepads really looked fun and useful and could even be added to gift baskets with appropriately themed paper.

Great Blog Candy!!

2010-08-27T13:34:00.004-04:00

Looking through blog links and found a great blog candy giveaway over at Scrap'n for Fun. You can find the information HERE

Also - anyone into scrapbook swaps, I will be setting up a rather challenging 52 week swap on several boards. No, you don't mail weekly, but every other month you will need to mail items. You can sign up for one week, two weeks, every week, every month, whatever. Nothing too hard, but should be lots and lots of fun. Right now I am looking at listing on the Cricut board, Scrapbooking Fun.Biz board, Sketches 4 All Board and maybe one or two more. Limit of 9 participants per week to keep things moving. More info by September 1 :)

Some scrappy file folders from old swaps that I have created.

It has been a while

2010-08-16T09:13:00.005-04:00

since my last posting, but things have been flying. Another short trip coming up for dd and myself. Should be a lot of fun. Not a typical shopping and sight seeing, but camping and the great outdoors.

If you have some time to do some surfin' ran across this fun blog with wonderful candy this morning over at LiFe AnD tImEs of A 12x12 ADdiCt

Putting together a new swap group, using microscope slides as a base over at Scrapbooking Fun.Biz. Come join in the fun if you enjoy swaps. Check out the Day 2 Day section if you are looking for some simple challenges. This great group of ladies just finished up an 11 day scrapbooking challenge. Wow are some of these women talented! I wish I had more time, but with Day Camp in the midst of the challenge and temps near 100 for most of that time, I just didn't have the energy to complete anymore. However, I do have a pile of items on my table to finish putting together when there it time. Too bad non-adhered layouts don't count. LOL

Speaking of Challenges - have you visited Sketches 4 All yet? There are a ton of really fun (and challenging) things going on over there and some of the gallery items are really rockin!

I have a few layouts posted at the sites mentioned above, so just sharing some fun type photos. The kids have been very busy this summer - below are a few pictures either they or their friends have taken from around the United States.

For those of you who know us, we do have a lot of pictures of each flying item at the Air and Space Museum and at the AFB another boy visited. Boys went to different sides of the country and guess what I have the most pictures of? Just makes me smile - and I am getting better at scrapping various airplanes, rockets, helicopters, missles, etc..

Why a photo of the Tick Habitat sign - we just had to laugh. After living in this area, it is easy to forget that looking for ticks each night was not a common/daily practice when we first moved up. However, this sign just made the boys smile and reminded them of home.

Check out this fun giveaway

2010-08-01T18:55:00.001-04:00

Head on over to Stacy's blog HERE and look at all the wonderful Tim Holtz products she is giving away this month!!! Hope I win :)

Another Sketch

2010-07-08T10:51:00.004-04:00

Just completed another sketch challenge for Brenda's group over at Sketches for All.

Here is her original challenge sketch:

I really liked the simple lines and ability to focus in on a single photo, however, when looking through my page kits (kits of paper/photos/embellies I want on a page), I found photos that just seemed to fit better than my thought of a single, larger photograph. I am not sure why the photo looks as it does - however, you can see the whole sketch over at Sketches 4 All.

Below are my results:

The papers are from DCWV Rock Star Stack, the music note stickers are very, very old - I cannot remember when I purchased them, but they are me & my Big ideas stickers, the flocking is from a rub-on flocking kit by We Are Memory Keepers and the letters were all cut from the Alphalious Cricut Cartidge (top ones are Short Stack, lower ones are standard). Brads are from Around the Block and another I can't remember and the flower, I think, is Heidi Grace. Best part - everything came from my stash and the layout was a blast to pull together.

For those who know me, you know that the back piece of paper has a rather large hole in the center - that is what I used to cut my letters out for the titles. Black scrap served for other accents - same with photo mat - it is a scrap from a My Mind's Eye Laundry Line swap I recently completed. Love using stash products. Everything was pretty much "leftovers."

Found some Thyme

2010-07-06T21:36:00.005-04:00

Time to surf that is and came across this fun blog called Sketches in thyme. They have a challenge going right now, using this sketch:

The wonderful sketch above was designed by a very talented woman, named Monma, and you can find her blog and absolutely beautiful work at her Blog .

Anyway - my results are a bit different, definitely more masculine, but I am pleased.

I used Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers line, Cricut Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge, AC Cardstock, and other stash items (like the Cabela's lure spinner thing, assorted scraps and journal note card, which, when lifted, reveals journaling underneath).

All in all - a really fun project. Hardest part for me, once I chose a picture, how to adhere everything so I can put the final copy of the photo down. This one didn't come out right, so I have ordered a replacement.

"old" Advertisment inspiration?

2010-07-06T13:36:00.004-04:00

Yep - paging through an old Stamping Arts and Crafts magazine - it suddenly hit when I saw this part of an add from All Night Media, Inc..

While I didn't want to use stamps - I thought about dry embossing, core-dinations and how that may look. I finished the standard dry-embossed one, looking for the right core dinations papers now.

Below are my first set of results (as well as the ad).

I created the above as a card front, but then found a picture of kids "scouting" out new bugs. It goes well, so this "card" may be converted/used as a photo mat. My older pictures are all 3x5, so it will fit perfect.

Short Term contest over at Scrapbooking Fun

2010-06-21T08:25:00.000-04:00

With all that has been going on lately, I wanted to do something happy and fun, yet very, very simple.

Visit Scrapbooking Fun and you will find details under challenges. It is the June Quickie Challenge. Each entrant can earn up to six entries into the drawing and things are pretty simple - create a layout, create a swap, take a photo, etc. Stop on by, say hi, and enter. You may win a fun set of stamps I found when clearing my desk :)

2010-06-21T07:20:00.002-04:00

Busy time here. My grandmother passed away and we have been rather busy. I grew up two doors down from her and she had taught so many lessons. It is rather bittersweet to let her go.

I am sad that we have to let her go here on earth, but rejoice that she is now in heaven. She now partakes in an eternal celebration.

And the race is on . . .

2010-05-31T10:19:00.003-04:00

Here they go - Jiggles vs. her shepherd. She runs all over wherever he tends to be. So they decided to race around and back to the bucket. Know what we found out????

Jiggles Cheats!!!!! Silly Lamb - cheating isn't good. Her little shepherd is going down here and she won the race! She discovered that hitting behind the knees will bring down whoever is in front. However, she did come back to see him once she realized he was no longer with her.

If you want to see how Jiggles has grown, go back to January 2009 posts - that is when she was born. Sheering next week.

One Relaxed Cat (and boy)

Orange-o and his owner sacked out for a few zzzzz's on a Sunday afternoon. Sure wouldn't want to think the cat isn't comfortable.

Below is the new dog, Freddy. He is a Beagle/Basset mix and will hopefully train well and quickly to take over for Spot who is currently 15, and having quite a few health issues (we thought he would pass away last summer, but made it through with some TLC). However, we did need a new dog to take over Spot's duties of keeping animals out of the barn and garden. Fred is learning quick, but is still scared of the sheep, cows and ducks. He keeps coming to me when I try to snap photos another will come soon.

Keeping Busy

2010-05-18T09:29:00.013-04:00

New Babies, Scrapbooking Fun Swaps and Practical Scrappers Challenge projects (scroll down for details :)).

New babies all around and swaps - yes, it has been busy. Helping with a petting zoo tomorrow, so the animals are all getting ready. Below you see Walnut (the little guy) and Peanut. Peanut is growing well and still gets excited to see her bottle. Walnut is now a bottle baby because his mother tried to kill him. She will be leaving soon. Walnut got his name because he will be bigger than a Peanut when he is grown.

Below are some layouts I created for my page sketch swap over at Scrapbooking Fun. I had a ton of fun putting them together and they will accommodate 4-7, 4x6 prints.

