New Layout and a card...I've been busy!

I did another layout for the croppy cat challenge over at ScrapAttack Scrapbooking...for the life of me...I can't remember who did this layout and now can't post to the challenge, but I wanted to post it here.  I have started to save the pages I am lifting by user name so when I submit to the challenge I know where they came from.  Good idea huh?  Maybe a little late...lol

So here's my page

Isn't he a cutie?  Well, I found this little guy running in the road and already having 4 dogs...I really didn't need another.  A car passed by me and they stopped, but when they saw me slow down as well...I guess they left it up to me to pick him up.  He was so tiny and was skinny.  I took him home with me and he stayed since then.  He's a much bigger boy now and I hope he stops growing soon!  Still very much a puppy though. 

I used Basic Grey June bug stickers.  Those are the flowery red shapes.  Most of this is straight from the original but with a few changes as I didn't have all the same products she used.  I used Tiny Type in Red by Cosmo Cricket.  I'm not sure what was used on the original, but they were much larger and placed on the photo. 

I used a paper stack I got a big lots as well by GCD Studios called Sunny Days.  I used this because I had to substitute the small circles.  The original had scalloped circles in a stripped pattern.  I was unable to find that.  The Big Lots stacks I found are a pretty good deal.  They have 24 pieces of double sided textured cardstock weight paper for $5.  So check out Big Lots to see what you can find. 

AND who would have thought that red polka dot paper would be so hard to find?  I'm not sure, but I had to use a different piece than the original.  Mine is red with a small white flower.  Also from the stack by GCD studios that I picked up at Big Lots.  I used Lilly Bee designs Hello Sunshine die cuts and blueberry pie 12X12 paper...the same as the original.  I went back to the site to search for the original, but I haven't found anything yet and I wanted to put this in the challenge so BAD!!!  I don't get to complete that many challenges...so this one is a kind of go at your own pace.  That works for me. 

I inked around the die cut and inked around the photo with Red ink.  The original did not have that touch.  I think the original was outlined in red glitter.  I also did misting like the original had, but I have to say...I am just no good at this misting technique.  I used smooch Cherry ice and it just came out in globs.  I had to pour this in to another bottle because the smooch tube it came in was clogged.  This bottle is now clogged as well and the spritz came out in clumps.  I'm not happy with the results I'm getting at all.  I have tried unclogging several different ways and not shaking but swirling the bottles.  Nothing has worked.  SIGH!!

The blue ribbon was also on the original but only the blue side showing as I recall on the right side of the photo.  I used the pretty side with the white flourishes all the way to both sides.

I absolutely love the Lilly Bee papers used on this layout and I can't wait to order some more to use on future projects.

Here's the card I just completed for my friends birthday

I used the Far East DCWV mat Stack and stamps from Hot off the Press.  I love these stamps!!  I distressed/stained around the edges with red ink and added black mulberry paper.  The red paper is embossed with a very asian looking design and is raised on pop up dots.  Then I used a Dazzle that you can find at Paper Wishes.  These are amazing stickers and you can use the positive and negative images with their transfer sheet.  I attached a asian coin to some fiber and that's about all for the front.  The stamped image is embossed as well. 

I haven't added the sentiment/poem to the inside yet.  Still waiting on the perfect thing.  I have til Thursday to find it...but here's what I did to the inside.

The stamps I used are from the same set by Hot off the Press.  I embossed them with black embossing powder then colored in the lanterns with an OLD Susan Branch marker I had laying around.  I was shocked it still worked!  It did nicely though.  I have been trying to talk myself in to getting some Copics...hmmm.  The branch is the same on the front so the stamp set matches the dazzles. 

Here's a couple closer looks

Thanks for checking out my newest projects!  Have a great day!

Not a crafty post, but I had to share

We've had a lot of rain in the past week.  So, my dogs have been stuck inside.  Yesterday it was really bad out so I decided I'd let them run free today.  I have 2 dogs that absolutely love the water...they are labs.  There's a steady stream running down the middle of the land to the side of the house.  They played and played in the water.  The one dog that doesn't care for the water kept running back to me like...ewww...they are getting me wet!  It was so cute. 

This is Biscuit.  He finally just laid down and rolled all in the water.  He was so muddy by the time he was done.

Biscuit again and Jack behind him splashing around.  I took the pics on my cell phone so they are a little grainy.  I had to use the zoom so Honey and I could stay a safe distance and not get too wet.

And here's Miss Ellie enjoying the water too.  I didn't take a pic of Honey because she stayed out of the water, but she had her own post on my last project I did.  I think it's safe to say she'll still be jealous though.  HAHA!!  Can't wait to print these out and see if they are clear enough to scrap. 

