Darlene's Scrapbooking Stuff

To Be a Kid Again

2011-09-25T12:51:00.001-07:00

To be a kid again....that is my excuse for not being around for a while. Our family has had some big milestones this year. Our oldest daughter graduated college and joined the rat race, our middle daughter is now a senior in high school so our summer was spent visiting colleges while our son started a new school for his 8th grade year. Everyone seems to be settling in now so I was able to sneak in a little scrapbooking time for me today. Sometimes keeping things simple is the best advice when it comes to showcasing your photos. This layout came together with starting with my title "This is the Life." Utilizing the colors in the title, I created a small banner by tucking small strips of coordinating paper under the photo. Went through my stash and found some chipboard letters that I distressed with distress inks. Tip: Always try to pull in the colors from your embellishments or accent pieces. As you can se,e my photos did offer much color so using this tip helped bring some color into the layout.

Just one of those Moments

2011-04-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those moments? I came home from work one night around 4:30 pm and all my children (21, 17 & 13) along with my husband were all gathered around the dining room table just talking. I was experiencing the kind of moment you don't want to end and you don't want to move afraid you will miss some part of the magical interaction that is occurring. Life slows down just for a brief moment and you finally see what is all about. The pure joy of spending time together-truly blessed.

I did find some time tonight to do a layout. I started out with Bazzill Cardstock that is distressed along the edges with Tim Holtz's Worn Lipstick Distress Ink. Beautiful papers, scroll design and flowers by Prima. The gems around the circle embellishments are by Jolee's and the gorgeous cameo is from Webster's Pages. Enjoy the Sketch!

Exciting Week

2011-04-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

It has been such a fun and exciting week. I had some projects that were used on several segments of HSN with Martha Stewart. I really enjoy the work I do over there at EK Success. Such a fabulous group of talented ladies I get to work with each week. Life is good.

I finally found a little time to do some scrapbooking for myself this week too. Loving this layout of my son showing his patriotism holding "Old Glory." I love the way this picture captures his "all boy" personality and carefree nature. I think the lighting makes his face and the flag look awesome. It's so nice when things come together just the way you wanted them to. Enjoy the Sketch idea!

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

~Elmer Davis

Focus on the Photos

2011-03-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

I love all the embellishments and paper patterns and have always described my technique as "Shabby Chic." Which I guess in my book that means anything goes. If you like it- on the page it goes. I usually work with more than three paper patterns at a time. Well, after looking at some of my past layouts I realized some were a little let's say "busy." Meaning my eye wasn't focusing on the photos but the artwork all around it. Not that I don't like my layouts I have done in the past but from here on out I am going to try to focus on bringing more attention to my photos. After all, that is what it is all about. The layouts below are some examples of how keeping it simple and clean can sometimes bring attention to your photos. The first layout below I still used a lot of distressing. You can find Distressing Techniques HERE.

Scrapbooking Weekend

2011-02-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

Had a blast with some of my scrapbooking friends this weekend. It's amazing we get anything done with all the chit chatting thats going on. We never seem to get through the crop without someone saying, "so when is the next one?" I have to say I was on a mission for this crop. The whole week before I prepared the layouts I was going to work on. Carefully choosing my papers and embellishments (shopping my stash as my friends say) and even printed up transparency sheets for my journaling for each and every page. Needless to say, it was a very productive day. There is nothing better then spending the day with my fellow scrappers sharing a glass of wine, good food, laughter and of course, the stories that emulate from each scrapbook page we are working on. So girls, when is the next one?

It's been a Long Winter

2011-02-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

One good thing at this winter is I am getting a lot of scrapbooking done. I have been stuck indoors for so long with this brutal winter in the northeast. But I will admit, taking photos indoors is not my thing so I look forward to spring so I can get busy taking pictures again. Below is a simple and clean layout featuring my daughters "New Winter Hat". It was a gift from her sister and she loved it so much I just had to do a layout. I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips for the icicles, snowflakes and skates. Matted on ivory and black Bazzill with patterned paper by Melissa Frances.

The second layout is also simple and clean with just using basic cardstock with a wavy edge cut. Along with a few small embellishments to dress it up a little too. On these layouts I wanted to be sure to focus on the pictures rather than the design of the layout.

Stay warm everyone!

Exciting News

2010-11-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

I am very proud to share with all of you that I have recently begun working for EK Success as a freelance crafter for Martha Stewart. It has truly been an incredible experience for me. I am working with such a talented group of paper artists and learning something new each and everyday. I realize how lucky I am to be blessed to do something that never feels like work. I cannot thank all of you enough for all of the comments and suggestions you have given me, your feedback has helped me grow immensely.
This past week I have been working on these beautiful shoes that you may have seen in some of the galleries. I found this incredible tutorial on how to make them at Artful Affirmations. This blog has some amazing tutorials so if you have time it is a must visit. I decided to make several for a luncheon I am hosting for some of my friends and will use them as place settings. You can fill the shoes with candies or perhaps teabags. The possibilities are endless with these paper shoes. I do suggest you only use the best double-sided paper perhaps a 65 # weight. It is also a good idea to be sure that the double-sided papers compliment one another.

A suggestion by Susan Jeffers:
As you go about your day, stop for a moment and notice when something wonderful happens. Then say to yourself while still in the glory of the moment, "I have had this." This is the acknowledgment that "No matter what happens tomorrow, I have had this today." It is in the noticing of the little things that you truly get the feeling of a life well-lived... that wonderful hot shower, that kiss from a loved one, the fact that your car started, that great dinner you are eating, the warm rays of the sun, a candy bar, a wonderfultelevision show . . .

Happy Halloween Banner

2010-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

This project was totally inspired by my Aunt who does some incredible artwork. You can visit her blog HERE. I am a fan of Alice in Wonderland so I just fell in love with this paper from Graphic 45 called Hallowe'en in Wonderland. The paper pad comes with some great die cuts and borders also. The scallop edge of the banner was made using my Cricut Plantin SchoolBook cartridge, the chipboard letters used are by Cosmo Cricket blackboard line. I also used some of my stash from MME for the chipboard flourishes, stars and some metal embellishments (top hat and teacup). Black gingham check ribbon tied it all together.

Shopping Your Scrapbooking Stash

2010-09-10T09:32:00.001-07:00

Another awesome night with some of my scrapbooking friends. I was talking with my friend Liz on how I really needed some new scrapbook paper and she suggested that I shop my stash. I know I looked totally perplexed when I heard that. Some great advice why didn't I think of that? I started to pre-planned all my layouts for that day with great success. Deep down, I knew I didn't need to be out shopping for more stuff. I could believe all the things I had forgotten about over the years. So all my layouts were done using "old stash." I think part of the problem is the way my paper is organized so I am on the hunt for a new system of organization. Any suggestions please feel free to share. I have also made a promise to myself that I will shop my old supplies first before I buy anything. Now, if I could stop buying letters and put my Cricut to work. Stay tuned....

Scrapbooking with Friends

2010-08-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

I was heading to a crop about an hour south of where I live. So I had plenty of time on the way down to enjoy my ipod and think. What came to mind was how blessed I have been to meet some of the most wonderful people through scrapbooking. Today was no exception. I went to a "No Frills" crop with my friend Liz and met up with a couple of old friends and made some new ones too. We had such a great time and shared many laughs. But even with all that going on I still was able to get some layouts done. Here is my favorite All American Boy layout. Lots of distressing with the Tim Holtz Distress inks, hemp, Thickers, stickles, Bingo Card and grungeboard.