Beach Layout - created with the Cricut Life is a Beach cartridge. The blue polka-dot paper in the lower of the two images is removable - just there for photo placement. All the swaps have different backgrounds.Family/Heritage Layouts. Below is my starting sketch (it will be included with all swaps). I vary a bit, but not too much. When designing these pages, I have a stack of 4x6 photos on hand that I place upside down onto layouts for sizing. This layout allows for 6 photo's, easily, more if you scoot stuff around. This layout is also the first one of my pieces for a Patterned Paper challenge at Practical Scrappers I used three different patterns from the DCWV Indian Summer stacks. The other is below in the Primary Colors section

Nature Layout - I am having fun with the Whitewash Core'dinations papers. They really do well when trying to create understated embossed images. I also used some pre-glittered felt with these (as well as regular felt). My design studio comes in handy for titles. This sketch is very similar to the Heritage layout sketch, but I think that one large and two 4x6 would look best. However, it easily accommodates 4-6 4x6 photos.

Primary Colors Layouts - I enjoy mats for some pages, others, I don't. Lately I have been using a lot of Stazon and inking the edges of my photos or leaving a white edge on the photos rather than matting. You can see a small version of the sketch for the top two layouts in the second layout. The third layout is designed to handle 2 larger photos with memorabilia up near the top or 5, 4x6 photos. The Blue background layout is my second one for the patterned paper challenge over at Practical Scrappers . I enjoy using different patterned papers, though kept them pretty minimal here to maximize the user's ability to utilize the layout.

One regret with a few layouts - now I wish I had thought to do a bit more inking :(. Maybe next time.

Pretty Skittles/Dew Drops/Pebbles

2010-05-06T10:10:00.003-04:00

The photo doesn't quite do these justice - they are so sparkly under the lights and make me smile.

I did a swap with these over at Scrapbooking Fun. Based on a few inquiries by friends - I will be offering them for sale. 15 different colors - 1/4 cup each packet - for $25.00 (includes priority shipping in USA). I will be listing on my website soon - just need to finish the new pages :).

2010-05-05T17:51:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Mimsymarie - winner of the BlogCation Challenge! Above is a part of her prize package! Once I recall where I put the other items, they may make it to the photo (ever do that?)

I also participated in some challenges over at Sketches 4 All - I won a RAK drawing with the following:

A few other challenge projects I participated in:

The Lambs are Coming, The Lambs are Coming (Blogcation info below)

2010-04-26T13:37:00.009-04:00

We are very excited about lambs around here. Below is the tiniest little Corsican Ewe Lamb - she is about 18 hours old here. No name yet, but she stands about 9" tall.

Here she is with her twin sister. The brown colored one is a Corsican Jamaican Black Belly and the all black one called a Black Hawaiian. The Corsican breed has several variations, and their father is a purebred Corsican Black Hawaiian. This breed is raised both for the horns that the males have as well as meat and hair. The little black one was found outside the pen underneath a wheelbarrow! not quite sure how that happened, but she still had placenta on her so we are figuring her mom had her in either a strange manner or she managed to get out of the fence. Luckily, during lambing, we are checking every few hours and it has been warm, so the little girl was just fine. However, momma, Pancakes, was not happy about the situation. They are all together now.
This little guy is a purebred Jacob's Sheep. He is about 4 hours old and has a twin brother. Remember in the Bible when Jacob get all the speckled and spotted sheep from his father in law's flock - these Jacobs sheep are descendents of those as they are speckled and spotted as well. So far, all of ours are 4 horned Jacobs (they can have up to 6 horns as well).
This lamb also has the same sire as the little guy above, only he is 1/3 Dorper and 2/3 Jacobs. It appears the Dorper color gene is dominant, however, he does have four horns coming. He is 2 days old here.
Now here is little Runna. She is a crossbred - her father is Corsican and her mother is a Jacob-Dorper cross. She is a friendly little girl, but likes poop on whoever picks her up :).

Blogcation - final week before NSD Drawing!! You can find past week's information here, or go to Scrapbooking Fun to look through posts. Remember - Grand Prize is a set of Vacation/Travel themed items. Sorry for the changes, however, life things have made it difficult to have a new project each week. We will just go with the five and over NSD I will post the sketch/layout using the items created.

This week - still using monochromatics, however, I was shopping at retreat and couldn't resist picking up some core'dinations green paper to use with this challenge. I am having a lot of fun experimenting with this paper and will be teaching an on-line class using several techniques and creating a layout over at Scrapbooking Fun May 21st - I think the time is 9 pm.

Today's project is a tag. First, I start with a standard 2 1/2 x 5" mailing type tag from an office supply store. You can cut your own, but these were inexpensive and I love the size.

Next - cover the tag with your choice of paper (I will be speaking in "greens" as that is what I have selected). Remember - check scraps first!

Next, I found a tag project/challenge I really like over at Sketches 4 All that I will be altering to fit my monochromatic parameters. I don't have green mist, so will be using green paint and "flicking" instead. I had some rather large splots of paint, so I pressed the excess off. Not quite what the challenge requested, but I had fun :).

Next, I am using a piece of my core'dinations paper and doing some dry embossing with an embossing folder. Once embossed, gently sand away part of the color from the raised portion of the image. I am also ripping the sides for a multi-color look rather than the burned look used in the sample (I do like the burnt edge look, just not for the tag I am creating). Next, I added some green paper ribbon, then I adhered the embossed and ripped piece onto another piece of green, distressed the edges of the backing and adhered the entire piece to my tag. Then I added some fun green fiber to the top.

Finally, I had planned on frog eyelets, but they were too small, so back to the drawing board. I settled for a flower and a few skittles instead. I think that in the final layout, I may have to add a bird or something, but will see. Thanks for joining in the fun!

Retreat Results!!

2010-04-22T16:26:00.004-04:00

Had a blast at the retreat - and got a lot accomplished. Blog-cation information will come by this weekend - gotta get things ready for NSD!!!

Anyway - over at Practical Scrappers their current challenge is based on floss, fibers and ribbon (oh my :)). Some of my favorite items. I finished up the following layout on Monday and so this is for that drawing.

Based on my ribbon stash, you would think I never use much ribbon, but I do like the feel it adds to my layouts. These are both very simple layouts, but sometimes simplicity really hits the spot.

The duck embellishment is from a swap over at Scrapbooking Fun I love the torn paper duck.

Blog-Cation Continues

2010-04-02T19:23:00.003-04:00

Blog Cation
Remember - to participate, you must become a member over at Scrapbooking Fun

Weeks 2, 3, and 4
All entries submitted for the contest will receive double entries into the grand prize drawing if they are on time for the weekly contest. If entered later, you will receive single entries per item.

On with the Blog-Cation
Week 2 – Embellishment Bag – decided to keep it easy as I was so busy . What to include –
• 3 yards of ribbon – I have a yards of green plaid, 40” of green grosgrain, and 1 yard of green polka dot
• 40 green bling
• 5 green star eyelets, 10 green mini eyelets, 12 green mini brads
• Green skittles
• A few green primas and other paper flowers
Why am I putting all of this together now? It will actually save me time in the long run. I enjoy doing swaps so often, that I sometimes use things for swaps that I had intended for other projects. This way, I have the items in a baggie and at a minimum, I will have these items at assembly time in May.

Week 3 – create some deco squares

Deco squares are normally 3”x3”, layered twice and embellished at least once. For my deco squares, I again hit my scraps first! I found some pretty polka dot flocked paper along with some leftover green. I also found a shiny polka dot and some other plain green cardstock. Note: you can make yours all identical or all different – your choice.

1st – cut 3 pieces of plain cardstock 3”x3”
2nd – cut 3 pieces of pp 2.5” x 2.5”

Next – trim edges and ink, if desired. Then adhere tops to bottoms.

Then embellish. The first two are fairly straightforward – ribbon and stickles on one, stickles and a flower on the other. For the third – a paper clip and satin ribbon and then I raided my inchie swap stash! One of the best things about swaps is using them!!! Anyway the one of the inchies was created by Crop-a-holic and the other has D# as creator. I think they are from the old AMR board. I popped up one of the inchies. I know it isn’t 100% green, but I really like the way it is with the papers, plus, I know of a few pictures I would like it for.