New Spring Layout

Well, with it being so pretty outside in my area I decided I wanted to do a spring bright color layout and do a couple of my challenges that I am participating in.  I am doing the Scrap your Pet Challenge at Scrapbook.com and the croppy cat challenges at ScrapAttackScrapbooking.com.  These are both ongoing challenges.  I am WAY behing on my Croppy Cat Challenges so...I have been using a lot of other artist layouts to get caught up on this Challenge. 

Here's my new layout

I tried taking the picture outside this time in hopes it would turn out better, but it's still not the greatest photo.  I used Pink Paislee papers, Recollections bling, Prima flowers and white flowers from the bridal section at Hobby Lobby.

Here are a couple close ups

The two pink flowers were one Prima flower and I took it apart and made two pieces.  It was really too bulky. 

Thanks for looking and remember to leave a comment for the giveaway!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Blog Candy!! Check it out!!

Hello to everyone out there following me.  I have added new followers thanks to my friends on the SCRAP BEACH.  Thank you so much for checking out my blog.  So...now, to give everyone a chance to win some blog candy! I will put together a nice prize from my stash to share with the lucky winner.

If you would like to be considered for the drawing...you have to 1...be a follower and 2...post a comment and tell me what you'd like to receive for the prize.  It does have to be Scrapbook products of course...anything that fits in to the category to use for scrapbooking.  Dies, your favorite adhesives, bling, flowers...you name it!  Anything is acceptable.  Anyone who posts something that fits and is a follower will be entered in the drawing.  I will do the drawing on April 1!  So leave your comments!!

Have a great day!

Spellbinders deal

Hey ya'll!!  Well, I have been waiting and waiting to order or buy some Spellbinders dies.  I wanted the top note shape.  Today when I logged on to the deal a day site Molly's Square they have new dies for 2011.  They have labels 18, 19 & 20. 

This is label 20

This is label 19

This is label 18

I went ahead and ordered label 19.  They have them for $16.49 today and shipping to the US is $2.29.  Shipping to Canada is $2.99.  Now...when I get this it will be a challenge to see if I can use with the original Sizzix I have.  I still want to get a big kick, but just haven't yet.  I Love how these Spellbinders cut and emboss!  I can't get that with my Cricut and I'd also love to make a mini out of the largest die.  They have these at Hobby Lobby for $24.99 and if you can use a coupon for 40% and bring the price down to $14.99 it's not bad, but there's very limited selection at the Hobby Lobby near me. 

So, I will be waiting on these to arrive in the mail.  Check out Molly's Square for their daily deals!

Latest layout and how many followers?

Well,  I am finally to 23 followers...so if I get 2 more I will do a give away from my stash!  Yay! 

Here's my latest layout...

I took inspiration for this layout from Lauri over at Scrap Attack Scrapbooking.  I couldn't locate her page in the gallery anymore to link to it.  Sorry about that!!  But, she used this heart and swirls piece and cut it out and attached it to some pink metallic paper.  I thought it looked great, so I decided to try to put my spin on it!  Her layout was for a concert she had attended.  Mine is going to be one of smy favorite singers...Brad Arnold, front man for 3 Doors Down.  I have some photos of him from the last concert of theirs I attended.  Music means so much to me and I absolutely love it so I have started a scrapbook of my favorite songs and artists.  I have a lot of the products, just have to put them all together in an awesome album now!!  This will be my first page.  The frame is a fancy pants transparency.  I put a piece of white card stock behind it because I didn't like how it looked without it on the page.  I left it open on the top and sides so I can add my photo when I get it printed out.  The black bling on the side is by Prima.  The flowers are by Making Memories Wedding Collection.  I made a 3 layer flower.  First is Silver...second is black tulle, top and third layer is white fishnet type material.  I thought it was a little grungier for a page that's gonna have a photo of a rock band lead singer!!  I used the around the block label maker that I don't even think is sold anymore.  BUT, I love it!!  I used black paper tape then sanded it to show the hearts and the title...which is HEART THROB.  This was also Lauri's title on her page.  I used some glittered hearts and swirls to finish it off and I'm happy with the result.  Can't wait to get my next page going for this book. 

Thanks for looking and following!  Have a great week.

Friday! and a warehouse sale to share.

Well this was supposed to be a relaxing weekend in a cabin...but circumstances changed my plans and now...no cabin.  So, I guess I have to rethink my plans.  My go to...SCRAP FEST!!!  I am gonna try to scrap all night.  After the sun goes down of course because I'll be outside enjoying the sunshine until it does. 