Journey

2010-08-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

My son and I took a short journey to an abandoned train station for a photo shoot last week. Most of the cars were stripped clean with lots of weeds and branches growing through the bottom of the train and the broken windows. We have been having such a great time since he expressed an interest in photography. I try to make it a point we adventure out for someplace new to photograph on a weekly basis. What a great way to spend time together. For this layout, I used the new papers by BasicGrey Oliver Collection. I also went to the local Hobby store and purchase some train track which my chipboard letters are resting on.

Friday Night with The Girls

2010-07-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

I was invited last Friday to a private crop at Scrap A Doodle Doo in Ramsey NJ by my friend, Anna. I really needed to get my hands on some new supplies and I so wanted Graphic 45's Hallowe'en Wonderland Paper and they had just one left and it was all mine. I can't wait to work with it. These are some of the pages I had gotten done that night.

Prima-Black Flourishes/Flowers (Sprayed with Glimmer Mist)
Papers by Webster's and 7gypsies
Tim Holtz Raffle Ticket/Distress Inks
Chipboard Letters by My Mind's Eye
Scenic Route Rub On (amazing)

Bazzill Kraft
Basic Grey Oliver
Chipboard Letters colored with Tim Holtz Distress Ink
Thickers (White)

Webster's Pages
Prima Flowers
Prima Flourishes
Thickers

Webster's Pages
Prima Flowers
Melissa Frances Die Cuts
My Mind's Eye Chipboard Letters

Scrapbook Time

2010-07-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

I went to the eye doctor a few weeks ago because I am having some trouble reading fine print. She proceeds to tell me that is to be expected for someone my age. "WHAT? Did she just say for my AGE? No, she couldn't have said that." I am 45 by the way. Needless to say, I needed reading glasses. I picked a fairly trendy pair and now realize these things are an absolute nuisance. I am constantly taking them on and off to see what I need to see. Then I can't find where I put them of course, I can't figure out how I lived without them for so long because I can see clearly now. I am thinking I will need to get one of those cords for around my neck so I don't lose them? This just keeps getting worse.

Well, on a happier note I some scrapping time. I finally got to work on some photos I took of the kids on Memorial Day at the Botanical Gardens.

The papers above are from a DCWV Hitting the Books Stack. They have a wonderful vintage feel to them as well. the theme is primarily back to school but I think they can be versatile.

I used this script stamp to stamp on the chipboard letters I had for my title. A very simple way to change the look of your letters. The wonderful papers are by Tim Holtz as they had the perfect rustic feel for my photos.

Live 2 Ride~Sketch Idea

2010-07-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

As you can tell summer is here and I haven't posted a thing in nearly a month. We have been keeping busy with all the kids activities. I did sneak in a little time to work on a few pages this past weekend. Love these papers by Cosmo Cricket's Get Happy line. I don't usually work with bright and bold colors but these papers were perfect for the black and white photos I had. I double-matted the photos with complimentary cardstock-yellow and black. The letters are also by Cosmo Cricket's Tank Mix-Blackboard. I simply covered the letters with Cosmo's Die Cut letters. Lots of creative options when using the Blackboard letters because they can be written on with colored pencils or look great all by themselves. The star was clipart I printed off my computer and I just couldn't hold back using the Tim Holtz grungeboard skull and crown sprayed with some Tattered Angels glimmer mist.

Doing What I Love

2010-06-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

What more could I ask for this weekend? I spent my Saturday hanging with friends and scrapbooking. We had a great dinner, wine, dessert and lots of laughs. It was amazing we even got anything done. As my friend Liz says "just lots of kibitzing." I did manage to get a few layouts done though. I had taken my 3 kids to do a photo shoot at the Ringwood Botanical Gardens these are just a few shots from that day.

Hand Dyed Ribbon

2010-06-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

I decided to dye some of my seam binding I had around in my stash. I found this great video by Tammy Tutterow and it can be found here. Tammy uses Glimmer Mists to custom make her ribbons any color-they are beautful! I decided then to tea dye some seam binding using the same technique for the crinkle look. First, I simmered a few tea bags (approx 3) in a pot then added my ribbon. I also started making some cards for my Etsy Shop this week the first one is using one of the tea-dyed ribbons.

They Call Me a Natural

2010-06-01T05:09:00.001-07:00

If you love simple than this is the layout sketch for you. I used a scallop punch to create the border on the top and bottom of the page. It actually gave it a little bit of a feminine touch. The banner/pennant was created using Maya Road chipboard banner/pennants. The letters on the background paper are Thickers and the letters on the banner are MME Lush. The stars are some rub ons I had in my stash I believe they were by TLC. Enjoy!

This is my Joy Ride

2010-05-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I was a little excited when my 12 year old son asked me if there was a camera he could use. He told me he was interested in learning more about photography . I gave him my old Olympus point and shoot camera and I am impressed. He went online and checked out some of the local photography clubs in the area and is asking me each weekend where we can go to get some good photos. The pictures of the skateboard are the ones he took on his very first photo shoot.

I used simple Bazzill kraft, green and yellow, the stickers are by Jolee's, Sassafrass Banner sticker, and October Afternoon pattern paper. I also used a scallop punch by Stampin Up on some of my strips of cardstock and a corner rounder on my edges.

Penny for Your Thoughts

2010-05-26T16:30:00.001-07:00

I am starting to work on my photography a little more. I was lucky enough to get a Canon Rebel from my sweet husband for Christmas. It has been fun playing with some of the different lenses that are available. Someone over on Two Peas shared with me a website to rent camera lenses. What a great concept-try a few out to make sure you like them before you purchase them. This is on my to do list but I am still researching which ones I may want. I really would love to find the time to take some classes but that isn't going to happen for a while.

This photo was taking against a very old building in a State Park near our home. I just love the color of the mildew along the bricks and what contrast it added to the photo. Graphic 45 paper was the background and I distressed the edges with my scissors. I layered two complimentary papers by 7gypsies and zig zag stitched around the edges of the paper so I could roll and ink the edges some more. I used a combination of Tim Holtz's distress inks including Black Soot, Vintage Photo and Straw. The transparency is also by 7 gypsies which I found in my stash. The beautiful letter stickers are by Webster's Pages. The distressing technique I use can be found HERE.

Scrapbooking All Day Long

2010-05-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

The Scrapbook Expo was here in NJ today and I couldn't go. I was so disappointed. All my friends were sending me photos of the stash they bought. So, I spent my day scrapbooking alone at home. I actually enjoyed myself very much and got a bunch of layouts done too. This is one of the layouts I finished today from a recent photo shoot of my son. I used MME's Meadowlark patterned paper, Prima Flourishes, Bazzill Pomegranate, Thickers (amazing) and I am sorry but I can't remember who the tickets are from.

Way 2 Cool

2010-05-08T04:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, the tween years-I am starting to notice that my little guy won't kiss me in carpool line at school anymore. He won't hold my hand to cross the street but will tell me to put my arm on his shoulder so that looks a little cooler. He is way too cool for that mommy stuff anymore. But when alone at home, watching tv he will still snuggle next to me on the couch letting me know he is only that cool in front of his friends. So I will continue to treasure these moments for a little while longer.

This layout was done using MME patterned papers, MME's Lush Line Chipboard Letters and Maya Road Pennant/Banner Chipboard Shape. I mounted to the photos with a Bo Bunny paper I had in my stash. Some buttons threaded with coordinating ribbon were also added next to the title.

