Life Scraps

Blog change!

2011-08-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

I have combined my crafting and every day life life blogs and you can find me posting over here now

All is grace here

Hope to see you there!

Yarn Along

2011-08-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! As usual I am joining Ginny over at Small Things for the weekly Yarn Along link up. I am so inspired on Weds.........it has become routine for me to sit down in the afternoon and as I am nursing Hannah Grace I click through all the linkys for the Yarn along while sipping my tea! So fun! And I have become acquainted with so many talented women and so many wonderful patterns......my "to knit" list just keeps growing!!

And so because of this these adorable booties came off my needles yesterday! Thanks to Ginny herself who hosts this all affair! These were so fast to knit.......one in the morning and one in the afternoon! Now my whole family wants booties and I think I know what I am making them all for Christmas!! I found a great pattern for big kids and adults here...... now I just need to get some nice chunky wool yarn to get going!!

I also cast on for this sweet dress called the Little Sister Dress. It is going pretty fast now but I had to rip it out twice in the beginning because I lost track of rows. I like this cotton yarn I am using by Rowen called Calm......and the colors are soft and so pretty!! (they look darker in this pic)

I am reading the same book as last week .....preparing for our homeschooling to begin again! Educating the Wholehearted Child is the perfect book to get my mind in gear for the upcoming year!

And I can't help but post this pic of my little one wearing a cute crocheted hat I made for her back in February while I was waiting for her arrival! I can't believe I only just started knitting then and now I am clearly an addict!! I so wish I had knitted for all my other children this way! We went to our county fair and I knew she would need a hat. Then I remembered that I had put a few aside that were bigger and this one fit perfect! Love shopping from things that I have made for her!! And from her look I think she likes it too!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Knitting!!

It's time for the yarn along.....

2011-08-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Seems these days the only posts I am making are for the yarn along......well, summer is busy and I guess I'm glad Ginny does this yarn along or I would not be posting at all!!
The puerperium cardy from my last post is done and only needs buttons.....any ideas on places to find cute buttons??

So I've gone back to plugging away at Brians sweater.....it is coming along slowly but surely....I just keep praying that the size will be good. This is my first really big project.....I'm loving the yarn...Ravelry notes here.
I am about to cast on for a new project......I'll share that next week.....acute tunic for Hannah Grace....something to do when I get tired of the endless rounds on Brian's sweater!!
I began rereading my all time favorite homeschooling book.....Educating the Whole Hearted Child by the Clarksons. I love this book and know it will help me focus as we begin our 17th year homeschooling! My 4 year old little guy has me reading this cute little book over and over to Him.....It's the Lords Prayer. I think he will have it memorized in no time!!
Make your way over to Small Things and join in the Yarn Along!! I have found so many new projects and loads of inspiration from all the creative ladies that link up every week!!

Yarn Along

2011-07-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Well I missed 2 weeks of joining in on the yarn along! But I have a good excuse......vacation!! We just got back from sunny.....HOT!!......Florida. My brother had his wedding down there and then we had a condo for a week with my Mom and other brother......just the girls and I went and it was a blast!!
I did get some knitting done and a little bit of reading......tending to the needs of Hannah Grace kept me pretty busy on this vacation!

First here is a pic of the little miss in her shrug that I shared in an earlier yarn along.....here she is at the wedding

I also managed to find a lovely little yarn shop and while the girls were parasailing I ventured out and picked up some yummy yarns for more projects on my wish list!!!

Here is my beyond puerperium cardigan that I am working on. One more sleeve and then I will need to find some cute buttons to finish it up. Ravelry notes here. This should fit Hannah Grace this coming winter. My little sweetie is 5 months old today.......it's going by way too fast!!

My box of books from Amazon arrived and I started right in on Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman. I used to read Kim's blog when we were just becoming a large family and I can't wait to get into her book and get some new ideas on managing this house and tribe of kids!

I am also still plugging away on Brians sweater and I'm almost ready to split for the front and back.......I need to really get going on that one!!

Jump over to Small Things and see what everyone else is up too!! Happy knitting!!

Yarn Along

2011-07-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

It's Weds. and that means it's time to join in on the Yarn Along over at Small Things........ I am still working on Brians sweater and from the looks of it will be for some time!! I really like the yarn and the color is a really nice forest green called toad.....I've been knitting more then reading lately.....I'm waiting for a box from amazon with some new books for easy summer reading....can't wait!

I just finished these adorable booties for Hannah Grace! These are the first pair I ever made and I think I'm hooked!! I mean really.....how cute are these!! I made them to go with the shrug I knit her!!

I'm so blessed to have a little girl to knit for!!

Yarn Along

2011-06-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

This week I have a few projects to share.....the last few days I have been sitting and rocking a feverish baby, poor Hannah Grace caught something at the doctors when she went for her 4 month check up.....it seems to be just a fever so far no sign of anything else.
So as I sit and rock and nurse I am putting the finishing touches on some projects and I began another!!

Here is little Hannah Grace modeling her finished shrug that I shared at last weeks yarn along. I love how it came out and so does she from her smile! I decided to whip up these little Saartje’s bootees to match .....they are going quickly...one just needs buttons and the other is almost off the needles!! So sweet and cute and they fit perfect!!
My boys have been asking me to read this book over and over this week. It's the 127th Psalm and beautifully illustrated. It's called The Lord Builds the House by Johannah Bluedorn.
I also cast on for a sweater for my hubby!! He has been asking for a heavy sweater for hunting season and I finally felt I was getting good enough to try! I am using the neckdown pullover sweater pattern from knitting pure and simple. I have only been knitting since March and this looked like an easy sweater to start with. I love making the baby items as they go so fast.....this is going to take me some more time and I hope I can stick with it!! I am using knit picks city tweed HW in toad.....love it!!!! I also picked up some for me in blue blood....I am hoping to make the shalom cardigan soon!!
Well I am heading back to rock my baby....... you can head on over to Small Things to join the yarn along

Yarn Along

2011-06-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

It's time to join in with Ginny for the yarn along.....this week I cast on for a baby shrug for Hannah Grace. We are going to be heading to Florida next month for my brothers wedding and I wanted a little sweater for her to wear over her dress. I am using Plymouth Yarn Select Worsted Merino Superwash in a soft pink tone and I have loved working with this yarn.....I'm also using my new knit picks circular needles....I broke down and got the whole set....so worth it!!! You can find the shrug pattern here.

I've been doing more knitting then reading lately but I did pick up this book I had gotten for my daughter to read. She loves Jane Austen and this author writes in the same manner and it looks like a fun easy read! There are 2 series and this is the first book in the second one....Miss Read~ Village School.

Yarn Along and BSJ knit along

2011-06-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's Weds. again and that means it' time for the knit along over at Small Things.....and today I can share my completed baby surprise jacket!! I love the way this came out and it was sooo fun to make! I used a wonderful organic cotton yarn ....plymouth earth oceanside organic. (my LYS just told me this color is being discontinued). I think the little wood buttons are adorable......this should fit Hannah Grace next winter! I added the cute ruffles to make it more girly......cause we all know Hannah Grace is already such a girly girl!! I just started the matching bonnet with some of the leftover yarn.....another fun project!

I did not capture a photo of my book this week.......still reading The Ministry of Motherhood from last weeks post. such a good read for all moms!!

Next on the needles is a sweater for Brian......I just ordered the yarn so maybe I can cast on for Fathers Day!!!