Week 4 – Create a large Photo Mat (will hold a 4x6 photo)

I am checking my stash first – I need a base that will measure 5x7. I have a piece!

First – cut a 5x7 base
Next I usually cut a 4x6 mat to show where the photo goes.

Then decide how to embellish. I am making some edged photo corners – basic triangles. I have enough scraps left that I made two more photo corners (not swap size, just for this mat) that I will hang onto. I really like eyelets, so use some of those for embellishment.
Remember – your items are not required to be just like mine. Mine are more of a jump off point – have fun and create what is you!

Peanut Tales

2010-03-29T09:40:00.005-04:00

Well, Peanut lives outside now. She no longer needs her coat. The blessings of a warm spring have been wonderful for both her and Izzy. Izzy now lives outside as well with Sonya and Mocha - two more ewe lambs.

Peanut lives in the barn, in her own pen for now, at night, and spends her days with the rest of or small herd. She and Bug, the only other calf right now, play together and nap with the herd during the sunny parts of the day. Peanut is quite a bit smaller than Bug, he is older, but calves always like to play together.

Peanut is still adjusting to her halter - she doesn't like not being in full control of her actions, but needs to learn to follow when indicated. She wears her halter to and from the cow lot each morning and evening - her treat for doing so? she gets her bottle. At night, she gets another treat - her sweet feed. Sweet feed is mainly so we feel better - she likes the sweetness of the molasses, but it really isn't necessary for her. She also likes her treat of alfalfa hay at night, though she also receives some after her morning bottle as well. Ds is thinking of possibly showing her at the local county fair, though we haven't fully decided yet.

If you are curious, Waffles, the baby donkey has been growing well. She loves attention. Sometimes, this can be a hassle if she is in the pen we are working in -- she comes up and keeps nudging us until we pet her, but doesn't stop. She just doesn't understand what "No, Waffles" means, so she ends up back in a small stall until work is completed.

The ducks are also doing well. However, they have taken to laying eggs in the cow lot. This is not the safest place for eggs. The kids have gotten used to looking in creative locations for their eggs. Since we hadn't had ducks before, we suspect that ducks must be spring time layers. Last spring and this spring we have been getting eggs. However, they stop over the summer, fall and winter. I guess it is time for some research.

Have a great day!

2010-03-18T19:04:00.002-04:00

sorry for delay with contest info. Family items - will update by Monday :)

BlogCation/StayCation Week One

2010-03-06T13:25:00.006-05:00

Week one consists of Journal Spots/Library Pockets w/card.

Project can be read about and viewed over at
Scrapbooking Fun

My results (only one type/size from each group is required for entry into the weekly drawing) are below:

Packing for the Great BlogCation!!

2010-03-01T13:12:00.006-05:00

So – let’s get started

Rules (always a bugger - I know, but we have to have some). You need to become a member over at Scrapbooking Fun to participate in all drawings/prizes (free). The complete rules are listed under the BlogCation heading.

Now - lets do some packing. I will list what is required (minimal), however, this is one BlogCation that it is perfectly fine to overpack for because you won’t have to carry it too far and there are no baggage fees.

Our BlogCation will maintain a monochromatic theme. What does that mean? Simple – we will stay with shades of the same color. So, to start out – think of a color that is either your favorite, a kids favorite, a relatives favorite, or one you just use a lot. Thinking???
(think Jeopardy theme music here)
Thinking J
Thinking J
May I suggest picking a color you enjoy working with? It will make the activities much more fun.
Thinking J
Thinking J
Thinking J
Thinking J
Thinking J
Thinking J
Ah-hah! I’ve got mine – hope you have figured yours as well. I am going with green. Why? It is all snowy here now and green reminds me of spring. Also - it is dd’s favorite color, I use it a lot for the boys as well, and I just think it sounds fun. Plus, I have a wide assortment of greens in my stash J (another HUGE plus)
So now we are ready to start, but wait! Where to put it all????? I think we need a suitcase. Just grab something you have on hand to put everything into. A box, envelope, large plastic bag, folder, plastic container, anything – just something to keep your supplies together for the next few weeks.
Suitcase ready? All set – good. Now go find some solid card stocks in your chosen color! I spent a few minutes going through my stash and found I have 18 shades of green – very surprising as I would have guessed three if you had asked!
How much to pack? Well, at a minimum you will need 4 sheets of one color to be your background in the final project. You will also need 2-4 sheets of two more shades of your color plus 2-4 sheets of specialty paper in your color. Don’t get all worked up about specialty papers – if you don’t have them, don’t run out and purchase. You will probably have enough supplies on hand to make your paper look like specialty (alter with paint, stamping, sanding, sewing, dry or heat embossing, etc.). However, if you really, really want to buy some (always fun) I chose 2 sheets of metallic green, a sheet of green with green stitching, a piece of green with green flocking and a piece of mulberry with flecks of what looks like straw from my stash.
What did I pack? 18 shades of green. About ¾” thick pile of 12 x 12 papers. I am not positive what I will want just yet, so packed a few extras “just in case”. (note: final recap of materials appears at the end)
What else am I grabbing? I noticed some green gems and skittles (if you don’t have green, just use alcohol inks to color some clear ones), some fun fibers and ribbons (a few yards of each), brads, eyelets and buttons. I also have stickles, alcohol inks and ink pads in green, however, I am not packing those into my suitcase.
We will also need some adhesive, pop dots, scissors, a trimmer, die cut machine or stencils, letter stamps or die cuts or you can hand draw your letters and other standard supplies.
Ok – got your papers together? Got some other stuff? Take a photo and pack it up – until next week when we take off on . . . THE GREAT BLOGCATION!!

The great BLOGCATION Starts March 7th!!!!

2010-02-28T13:17:00.006-05:00

Are you ready?

Before we get started - you can get ready by doing two things

1 - get registered over at Scrapbooking Fun (Blogcation rules/requirements will be posted later this week)

2 - Our Blogcation will have a monochromatic theme (this should eliminate the need for anyone to purchase any special products). Since we are using a monochromatic theme, I am looking for more suggestions regarding how to make your stash work. So far, I have the following (the examples are all using green as the base color)

Ideas to alter plain green (or your own color – please change ink and other colors to match) paper to make it work in a monochromatic layout

Take a green inkpad (different shade than paper) and lightly brush over the top – gives a worn look
Lightly dampen your green – then wad it into a ball. Get lots of wrinkles in there and then lay it out flat to dry
Take a stamp – use green ink and stamp it all over your piece of paper
Take your paper and a piece of sandpaper. Lightly sand the page in various locations
Use a versamark pad to stamp something all over the background
Use a stamp and green embossing powder to make your paper have a different pattern
Use some texture plates to dry emboss something throughout your paper
Check for all green shades of patterned papers – use one of those if you need to (no other colors if at all possible for true monochromatic s)
Use some green thread and stitch some patterns onto your paper (straight, zig zag, whatever)
Use green colored pencils to draw various shades of green in some type of pattern onto your paper
Grab some green acrylic paint and paint a thin layer on your paper. Then add some white and paint some more sheets. Then add some black or blue or whatever and paint some more sheets. This method works great if you start with white and paint the shades you desire. Be sure to make about 4 of each if you choose this one.
Use scraps of green, from your stash, and piece them together to make and entirely new sheet of paper!

I will try to come up with some samples - they will be posted over at Scrapbooking Fun

One last thing- finished my layout for Friday's Sketch challenge over at Practical Scrappers. Mine is more simplistic, but when I tried adding more "zing", I just wasn't happy - took the focus from the pictures too much. So, not sure I followed the sketch completely, but this is my take.

Don't forget!

2010-02-26T10:28:00.005-05:00

We are taking off on a Blog-Cation starting the 2nd week of March! We will be making various stops (creating scrapbook items) each week, and winding up our trip on NSD over at Scrapbooking Fun! You need to join there and post what you create to be eligible for the grand prize (a scrapbooking kit with a vacation theme - contents are still being added, but so far there are many items - mini album, paper, stamps, rub-ons, etc.). The Blog-cation will start there and who knows where all we will head? It may only be one stop, it may be many - you will have to wait to find out.