Adore the Fedora

2010-05-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Wow! Two layouts in one day-which we know doesn't happen that often. We were in Florida visiting and my son found this Fedora in a skater shop and loved it! A simple Bo Bunny patterned paper Mamma Razzi was perfect for this photo. I added some Tim Holtz stamps and distress ink along the edges of the paper and photo mats too. The chipboard letters are by MME Lush Line. It will be a quiet house here tonight so maybe I will have some more time for scrappin'-

Gotta Love Prima

2010-05-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I love Prima! From their papers to their gorgeous flowers they are a wonderful addition to any scrapbook layout. Everything on this layout is by Prima with the exception of the flourishes, chipboard date and the cameo. In order to do this layout, I tore an opening on my paper just large enough for the two photos I wanted to showcase. Tear the paper towards you and then roll the paper along the edges. I mounted the pictures on some plain cardstock beneath my patterned paper. The paper was so beautiful by itself but still decided to add some of my Prima stash to it. I love the finished product but started to think how beautiful this would look on canvas.

Growing Up Way Too Fast ...Sketch Idea

2010-05-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have been holding on to this picture for a couple of weeks now but couldn't wait to do a layout with it. I just couldn't seem to find the right papers and color scheme. Yesterday-I went to Scrapper's Cove in Milltown, NJ with my friends Anna and Iman. Fantastic store with many of the latest papers and goodies! We had such a great time at the store and the owners were so friendly too. I will definitely be making another trip down there again.

For this layout I used papers from Websters Pages, My Yellow Bicycle and Bazzill. I tore a piece of my background paper vertically and rolled the edges up. I recommend using a double sided paper so you get the colors in from the other side. I slipped a coordinating paper behind to make a 12 x 12 size. I distressed all my edges with Tim Holtz Broken China distress ink. The letters for the title were cut with my Cricut using the Base Camp cartridge-I also backed the main title with some of the coordinating patterned paper. To add some dimension I used some chipboard letters from the Lush Collection from My Mind's Eye for the sub title. Banners are in so I added a banner I made myself with the scraps I had left and some baker's twine and stitched the twine to it with a zig zag stitch. Enjoy the sketch I added below.

Blog Candy from Zoe!

2010-05-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Zoe from Make It Crafty is having an incredible Blog Candy Giveaway! Copic Markers which have been on my wish list for a long time. There is some fabulous talent over there as well. You have to check out the gorgeous Carousel Horse by Crissy Armstrong and it actually works! I was so excited to find this site as there is tutorials, projects, techniques and more so be sure to check it out!

Creative Organizing

2010-04-29T06:01:00.000-07:00

I spent my day yesterday organizing some of my supplies. If I don't have my supplies right in front of me I forget what I have on hand and sometimes end up buying duplicates just because I can't find something. I have always loved the Clip It Up but a little too pricey for my budget. So I started doing some internet research for making another one that I could tuck away. There were a lot of clever ideas on some of the scrapbooking boards so I certainly cannot take credit for this idea. I found one using a tension rod but I decided to put the rod in one of my scrapbook cabinets. I was a little disappointment to find out how expensive curtain rod clips and binder rings can be that I wanted to hang my supplies from. So I decided to make my own by buying some 14 Gauge galvanized wire from Home Depot to make my own S-Hooks. I attend a lot of of crops so I needed to make sure it would be simple for me to pack my embellishments to go. I used the clear plastic envelopes that are hanging to organize the embellishments by sports, vacation, boy, girl, seasons etc. Needless to say, I loved the finished product so much I am making a second one for under my desk. Galvanized Wire for S-Hooks $7

Spring Tension Rod Walmart $9

Finished S-Hook

Voila!

Webster's Pages

2010-03-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

I just love these papers! I actually went to a crop yesterday and was so happy the vendor had one pack left . The pack included 12 - 12 x 12 papers (2 of each design), 1 vellum, 1 shapes & alphabet sticker sheet. This layout I had a little fun by creating a 3D look by using (1) 12 x 12 sheet as my base and taking the second sheet with the same design and cutting out certain details and layering them on to the base sheet and adding some pop dots for that dimensional look. I should mention the hot air balloons are from another paper included in the collection pack. Pearl flourishes are by Prima and the beautiful trim is also by Webster's Pages which coordinates beautifully with this line. The letter stickers are what was also included in the pack and are the perfect detail for this layout.

New Beautiful Blooms

2010-03-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

Here is another simple layout with the sketch idea for it. I love the look of Kraft cardstock and I am definitely hooked on it. I know this how? I bought 50 sheets of Kraft Bazzill a few weeks ago and I did try to talk myself out of it. This layout was created using BasicGrey Granola, Brown Bazzill (Letters, heart and numbers cut using Cricut Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge), beautiful Mollie & Mac paper (only $4.99 for a pack of 24 sheets), beautiful blooms made by me-Scrappin Wagon Designs. I hope to have a variety of colors and sizes of these flowers in my Etsy store soon so I will keep you all posted. This sketch idea is perfect for any scraps that you may want to use up too. I am on a mission not to buy anymore scrapbooking supplies and use what I have. I definitely have enough supplies to last me a lifetime. Happy Scrappin!

Holiday Magic

2010-01-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

Yes-Holiday Magic. I am a little behind on my photos and my blog. I was lucky enough to have Santa bring me a new Canon Rebel camera. So I have been practicing and the photos below are the results. I love it but have a lot to learn yet. I loved these photos of my son. I used BasicGrey's Wassail Collection Pack of papers. I layered a beige cardstock on top of a dark brown cardstock. Stitching and distressing the beige cardstock to create a vintage and shabby look. I also used Ivy Green and Gold Glimmer Mists. The book plate by Tim Holtz was the perfect touch and I decided to add the date to it. Frances Meyer Christmas coupons have also been distressed with Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Ink. For instructions on the distressing techniques used click here. I have also added a sketch below-enjoy!

Distressing Techniques

2010-01-15T06:07:00.001-08:00

(Click image to Enlarge)

I really enjoy the look of distressed scrapbook layouts. I sand, ink and tear everything. I decided to post some of the distressing techniques I used in completing this page.

Supplies Tim Holtz Salvage Stickers, Distress Inks (Vintage Photo) Bazzill, a piece of pattern paper scrap too. (Not Shown)

I started by distressing the edge of my solid paper. I find it easier and more effective than a distresser. I only open the scissors a little bit and drag along the edge of my paper. This does take some practice so don't get discouraged at first.
I then drag my distress ink pad along the edges of the paper until I achieve the desired look.
I actually mounted my letter stickers onto a piece of chipboard to give it a little more dimension. I then sand the edge of each letter.
After I sanded all the edges I again apply distress ink all the way around each letter.

My Etsy Store

2010-01-13T16:53:00.001-08:00

Yes-I finally took the plunge and got serious about listing my premade scrapbook pages over on Etsy. You can find me at Scrappin Wagon Designs. There are a lot of talented people over there so definitely check it out. I have more layouts I am hoping to post over the weekend so keep checking back. Have a special request just let me know-I enjoy working on custom orders as well. (pattern permission by my scrapchick)

Paper Piecings on Ebay

2010-01-04T11:13:00.001-08:00

Well, after a hiatus from selling premade layouts and paper piecings on Ebay I have decided to start selling again. I am really excited and have posted my first few layouts today. For about 4 years, I use to sell as a Paper Piecing Artist for PPAG an Ebay Seller's group. I have been using some patterns by my scrapchick and I love them! So please keep the requests coming- Don't worry I will still be posting my Sketch Ideas too!