Yarn Along

2011-06-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Another week has come and gone and I am joining in over at Small Things for the yarn along. I've got a few projects going right now but I thought I would share this one. You might remember this yarn from a few weeks ago as I began a sweater for Caleb my 4 year old. Well half way through I realized it was coming out too small and so ripped it out and began a different sweater found here. This is a top down sweater and so far has been a very easy knit. And the size is perfect!
I began rereading The ministry of motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I am participating in the book club over at Good Morning Girls. Sally has had weekly videos and the discussion has been encouraging!

Also on my needles is the bonnet for the BSJ. Yes, I finished my BSJ....it just needs buttons! And then I will take a picture of it and share!! The bonnet is coming out cute......I think I will add some Mary Jane booties to match as well! I am going to pick up more yarn to start another BSJ......it was a lot of fun to knit!

BSJ knit along update

2011-05-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting like crazy and have gotten pretty far.......I never would have been able to do this pattern without the help of this knit along found here. I am so thankful for both of these women and the time they are taking to walk us all through this!!
I can finally see what this sweater is going to look like! And I think the size is going to be great for my little Hannah Grace this coming fall!
I still need to put together the other 2 sweaters I made, it's just easier for me to knit and nurse then it is to sew together things.....I will post pics when I finish them!

Yarn Along and my baby surprise jacket

2011-05-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today I am posting for the Yarn Along and with it an update on my baby surprise jacket. I went to the local yarn shop and picked up this wonderful organic cotton yarn to do the sweater in. I am loving how it feels as I work with it and think it will make a wonderful jacket for Hannah Grace! I have made so much pink for her that I went with this very warm beige color for this project.

I picked up this book last week and have just started it.....hoping it will guide me into a more organized life. I wish just reading it would change things around here but I think it's going to take more than that!

Yarn Along

2011-05-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while but I am still over here and I've been working on project life in bits and pieces.....more recently I've been taking to knitting! And so I am joining in the Yarn Along over at small things so I can share what is on my needles and also what is in my book basket!!

I am currently working on a the playtime hoodie that I found over on ravelry.....here. I am knitting this one up for Caleb and I am really liking the way it is turning out. I also just found the spud and chloe blog....... I ordered some yarn and will be starting spud the sheep very soon! I would love to get all these cute animals knitted up for Hannah Grace, so she can have them all to play with when she is a little older. It is an adorable book with a cute story in amongst the patterns.

Here is a pic of the sweet Chloe shrug I just finished. Hannah Grace wore this over her Easter dress and it fit perfectly!! This was my first attempt at knitting a sweater and I am really happy with how it turned out! Thanks to Emily (my 17 year old and amazing knitter!) for being there to guide me through it all!!
I will leave you with a little picture of my cutie in her Easter shrug!

Project Life / P 365

2011-02-13T15:22:00.000-08:00

I just caught up my Project Life album.......here are my latest P 365 pics! I'm really loving this so I hope I can keep up with it!!!

Project Life / P 365

2011-01-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

I've been a bad blogger! I have not updated in forever! So here is the scoop on some of my latest projects.....

For the past 2 years I have begun P 365.......only to fail to keep up with it the whole year. (SIGH!) So this year I looked for a way to make this super simple......with a baby on the way I knew I would not succeed (AGAIN) unless it was super easy to keep up with.....taking the photos is not the problem...oh no.....I take loads of photos every day. It was the documenting and journaling part that always threw me.

So enter Project Life!!! I love it! This makes P 365 easy and sooooo doable! For the past 2 weeks I have kept up with it and I really LOVE the way the album is turning out! I take about an hour or 2 on Monday afternoon and print out my pics.....get any journaling for the past week done and then put it all together......so simple yet so worth it!!!

Here are some pics of my first few weeks!

The pocket pages make it really easy.....I can add memorabilia and I have decided to only journal the stories i want to tell......some pics don't need journaling at all!

I also want to post my P 365 pics here if I can......if it is to much to keep up with I might not....so we will see!

Here are my first 2 weeks of photos.....I am editing in PSE 8 and using actions as well.

You can also see from my pics that I've taken to crocheting! Another reason I have not been on the computer as much......I have made all kinds of things for the baby and winter hats and scarves for the boys as well! Right now I am making Claire a manta ray.......I'll post a pic when it is done! I really think if i can stay organized about this I just might finish it this year!!!!

Picture the Holidays

2010-12-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

This year instead of doing Journal your Christmas like the last 2 years I am taking this photo class at BPS. I have decided to take the photo prompt and journal about that and make a simple 6x6 album for this years Christmas. I am using a modern american crafts album 6x6 page protectors and going all digital. I really want to focus on my photography and post editing skills that I have been learning so here is a look at my pages so far! These are 2 page spreads.......

So far I am enjoying the prompts and really enjoying the photography process.......I will post picks of the album cover when I finish it!

Sub Way Art.....a do it yourself project!!

2010-11-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

So I am in gift making mode! And I have been seeing these great subway art signs all over the place. Now everyone has different tutorials up for doing these yourself.....so I looked around and then came up with a plan to make my own. I wanted these to be easy peasy......all you need is your Photoshop elements......your printer and some great fonts.....all of mine were free and found easily around the internet!
I decided what I wanted my sign to say and then played around with different fonts until I got it just right.....
then I stole some of my daughters water color paper..(love the texture!) and ran it through the printer!
These are the ones I came up with today.....this one will be for my daughters music teacher....I already had the frame and just added some cute buttons!!

This next one was the first one I did......I really like it and decided to keep it for myself!!

I already had this frame as well and I think this will look great in my hallway this Holiday season!!!

This last one is not framed yet.......this will be for my kids art teacher.....I think I want to get a piece of wood, spray paint it black and then mod podge this on. We will see. I love the quote though.....perfect for an art teacher at a Christian co-op!!

These are so easy and I think they look really classy! I am so glad I decided to try my hand at it!! I have some bible verses I would love to do this with as well!!!

Catching Up!!!

2010-11-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been a really bad blogger lately....so let me catch you up on what I've been up too!! I finished LOAD with flying colors.......it was so great to get so many layouts done!!! Here are the rest of my layouts...

LOAD Day 28

LOAD Day 29

LOAD Day 30

LOAD Day 31

LOAD days 26 and 27!!

2010-10-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 more layouts to add to my LOAD group!!
Day 26

Day 27

LOAD catch up......days 16 thru 25!!!

2010-10-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

studio calico kit

bloom and grow album kit by Danielle Young Designs

bloom and grow album

studio calico kit

instinct kit by ninth and bloom

studio calico kit

bloom and grow album

bloom and grown album

jlabre touch of spice kit

Yes, I am still going strong with LOAD!!!! Here are my latest layouts! I did not load these in order .......I have been getting some pages done for my vacation album in there as well......LOAD has really been inspiring..the prompts are great and I definitely do it again!

LOAD days 13,14 and 15!!!

2010-10-16T04:35:00.000-07:00

I am still hanging in there and getting my layouts done......I think by the end of the month this will be a habit!!! I hope!!!

Day 13

day 14

day 15

Day 15 I decided to start our vacation album.....I want to focus on the photos since I have so many really nice ones from the beach.....so there won't be a lot of embellys and journaling....I'm going to let the pics tell the story!!
Today I plan on doing a bunch of layouts just because I am inspired to get my hands into my paper stash again!!

LOAD 10/10 days 9,10,11 and 12!!!

2010-10-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

YES!!! I am still here and I am keeping up with the LOAD challenges!! It feels so good to be digging into my photos and my scrapping stash again!! Here are the last 4 days!!