Hopefully will have some new stuff to post next week.

Have you ever used Dazzles on your pages or cards?  Well, I have ordered some but haven't used them yet.  The maker of Dazzles...Hot off the Press is having a warehouse sale and they have one going on regularly with sale items.  I got an email early in the morning hours and just happened to be awake so I went over and checked the site out.  Was delighted to see Glimmer Mist for $3.49 and mini roses 10 for $0.49.  They did have limited colors, but since I don't have any Glimmer Mist I thought I'd give it a try and the flower colors on the sale are also limited.  They did have egg shell and I thought these would serve the purpose of misting.  So, if you've never visited their site...hop on over.  You can visit them HERE.

Here are some of the great Dazzles they have available on the warehouse sale.

You can use the positive and negative image of the Dazzles if you pick up one of their transfer sheets.  I got one of those too and can't wait until it gets here so I can try them out.  I have purchased the music Dazzles and Far East Dazzles prior to this purchase.  I forgot to order the transfer sheets though and included it on this warehouse sale order. 

Here's a photo of the mini roses.  I think they also have a sunflower set in the warehouse sale.

They have some really great stamp sets as well.  A bit pricey for me, but I wait and watch for them to go on sale.  They do have a few on the warehouse sell, but I've found you have to shop quickly to get the best items.  They do also have a selection of $1 stamps.  This is one I grabbed while getting my glimmer mist and flowers! 



This stamp set was also on the warehouse sale and was originally $17.99.  I grabbed it for $3.99. 

I was so excited!  I have been a stamp buying fool lately and am getting more in to stamping projects.  I have yet to do a layout that I used a stamp on, but maybe I will try it tonight.

So, as I get back to work to finish out my short day...I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and gets some crafting done.  I know I hope to!!

Charms for The April Swap

Hey Ya'll!  Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday.  I just completed my April Charms.  I'm so far ahead this month!  Yay!  I have the day off tomorrow so I wanted to get all my current progects ready to mail out. 

The theme for the April Charm Swap is dasies and diamonds!  Wow...what girl doesn't like diamonds?

If you'd like to participate in this swap...you can still sign up.  You can visit the swap HERE.  You can sign up for this until April 1. 

Here's my completed charms...

I know it's hard to tell, but my ribbon has a green swirl on black ribbon and white dasies.  I made the flower on the corner out of the same ribbon I used on the charm.  The ribbon flower is only attached to the tag and not a part of the charm.  Then I added a flower brad in the center to attach it to the tag.  On the actual charm I used a ribbon bar to attach the ribbon and ribbon clips on the ends.  Then I attached the clip to easily attach to mini albums. 

Here's a close up of the actual charm.

I think you can see part of the ribbon and the swirl in the photo above.  Here are a couple more close ups...

In the swap...we have the choice to make charms for people who have their birthday in the swap month as well.  I didn't get a good picture of each individual charm, but here are the bags of the birthday charms I made.  I already have them all sealed and stapled shut so I didn't wanna redo that!

I put each persons name  on the tag on the outside and the bag as well.  I used purple and blue because all of the charms are made from purple and blue beads. 

That's my charms!  Thanks for looking...please come over and join the swap if you are interested. 

New Prima Stamps! Yay!

So...all the new products are coming out for the year and I ordered some of the new Prima Stamps.  Just 4 of them...FOR NOW.  I absolutely love them!  They are perfect for a mini album.  You could even use the packaging to make a very small mini!!  I didn't get any of the larger stamps.  I purchased them from YourSrapbookSupply through ebay.  They were $1.70 each and this was the cheapest I found them.  Here are the ones I purchased. 

I also have my eye on some more of these little stamps!  I hope to get some more soon.  I have gone stamp crazy lately and I'm not really sure why.  It all started with a sale at Joann's...they were clearing out the stamp section and had almost all the stamps on clearance for $4.97...then the next week they were marked down to $2.97 and I had to buy them.  My stamp collection wasn't that large until I purchased all those...I think I bought 8 sets that one day.  That's a lot of stamps!  Now my collection is large and I added these new Primas.  I can't wait to make my next mini to use them!

A New Mini!

Last week was just crazy for me!  I did manage to complete a mini, but didn't get it posted.  So here it is...the youtube slide show of it anyway...I am still getting used to making these slide shows.  I have basically given up on making videos because it takes them so long to upload and I get frustrated!  I have had several that will get to 98% and stop.  I like watching Haul videos on youtube to see what good deals everyone finds so I made some of my own, but the same problem....takes forever for them to load or they stop before finishing.  If anyone has any suggestions of anything I might be doing wrong...let me know! 