Overlays for Scrapbooking

2009-12-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Overlays are another fast an easy way to create fabulous scrapbook layouts. I found this great kit by Fancy Pants Designs called Rough & Tough Kit. They have other kits for Girls, Christmas and more! But inside this great pack was 12 sheets of double-sided papers, journaling cards, titles paper, 2 transparency overlays, rub ons and die cuts stickers all for $19.99. Sampled below is using one of the overlays and it took me less thank 15 minutes to complete this layout. I loved all the doodling around the edges and the primary colors not something I traditionally use a lot of. For those of you that know your way around Photoshop try making your own overlays with transparency sheets you can purchase at any office supply store and print them on your own printer. Just a note, if you do plan on printing your own transparency sheets see if your printer setting has a transparency selection as it will distribute the ink a little heavier.

Single Photo Simplicity

2009-12-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

I work mostly with single photos on my scrapbook layouts just something I took a liking too. This layout was distressed using Tim Holtz Distress ink - Vintage Photo and Walnut Ink-I roughed up the edges of the paper all the way around using my scissors but you can also use a ditressing blade. You will get a rougher and more distressed edge using your scissors. Doodling around the entire 12 x 12 page as well. I also used a book plate I had hiding in my stash with a label behind it that read thankful, blessed & grateful. I completely tore off the corner piece of my patterned paper and rolled it back adding some more distress ink. On top of my photo, I layered a 7 gypsies transparency over it. Large chipboard letters and the great flourishes that are all the rage right now complete this layout.

Keeping it Simple

2009-11-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

This was simple layout with a few extras added and I have to say it is definitely one of my favorites! I used a solid sheet of black Bazzill with a Kraft sheet of Bazzill layered on top of one another. I heavily distressed the edges of the Kraft paper using my scissors and Tim Holtz Distress Inks. (Vintage Photo & Black Soot) I used plain chipboard letters which I also distressed with the Black Soot which gave me a nice gray look to the letters. Using various football rubs I added them to the bottom of the page. One more thing I should mention, notice the label holder around my sounds head on the team photo? Well, there is story behind it. Last year when my son played they wore two different jersey numbers, one for practice and one for games. Needless to say, I took a whole bunch of pictures of someone else's son during a game thinking it was my son because I was following the practice jersey number around on game day.

Fun with Glimmer Mist

2009-11-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

Yes-I finally am getting around to doing some of my summer pictures. I used Tattered Angel's Bingo Card as my photo mat for my 2 photos. I also used Tattered Angel's Glimmer Mists (Olive, Frost, Patina and Gold) to achieve that look that matches my patterned paper. Dew Drop stones by Robin's Nest (Water) to accent the flourishes by Want 2 Scrap-Pearl. If you look closely, along the flourishes I also used Stickles (Black) to accent the outer edges. I tried to replicate the sketch as close as possible so enjoy!

Always Daddy's Girl

2009-11-07T04:41:00.001-08:00

There is always something special about a Father and his Daughter~ this layout was done using 12 x 12 Kraft Bazzill Paper. I used Tattered Angels Masks and Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Fired Brick and Vintage Photo) to achieve the pattern on the paper. Chipboard for title is by Creative Imaginations and was plain white I used a combination of Walnut Ink Spray and Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels to achieve the Kraft look. The beautiful spray of butterflies and leaves is Prima and the black flourish is by Want 2 Scrap. The deep cranberry accent is made with Distressed Fire Brick Stickles. I did lay a 7gypsies vintage transparency over my photo.

Simple is more...

2009-10-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

My daughter told me today she loved this scrapbook layout because "simple is more." I think she is absolutely right. What she enjoyed was how I labeled what I adored about her. This was a very simple layout just using a 12 x 12 sheet of kraft colored paper, various scraps that coordinate with the photo, prima flourishes (my favorite) and a rub on title from Daisy D's I had found in my stash. I lightly doodled around the edges of the paper and the journaling note too.

Memories from long ago...

2009-10-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

I recently came across this old photo of my grandfather and three of his children including my mother. This photo was exactly how I remembered my grandfather. I don't have to many pictures of my mom growing up along with her siblings. I am not sure if they didn't own a camera or just didn't take many photos back then but I will always treasure the few photos I have. I have no idea how old anyone is in the photos or where they were that day. It is the perfect example of why journaling is so important in telling our story. I always try to remember the 4 "W's" when I journal-who, what, where, why.

In this layout, I used a lightly patterened paper which I distressed and stamped the edges with a script stamp I had. For the second layer, I used a heavier patterned paper bold with color and tore all the edges and ditressed with Tim Holtz Vintage Ink. The Ephemera papers are by Graphic 45. The chipboard letters are by Creative Imaginations which I sprayed with Walnut Ink dried with my heat gun and then applied a light layer of Gold Glimmer Mist.

Sketch Idea 101

2009-10-03T05:43:00.001-07:00

Sketch Idea 101

Many people have been asking me for sketches to go with my layouts so I thought I would give it a try. As many of you know, I work primarily with only 1 or 2 photos only per page. I will also try to note anything special I have added to the sample as well. Feel free to utilize any of my sketch ideas for your personal use only. Enjoy!

This layout I used patterned paper by Webster's Pages and a scalloped paper behind by Creative Imaginations. I did use my sewing machine and stitch the edges of the parenthesis. The bling swirls and flowers are by Prima. The title of "Nineteen" I used a transparency sheet and printed the title several times using different fonts. Got to love the mini calendar by Jenni Bowlin. My sub title was done using a Heidi Swapp stamp.

"How We Met" Mini Album

2009-10-02T10:46:00.001-07:00

"How We Met"

I had decided it would be nice for my children to have a book about how my husband and I met. They always ask for us to tell our story so that is when I had decided to make a mini album to preserve those special memories for them. As you all know, I love shabby chic and 7 gypsies had the perfect journaling cards, patterned papers and fun stickers to use through out my album. I made the cover of the album out of chipboard and used my Bind It All by Zutter to bind the album. Tying off the wire bound with vintage ribbons I had found in my stash just added a little more detail to the album. I used Prima swirls and rub ons on the cover of the album. To give the album that real distressed look I used Tim Holz Distress Inks (Straw and Vintage) along the edges of the album. I also used a mixture of Walnut Ink Antiquing Solution 5% by Tsukinek and sprayed it lightly across the album and dried with my heating tool.

Celebrate World Card Making Day

2009-09-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Since 2006, Paper Crafts Magazine founded World Card Making Day. It falls during the busiest season for cards which is the first Saturday of October each year. So on October 3rd, go ahead and visit the Paper Crafts website for some fun ideas and the history of this special day. You will also find a host of ideas on how to celebrate this event. The "Precious" card above, I made for Webster's Pages June Challenge. It is so exciting taking a blank sheet of cardstock and adding different elements and utilizing different mediums to create something special that someone will always treasure. Maybe my card may spark some creativity for you all to join in for this wonderful celebration.

Fall is in the Air

2009-09-20T07:37:00.001-07:00

Fall is in the air....I love the cool crispness you feel this time of year. It is almost like a renewed sense of excitement comes with each season. Yesterday, the kids and I spent the day decorating the house for Fall....Halloween decorations carefully placed throughout. Patiently waiting for autumn in all it's glory when the fall foliage begins to appear. Families begin enjoying traditions like pumpkin and apple picking and visiting the local craft fairs. It's time to bring out our nice warm sweaters, boots and start sipping coffee or hot chocolate as we watch our local high school football games on a Friday night.

Nothing like a Cup O'Joe layout reminded of Fall with its rich autumn colors and a warm cup of coffee. I used 7gypsies and MME papers, Prima swirls, CI Stickers, SU Punches and of course, my favorite, Tim Holtz Distress Inks.