Day 9

Studio Calico kit

Day 10

this is side 2 of yesterdays page

Day 11

paislee press you are here kit font is my type

day 12

taylormade designs in moderation kit font is pea sandra dea

LOAd 10/10 days 6,7 &8!!

2010-10-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

I am still keeping up.....just have not updated the blog! Here are the last 3 days layouts......I am really enjoying the challenges that Lain has been posting!!

paislee press everyday ordinary quick page

paislee press number 27 template , 3 paper peonies commitment kit

one little bird instinct kit, fonts are pea emmie and milk and cereal

LOAD 10/10 Day Five!!!!!

2010-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

I'm going to post this quick layout before I head out the door for bible study with the girls......

paislee press template No 15,one little bird storyteller kit

another digi layout of my cute baby boy!

LOAD 10/10 Day Four!

2010-10-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

one little bird storyteller kit, font is fontastic journaling reads

I find it hard to believe that you are nine years old now. Where did the time go? You are growing up so fast and truly becoming more of a man every day. You are a hard worker and are always there to help Daddy with the next job. You are also a wonderful big brother always making time for Christopher and Caleb and making them feel good. I can really see you beginning to grow into the man God wants you to be and I am so proud of you!

Jacob Walter 8/2010.

Here is my day four layout for LOAD! I had a blast using a lot of what I learned in Amanda's Everyday elements intermediate class.....here is the before......kinda hazy and the lighting is very harsh because it was the noon sun on the beach......

And then I ran color correct.......and deep clean and this is what I got.......I love it!!!! Soooo much better! I know I'm still learning but this made such a difference!!!

Hoping I can keep up this pace......4 layouts in 4 days so far!!!

31 Days to a better photo!

2010-10-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ok So I am going to be following along with Darcy on her 31 days to a better photo.....a lot of it I am already doing but I need to do it better! So if you need help getting out of auto or understanding your camera this is a great place to start!!!
Today she wanted us to play with shutter speed and here are my results


1/2s F 22.0 ISO 400

1/30s F 8.0 ISO 400

1/13s F 13.0 ISO 400

1/80s F 5.0 ISO 400

Thanks Claire for being my model!!!!

LOAD 10/10 Day three!

2010-10-03T13:28:00.000-07:00


bazzill paper, bazzill just the edge cardstock strips, CM heart punch, 3 paper peonies word art		, coffee shop barrista action

Another one done and I really feel my love for this hobby coming back!!! Of course I spent more time editing the photo here then actually doing the layout.....but I wanted to keep the design simple to focus on the photo!
I used coffeeshops barrista action to begin with then made it B&W and used the gaussian blur filter to blur the background.....I really love the way it turned out......I am really liking keeping my photos big on my pages too....very dramatic!!!
Ok I'm ready for day 4! Bring it on!!!!

LOAD 10/10 Day two!

2010-10-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

studio calico kit Partly Sunny from June

Can you believe it is 9:30 am and I have finished my LOAD layout for today!!!! That's what happens when you have a bad head cold and can't sleep! I was up at 5am and figured I might as well check the challenge for today and get started!!! I even decided to use one of my studio calico kits and do a paper layout!!! I am really happy with the way this one came out! The journaling is under the photo and reads....
Quote is by Mother Theresa. Journaling is under the photo and reads

I love this quote! Having so many children and seeing them as blessings from God is not a popular mind set these days. So many people ask me why? Why so many children? And I usually just smile because the only reason they are asking is they have not experienced the blessing that comes with a big family. I get more hugs and kisses, constant company and the joy of raising children to love God and serve Him! No, it’s not always easy and there are days that overwhelm me but it keeps me real close to my God and it is only through His strength that I can do these things! It is sad that our culture does not treasure children as the bible tells us too.........so many people are missing out! We all love our big family and can’t wait to welome baby number eight........who will arrive mid March!!!

LOAD 10/10! Day one

2010-10-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

In the hopes of finding my creative flow again I decided to join in with LOAD 10/10.......that's right my friends a layout a day for the month of October! That's 31 layouts in all if I can keep up! So without further delay is the layout I completed for todays challenge......(this is the first layout I have done since the beginning of July and it feels really good to be creating again!!)

(kristen comichero Comic Hero kit, font is Kristen ITC)

Caleb is obsessed with super heroes......his favorites are batman and spiderman......and he loves putting on his red cape and flying through the house! I loved capturing this fun moment in his life!

Life has been busy!

2010-09-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Things have been quiet here......my scrapbook room has been silent all summer.....I just have not had the energy to devote to scrapping lately! I have been taking photos like crazy and practicing shooting in manual.....but my scrapping mojo has been missing!

The big reason is because in mid July I realized I was pregnant!!! Yes, it was a huge surprise but the best one ever! We really did not think I was going to be able to have any more.....yet God has given us a gift! Along with this gift came the unwelcome gift of 24/7 morning sickness.....that I am still dealing with today. And tired....I have not never felt so tired during a pregnancy before. So that is part of why I am not scrapping.

But I am determined to get my mojo back!!!! And so I have joined in with LOAD this fall! I am hoping the inspiration and the daily prompts will get me back on track and wanting to scrap again. I am going in hoping to get our beach vacation pictures all scrapped not sure if it will be all digital or a mix of paper too. We will see what happens.....

So if you are looking for a way to get scrapping come join LOAD and do 31 layouts in 31 days....there is great prizes too!!!

And hopefully you will see some layouts from me soon!

Layouts!

2010-06-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well it has been quite a while since I posted any layouts! So here are a few I have done lately.....mostly for challenges over at Log Your Memory......I love the fact that they keep me scrapping even when my creativity is low!!

Check out the new LOM site!!!

2010-05-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

So Log Your Memory was shut down over the weekend for a big over haul! And it was well worth it! You need to head on over and check out all the new things Kristen added! One of them is the memory blogs! Members can now have blogs and we are also having a challenge to kick off Summer 2010!! You can check out my blog post here for our blog challenge word for the week.
So jump on over and check it all out and get busy scrapping those memories you made this Memorial Day weekend!!

I'm back! My Week in the Life Album

2010-05-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not posted in forever.....my Dad was very ill and then went to be with our Lord on April 15th. You can read all about it on my other blog in the post if you want to. I have been doing a few layouts here and there and lots of cards for friends and family that were so kind through everything that was going on with my Dad. I will get them posted eventually.....but today.....I am really excited to share with you my Week in the Life Album!
If you follow Ali Edwards you know she runs this on her blog and this is the first time I have been able to participate and I am so glad I did!
This album was such fun.......during the week and all the picture taking right down to putting it all together and journaling it all! I am thrilled with how it came out!
I used a We R Memory keepers 8.5/11 album and purchased some of Ali's products from Designer Digitals. I made my own templates in PSE8 and used those for the collages. I decided to do a hybrid album and used pattern paper and some flower embelly's to liven it up. Mostly it is about the photos and the journaling. It is well worth the time it takes to document a week in your life.....

Some layouts to share!!

2010-03-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Altered art from a recycled frame.....and a few layouts

2010-02-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

The Sweet talk journaling challenges over at Log Your Memory have really stretched me this month! We have covered just about every type of journaling imaginable and i have gotten some really meaningful layouts done.

I also created this cute wall hanging to give to a friend we were visiting. So simple to make and I even reused an old frame.

I have a few more sweet talk challenges to finish up and then I will be done......with all the snow I hope there is lots of time to scrap!!!

Snow Day!!!