Another "preview" of one of the prizes:

a few layouts for challenges over at
Sketches 4 All

Sports Paper Piecing Swap

2010-02-25T15:00:00.003-05:00

Still working on trying to hold the camera still - the white is just for stability - once a photo is inserted (from sides) the frames work great

2010-02-25T10:46:00.005-05:00

Keeping busy, so just posting some swap items for swaps over at Scrapbooking Fun. I am still working on my photography techniques - so please bear with me - eventually they will get better.

One thing I noticed - I forgot to ink the edges on a few projects (can't believe it - again. I think it is time to put my ink pads back where they were). I don't know if pieces will come apart to allow, so these may change a bit.

Scrapbooking Fun Online Crop Starts Friday!!

2010-02-18T19:12:00.004-05:00

I am so excited. I can't wait! Still finishing up my class samples (yes, I know kind of last minute). There will be a bunch of great classes.

A few challenges have been completed. The one below is for the Flower Challenge at Practical Scrappers as well as a White space challenge over at Sketchs 4 You and my 2nd week of February challenge over at Scrapbooking Fun

It was kind of fun to use this piece in so many challenges. However, the white space one presented the greatest challenge - I am not good with leaving so much space around my photos. I couldn't leave it all blank, so added the fence and rub-ons at the bottom of the layout.

Scrappy Fun

2010-02-07T12:07:00.005-05:00

I am working on finishing a book that I will be teaching over at Scrapbooking Fun during their three day crop. It looks like there will be at least 8 different classes going on - I can't wait!! From the sounds of it, there will be a few new techniques taught!!

Anyway - so far, my mini-book/album is only in the initial stages - the front cover section is shown below:

Now - for another Sketch-a-Thon layout from Scrap-Friendzy. It is the #7 layout for January.

My supply list was as follows – all from my stash or scrap bins – always a plus: Pink Paislee Hearts Bloom Cupid Collection, Pink Cardstock – no idea of line, The Paper Loft Winter Wonderland, Flocked paper – no idea of line, Ribbons and Paper Clip – Cloud 9 Design Be Loved Collection, Chipboard words – from a Walmart Chipboard Block – pastels, Pink Chipboard Flower – Around the Block, Cricut Cartridge – Storybook

I didn't get my layout submitted for the Die Cut Shapes over at Practical Scrappers on time, however, that doesn't matter - my goal is to get things completed :)

A few things are going on over at Scrapbooking Fun right now:

As usual - I do have a monthly contest
The Saturday Sketch Challenge
The 240 or more Scrapbook Page challenge for 2010
and don't forget - the Blog-Cation will begin in March - you will need to start from Scrapbooking Fun and follow the links to qualify for prizes and drawings

Peanut Update - She loves living outside - much happier than indoors. The cats visit her often and she likes being in the barn. She eats her calf starter on her own now and also enjoys hay. She still gets three bottles a day and will continue to do so until she is older. Her extra small little blanket still fits, but will need to be replaced soon as she is growing well.

Izzy is still inside, and will be until spring. She is getting stronger and gaining weight, but we are pretty sure she is a dwarf. We purchased a medium sized dog harness for her that allows us to remove the various gates, yet keep her contained. Her climbing ability has really blossomed the past few weeks and keeping her off furniture items is important for many reasons. The kids found a fun drink called Izze, so of course, we have some, are washing out the can, and I plan to create a scrapbook page with her picture and the part of the can that says Izze.

Have a great Sunday!

Monday Morning

2010-02-01T08:32:00.008-05:00

Last night I finished up some fun little journal spots for a swap over at Sketches for You. They are fairly simple and made completely from my stash, but will work great for pages.

Supplies:
Top Tag - AC Cardstock - Earthtones, DCWV Green Stack, Pink Paislee Stamp, chatterbox fiber, eyelets, Prima flower and bling

Bottom Tag - K & Company Marcella K Paper pad, Making Memories Passport Papers, skittles, bling and Prima Espirit Flowers

Over at Scrapbooking Fun, I am trying out something a bit new. Asking if people want to submit their own sketches or what they use as a sketch plus the final layout. It is pretty simple. You will notice that I have a few sketches loaded to the site, but not the final layout yet. The final layout will be posted later this week. I do ask that you be sure your final results are posted within a week up uploading your sketch and that they are posted in the same reply.

The Week Two challenge posted proved to be the most difficult for me to complete, until, I found the right photograph!! Below are my results:

I tend to keep my scrapping fairly simple and straightforward and love the way this piece came out. Making Memories Passport paper, Crocheted flower (purchased), brads and a piece of ribbon that is actually Easter grass, but was the look I was going for :)

Also - Don't forget the first Blog-cation is coming the first part of March to Scrapbooking Fun! Below is another brief preview of a piece of the grand prize package to be awarded when the 6 week long blog-cation wraps up with its final "stop" on NSD!

Below is my entry for Sketch 13 over at Scrap-Friendzy. It is one of those layouts where I love scraps!!! I did use new from the DCWV Green Stack, however, everything else was from my stash (as was stack) or my scrap bin. Scraps were from AC Cardstock Earthtones and Paper Loft's Winter Wonderland line. It is wonderful when you can use up what is on hand and has been used for other purposes!

Well - off to get some errands completed, then onto die cuts for this weeks challenge over at Practical Scrappers.

New challenges and swaps are posted at Sketches for You and Scrapbooking Fun and I want to check those out as well!

Have a great Monday!

Fun Times

2010-01-30T12:29:00.005-05:00

I was completing a sketch for Scrap Friendzy's January Sketch-a-thon. I thought the January 23rd sketch looked pretty difficult, but it went together surprisingly easy! Below are my results

First, the sketch: Sketch 23, Lucy Chesna Designs

Below is a photo of my results:

Supplies: K & Company Kazoo Kids Scrap Pad and chipboard, Pink Paislee Vintage Moon Collection overlay and Fetching die cut sticker, Co-ordinations paper and various other on-hand items. All items came from my stash.

On a cold day, its it nice

2010-01-29T16:40:00.004-05:00

to stay indoors and scrap! I didn't get that much scrappy time in, but I was able to complete a few layouts.

These are some I did for challenges over at Sketches 4 All and the Wednesday, Use a Swap Day challenge at Scrapbooking Fun

Papers: Imaginise Polar Expressions
Ribbon: Imaginise Polar Expressions
Photo Holder: from the swap
Sketch/layout (only page one of two shown)Sketches 4 All

The next layout is also a sketch for a challenges over at Sketches 4 All.

Papers: Fancy Pants - Simplicity (brown dots)
Arctic Chill - Freeze (behind the photos)
Graphic 45 Christmas Past - Ode to Joy

Lettering, felt: Mark Richards Handmade Felt Alphabet Stickers
Baby and lower border: Fiskars Baby Photo Memories Accents

Several of the items are ones that I have had, because they are pretty, but hadn't used because ---- I have no idea why! I love the photos, so why not use the supplies I enjoy as well!

This is something I have to combat alot - using what I purchased - no idea why it is so tough sometimes, but it is. However, as dh tells me - if you buy it, use it and enjoy it. I do have to say - putting together these simple pages was fun!

All sorts of fun

2010-01-25T14:55:00.004-05:00

I am working on a patterned paper challenge over at Practical Scrappers. I love pp challenges and can't wait to decide on which pictures to use. I have some wonderful scraps that are from swap that just calling to be used and I know I have scrap pp that would coordinate! For the following, I used My Mind's Eye/Wild Asparagus Pretty Little Girl Dots/Blue Paper, Pretty Little Girl Lace Magnolias/Lavender Paper, two sheets of paper from my stash that have no writing, so no idea what they are :), vivid ink lavender pad, Storybook Cricut Cartridge and a piece of 12" ribbon from my stash. The buttons were from a set of blues that say Tres Joli French Kisses n the bottle. It took some figuring as I only had one sheet each of the two Wild Asparagus papers, something that drives me nuts as I usually buy 2-3 sheets of each type. A few ways to conserve - I cut the center from the 8x10 mat to use to mat the 4x6's, the ribbon was cut after I figured out where to place things so I would have enough for both borders, and the heart border is also cut behind the 8x10. I do have scraps left, but wanted to be sure I didn't run out of paper, so did what I could to conserve.