Recipe Paper Bag Album

2009-09-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

This is a paper bag album I am teaching for a class in the fall. These Webster's Pages were the perfect papers for this project. Paper bag albums are fun to do simple and certainly cost efficient. They make great teacher gifts too. See instructions below on how to make a paper bag album.

Instructions for Paper Bag Album:

Start off with any size paper bags ( I used traditional size lunch sacks-measures 5.25" x 5.5" when done) you will need approx. 3-5 of them
**Another fun idea is to use different color bags that you can find at your local party supply store
Fold the lunch bags in half -*the folded crease will be the outer edge of your book
Measure your patterned papers to fit over each page
After your papers are adhered to your album punch holds for your binder rings
Be sure to embellish your pages prior to putting your album together
Tie coordinating ribbons to your binder rings

Sisters Scrapbooking Canvas

2009-09-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

This was such a fun layout to do. I took pictures of my two daughters and incorporated them into paper dolls. The best part it is all done on canvas! Canvas scrapbooking is not a new concept but I certainly had to give it a try. I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists and Glimmer Screens for the background. I recommend when using Glimmer Mists to use a heat gun to help with the drying process. The house was made from Webster's Pages paper and a little bling added to the chimney with the butterflies to make it more whimsical. The lower 3D border came from Recollections, Cosmo Cricket Spinner was the perfect touch to make it a little more fun.

New Look...Half the Time

2009-08-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

It didn't take long before scrapbookers found another creative way to scrapbook. 6 x 12 layouts seem to be a new craze so of course I tried a few and I am definitely hooked. A wonderful idea for those 1 photo layouts and they are quick. I wasn't sure what to do about page protectors then someone shared with me that I could sew up the middle of a 12 x 12 page protector which is great because I can still use my 12 x 12 albums. I was also surprised how many Sketch Ideas are available out there for this fun size page. There are even several manufacturers that are now carrying 6 x 12 albums, chipboard albums in many shapes (Teresa Collins) and page protectors.

Be Yourself

2009-08-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

This little phrase holds true about everything including scrapbooking. I read many scrapbooking blogs and I will usually say to myself " I would love my pages to look like that." I do try to keep in perspective that each page I create doesn't have to look like a work of art-and I try not to forget the true meaning of why I scrapbook~ to preserve those special memories. The focus is always suppose to be about my photos and not the page it sits on. So what if all my pages don't look like a masterpiece? I hear from many people saying, "I could never do that I am not creative." Don't be afraid to venture in the world of scrapbooking because you feel you are not creative. For those of you that feel completely intimidated or creatively inept there are many tools available on the market to get you started. Premade pages, sketch ideas along with idea books are a great place to start. If you want to improve your technique I suggest reading some of the wonderful blogs that are out there and search for new techniques or study layouts in the galleries. Try and take one new element from a page you love and incorporate it into one of your layouts. Over time you will eventually see your style begin to evolve. At first, I thought I would love to go back and re-do some of my very first pages but then when I think about it- it is great to see how much my style has changed as years have gone by. The best advice I can give to everyone is "Be Yourself"- your own style, your own thoughts and that will make every page special and more meaningful.

Seriously?

2009-08-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

Seriously? Frugal scrapbooking? Nope, I don't know anything about that. Yes, I am one of those scrapbookers that is totally out of control. In the layout above, I purchased a $20.00 pack of paper by BasicGrey just because it was orange and black and it would look great with one photo I had- just one photo. There are no other words to explain it but simply "crazy." Did I mention the $50.00 I paid to go to the crop to make this page? Oh and embellishments -those adorable black flourishes on the page were about $5.00 as well. I know scrapbooking doesn't have to be expensive- but for whatever reason I choose to buy the latest supplies to help create my work of art. I am sure it has something to do with "addiction."

Let me share this link with all of you before I go - courtesy of You Tube

Art Fire

2009-07-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! For those of you that have been asking...I am very excited as I have finally decided to sell some of my paper piecings on Art Fire. I would love for you all to come check it out ScrappinWagonDesigns I just started to list some items on there yesterday so hopefully I will have the rest posted in the next day or two so be sure to keep checking back. Thanks again for all your continued support.

A Big Thank You...

2009-06-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to be sure to thank 3 Scrappy Boys for selecting me to be their Member Spotlight for this month's newsletter! They have a very informative newsletter including Sketch Inspiration, Feature Kits and Product Spotlight. I love their friendly forum too - be sure to stop by and check it all out.

I went to a crop this past Saturday in Tuxedo, NY hosted by the Orange County Cropper's Meetup Group. I had a wonderful time and I was able to get alot done too. I must admit my favorite was the Scrapbook Tote Valet! So if you are in the area be sure to check out these great bunch of scrapbookers!

For those of you that have been asking....I am putting together my class schedule for September and October so I will be sending those emails out next month.

Summer is Almost Here

2009-06-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? Closing in on the end of the school year and I can't wait. Honestly, I love spending the time with my kids over the summer. Hanging by the pool, sleeping in, camping, shopping~ just spending quality time together.

D & L's Camp WannaCropAlot had there last crop till the fall this weekend. What a blast we had! Lots of new faces, friends and vendors. I even signed up for a Crop that is being run by Orange County Scrappers of NY-I am really looking forward to it. I usually don't get to do much scrapbooking at the crops we host so I decided to treat myself to a crop. Here are some of my lastest projects-as always I love to hear your feedback. I did these layouts using mostly Webster's Pages paper which I just fell in love with them the minute I opened the package. The doily looking paper is by Creative Imaginations.

Happy National Scrapbook Day!

2009-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

I just love these Cosmo Cricket Spinner cards....I have to admit I bought a bunch of them! This particular one I distressed and added a little bling to the center. The little birdies below are from Three Bugs in a Rug. I spent most of National Scrapbook Day organizing my scrap room. I realized I have way too much stuff. From here on out, I am certainly going to plan better for the crops I attend. I really need to pre-plan the layouts I work on so I don't have to take so much with me anymore.

Websters Pages New Release a Must See!

2009-04-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

What a Hoot

2009-04-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Wow-it's been a long time. We have had so much going on within the family front. For the time being it seems as if all is under control so I am hoping to blog a little more often. These are some pages I got to work on while I was at D & L's Camp WannaCropAlot. I have decided I need to stop buying product and use up all my old stuff. I promised myself this every year but I can never stick with it but I have been so good that I didn't even Sneak Peek at the CHA goodies that are coming out.

Bind it All Scrapbook Layouts

2009-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Today, I finally had some time to work on some of my winter scrapbook layouts. I found this paper by SEI which I just loved the colors in and design. I added some more fun to the papers by using Ranger's Distressed Stickles and doing some stitching. My layout of my daughter in the snow was inspired by my friend Marina, who just has a knack when it comes to color in a layout and stitching. So I have to admit I did "scraplift" some of the elements she had used in one of her layouts. I saw this particular stitching technique in a magazine a while back- sorry I can't remember which one-it reminded me of the Spirograph designs. I used lots of chipboard letters and covered them in coordinating papers, sanded and distressed the edges. I also purchased a Bind It All machine which I am having a ton of fun with. It is primarily used to make mini albums but I wanted to incorporate it into my layouts too. I used the Bind It All to punch holes in my black chipboard then tied ribbon through it.

A Big Thank You!

2009-02-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

A big thank you to all who attended D & L's Camp WannaCropAlot this past weekend. As usual we all had a great time. I even had some time to get a couple of layouts done myself. If anyone is interested attending the next crop it is 2/27 & 2/28. Just contact me and we will get you on the list. Thanks again!