2010-02-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

Well between yesterday and today we got almost a foot of snow and now it is blowing all over the place......brrrrr! A good day to stay in and scrap!! I did some scrapping yesterday for the challenges at Log Your Memory......

and another P 365 page done!!! Yeah!!!!

Lots of challenges over at Log Your Memory!!

2010-02-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

The challenges are hopping over at Log your Memory! Between our regular weekly one and the new Sweet talk Journaling ones I have been super busy trying to keep up. Here are my latest layouts.....

and here is my latest P365 layout.....

been scrapping.....

2010-02-05T05:54:00.000-08:00

been busy catching up with some CT work....I am really enjoying the challenges over at Log Your Memory. I am really capturing so much more of our everyday life....the real stuff! Here are 2 of my most recent layouts..

So proud of myself...we skated on Monday and here is a layout already from pics that day!!! (Patting myself on the back) That does not happen too often.....

And I am still keeping up with my photo a day ....I just got my new template sets for the month of February so I can get those layouts going as well!

We are expecting snow this weekend...lots of it......so it might just be a pretty scrappy weekend....(I'm hoping!!)

P 365!

2010-02-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

Not only are all my layouts for January P 365 done.....they are printed out and in page protectors!! (I am waiting for my album I ordered to arrive) I really am loving the simple and easy templates from biograffiti...I highly recommend them!! Also weekly challenge #5 is up over at Log Your Memory! The layout was to be about things you can not live without.....well I took a scrappy view on it and went with those scrappy tools I just love and need!!

Join Me For Some Sweet Talking!

2010-02-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

We’re kicking off a month-long challenge at one of my favorite sites today … the Sweet Talk Journaling Challenge at Log Your Memory!
I hope you’ll come on over and check it out today … there will be an entire month of scrapbooking challenges with a focus on “real life” journaling, plus the chance to earn points and prizes along the way! And if you’ve never visited before, you’re in for a treat! We have a wonderful group of friendly, helpful scrapbookers just waiting to say hello and show you around!
Get started by visiting the Log Your Memory Blog HERE and get ready to journal your way to becoming a Log Your Memory Sweet Talker!
(And tell them mommato7 sent you!)

Digi Layout to share

2010-01-29T03:52:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this one before heading out for the day......

I never get tired of clicking photos of this one.....

Project 365!!

2010-01-28T15:17:00.000-08:00

All caught up.....yeah!!!

I'm loving these templates from biograffiti!!! So simple ......so easy.......equals done!!!

Develop On Fridays

2010-01-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

I just happened to stumble upon this new group .....I was over at Paislee Press and read about a new photography group and so I decided to join in and try to keep up with some of these amazing photographers. This year I really want to learn more about my camera and how to take amazing photos with it!
Our first lesson was about finding our voice. I took about 80 shots of my subject and realized that I did not really get into capturing what I saw until about the 30th or so picture....here is my favorite from the shoot....I chose to photograph some ribbon spools from my collection.

This first one is my favorite. Love the B&W and just the texture and flow of the ribbon, the next few are some ones I also liked~

This was a great exercise in focus and just really taking the time to try to capture what I really wanted the photo to say....I think my voice in photography is a lot like my life....controlled chaos!!

Whew! Finally did it!!!

2010-01-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well I finally got around to doing some clean up around here. The boards at Log your memory were down all weekend for maintenance so I had no excuse not to get this place cleaned up! Just a simple new header but I am all about simple this year!! I have a few layouts to catch you up on and then I'm off to bed!!

And here is my P365 layouts.....I am so happy I am keeping up with this!!

My camera has really been getting a workout as I am working through some photography lessons.....I really hope P365 helps me to get more comfortable in manual mode this year!! I saw that 2peas is running their photography class again if anyone is interested.....you can find it here 12 weeks to better photos.

Under Construction!!!

2010-01-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

UGH!!! I started redoing the blog and have not had the time to finish it.....so sorry!!! it's a mess here but hopefully in the next few days I can get it spiffy for the New Year!! I also have some layouts to share later....no time now.....we are going out to acquire some new pets.....Pet Co here we come!

Project 365!!

2010-01-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

I am determined to keep up with project 365 this year....I feel behind in April of last year and then just gave up! But this year will be different!!! Here are the layouts I have done so far....

I am using Biograffiti 's P365 template.......simple..simple.....simple......is the key to keeping up this year!! I am really liking the clean look of these templates and I decided to do an 8 1/2 by 11 album so i can print easily at home.

Update!!

2010-01-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

Oh I have been so bad about updating both of my blogs lately! I have been busy with Log Your Memory and organizing the scrap room!
I have a few layouts to share .....the first is one I did for Log your memory and it is my word for the year.

Iwas not sure if I shared this one before so if i did...sorry....

this is one that I did for a challenge at the digi chick.....

another challenge at the digichick was to use a big photo as your layout....I love how this one turned out!!

this was a scraplift over at the digichick......

This is a paper one I did for this weeks challenge at Log Your memory.....I just got my studio calico kit so expect some more paper layouts soon!!

I love these pics of Caleb on new years eve!!

And this one I just finished......I used a new photo action I found at the coffeeshop....loving her free actions!!

Well that's all for now....I am pretty busy keeping up with the board and gallery over at Log Your Memory.....come on over and check it out...things are really starting to hop over there!!!

Oh one more thing....I did just finish my December Daily.....and I love the way it turned out! I don't have pics yet but in the next few days I will hopefully get some taken!

Guess who has a layout on Gallery Standouts???

2009-12-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

So I have been visiting gallery standouts for about a month now. I found out about it from logyourmemory.com. A lot of the girls on our team have been featured there and they are just amazing scrappers! The design team at gallery standouts picks out layouts from the galleries around the web that really stand out. So I headed over there today for my daily dose of inspiration and I could not believe it......but my latest layout is featured as one of todays picks!!!!!
Woohoo!!! Pinch me!! Pinch me!!!
I am out of my head excited!!!
So here it is.....go and see.....Looking Ahead to 2010
And here is the layout that got me noticed......I created this for Log Your Memory week # 52 challenge.....

I'm off to giggle and tell every person I know.....thanks for letting me brag!!!!

Digi Layout!

2009-12-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

journaling reads.....What a blessing sisters are! It’s not always easy sharing rooms and clothing and getting along. But I think the good moments of laughs and shared confidences over ride those few times of disagreements. I love seeing you giggling and having fun together. You would not admit it but you are the best of friends! Emily and Claire November 2009

I just finished this layout for the scraplift challenge over at the digichick....I love the way this one turned out!! And I had so much fun using elsies pieces everyday gratitude kit!! It's available over at the digichick of course!!

December Daily! And a layout!

2009-12-17T08:34:00.000-08:00

I just finished catching up again....here they are...

This is the opposite side of day 14....

Day 15 is a two page spread.....

And here is a layout I just finished.....

I'm off to bake cookies with the kids!! Happy Scrapping!!

December Daily Update!!

2009-12-14T08:01:00.000-08:00

A quick update on my dec daily album.....and I'm off to catch up on the rest of my life!!

Another Layout!

2009-12-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Week # 50 challenge over at Log your Memory is to write about a gift you have received. I created this layout for the challenge....

These pictures are from our photo shoot for the Christmas card....I am so truly blessed!

December Daily!

2009-12-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

Layout Update!

2009-12-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

I am trying to keep up with the December Daily Album....I'm close only 2 days behind....so I'll post those layouts later when I finish them. I have 2 new digi layouts to share though and I'm working on a paper one with the new Studio Calico kit...