Also - I just posted a new Unique Item challenge over at Scrapbooking Fun. Can you handle it??? It is a recycling type of challenge - if you buy bread, you probably have what you need to give this challenge a shot!

Photos coming later today!

Peanut Update

2010-01-23T13:45:00.002-05:00

She is up to 71 pounds and learning to eat her calf starter mix. She still likes her bottle best, but is learning that food helps a lot. She has grown almost one pound per day over the last week! We are trying to get her to grow at that rate, so it is good. She quite a bit of her time outside now, and comes running when she sees her bottle on its way.

Monochromatic Swap Anyone?

2010-01-22T12:47:00.001-05:00

I have a Monochromatic Swap over at Scrapbooking Fun that needs a few more swappers. If you are interested, check it out. Monochromatics are always a lot of fun because they always match! If you aren't sure what a Monochromatic piece is, scroll down to January 16 - I have a purple border that I created shown. Monochromatic is simply multiple shades of the same color. They are a lot of fun, but sometimes intimidating until you use them.

Don't forget - The Great Blog-cation Get-away starts in March. Below is another preview of a piece of the grand prize package!

Peanut and Scraps

2010-01-20T17:16:00.006-05:00

Peanut likes to come over and see what I am up to when I am using my computer. The table is at a bar-height, she is small, but not as tiny as if it was a regular length table.

I stopped by my favorite scrapbook shop and picked up the prizes for my January Challenge over at Scrapbooking Fun. It isn't too late to join in the fun. Stop over and check things out!

And remember - the Blog-cation starts in March - I just found a few fun pieces to add to the prize package - here is a sneak peak of one item:

Learning

2010-01-18T20:03:00.005-05:00

I am working on a swap for Scrapbooking Fun. It is altered canvas. I have never worked with canvas before, so this is an interesting journey.

My first attempts didn't even make it into pictures - however, I did learn that alcohol ink colors are great, but need to be "watered down" to make them spread correctly.

Below is another attempt at working with canvas. This time I tried water colors. I don't know what I am doing, so just added paint/water until I liked the background.

Next, I used one of my favorite flourish stamps, inked with Stazon

Now, I can kind of see something, I just wish I knew what LOL. So - try various flowers, some lace, glimmer mist, who knows where this will end up?

I am also working on an embossing challenge over at Practical Scrappers. I like the piece, but it sure didn't work as I hoped. I will save the pieces - first I dry embossed the image, then inked the raised portions. Oh well - back to the drawing board.

2010-01-17T10:41:00.004-05:00

Some little monsters I am working on for a Lil'Monsters Swap over at Scrapbooking Fun, using the Reminise Monster line of papers. I used Crystal Lacquer to give these little guys a bit of 3-D effect and added some google eyes. They will be used for some photo corners along with coordinating ones using the Eyeballs below. The eyeballs were cut from my Cricut Cartridge, Graphically Speaking.

Sneak peak at my final swap item - don't scroll down if you want to be surprised :)

Working on some scrappy items

2010-01-16T16:16:00.003-05:00

I will post as I complete various items - so far, just one :)

Peanut Meets the World (in her own way)

2010-01-15T10:32:00.006-05:00

Peanut has been outside longer and longer each day. This morning we went for a run in with other cows. Below, she is meeting the bull, his name is Luke. Other than a brief, 'Who are you', look, Luke was more interested in licking the remains of Peanut's morning bottle from her chin than anything else. Yes, cows do retain an esophageal reflex their entire lives (kind of cool - mean that if you give them a bottle, every day for life - the milk will go straight to their albulmasum)

Then we met all the cows, one by one. In this picture, Peanut's mom, the one with horns, sniffed, then left and Juniette, mom of Bug (calf Peanut is smelling) is also interested to see who the newcomer may be. Unfortunately, Peanut's mom is still less interested in Peanut than any other cow in the pasture.

And now it is time for our run. Glad Peanut doesn't run as fast as Bug yet, or I couldn't keep up LOL. Peanut is beginning to figure out that the halter, though she has to follow its orders, isn't as bad as she first thought. It is a nice 20 degree morning, so Peanut isn't wearing her blanket. However, after a good meet and greet and run, it is time to come inside and rest.

Oh - if you are curious, the dirt you see is not due to lack of snow (there are about 15 inches of "old" snow on the ground right now). It is because we had to plow the way to where we store our hay in the winter.

A New Online Store

2010-01-14T10:55:00.005-05:00

Well, maybe not new to you, but definitely new to me. It is called NoelMignon and you can check it out HERE.

She does offer some beautiful kits. Off to spend some time looking at everything offered :)

*** Coming in March*** keep checking back for a great Blog-cation!! Details will appear both at Scrapbooking Fun and here about one week before this 8 week journey begins! You can stay home in your jammies and enjoy a fun site seeing and activity tour, complete with some great Vacation Scraping prizes that will be given away the final day of this event!

Do you like challenges? I just listed some new ones over at Scrapbooking Fun. Scroll down to fun and games to participate. I can't wait to see the results of anyone who is up for the major challenge of scrapping with unique items!

Favorite Tag of 2009

2010-01-13T11:24:00.007-05:00

Well - I was looking at a lot of different things and a question came up about posting my favorite tag that I have done. I do have to say - it is a fairly simple one, I would change a few things next time, but it is the first one below (has photographs). Also are some of my other tags that I enjoyed creating this past year. Technically, the All Star tag was completed in 2010 for a challenge over at Sketches 4 All/Sketches 4 You

Inspired by TH Tags of Christmas, I completed this tag for the 25 Days of December Challenge over at Scrapbooking Fun. Thanks Pixerframer for all the great classes. They gave me the push to try another tag - so here is my favorite for the past year (sorry the picture quality isn't so hot):

All the tags were given away, many before I took pictures, but that was a really fun part - seeing smiles on faces when they ask about tags. Only the All Star tag and my favorite (which became a tree ornament) are still here.

Something to smile about - Peanut is eating hay!!! Not large quantities, but Izzy has been teaching her how to do so. Picture is blury because Peanut was moving her head, but it is a good sign!! The other picture is Peanut in her halter. She loves to run about outside for periods of time (it is nice if she does at least her most smelly duty there too!). She is getting stronger each day, though she is still really thin. She didn't think too much of her pretty blue halter, though she doesn't seem to mind it either.

Sparkly fun!!

2010-01-12T17:23:00.007-05:00

I learned about crushing skittles and love the look when they are adhered with glaze! Below is one of my first projects, a tag! The blue behind the skittles was coated with crystal lacquer and looks sparkly when the sun hits it! I used Diamond stickles on the top for an icicle look. The tag is for a challenge over at Practical Scrappers

The green leaves are actually fine glitter and the black embossing adds just enough to make the whole tag shine.

Below is another of my favorite tags - the sparkly paper is so fun! This one is my take on one of the TH Tags of Christmas. Pixerframer, over at Scrapbooking Fun taught some classes on making the TH Tags of Christmas your own - ever since, I have developed a new love for tags.

Normal?

2010-01-12T12:58:00.003-05:00

Not really, Peanut is still in the house. She eats well, but still sleeps a lot. I remember Izzy took a good 2-3 weeks, it could be that Peanut may take a bit longer. She seems to be happy and has adjusted to all the animals.

Now to figure out how to take good pictures of a white calf in a sort of dark basement - sometimes they turn out, mostly, they aren't.

The biggest advantage to having Peanut in the house - I have more time to scrap! I have finished 11 layouts so far this year! Huge for me, as I can always find other stuff that needs to be done. Since Peanut is in the room I scrap in - it isn't too bad to get things out, leave them there to care for her, then return to my scrapping.