Latest Projects

2009-01-30T13:05:00.001-08:00

These were so much fun to make and would make great gifts! I just wanted to get them posted since you all have been asking me. Lots of distressing, Stickles and rubberstamping. I display them on an easel -it's a great way to showcase a special photo. I used Mollie and Mac paper on both projects too.

Boy Oh Boy

Cover of Family

Inside Flap

Inside Cover

Christmas Digital Layouts

2009-01-30T05:19:00.001-08:00

These are some digital layouts I did using Lorie Davison's graphics by scrapbookgraphics.com

I was really pleased how they turned out. I am still searching for a way to organize my digital kits so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-26T05:42:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year! I have hit the New Year running with already vending at a couple of crops and teaching some classes too. For those of you that have been asking I will be sending out my class schedule over the next week just trying to finalize some dates. Here is a Make N Take I did at my last class. Very hard to take a picture of since it is a sheet of 12 x 12 acrylic. We used several techniques including distressing, stamping with Staz On, Paint Dabbers, foam paint and of course, Stickles.

D & L's Camp WannaCropAlot

2008-12-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

I am off this weekend to D & L's Camp WannaCropAlot. I am the "D" and a very good friend of mine is the "L" and we are the hostesses of this fun-filled scrapbooking event. We have such a great time each month getting together with everyone that attends. We have been having these crops for about 4 years now which is so hard to believe! The vendors that attend do a fabulous job on make and takes. I always feel like I walk away learning something new at each crop. So even though we will be very busy it never feels like work!

Organizing Scrapbook Supplies

2008-11-23T10:47:00.000-08:00

I have spent all day re-organizing some of my favorite things. I went to IKEA on the hunt for some great storage ideas and I found it! These racks were perfect for my distress ink pads, stamp pads and the adorable buckets hold my alcohol inks and some of my punches I use all the time. I also had a place for all my Stickles and Magic Mesh too. I am definitely going back to get a couple more of these racks! All this organizing has inspired to get moving on some of my layouts now.

New Goodies...Premade Layouts

2008-11-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

So many of you have been asking when will I be offering more premade layouts so I did a couple this week. I really am pleased how they came out-I did alot of distressing and tearing.

These paper piecings can be found at Scrappin Wagon

I have a few more to post in the next couple of days and if you have a special request please let me know.

Getting Ready....CHA

2008-11-18T05:47:00.001-08:00

As most of you all know I am one of the owners and designers for Mollie and Mac along with my very good friend Charlotte McNamara. We have been so busy getting ready for CHA Anaheim in January. Mollie and Mac is a "green" company with all our papers being printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. Did I mention our papers are gorgeous? Take a peek HERE if you like. I will keep you all posted on sneek peeks as we get closer.

Handmade Christmas Cards

2008-11-17T05:12:00.000-08:00

Not quite feeling that Christmas spirit yet....so I made these beautiful cards this weekend hoping that would get the mood going. I was really happy how they came out. I decided to post them on Ebay this week so if you like you can take a peek at my other paper piecings too.

Colors of Fall

2008-11-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

The colors outside are just gorgeous right now. That is exactly where I found my inspiration for this layout using bold and rich papers. I hadn't worked on any paper scrapbooking in a while and have been doing a lot of digital layouts instead. I used a lot of layering techniques for this layout utilizing different patterned papers. Distressing and foam paint was added for more detail. Hemp is one of my favorite things to work with as well it helps in achieving that aged look.

Up Late...

2008-11-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I stayed up late last night working on some new digital layouts. I seem to do my best work between 10pm and 2am. I find being in my studio so relaxing and it is definitely my favorite room in the house. Even my children enjoy coming in here, lying on the floor working on legos or they just come in to chat. There is definitely something peaceful and relaxing about my space. I have to be honest, it is probably the first room in the house that my family will come looking for me in. I was having so much fun working with my new digital kit by scrapbookgraphics.com The artist is Lorie Davison she is so incredibly talented and I am definitely a fan so below is some work I did using some of her kits.

Vintage Tussie Mussie

2008-11-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

I actually made several of these today. I thought they would look beautiful attached to some of my Christmas gifts. I used the fabulous Mollie and Mac Papers (Mac-ximum Fun Collection). For those of you that are wondering what is a Tussie Mussie~ it is a nosegay of flowers or herbs presented sometimes in a doily or has even been referred to as a posy. Certain herbs were sent to the recipient expressing a certain feeling. For example, if you wanted to express the sentiment of "I Love You", roses would be sent in a Tussie Mussie.

Well, I only have 4 more days till my cast comes off and I definitely feel better over the last few days but today my ankle has been stinging a little bit and I am really hoping that doesn't mean anything. So, my plan for the weekend is to rest my leg and sit at my desk in my studio and work on premade layouts for my website since so many of you have been asking for them. I will let you know when I finally get some posted.

How Exciting!

2008-10-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today I was busy putting class kits together for Mollie and Mac

featuring their beautiful papers! So if you have never seen them be sure you to stop by their Blog and take a peek.

By the way, I only have 2 more weeks and this awful cast finally comes off-I so can't wait!

I am so excited! I just found out that my Blog was featured as "Blog of the Week" by Scrapbooking.com Magazine for August. Wow- how very cool is that? A big thank you to all!

Chase your Dreams...

2008-10-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

A very rainy Saturday it is~ so all the kids outdoor activites have been cancelled. I decided to play a little more with my recent purchase from www.scrapbookgraphics.com

and here is my finished layout. I think I am really getting the hang of this.

Digital Scrapbooking Madness

2008-10-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

I am totally out of control with this kit that I purchased from www.scrapbookgraphics.com - like I said in my last post I couldn't see myself going all digital but I may be doing more of both. I am probably not doing this kit much justice compared to some of the talent out there. So now I am thinking do I need to start an album just for my digital layouts or should I just incorporate them into the same album as my other layouts? Print and frame some of them maybe? So many decisions, I am curious how you keep all these kits organized on your computer though ~ so if there are any suggestions out there I would love to hear them.

Fabulous Fairies

2008-10-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't done much digital scrapbooking but I found this fabulous kit Flitting Fall Faeries Collection by Lorie at Studio Girls Scrapbook Graphics - www.scrapbookgraphics.com

The girls over there are so talented. I also wanted to be sure to mention the customer service gets an A + from me. I was having some issues opening some of the png files and within an hour I had a response from support with a resolution to my problem. The possibilities were endless with these kits. Those of you that know me-know that I could never give up all my goodies to go completely digital but this was a ton of fun.

This was a picture of my daughter that was from several years ago which I never scrapbooked so I am definitely going to have this one printed.

The layout below includes all 3 of my children...I love the way my son is sitting on the mushroom-he was actually holding a football but thanks to Photoshop I was able to get rid of it in the layout.

Sisters Mini Album

2008-10-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Wow-two posts in two days! This was a fun mini album I made titled "Sisters." Mollie & Mac Class Kit using their fabulous papers and chipboard. I am embellished the mini album using all sorts of fun beads, stickles, stamps, sequins etc. I have to say mini albums are one of my favorite things to work on. They make wonderful gifts or just look great sitting in a basket on a table in my living room.

Happy Birthday!

2008-10-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! So I decided to take some "me" time and finish up some layouts I had started. I am so loving these Bingo Cards by Jenni Bowlin. I placed a metal ring around the number 18 as this is how old my beautiful daughter is. I also used some of my favorite items like Tim Holtz Grungeboard Letters along with stickles and distress inks.

Lucky #5- is my son's favorite jersey number. So it was important to me to highlight it in this layout. How many baseball layouts can you do using the same team colors year after year?Again, I used the Bingo card and highlighted the #5 on the card and using various chipboard #5's as well.