This was a fun layout that took a bit of time!! I did this for the December challenge over at the Log Your Memory site. It was to list 100 things you want to remember from 2009. I used my word of the year here as the base for my page....I like the way it came out even though it took me forever!

This layout is from Thanksgiving Day. I used the template from last weeks template challenge at the digichick. I loved this pic of Emily and her little cousin Lauren...

Journal Your Christmas Day 2, 3, 4 and 5

2009-12-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

I've come to realize it is going to be hard for me to post my layouts daily so I will most likely do updates with the layouts every few days....I'm going for no stress here you know.....
Here is day 2....(it is snowing like crazy here today so the lighting is really bad for these photos....sorry.)

Day 3.......

Day 4......

Day 5......

Journal Your Christmas Day One...

2009-12-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

It's here.....Day one of journal your Christmas! I know it is the 3rd already but I needed ink for the printer before I could print out my page and get it finished. This year I am doing a hybrid album and trying to keep it simple! I don't have my cover finished yet but i'll post when I do. I'm also not following all of Shimelle's prompts but doing more of what we are doing on that day and what God is teaching us through our advent studies. So here is day one......

I did the base page all digi then added the prima flowers and gem drops, the ribbon and printed the number and popped it on a pop dot. Simple and quick but i like the way it turned out!

Hybrid advent calendar

2009-11-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

I just finished this great easy project! I used the advent template from MKC at the digichick...and jbarrette's woodland winter kit....and I came up with this!

You design and print the top and then there is a back where you write your note for that day. Use an exacto knife to cut the doors open and then glue it together to look like this...

You can see the one door is open here.....isn't that sweet!! And just in time as tomorrow is the 1st!!!!

I also did this layout the other day.....I knew I wanted to get my journaling down about this event right away....so I snapped that pic and did it up!! That's what is great about digi scrapping!!

Happy thanksgiving a day late!!

2009-11-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

No time to post yesterday...but hope your turkey day was filled with blessings! I have so much to be thankful for but at the top of the list is God's grace and love!! I did this layout of Psalm 100 yesterday while contemplating all God has done and is continuing to do for me!! Thank you Jesus!!

I also just did this one for the scraplift over at the digichick....a Christmas Photo from last year....hard to believe this year is passed already and we are on the verge of a new one...I need to finish scrappin last Christmas....

Layouts!

2009-11-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

This first layout is for the scraplift challenge over at the digichick....I love this pic of Christopher!

This next layout is for 52 sketches...week #47 is up and it is a good one....I used the new studio calico kit and ran coffeshops denim action on the photos....it's the first time I've used it and I really like it!! More cute pics of Caleb....I swear this kid does not take a bad pic!!

Thanks for stopping by and hope your day is a scrappy one!

New Challenge up at Log Your Memory!

2009-11-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

I used a great free template and word art that are available for download over at Log Your Memory! We have a new challenge up.....won't you come over and play! We'd love to see your creations!

I'm beginning to think about Christmas...past and present! I just finished this layout from Caleb's 1st Christmas! I used a free template from a sketch challenge at the digichick....and a super cute new kit called A Time of Wonder also at the digichick!

Been Digi scrappin!

2009-11-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

I did this layout for the first challenge in Decembers log your memory book. Head on over to the site and get your book for the amazing prompts it gives you....I have a feeling I am going to be journaling a lot more using the log book!!

This was the template for this weeks sketch challenge over at tthe digichick....I was able to use some more photos from Emily's party on this one!

This one is for another prompt from the Log your memory book and I used a new kit I just picked up over at the digichick.....love it!!

CPCM Sketch Tuesday!

2009-11-17T04:14:00.000-08:00

Sketch 31 is up over at CPCM! It's a fun one this week and I made a little simple card with it.....

So head on over to CPCM and check out what everyone is making with the sketch!! See you over there!

Big news!!! I'm a Calendar Girl!!

2009-11-16T03:29:00.000-08:00

I had to keep a secret all last week!!!! But now I can spill the beans........today is the big reveal!!!

I got asked to be on the Creative Team at Log Your Memory!!

Yes.....I am beyond amazed that I was picked out of a lot of other wonderful talented scrapbookers...I am still walking on air!!

All the Calendar girls are so talented and their work is going to inspire you ......please go over to the site and check out the new team and if you have not already.....get the log book!!!

It is so much more than just a planner....
It is going to be a huge help to me in planning pages and having a place to keep those memories I want to go back and scrap!

The forum is growing fast and everyone is friendly and helpful and we are having soooo much fun!!! So come hang out and I hope to see you over there!!

Welcome to the Friends of Faith Blog Hop!!!

2009-11-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone I am so excited to be involved in this amazing Faith Inspired Bog Hop today!! You should be arriving at my blog from Dani's blog http://countyourbeautifulblessings.blogspot.com/.

Welcome to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's A Faith Perspective Thankful for Friends Faith Blog Hop. Today, we're out in force on the internet -- showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. "Ecc4:9-10a

If you're just joining in on the fun, you can find the start of the train here: http://www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=100783. First, we would like to take a moment to thank our generous co-sponsors: Layers of Color Stamps, Gina K Designs Stamps and Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. Together with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes for today's blog hop.

Prizes? Oh, yeah! There will be three lucky grand prize winners for today's event.

To enter, simply hop to the blogs of all of the participating staff members of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, take note of the staff member's name, and leave a comment on their posts. Then send us an email at
games@scrapbooknewsandreview.com listing each of the staff members who participated in today's hop. It's that easy. All entries must be received by Monday, November 16, 2009 at 12 noon, EST and three winners will be randomly chosen to win.

What are the prizes?

One $100 gift certificate from Layers of Color Stamps AND a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

One basket of goodies -- four stamp sets from Gina K Designs and a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

One set of digital stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and a 3 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

In addition, every participating staff member of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will offer a free one-month subscription to the magazine to one of their lucky visitors by simply leaving a comment on their blog. That's a lot of chances to win, so let's get to the Hop!

Today I have 2 projects to share with you. The first is a digital layout I actually did a while ago....but I had to share it because I used Ecc. 4:9-10 on it and that is our theme for today's blog hop!! This layout showcases the wonderful friendship two of my children have with each other.

My next project is a cute little card I made with the inkadoo stamp Sweet Friends, the paper is SEI and the base is bazzill kraft paper. I punched the butterflies with a Martha punch and embossed with clear powder.

Now it's time to move on to the next stop on our hop.....Thena at Delightfully Digital! I hope you enjoy the rest of the hop and come back and visit me some time!

May God be glorified through all we do every day!! Blessings to you!!

Two new layouts!! And a blog hop on Saturday!

2009-11-12T14:24:00.000-08:00

This layout was for the template challenge over at the digichick, it was a really cool graphic template!!

I just finished this one for the journaling challenge at the digichick. The challenge was to make a list or use bullet points to tell something about yourself. I had seen this awesome paper layout by Laura Vegas and decided to make a digi version! I'm really happy with how it came out!!

And last I just want to remind you about the blog hop on Saturday!! There are over 70 faith based crafters participating in this amazing blog hop!! And yes there are prizes and give aways!! I will also be having a give away so make sure you stop by and leave a comment on my blog! Can't wait to see you then!!

CPCM Sketch 30

2009-11-11T04:45:00.000-08:00

Sketch 30 went up yesterday! And I was able to make a cute Christmas Card with it!

Here is the sketch.....

And here is the card I put together using it...I used the slice to cut out the holly leaves...so cute!!

So head on over to CPCM and come play along with us! I would love to see what you create using my sketch!!