Here is another layout I completed - it was for a challenge. Pretty simple, but I am happy with the results.

Below is a tag I did this morning for another challenge. I used 5 different shades of purple ink to get the background the way I wanted it. Again - it is very simple, but I am happy with the results.

Busy Times

2010-01-10T10:11:00.002-05:00

Peanut is ready to go outside - however, we aren't completed with her area, so not quite yet :)

Girl Scout Cookie Sales starting up pretty quick. Silly Supper is tonight and should be a lot of fun (it always is). Imagine - eating spaghetti with a fork or a salad with no utensils :)

A hockey game on tap for today and Boy Scout meetings. We will be busy.

I did get another layout completed last night - older pictures, but the memories they evoke are wonderful. It is a two page spread, but only showing the first (left) page below

Whoo Hoo - Peanut is trying to jump !!

2010-01-09T11:10:00.003-05:00

Izzy and her bow - a quick question for scrappers - what is the easiest way to put a bow on a sheep? Glue dots, of course LOL

Peanut continues to improve. It is so nice that she is. Often, animals who come in are found too late to do much for other than make them comfortable. Peanut and Izzy will be moving outside soon (yes, I am excited, though I know it is a week away) and I can clean up and out my basement!!

Peanut loves to sleep in front of the fireplace these days. The screen keeps her from getting too close. Izzy seems to have the hang of it - she never has touched the fireplace, however, calfy has some singed fur from getting close.

I am hoping to get some work on my swaps done today. I finished setting up recipes in publisher to print for Pixerframers Can't Resist Recipe swap. I even did some sketches to figure out matting, embellishments and all for recipe cards :)

Also on tap - re-figuring a photo mat for the Scrapbooking Swap. I made one mat and don't care for it at all! I have no idea how to make it better and have been trying to figure out why I volunteered to do a photo mat - I always find them extremely challenging. Oh yeah - that is why I picked a photo mat - they are so hard for me that the only way I will improve is to do - - - sometimes I wish my parents hadn't taught me that (NOT - so happy they did). Well - off to finish brunch for kids (eggs to go with freshly made coffee cake) and get mad at more photo mats ROFL.

Peanut is her name

2010-01-08T12:51:00.002-05:00

It may be interesting if she becomes a 1500 pound cow named Peanut, but she received her name this morning. She drinks her bottles well and is growing. I don't have a new weight for her as Izzy (sheep) ate the cord to the Wii sensor bar last night, so we no longer have an available scale. Still no idea how she got ahold of the cord, but she did and even though we put the cord back together, the drop from up by tv onto bare concrete did in the sensor.

She is doing better

2010-01-07T13:17:00.003-05:00

Calfy is becoming a pain. She no longer sleeps near as much as she did and is always looking for new things to suck on while wandering. She does still sleep a lot, not back to normal, but it is good she is becoming harder to keep content in her small area. It is only about 8x8, so she can't really run (hasn't tried yet either).

She is also mooing more now. All good signs and making me much more excited for the day she can go back out to the barn. Kids are working on designing a new heated "crate" for her and Izzy to live in once they go back outside.

Right now, she is not going to be able to stand up to the elements. My friend is helping me make her a larger blanket/coat that she will wear and Izzy will be getting one too. Calfy's favorite place to stand is still in front of the fire. The grate is there to be sure she doesn't get too close to the glass and singe her fur.

I think we have turned the corner

2010-01-07T10:40:00.003-05:00

Calfy is still not where we would like a calf of her age to be (1 week and 1 day), but she now vigorously eats her bottles, three times a day, and lays down without falling 99% of the time now. She if finally figuring to bend her knees!!

She is starting to fill out, though is still extremely thin, but no longer as gant looking and wants to eat. Now if we can get her interested in hay and pellets (a pressed feed with grain and other nutrients).

The dogs, Brigetta here, have become more helpful now as calfy eats her entire bottle, but they lick her chin for her (as well as any drops off the ground). She seems to enjoy their licking after her bottle and it sure calms her down quicker than anything else we have tried, as she now wants more when her bottle is completely gone. She is being slowly bumped up on feed, but we do not want her to get scours (calf diareha) so she has one more day before she gets another increase in milk.

Calfy still improving

2010-01-06T14:04:00.002-05:00

She is very slow with improvement, but she gets up and down without assistance much better now than ever before. She is finally figuring out to bend her knees rather than try to sit with her back end first like a dog.

Calfy drinks her bottles on her own, though not quite right yet. It still takes about 20 minutes for her to drink a quart, though she no longer makes near the mess she was making when drinking on her own. We haven't gotten her to take more than 2.5 quarts in a day yet, but hopefully, soon, she will grown enough so we can get her up to 4 quarts a day. She is still right around 60 pounds, so at 2.5 quarts - she is drinking right around 5 lbs of nourishment a day - on the low end of recommended, but within the 4.8-6 lbs per day recommended at her age/weight.

So far, no interest in hay or other feeds, but they are still offered. It will be good for her when she figures out her water bucket, feed, and hay.

Continued progress

2010-01-05T11:33:00.003-05:00

She drank her entire bottle by herself this morning!! Took 1/2 hour, but she did it on her own :) :) :)

Then she laid back down (by herself without falling - that is another improvement) and looks as if she will now nap for a while.

She has her days and nights a bit mixed up (or maybe this is normal). She thinks 1-5 a.m. are the times she should be awake and moving (if she was with her own mom, I wouldn't care nearly as much)! However, hopefully we will continue to see improvement. Once she is on a bottle - fully on her own, and able to maintain her body temperature without assistance, we can move her outside (she will still have to wear a blanket and remain in heated enclosure, but out of my house would be good) :).

A little better

2010-01-04T19:07:00.004-05:00

Calfy drank her entire quart on her own!! She is still a pretty messy eater - she doesn't hold her tongue quite straight yet, but it is getting better. Hopefully, she will get the hang of eating on her own soon and then she can be a bottle baby that the kids can help feed.

DD does a wonderful job of petting/massaging the baby calf to encourage her eating and rubbing her the right way encourages the calf to do her business as well.

Below is a picture of Izzy sleeping with the calf. Calfy likes the other animals with her or lying down next to the stove - the noise helps her relax better than any tv channel we get. (actually, everyone is pretty tired of the tv being on these days).

Calfy is still going

2010-01-04T11:07:00.002-05:00

She didn't want to nurse much this morning, so we had to tube her again. However, between 2 and 5 am, she was very active and walking around, so hopefully she will feel more active later on today and feel like nursing.

She is asleep again - she notices slight temperature changes, so we have an additional blanket for her this morning. It was -14 when I was outside, so the basement is a bit colder than normal.

Well - her is hoping that she soon feels like walking around and acting like other baby calves soon.

A big hurdle passed?

2010-01-03T22:59:00.002-05:00

Calfy drank her entire 9:30 pm feeding on her own!!! That brings her total up to an entire bottle into her today - 1/3 of which was completely on her own :) :) :)

Let's hope this continues with her next feeding as well. Less time for scrapping this evening - she wants to be up and walking - which is good, but means we have to keep a pretty close eye on things (there is one portion that is on raw concrete/off her cow mat that is slippery for her to walk on).

She is still wearing her Udder Tech blanket :)

Calfy is still going

2010-01-03T18:13:00.004-05:00

She needs to be watched (basically because she is indoors). She is more stable when she walks and is doing her "duties" with regularity. She has been trying to figure out nursing/sucking, but hasn't returned to full understanding.

She sleeps about 18-20 hours per day, approximately 2 hours at a time. This past time, she got up, did her thing, then wanted to suck on anything nearby. I worked with her for about 20 minutes with two different bottle nipples, but she only took in 2 ounces. So, it was a feeding tube again. Hopefully, by continually working every time she gets up, we can get her to either nurse from a bottle, or even just slurp everything up out of a bucket.

Though she is inside, she still needs a blanket when sleeping - otherwise she starts to get cold and shiver. So, we keep going, one day at a time.