This layout is actually one of my favorites. It is a picture of one of my daughters with her Daddy. Very simple just layering BasicGrey papers and chipboard letters-just noticed I need to do my journaling on this one.

My lovely daughters once again. The papers are by October Afternoon, I placed two buttons on the owls eyes to make it a little more 3 dimensional. "Rate the Day" is by MME Daily Dose Cards. What a Hoot & Whoooo Loves You are rub ons I found but I don't recall who they are by-sorry.

Good News

2008-10-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Went to the doctor today for my follow up and she gave me great news-I only have to go 6 more weeks instead of 8 weeks with my ankle recovery. The best part is I will only have to be casted for 3 weeks once all the stitches come out. I will say I was shocked when I saw my ankle after she took off the dressings today. I must have about 50 staples in there. They go from the middle of my foot up the side of my leg. Very nasty but as long as the problem is solved in the end it will all be worth it. So, now that I am finally able to sit at a table for a longer period of time I thought maybe of getting some scrappin done.

Charlotte & I have definitely taken advantage of my down time and came up with some great ideas for Mollie & Mac so be sure to keep touching base with our blog over there too. We have had a lot of fun things going on over there. Mollie & Mac have celebrated their birthdays but also our ongoing search for monthly Guest Designers too.

Feeling a Little Better...

2008-10-03T04:19:00.000-07:00

Things I think are going a little better today. Yesterday I only had to take my pain meds twice so it was definitely better. I am actually vending at a crop in Kearny, NJ tomorrow. Wasn't sure if I was going to pull that one off but with the help of family I think I will be fine. The hard part may be sitting at a table for 12+ hours and trying to work on a few pages. Trying to think of a couple of simple projects I could bring.

On a happier note, I am very excited as I ordered a Big Shot and it is due to be delivered today! I saw some really great dies made exclusively for Stampin Up for the Big Shot...gotta have them. If you get a chance be sure to check out some of the projects they have done using the Big Shot they are really awesome!

Boredom...

2008-10-01T06:46:00.001-07:00

Well, here I sit after having tendon surgery on my ankle yesterday. Can't scrapbook because I really can't sit up for any length of time without my leg throbbing. Right now, they put me in some kind of splint cast and next week after the stitches come out I will get my full cast. Hmmmm- what color should I get? Maybe I could cover in something from Mollie & Mac's paper line and make it pretty or simply alcohol ink it. Any suggestions pass them along I need to be humored right now. I am actually scheduled to vend at a crop this weekend which should be interesting....I am looking forward to going but hope I am comfortable enough to sit all day.

Since my wonderful hubby set up my computer right here next to the lazy boy I guess I could do some digital scrapbooking. I really should be working on my new designs for Mollie & Mac. Well, I guess for now I will go watch some Judge Judy.

Scrapbooking Title Toppers

2008-09-26T13:04:00.001-07:00

Here are a few adorable title toppers I have been working on. You can see more great Title Toppers on my website- stop by and take a peek!

New Layouts..

2008-08-10T16:22:00.001-07:00

I know its been a while since I have posted but so much has been going on in this thing called "life." Let me see where do I start? My son was bit by a dog over the summer which required over 25 stitches below his eye and chin. It has been a summer filled with doctor appointments but I think we are finally finished. Mollie and Mac made their debut at Chicago CHA so as the designers, myself and Charlotte made the trip. We had some incredible feedback and were very excited to get back home to start filling our orders. For those of you not familar with us be sure to check out our website and blog. To top this all off, I ended up getting a cast on my leg for 4 weeks for a torn tendon in my ankle. So for the most part, my summer is over. No beach, no pool **sniff**sniff** but more time to scrap!

Guest Designer Call

2008-06-18T12:26:00.001-07:00

Mollie and Mac at www.mollieandmac.blogspot.com is looking for a Guest Designer for August 2008! Check out their blog for more details. They are a new and exciting paper company that will debut at Summer CHA in Rosemont, IL.

Crazy Hat Day

2008-05-30T05:50:00.001-07:00

I really had a hard time going with purple on this layout because I am just not a purple fan. But it definitely worked best. I also played around with distressing clear gesso on my page using lots of distress inks too. I stamped some flourishes on a transparency sheet using Staz On Ink. I also drew some white dots using a new pen by Inkssentials and let me tell you I love it. It writes beautifully! I also just realized I forgot the most important part "my journaling"...

Inking on Transparency Sheets

2008-05-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

These layouts were done using transparency sheets and flourish acrylic stamps with Staz On Inks. I also used Foam Paint to create the little black dots you see. The large "Y" is a Tim Holtz Grungeboard Alpha accented with Fire Brick Distress Ink and Stickles. I stamped on the Prima flower to add more of a distress looked to it.

This layout below is done using the same method of stamping with Staz On and transparency sheets. I used an assortment of acrylic stamps on this layout. The large flowers are made by Prima.

Scrapbooking Tags

2008-05-10T04:47:00.001-07:00

I decided yesterday I needed a project to use up some of the scrap paper. I made a bunch of tags that I could use in my scrapbook for journaling. Most of these were made using Photoshop CS3 and some rubberstamps. They would also look great as gift tags too!

Alcohol Inks by Ranger

2008-05-08T09:47:00.001-07:00

This was so much fun to do. I had this plain metal box that my friend Anna and I used alcohol inks and Blending Solution on to achieve this look. We also used so Staz-On black ink to stamp some cute flourishes on it too. Of course, Anna couldn't help herself and insisted we add some bling so cute little rhinestones accent the flowers.

National Scrapbooking Day

2008-05-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

Do you have plans for National Scrapbooking Day? Last night I taught a Distressing Class in celebration of this great day. What a great bunch of girls! We had so much fun together! I'm going to go to some of the local scrapbook stores and do a little shopping today before I get together with some friends tonight for some scrapbooking fun. I really can't wait for tonight, as for the last few months I have been teaching a lot of classes and finishing work on the design aspect of Mollie and Mac paper line. So I really need the "me" time. I really I have some wonderful new things and gadgets I want to play around with so I will be sure to post them when I finish them. Well, I gotta run have a wonderful National Scrapbooking Day!

Exciting News

2008-04-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Such exciting news! I will be going to Chicago CHA 2008 with my business partner Charlotte to release our new paper line mollie and mac. Stop by our website and check out our blog so you can follow us through our new journey to CHA!

Finally some time...

2008-03-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wow-I can't believe it's been a couple of weeks since I have been here. Life has kept me so busy lately. The kids have had sports dinners, practices and school projects that I have had such a hard time keeping up. Finally, I had a chance to work on some layouts for one of the Design Teams I am on. I was really happy because these were photos I really did know what to do with. I color washed the tag below using distress inks and the black dots are made with foam paint.

This was a fun page for me to work on as I don't usually work with papers that are really bold and vibrant. The crown and the wings are embellished with Stickles and acrylic paint.

Snow Day

2008-02-24T07:50:00.000-08:00

We finally had a snow day here in New Jersey. For the most part, it has been a very mild winter. We enjoyed the day with our children and our pugs playing in the snow. I had a 18 hour crop scheduled the next day, so I figured I would take some pictures of the fun we had and run and get them developed so I had something to work on at the crop. The crop was a fundraising event for the Pompton Lakes Fire Department-they have been holding their all day scrap-a-thon for about 5 years now. I really enjoy going and touching base with all the great people I have met there over the years. Here are some of the pages I worked on while I was there.