A new layout!

2009-11-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken when we went out and took some shots for her 16th birthday. I did this for the scraplift challenge over at the digichicks. I liked fooling with the blending on this one! I'm off to work on some projects for my Etsy Shop!

It's party time!!

2009-11-06T14:38:00.000-08:00

Warning! Picture heavy post coming up!! I have been really busy this week getting stuff together for Emily's sweet 16 party this Saturday!! And of course that included creating some hybrid items and altered items!! If your coming to the party on Sat. don't look!!!

First I put together this really cool Birthday Bouquet! I copied this from a baby shower one that was made and shared over at the digichick!! Real cute and super easy!! You can find the directions here .

Next I made these center pieces for the tables! They are also the thank you favors we will be giving out! All I did was take the clear icing bags and fill them with skittles....one of Emily's fav candies! Tied them up with ribbon and a cute tag that says Thanks for sharing my special day! then I placed about 6 of them in a clear jar I picked up at the dollar store....I put black tissue paper in the botom. They will look like candy bouquets on the tables!

This is a journal I altered and it will sit on the gift table. We want everyone that attends to write Emily some words of wisdom in it.....then she will have a bit of wisdom from everyone at her party!

I am so excited to get to the hall and get it decorated and all ready......I'll take lots of pictures and come back and share all about it!!

Missing in Action!

2009-11-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hi all, sorry I've been MIA lately....I've just been really busy!! I have some cards and layouts to share hope you enjoy!!

I did this one for this weeks sketch over at 52 sketches....I used all products from Scarlet Limes October kit...

Here are a couple of cards I made using this weeks sketch over at CPCM. I've been lazy about posting those sketches on the blog....I need to get back to doing that....hopefully next week!

A few layouts to share!

2009-10-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

I've been busy getting my Etsy store up and running and also on getting the Christmas Card Blog going.....but I have managed to squeeze in a few layouts! I'm trying to keep up with the journaling class at the Digi chick....it's been really good so far and it is stretching me creatively...that's good right!?!?!

This first layout I did for the challenge over at Log Your Memory. A layout about me....I don't do many so i guess it was a good challenge!

This next layout was for a challenge on the Log your memory site but it also fit a challenge at the Digi chicks. I am really happy with how this came out. I have not gotten many pics of my Dad since he became sick so this is a special page.

And for this last layout we need to reverse the process, tell the story first then find a picture to go with it. It was a lot harder then you think! But I'm glad I got this story down on paper!

I'm busy now getting some Christmas cards made for the Etsy shop.....look for them soon!!

Layout of the Week!!! and Log Your Memory!!

2009-10-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of layouts to share! First I was surprised to head on over to the Digichick the other day and see that my layout was picked for layout of the week! I shared this one with you the other day and it was picked for LOTW!!! I was so excited!!

The next layout I did was for sketch #41 over at 52 Sketches. And also for the bible verse Thursday challenge over at CPCM. The challenge was to use fall colors and a verse on the seasons. I chose

Genesis 8:22

As long as the earth endures,

seedtime and harvest,

cold and heat,

summer and winter,

day and night will never cease.

I took this picture of Caleb the last time we went hiking. He was so cute running to keep up with everyone!

More exciting news is I found a wonderful new site that is just starting out! It's called Log Your Memory and it looks like it's going to be a great place to hang out! The site is all about your journaling and the importance of the stories behind your photos. They have an actual log book that you can get to keep track of your memories until you can scrap them! For a busy Mom like me with a lot of kids....this is a great thing!! So go check them out and join in the challenges on their forums! they are having a kick off contest and the prize is one of their log books!!! I'm off to work on that challenge!!

My Big News!!

2009-10-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

I'm finally ready to spill the beans and tell you what i have been working on this past week! You will see something new on my side bar here.....Yes it's my very own Etsy Shop!! Hearts at Home Designs!

I have been wanting to open an Etsy Shop for a while but just never took the time to do it. The reason I took the plunge at this time is for a bigger and better cause than just me selling my items. Let me tell you what God has been doing!

The kids and I have been learning about Africa and the many orphans that are trying to survive there. Our hearts have been touched by their stores and their lives and we have decided to try to make a difference in their lives by raising money to send to them. This money would provide clean water, food and many basic things that we take for granted. Now, we like to create and so God gave us the idea of creating for Him!

We have been following an amazing ministry called Amazima. A young girl named Katie is running this ministry and blogs about her days giving us a glimpse of the daily needs of these children. The need is so great and we are told in James 1:27 to help the fatherless and the widows.

And so we are stepping out in faith that God will use our hands to produce items that will raise money to help these children of God! We will be giving to Amazima Ministries 50% of all our profit from the Etsy store! So please go and browse through our store and come back often as we will be adding things on a regular basis!

We will also be taking custom orders so if you have a favorite verse or saying and you would like it made into a canvas or a card, please just let me know!

We look forward to seeing God move, won't you join us!

CPCM Sketch and some layouts

2009-10-13T04:11:00.000-07:00

I just posted the sketch over at CPCM so head on over and join in the fun! I created a card this week with the sketch..

I also got a couple more layouts done for this months october challenges over at the Digichick!

Have a blessed day!!

Baby Shower Gifts!!

2009-10-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to get to create some things for our friends baby shower....She works at the stable with my girls and so we decided to make her some cute onsies with a rocking horse on them....I just created the picture and text in word and we used inkjet t-shirt transfer paper to get it onto the onsies! Sooo easy and they are absolutely adorable!! I altered a box I had to put them in and made a matching hanging tag!

I also altered a wooden door hanger and then I followed a tutorial over at the Hybrid Chick for this name banner.

There is a lot of detail that is hard to see in the banner, I took 2 close up shots to try to show some of it. I used the tutorial over at the hybrid chick but put my own twist on it. They used jump rings to put their's together but I did not have any and so I used ribbon on mine. I actually used all things I had on hand and did not buy anything extra...(I was proud of myself!!)
I finished it off with a card and bag and it came together really well!!

So it was a really crafty weekend over here....and I'm still working on my new venture so by the middle of this week I should be able to spill the beans!!!

I'll add this quick layout in that I just finished up for one of the October Mega Challenges over at the Digichick!

Busy, Busy!!

2009-10-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've been busy....I have a new venture up my sleeve and I'll be able to tell you all about it in a few days!! So check back!!
I've also been busy in the scrap room! Here are a few layouts I just finished up....

I am taking the Every life has a story class over at the Digichicks....it's all about improving your journaling skills. This layout was done for the first challenge. You had to take a layout you already completed and add journaling to it. This layout had some journaling but I added a lot more and told the whole story of the day instead of just a few words. This is Christophers 6th Birthday this past week.

Now this is a paper layout I just finished of Christophers 3rd birthday....what a cutie!! I am really enjoying going back and pulling photos from the past few years to do layouts. So what I'm really saying is I like being behind!!! I'll be back soon to tell you my news!!!

What is a speed scrap?

2009-10-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I decided to participate in a speed scrap over at The Digi Chick. What fun!! I never did a speed scrap before and I was a little nervous about what to expect! And it started at 10:00 which is way past my bed time!! But I stayed up and made it though and has a lot of fun!

The way it works is about every 10 minutes the hostess will post another prompt and you go and add to your page. When the hour is up you have about an hour to finish your layout and get it posted in the gallery....the ladies that participated were a blast and Cheryl our hostess did a wonderful job!

They gave away 2 kits...I did not win but came away with this wonderful layout that I am really happy with! I love this pic of Caleb and wanted to get this moment in his little life saved so we remember it!