So here's the slide show.  I put music on it...so if you start to watch you may want to stop the music player on my blog sidebar...I tried the preview to see if they would play over each other and it did.  Maybe a malfunction?

I am WAAAAYYY behind on scrapping photos and I didn't want to save them until July...so I just completed this 4th of July Mini!  I used the Basic Grey Eclectic Chocolate Chip Chipboard album.  It was so fun to work with.  The papers are Bottle Rockets by Rusty Pickle...really old line, but my favorite 4th of July/Patriotic paper.  The stickers I used are some I got at my local scrapbook store before they went out out of business.  I love the look they have.  I used die cuts sent to me by my friend Barbara from Life on the Scrapbeach.  Thanks again Barbara!!  She sent me so many cuts of the sizzix latches die and I used them SEVERAL times in this mini.  I used Shimmery light Red Metallic paints by Folk Art and I used inks by Inkadinkadoo.  The letters by Making Memories on the front are from Megan Ann at scrapbook.com.  I am in a member of the month swap there.  You can visit us at this swap here if you'd like to join.  The more the merrier!  I used bling by the Paper Studio from Hobby Lobby, Recollections(purchased at Micheals) and Forever In Time.  I got the Forever In Time Swirly bling from Scrapbuck.com.  A lot of really good deals there and free shipping in the USA if you spend $20.  The popcorn embellies are Jolee's.  I had to remake the popcorn box though.  It was just too bulky.  Last thing I can think to mention are the charms I used on the binder rings.  I am in a charm/dangle swap on the Scrap Beach and I always try to share those with you.  I got the red one from JoAnn(host of the swap) for the February swap and the blue one from Rita from the January swap.  If you'd like to join...there's a new swap posted for April.  The theme of the swap for April is Daisies and Diamnods.  You can visit here to sign up!  You can sign up until April 1st and you have until April 15th to mail in.  I think that's actually the postmarked date.  So, still lots of time. 

Thanks for taking a look at my new mini! I hope you all have a great week.  Happy crafting.

March Charm Swap

Here's my latest swap!  The theme was Mardi Gras and we had to attach the charm/dangle to a "tag"

I think I went a little overboard for my tag.  :-)

I made a Mardi Gras mask, attached a handle then added a Brad to hold my charm. 

Here's a close up of the charm.

I had such a great time making these this month!  I have already signed up for April.  I don't think I will ever be able to use all these charms I am getting and I have received some beautiful ones!!

Here are the ones I got back for February.

Thanks for looking!!  I got some beautiful charms back for February.  You can see the one I sent HERE.

Photos from 2004 FOUND!!

I went to my first Air Show in Dayton Ohio in 2004.  I thought all my photos had been lost when my ex and I parted ways several years ago.  I was happy to run across these pics and I had to scrap them.  It was one of the happiest times I can remember and I was so excited!!!  I want to go visit Dayton again.  These are not the best photos, but I had to scrap them to preserve my memory of that weekend.

Here's the first page...

This photo is from the demonstration team that called themselveds Sky Soldiers.  I have no idea what brand the paper is that I cut out the boots, tank and Army seal type circle at the top of the page.  I got it as my local scrapbook store that is no longer in business.  I wrapped twine around the photo mat and used handmade paper.  I ran it through my Xyron so I wouldn't have anything showing through the thin paper.  The small tags are also from that same scrapbook store.  They are by 7 Gypsies.  I do remember that.  I'm guessing a lot of this stuff I bought to do the page is older as well since I bought it a long long time ago!

Here's a close up of the tags and cut outs...

Here's the second page...

More of the same techniques on this page.  I used the Xyron again to adhere the handmade paper and cut outs from the patterend paper.  I also used Magic Mesh?  I think that's the name of it.  It comes on a roll in many different colors.  I had this one white roll that I had bought specifically for this project.  I wanted to crinkle it up on the page, but before I knew it...I had lost my train of thought and flattened it right down on the page!  So, I had to do both pages that way to make them match.

This was a truely amazing demonstration. 

Journaling reads - Authenticity.  Realism.  Professionalism.  Patriotism.  Those are some of the words that you could use to describe the Sky Soldiers who recreate an intense batte scene from the Vietnam War.  Mike Brady, president of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation lead this crew of veterans from the Vietnam War and Dessert Storm as they recreated a typical day in Vietnam.

Hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday or whatever day you are reading this!  It is beautiful here.  Sunny Skies.