The Wii fit that was a Christmas gift has been coming in handy to help us track her weight. (however, she is listed as a little dog on the screen :))

On a good/positive note - I have had more time to work on swaps. I have a few completed. If you do scrapbook swaps over at scrapbookingfun.biz, and want to be surprised, don't scroll any further :). The images are not exact - the one for the Christmas Past is my copy - I didn't like the glimmer mist on the edges, or the background being that large and distressed, so the actual ones coming out are a bit different (and have one more piece). The others are from the Love Bandit Swap and it is just a sample set of pages. They all vary just a bit.

Just keep going

2010-01-02T09:17:00.004-05:00

Not sure - calf keeps getting up and walking around. She does her business but will not nurse. We had to use a feeding tube again - I don't like using, but if she won't eat with another method - not sure what else to try. She doesn't want to slurp out of a bucket either.

She looks a smidge better this morning, so we will see.

Current weight: 61 pounds (our calves usually weigh between 90 and 110 when they are born)

Still living

2010-01-01T10:27:00.002-05:00

Well - we had to tube feed the calf this morning. She still gets up and walks around, but does not want to nurse anymore (started last night). Her temperature is exactly what it should be, so now we do whatever we can to encourage her to keep on going. We are pretty sure she was born too early now, so it is just tlc. She did start to moo last night - only the second time she has made any noise (first time was outside).

So far, so good

2009-12-31T10:44:00.004-05:00

The little calf is coming along. She sleeps a lot, but eats "aggressively" - meaning, she goes after her bottle. She will most likely stay a bottle baby - her mom has been letting other calves nurse now. She is not yet ready to return outside. I hate the idea of making her coat not as good, but since having a live calf is most important at the time, she will remain indoors, moving into a heated garage once she becomes more active.

So far, she gets up to eat, do her business (not too hard to catch with bucket or whatever as she isn't active as normal calves are), stands and walks slowly about her enclosure for about 15 minutes, then lays back down to take another nap. Her color is good and she is sleeping in more of a normal position, though she still gets the pillow next to her to be sure she doesn't roll off her mat and onto the concrete floor.

I am hoping it only takes a few days - I know when we brought in a lamb (6 months old) that was cold, she slept for almost two days before returning to normal. It took her about a week of recovery. We have just been using similar steps to help revive the animals as would be done with a human.

Calfy no longer shivers and doesn't have a blanket anymore. Respiration is normal as is temperature. Now her body needs time to allow food to go to more than just maintenance. Hopefully within the week she will be back up and normal. If she does end up as a permanent bottle baby, more pictures will come.

Izzy has adjusted to the calf living indoors, she is no longer completely afraid. Now the only issue (other than time and tlc) for the calf is the screen we had to put in front of the fireplace to be sure she doesn't touch the front (it get's hot and we don't want her to burn herself as she is not 100% stable on her legs yet).

Oh - calfy will eventually get a name, however, until we are sure she will survive, we won't choose one. She can now stand up without help again, so her signs are continually improving.

Doing Better

2009-12-30T15:03:00.010-05:00

Yesterday - the calf was up and nursing. The vest was on because we knew it would be cold at night and wanted to help her out a bit.

Hypothermia and a calf - never a good thing. However, when you are born at -10 and your mom is a 1st calf heifer who doesn't want anything to do with you - life can really be tough. She was good the first 24 hours, but the last 18 have not been good.

Baby calfy looked about dead, but she is coming along - warming her up slowly this is an hour or so after bringing her in. We found her laying out flat in the field, away from the rest of the herd. She wasn't frozen, but she was not very responsive either, and the inside of her mouth was cold. In the photo, she has a vest (heated in dryer for 10 minutes first) on her, then a heating pad, then another pad and finally the kitty blanket to keep out any drafts.

3 hours later - when offered a bottle again - she got right up to eat!!! That is a wonderful sign! She is still shivering - but after walking around (very limited area - boy am I glad I said no on the new flooring for now :)) - she found the same spot as the lamb - in front of the warm air from the fireplace. We can't leaver her alone in the basement, but she is beginning to recover. After a meal, she is now wearing just the calf pad (Udder Tech, Inc.)

and now it is back to nap time - still no where near 100%, but after a full tummy - get back in a nice warm spot for a nap.

Oh - and Izzy (the lamb who went through this a few weeks ago) is doing much better, though not amused that she must remain in her kennel and that the small pen has been given to the calf

Queen Izzy, chewing her cud, after removing the dog from a chair - she is afraid to be on the floor with the calf (who is too busy sleeping to even consider the lamb)

2009-12-07T14:18:00.005-05:00

Just found this and want to be able to find it again :)

Been working on all sorts of Christmas things - a few pics, but no indicators of who they are for:

2009-10-28T10:11:00.003-04:00

Journal Spots

2009-10-20T10:09:00.005-04:00

Journalling spots seem to be all the rage these days. In a recent issue of Creating Keepsakes, there was an article about creating your own, using supplies on hand. This is my second result. My first result turned out rather poorly, trying to line up punches with specific patters is a bit more difficult that I thought. However, lining up punches is way easier than taking close-up photos LOL The journal spot is setting on a piece of white paper.

I will be offering the above journal spot as a make and take over at Scrapbookingfun.biz for a while. Quantities are limited.

Snowy Monday Morning

2009-10-13T11:28:00.005-04:00

So much for the weather system not containing enough moisture to create real snow - lol. Woke up to the picture below:

Good day to stay indoors and work - wish I had that chance :) Instead, there were errands to run and such. I have been busy with swaps - here are some paper piecing pieces created with cricut cartridges - they have been a blast. I would have liked to ink the snowman, but my samples that were inked just didn't look the way I wanted.

Card creations

2009-09-29T11:19:00.003-04:00

Had fun making some cards for swaps and challenges. I always need one to send, so here are some of my latest (the kitten would not stay out of the way, so he is included in one of the shots):

Cricut Cartridge Giveaway

2009-09-24T12:38:00.001-04:00

Details can be found over at http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/http://www.cricut.com/messageboard/tm.aspx?m=5316808 They are giving away 100 cartridges!

Tag Class 3

2009-09-23T22:16:00.002-04:00

Way fun! I completed the two tags below - the gold looks over powering, but really isn't - it may be the flash.

Products - two tags from office supply store, one tag was chalked, then stamped with flourishes, used my versamark and added some yellow/gold chalk where it was, black and copper inking in spots, then red again over top - deer was cut from grungeboard, inked with palette ink pad, smooch gold to fill in the swirls, a flower, gems, and assorted other stuff. Green holly type is from stash - a homemade piece that is a scrap

Other tag - grungeboard deer, alcohol inks then pallete ink over top and some copper ink as well. card stock background, liquid pearls for the gold in the background, black and copper inking over the top, poinsettia from scraps and smooch for the center dots - lettering is on cork, trinket tag and heart found in my stash.

Next time, I will make a smaller poinsettia. Overall, I am happy with the results

Of Inchies and Tags

2009-09-17T08:54:00.004-04:00

I did get some scrapping done yesterday. The class over at Scrapbooking Fun was a blast. Can't wait for next week. My snowman tags didn't turn out quite as I hoped, however, the cat jumping onto the table and into the chalk didn't help matters. But, I am happy with the initial results and cannot wait to make some more. Here they are:

I also finished up some inchies for a swap over at Swap Addicts Anonymous. Inchies - love to use them, but don't enjoy making them. I remembered this fact when trying to attach the tiny little jewels! Tiny backgrounds and I just don't work well together. I like the results - just the process is tedious. These inchies were made using Just Chillin' paper by Making Memories, some scraps (sorry, no idea what line), a pink paisly heart stamp, some tiny bling, inks (stazon and marvy), and Smooch pearlized Accent Ink. I am having fun using the Smooch inks - love the tiny little applicator brush. Still working on photo techniques

Below - no peaking if you want to be surprised - are some of the items for the Eeeeek Swap over at Scrapbooking Fun. I fell in love with the cats in this Halloween line - Spider's Web by My Mind's Eye.