So I highly recommend speed scrapping! Lots of fun and it really stretches your creativity!!

Caleb is Three!

2009-09-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

My baby is three today! Happy Birthday Caleb!! Check out my other blog for more pics! All is Grace

2 new layouts

2009-09-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

I've been scrapping!! Not as much as I would like but I'm managing to get in some craft time in between everything the kids have going on!

This first layout is for the CPCM sketch challenge.

This went up on Tues. and I did not have the chance to post it yet. I have been wanting to do this layout and just needed the time to get it together. I found these old photo booth pics that Brian and I had taken when we were dating....in the summer of 1992. So I thought in my little scrappy mind that it would be an awesome layout if we went and had another photo booth experience this summer while at the Jersey Shore. So we did it and this is the resulting layout....

I am really happy with the way it came out! And it was so fun to put together....just check me out big jersey girl hair and all!!! What a great memory!!

This next layout is for this weeks sketch over at 52 sketches. It was a fun one too and I went back to 2005 and pulled these adorable pics of Jacob! What a cutie!!

I am really enjoying these new sketch sites and hope you take the time to try some of them out!!

A New Look!!

2009-09-20T15:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I was stuck at home today with 2 sick kiddos...Brian took everyone else to church so I had time to fool around with my blog! I was not ever happy with the last change I made so I played around and I think I really like it this time! I got the background from The House Of Three and I actually made the header myself with some brushes....let me know what you think!
It always takes me forever to change up my blog because....I forget how I did it last time and have to go back and reconfigure it all out!

I should have taken time this afternoon to scrap......I hope to get some time in the next couple of days to get some projects started! Here is a layout I did last week for the scrap tag over at The Digi Chick...

I have been looking for some new sketch sites since TTS is now a fond memory....I have found a few that I never came across before. One I am enjoying is 52 Sketches...52 weeks another is Little Shop of Sketches and if you go over to the Prima blog they have a sketch once a month as well......I love Septembers sketch! Go check it out!!
I'm off to go cuddle with my two littlest that both have the sniffles....and I'm praying the rest of the crew doesn't come down with them!
Be blessed!

Blog Hop Finale for Triple The Sketch!!

2009-09-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Well this is it!! Our last time designing for TTS!! I am going to get right to the sketches today to get this blog hop rolling!!

You should be arriving here from TTS where Patter showed you the awesome sketches we had to work with today! The first one is my own sketch #75 and if you would like to play with the digital template you can download it HERE. Please link me up if you create with it...I would love to see!

And this is my Digital layout using Shabby Princess Summer Cottage Kit, fonts are contra and prissy frat boy, created in PSE 6

And sketch #76 was fun....I turned it and flipped it to come out with my layout. This is Caleb at 6 months...he is going to be 3 in 2 weeks....my baby! Sorry the pic is a little fuzzy, I did not realize it at the time.

supplies used are bazzill kraft paper, mm paper, ranger distress ink, cm letter stickers, Tim Holtz mask, mm flowers and brads, autumn leaves transparency, collage press journaling tape

I finally got to use my ranger distress ink with the masks. I used the scroll one and just inked around the edges around my title. So fun and really easy to do!! I love the grungy look! I also wrapped some fiber around the chipboard #....I was being lazy and did not want to cut paper to cover it....but I love the texture!

Well everyone that's it.....remember that the site will still remain up with just no new content added so we can go back and use the origianl sketches again and again!! Your next stop is Chelsea's blog and I know you will be inspired by what she has created.

To all the TTS followers and my wonderful design team friends please feel welcome to come and hang any time! I have so enjoyed our time together and I'm sure I will see you around as we follow this path God has put before us.....who knows where He will have us creating for Him next!!

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:9

Welcome to the Triple the Sketch Blog Hop Finale!

2009-09-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

It is with a heavy heart that I begin this last blog hop for TTS. Working for Patter and being on this design team with such inspiring and Godly women has meant so much to me!

I want to take the time to thank Patter for all the hard work she has done to make TTS what it is and for leading us and guiding us and not just in creative endeavors ...she is a spiritual mentor to us all. Thanks Patter!! May God bless you as you step out in obedience!

Let me wipe the tears so I can get our blog hop rolling!! You should be arriving at my blog from the main Triple The Sketch Site. I am your first stop for this hop!

Our first sketch is #73. I loved this one and really enjoyed playing around with it and using this great picture of my girls for it.

supplies used are pebbles inc. paper, colorbok die-cut paper,pink paislee chipboard, mm stickers, chatterbox chipboard, jillibean journaling circle, fiesta felt flowers and some really cool misc. bead embelly from the Scarlet Lime Kit.

Scarlet Lime has the coolest kits and I always love the neat embellys they find....very unique!

I loved the funkiness of Sketch 74! There are so many ways to use this one! I opted to let my photo flow of the page for better use of space.

supplies used are bazzill kraft paper, colorbok die-cut paper, jillibean journaling circle, title is cut with the slice, Tim Holtz journaling tickets, creative cafe stamps and misc. ribbons and buttons.

You can see in this close up of how I pulled the edges of the ribbon to gather it to give the page more texture.

I will be back tomorrow morning to begin our last postings......I hope you all enjoyed the sketches and if you get a chance go and leave Patter some love today!! I know she would appreciate all your comments!

Now you need to head on over to Chelsea's blog where I know you are in for a treat! Have fun hopping and be blessed!

Let me leave you with a scripture to ponder on today....

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4

New Look and a free template!

2009-09-02T04:24:00.000-07:00

Well I stayed up late last night fooling around with the blog! I never liked the last template so I decided to change it! I may fool around with the header some more....but I think it turned out good!
Here is this weeks sketch challenge over at CPCM.

and here is your download link for the free template

Download

Enjoy and please link me up and let me know if you make something using my sketches!!

Craftig!!

2009-08-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about this new site? Craftig...I was over at Shimelles blog and she had a post up about it and I thought I would share! This is a site where anyone can post stories about great craft sites that are out there on the web. And yes there is a section just for scrapbookers! So check it out...it is new and growing. What a great resource for everything crafty!

Layouts, Cards and a Wall hanging

2009-08-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

This is a catch up post! I was busy this week creating but did not have a lot of time to share. I made a few cards for friends this week.

This is a layout I did for the Digichicks sketch of the week

I put together this wall hanging for a dear friend that needed some encouragement.

And lastly I did this layout today for another challenge over at the digichick.

I have a couple of paper scrapped layouts that are almost done...just need some finishing touches and then I can share those as well!

We are getting back into routines around here and easing in to our school year. And just to add to the mix I signed up for Shimelles Learn Something New Everyday class that starts Sept. 1! I love Shimelles classes and can't wait to get into this one!

I even hit the scrapbook store to get a cool album for this class...It is a Maya road Chipboard album in a really neat size! I will share it soon!

Have a super weekend and happy scrapping!!

Sketch 71, Shimmerz and a contest

2009-08-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Sketch 71 is up over at Triple The Sketch!! This time we got to play with Shimmerz! What a fun product! Head over there and check out all the wonderful layouts that the design team came up with! Lot's of inspiration! Then create something and enter to win some shimmerz of your own!

For my layout I went back in time to do Claires 8th Birthday (she is 12 now!)

I decided to put the shimmerz on my flowers and also on the butterfly. I also gave some shine to the cut out flower branch.