I am still hooked on the Tim Holtz Grungeboard as you can see... I used Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks and Stickles on the Harlequin pattern. The plain chipboard letters are by Fany Pants Designs. I also used black foam paint where you see the dotted black circles.

This paper was a discontinued line from Gin-X but fit perfectly with my theme. I love this picture of my son trying to catch snowflakes on his tongue. Art Warehouse made this wonderful large rub on letters. I used the Buck Naked Ornaments by Cosmo Cricket which I painted and stamped.

Paper Piecing Torn Bears

2008-02-05T11:36:00.001-08:00

I was so happy how this premade paper piecing layout turned out for one of my customers. The papers were from a K & Co. 12 x 12 paper pad. The coordinated words are also from K & Co. I used a Heidi Swapp clock face and placed a Prima flower beneath it. On top of the clock face I placed a cardstock sticker embellishment for some added detail. The torn/tear bears are handmade from mulberry paper.

Acrylic Scrapbook Albums

2008-01-26T10:21:00.001-08:00

I am so loving these adorable acrylic albums! I made this one last night. The only disadvatage would be that your pictures have to be cropped down to about 3.5" x 3.5" to fit on the crown but it still is cute! They come in many different shapes and sizes and make wonderful gifts too.

Scrapbooking Torn Bears

2008-01-25T08:01:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy making torn bears-I have sold them on my website and a popular auction site for several years now. They make wonderful title toppers for your scrapbook pages, cards and tags. These adorable bears are made from mulberry paper using a tearing technique. However, some scrapbookers make these bears using cardstock. The cardstock will not have the fluffy appearance that's why I prefer the mulberry paper. I am still trying to learn how to make them fluffier but for now I am real happy with how they come out. I made the ones below with scraps I had from other projects. There are many sites out there that offer great instruction on making these adorable torn/tear bears.

Acrylic Albums

2008-01-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

I really like these acrylic albums. I do need to practice some more on how to be more strategic when placing my photos on each sheet of acrylic so they don't completely show on each page when you close the album. I did learn to make use of my rub ons as they can be used as an embellishment for each side of the acrylic. Souffle Pens worked the best on the acrylic. If you decide to do any stamping on your acrylic album I was told to use Staz On Inks. Click on any of the photos below to enlarge.

Tim Holtz Grungeboard Letters

2008-01-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of samples of what I did with these wonderful Grungeboard Letters by Tim Holtz. The letter "F" I inked in Peeled Paint distress ink-the alternating diamonds-Harlequin Patter- I used Copper Stickles. I was really pleased how it came out. The letter "S" I used lots of Dried Marigold distress ink and rubbed the edges with Faded Jeans distress ink. The "Tiny Dots" pattern I used Deco Art Foam Paint on all the little circles to give it some more dimension.

D & L's Camp WannaCropAlot

2008-01-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

Crazy, busy weekend! I hosted a crop this weekend-D & L's Camp WannaCropAlot with my friend Laura. We had a great time as always. I finally feel as if I was somewhat productive at a crop for a change. I finished a few layouts and I was happy how they turned out. I usually spend most of my time talking too much-LOL! I was definitely on a Tim Holtz "kick" this weekend. I played with a lot of different products from him and Distress Inks. I also tried the Ranger Crackle product on the new Grungeboard but that didn't work too well. I am sure I will find another use for it though.

We were all so excited about the new Tim Holtz Grungeboard that I had just gotten. I only did one layout so far using the Harlequin pattern. I love this stuff! On the "F" I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink Peeled Paint-I then used Copper Stickles alternating in the diamonds. I really loved how it turned out!

Organize those Chipboard Letters

2008-01-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I searched for so long to find a way to organize my chipboard letters and I think I finally found a solution! I came up with a storage box from Lowe's ($8.99) made by Stanley. It had 26 compartments. Perfect! The only letters I placed together were Y & Z. The last compartment I used for chipboard numbers. The best part was I could remove the cover so it could be open in my drawer for easy access or place the cover back on to make it portable to take to crops! There is a tab on the back of the organizer that you should cut off to make the cover removable (see photo below). By the way, I have drawers with my cabinets in my scrapbook room that the organizer fits in to.

Be Mine Coin Envelope Mini Album

2008-01-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

This was such a fun album to make! I finally made a mini album for myself~ I used papers from Cosmo Cricket's "Hey Sugar" line which I loved and let me say perfect for Valentine's Day too! I covered all the coin envelopes in this beautiful paper and taped them all together with heavy duty double sided tape. I made the chipboard album myself by cutting the chipboard slightly larger than the coin envelope. All the tags I placed photos on and they neatly fit into each envelope.

Visiting Santa

2008-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

This is my adorable son giving Santa his long list of things he has to have. I used lots of distress inks (red, corduroy, black soot) and also distressed the edges of the papers to create this vintage look. The Hoho acrylic letters have a hint of Adirondack inks in cranberry and eggplant. Along the bottom of the picture, I found a stamp that looked like old writing that I used all along the bottom of the paper.

It's That Wonderful Time of Year

2007-12-19T16:44:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I have been so busy the last few days finishing up shopping and wrapping. To top it all, my son's birthday is on the 23rd...I just love this time of year! We have some wonderful traditions that my husband and all his brothers have continued to hold on to from their family. For starters, our children don't see our tree until Christmas Day. It is also like this when they visit all their aunts and uncles because it is done the same at their homes too. We do have a small tree in our dining room that they help us decorate. But as for the big tree, that is decorated by our personal elf named Bernard-he has been visiting our home for the past 18 years. The room where the tree is - is completely blocked off so no one can peek in. You can often hear the whistle of a train, snoring, hammering knowing Bernard is hard at work. He always leaves candy canes and other goodies around the house after he has paid us a visit. He works on putting together this beautiful village under our Christmas tree. It takes him several weeks to finish his work. To see the delight in my children's eyes on Christmas Day is priceless.
I hope my children will carry on this tradition with their children.

X-treme Bed Head

2007-12-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

Definitely one of my favorite photos! My daughter always has an issue with bedhead so I couldn't resist taking this picture. The layout is made using WRMK papers and chipboard letters. I stamped a sheet of Bazzill with a flower stamp and added little blue gemstones to the center of the flowers. Liquid glass is applied to the chipboard letters to add some sheen to the letters.

Nature Boy

2007-12-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

This is a layout of my son catching a butterfly at a local park we go to. I love the smile on his precious face when the butterfly landed on his hand. I used Daisy D's and WRMK papers-stamping all along the edge, lots of chipboard letters from WRMK. Beautiful large prima flowers help accent the layout. I recently found this product called Liquid Glass by Close to My Heart-I can't get enough of it! I use it on all my chipboard letters.

Digital Scrapbooking

2007-11-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

I had to check out this digital scrapbooking craze for myself. I tried a few kits out I purchased on line. It was fun and I obviously need more practice. I plan on learning as much as I can about the digital world of scrappin but honestly, I can't see myself giving up my paper yet either. One of the other advantages to digital is sharing your layouts with family and friends-just burn a CD or attach a layout to an email. Not to mention it can be more cost efficient to say the least. Paper and embellishments can be used over and over again. I would consider myself more of a hybrid scrapper at the moment. For those of you that are not familar with hybrid scrapbooking~ it is when you combine traditional scrapbooking and with some digital elements. For example, you may print your title on your paper using your printer but the rest of the layout is done the traditional way. I really enjoy making my own transparencies and titles using Photoshop and my wide format printer. I have been practicing using my Photoshop Brushes for my layouts and I must admit I love the look! Above is a sample of one of my first couple of digital layouts.