Finally a bit of creativity

2009-09-10T09:02:00.004-04:00

The summer has flown on by and we are back to school. Boy - I think it takes me as long as the kids to get used to a routine.

I decided that I didn't like my plain old grade/assignment book, so off the my scraps. Currently, I am participating in a challenge over at Scrapbookingfun.biz to do as many layouts from scraps and stash items on hand by the end of the year as I can. I have seen similar posts on other websites, blogs, and message boards. If you are participating in one - GREAT JOB and GOOD LUCK. It is really fun and allows me to not feel so much like I need to save a particular items for something.

Three total pages were scrapped - here are the first two (third one is just plain papers - denim and green pp). The laminating didn't quite go as I hoped, but it is ok and added some strength and stability to my binder. (one of the cheap ones that came with lots of stuff as a school purchase - lightweight, but fills the purpose I required).

I also finished a Christmas tag that Pixerframer is teaching over at Scrapbookingfun.biz. She is doing 12 classes on Wednesday nights between now and Christmas. Feel free to stop in and join us. She puts out supply lists before the class and I am pretty happy with my first tag! The one I tried on my own didn't come out nearly as well.

Scrappy Saturday

2009-08-16T11:09:00.003-04:00

Had a blast meeting with the Twin Cities Crop Group. Waaay too much fun. Totally love the pizza and desert! I finished up some layouts I wanted to complete for DS Eagle Ceremony. Another is layout of another ds taking a nap - he didn't know I had the camera until after he was done stretching (journal will be added later). In the bottom picture, one of the embellishments has shifted - will fix, however, I am looking for a new adhesive. My tombow (loved it for a long time) tends to not lay down the adhesive correctly and the feed ribbon/paper has broken on the last two. They weren't purchased at discounts either, so I am trying new things. I don't care for one I tried, but the Elmers (never knew they made scrappy adhesive) seems to hold very, very well. Haven't compared prices quite yet - just trying to find another that I like. Any suggestions?

Beautiful Technique ATC Swaps!

2009-08-10T15:34:00.005-04:00

My photography is slowly (very slowly) improving - these turned out better than my first set of pictures. Pictured below are the swaps completed by the swap group for Techniques Only ATC's.

The fun continues

2009-08-04T17:39:00.004-04:00

Rosie and Waffles are adapting quickly. They are both comfortable enough with ds to roll over in a very small pile of sand (there will be more in the pasture, but they are getting used to other animals by living in the barn these days). Waffles seems interested in the kitten, but chases the cats.

Barney (below) is taking easy - sunning himself (he was eating something and didn't appear to be too worried that he was sitting on a piece to a gate he or Betty had knocked over).

Waffles is Wonderful!

2009-08-02T18:32:00.004-04:00

No, the title does not contain a grammar error - below you will see the latest additions to our home - two beautiful Mediterranean Burros.

Rosie, the mom has a great disposition and seemed to take to the place right off. She jumped off the trailer and started eating. Once she made it to her pen, she seemed to like her water and is enjoying her hay.

Waffles, a baby girl, was very happy to roam around, and as one of ds discovered, is very light.

41 Cards this weekend!!

2009-07-06T14:56:00.011-04:00

I am pretty thrilled - they were completed for a challenge over at Scrapbookingfun.biz. We received bags of scraps and were to create 8 cards from each baggie. It was a blast! (ok - I noticed I forgot to color a few of the stamped images - I will do that when I am done with this post)

Note: my scanner isn't working quite right (not sure why - with all other computer problems lately - shouldn't be surprised - lost my hard drive/camera not loading right) - the cards really turned out well - the colors are not nearly as dingy as they look here

Group 1 - the materials were a lot of fun - I really like working with the earthy tones.

Group 2 - the yellows took a minute to figure out, but then I started having fun! I ended up making 9 cards from this group - I don't use yellow much, but may have to now!

Group 3 - another fun group - I really like oranges, so these went together extremely quickly. The one with the monogram R came from a title that was in the package - works perfectly for someone I had in mind!

Group 4 - these are actually the first ones I created - my favorite is the simple green backgroun with a scallop punch and ornament (with mini scallop beside). The one with the butterfly was beautiful before it dried - this is now its before picture - I am planning to take apart and re-make - the ink disappeared when I used crystal lacquer and I dropped something on the distressed stickles (in addition to not getting centered properly). However - Love the clear "paper" that came in this pack of scraps - I hadn't seen anything like that - much, much heavier than transparency. Have to find out where it came from/who makes the paper.

Group 5 - these were fun too! I really enjoy working with the colors now - and it is the first time I have ever used the mesh stuff before!

Little Betty Battletank?

2009-07-02T19:16:00.004-04:00

What do you think happens when a little pot-bellied pig takes a liking to her "pet" rooster that lives in the same pen with her and some mean old red dog comes in to take said rooster?

Little Betty Battletank comes to life!

This afternoon, Autumn, ds's Golden Retriever, decided that the roosters that Betty Boo kept in her pen as pets should not belong only to Betty. So into the pen goes Autumn.

Autumn is quick and great with birds - so she grabbed a rooster (Betty has 2). The rooster was not amused with being picked up by the red dog, so he starts to crow. Betty noticed and decided to charge the dog.

Autumn jumped out, rooster still in her mouth, Little Betty Battletank charging from behind. Betty was not amused that Autumn took a rooster. (The rooster was even less amused, but I don't feel too bad for him - he got moved from the hen house into the pig pen for constantly trying to attack whoever goes in to feed.)

Autumn did not care for being chased - Betty out-weighs Autumn by about 125 pounds.

The rooster is fine (Autumn has a very soft mouth. Ds saw right away and told her to drop - she did - rooster ran off and is now in the hen house until tomorrow morning.)

All is well that ends well with Betty the Battletank being sad that one of her pets is now on the other side of the fence. She will be happier in the morning when the rooster is returned to her. (She also enjoys playing with some concrete balls that are in her pen)

Betty doesn't like to stand for close-up photos, but she doesn't mind being photographed while napping!

Fun pics

2009-06-24T09:53:00.004-04:00

Ds before and after injury at Boundary Waters (Dorothy Molter Rootbeer on nightstand), another Ds with his new flag, One week old Corsican lamb

Great fun at Geocaching

2009-06-14T09:16:00.001-04:00

In addition to regular deer, frogs, snakes, spiders, dragonflies, etc., we also spotted and albino deer and a common merganser

Couldn't believe it!!!!

2009-06-12T17:00:00.003-04:00

Went out for afternoon/evening chores - guess what!!!! Yes, it is a baby, no idea it was coming!! Boy is my son excited!

Not much scrapping - but new animals

2009-06-12T10:19:00.002-04:00

Some Corsican's moved in last night :) They are in their temporary stalls.

Now it is Yo Yo Day

2009-06-10T09:43:00.004-04:00

Well - so much for my ability to read a date :P

Yesterday was Donald Duck Day - today is Yo Yo Day - sorry for any mixups

DD and Tasha out on the deck this am - they look pretty comfy. I can't wait to scrap this one (and the others that are with it). It is obvious I am a scrapper if you look at my pics - think I took 20 (quick succession) - hard to pick a fav.

DS fixed up the deck so the indoor cats/dogs (mainly for little Orange-o) can play outside - without fighting with our farm tom-cat (he avoids the deck because of the dogs). It was done for one kitty, but they all benefit. However, I have to go find Orangy - one tree is close to the deck - he decided to get into the tree and go play in the yard - not the first time, but it is raining, so getting a wet cat will be a joy (not).

June 10, 2009 - Happy Yo-Yo Day!!

2009-06-09T14:04:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I feel just like a yo-yo - running around, up and down. Going into stores, making purchases, leaving, then having to go back because you forgot to pickup your outdoor loading items (ever have one of those days!) That was yesterday.

Today - fence building and running with kids. Per requests (multiples at this point) below are just some family pics. My youngest at paper drive helping unload (orange hat). One of the two middle ones with Rupert - again at paper drive