Then came the fun part...I began to experiment. I took the heidi swapp ghost letters and started by putting the shimmerz right on the letter. This did not look as bright as I wanted so I let it dry and then painted over it with MM pink paint. I let this dry and noticed as it dried it had a crackled look. I then used the shimmerz over top of the paint and it really made the letters pop! I really like the crackled look too! So it pays to experiment....you never know what you'll come up with!

So have fun scrapping and good luck if you enter the contest!!

Free templates and Sketch Tuesday!

2009-08-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I am sitting at my computer this morning sipping my tea and praising God for so many blessings! The sun is bright and I just posted the latest sketch challenge over at CPCM! If you have not visited yet please do! You will be encouraged and inspired! I loving seeing God being glorified in the creativity that he has given us!

I need to catch up with the links to the last 3 templates for Sketch Tuesday! You can download these simple sketches to jumpstart your pages and get your creativity flowing! I would love to see what you create with these so please come back and link me to your creations!

St18 download here

St19 download here

St20 download here

Head on over to CPCM today to play with the latest sketch St20! I can't wait to see what everyone creates!

Here is what I did with St20 today.....

Triple the Sketch updates!

2009-08-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! I need to post the last 2 weeks of my design work for Triple the Sketch! Last week sketch 69 was up and I did a 2 page layout.....

This week we are on sketch 70 and I did this cute digital layout.....trying to stay cool by working on snow pictures! Head on over to TTS and check out what all the designers did....lots of amazing inspiration to be had!!

It looks like a rainy humid day is in the forecast......a good day to stay inside and scrap!

Layout of the week!!!

2009-08-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

My layout was picked to be the layout of the week over at The Digi Chick!! I am so excited! The inspiration and creativity over there is amazing....so I am just humbled to be picked!! I am looking forward to joining in more challenges over on their forums...it's a really fun place!

Back from vacation!

2009-08-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

We just got back from spending 2 weeks at the Jersey Shore...you can check out my other blog to see some pics.... All is grace here....
I did get to do some digi scrappin while I was away and I did some of the challenges over at The Digichick. I am really enjoying their forum and the shop!

Here are the layouts I got done this past week!

I missed paper scrapping while I was gone.....I think tomorrow I'll hide out in my scrap room!!

CPCM Sketch 17

2009-08-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sketch 17 is up and here it is with the download link for those that would like the digital template

Download

And here is my layout using the new kit just released from The Daily Digi!! This kit is great and only costs $5....go check it out!!

A fun Give away!

2009-08-03T19:19:00.000-07:00

Rebekah a fellow Triple the Sketch team member is having a giveaway to celebrate her 100th blog post! So heard on over and check out the fun and enter for a chance to win!
Yeebird
Good luck and Happy Scrapping!!

Wall Art

2009-08-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

I love creating gifts for others....especially ones that focus on Gods word. Today I am going to share 2 very special gifts that I recently made. The first one I made for a good friends son who was baptized. This is his favorite verse.

The next one I just finished today and we will be giving it to the missionary family whose house we are watching for the next two weeks.

Creating for His glory is always a blessing to me!! I love praying and coming up with the perfect verse to share and gift someone with!
May you be blessed as you create for His glory today!

Sketch 67 at TTS

2009-08-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Triple the Sketch has sketch 67 up and the design team did another amazing job using it! Here is my take on the sketch for this week. Go over and get some inspiration for your scrapping this weekend! Triple the sketch. I used bazzill kraft cardstock which I am loving and using a lot lately! And just some ribbon and daisy bucket paper that I punched with my CM heart punches. The stamp is from Our Daily Bread. Simple and cute!

CPCM Sketch 16

2009-07-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Sketch 16 is up over at CPCM! Head on over and check it out and don't forget to link us up so we can see what you come up with!
Here it is

And you can download the template here

And this is my take on the sketch for the week! Hope you enjoy! I used a fun kit from lliella designs! It's called BSDAY! That cutie in the picture is my Caleb who has turned into a fish this summer! He loves the water!

TTS Sketch 66

2009-07-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is Friday again already and time for another sketch over at Triple the Sketch! I actually ended up doing a 2 page layout for this one.....very simple and clean...yeah...honestly I was really struggling with this one and had no inspiration at all and so kept it really simple. But I like how it turned out in the end.
I have been busy creating all week and have lots to share.....hopefully I'll get pics posted tonite sometime!
So come over to TTS and play with the sketch! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

CPCM Sketch 15

2009-07-21T04:51:00.000-07:00

Good morning! Sketch 15 over at Christian Paper crafts is up! I had a lot of fun with this one and did a 2 page layout of our river trip that we took yesterday! Talk about keeping up!

Here is the download of the template for you to play with

Download here

And here are my pages

Please head over and leave us a link in the CPCM thread so we can see waht you create!
And if you download my sketch please come back and show me what you create!
Happy Scrapping

Sketch 65 at TTS

2009-07-17T05:02:00.000-07:00

We are live this morning with sketch 65 over at TTS! And guess what? sketch 65 is one that I made up and I am also giving you the digi template for it right here!
Down Load Here

I love making templates and I have been doing so for myself. But now I am getting to share some with you! Please let me know if you have any trouble with the download or the template...I am new to this!
Here is what I created with my template!

Please leave me a note or link back with your creations if you use my template! I would love to see them! And check over at TTS to see what our design team did with it!
Happy Scrappin!

Sketch challenges at CPCM and a free template

2009-07-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

I have been invited to host the sketch challenges over at the Christian Paper Craft Magazine Forums! I am so excited and hope that you will pop over to join in! Every Tuesday I will post the sketch and best of all I am posting the digital template for you to download as well!!
These sketches can be used for layouts, cards or any project you would like to use them on....turn them, embellish them and really make them yours! I love sketches...they really help to get my pages going sometimes! If you make something with one of my templates please send a link! I would love to see it!

Here is this weeks sketch! And you can download it here!

Here is what I did with the sketch. I took an american crafts 6x6 mini album and altered it. I have been wanting to make a mini album of our trip to creation in 2005 (yes I am that far behind!) And this will be perfect for that!!

So come on over to the Christian Paper Craft Forum and play along with this weeks sketch!!

Sketch 64 at Triple the Sketch!

2009-07-11T06:46:00.001-07:00

Sketch 64 is live over at TTS. I made a card using clear cardstock......it looks a little fuzzy in the pic...it's really sharp in real life!
Head on over and check out the great eye candy!!
Happy Scrappin!!

Christmas in July!

2009-07-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Since setting up my library of memories system it is very easy for me to look through pics I have not scrapped yet and see what I feel like scrapping...fast and easy!!
I know it's July but I really felt like doing a Christmas layout and ended up with my pics from 2004. the pic is a little hazy...sorry. I chose not to use traditional Christmas colors but some vintage looking blues and greens and dark brown. I like how this turned out.....

Look for the newest sketch at TTS up tomorrow!!

Be Blesssed!

Project 365

2009-07-04T04:46:00.000-07:00

I am still clicking away and trying to keep up with my project 365. I decided to not do a digi album but I got this little album at Target and altered it for all my pics....now to print out the pics I have so far and get them in the album....maybe today? I like this idea a lot better, and it should be faster and easier to keep up!

This was my creation for sketch 62 over at TTS. Last week was sketch #63 and we got to play with pink persimmon stamps to help celebrate their anniversary!
This is the layout I did....it was so much fun!

The design team then made cards for Pink Persimmon to thank them for all the great stamps they sent us to play with. They really spoiled us!! Check out TTS for all the great eye candy!

Hope everyone has a scrappin weekend! And Happy 4th of July to all!!