Studio Calico August Kit

I did this layout yesterday withteh Studio Calico August kit. Love the green paper - it is a SC original. This layout started off with me cutting up the Sassafras Lass paper. As soon as I saw it - I knew I was cutting those hot air balloons out. Kinda silly - cut all the images out and pop dot them on a different background. Just one of those things a girl has to do! This is my favorite boy and his lucky mama - who happens to be my best friend as well. :)

Two New Layouts

I made these two yesterday.
Everytime Jamie gets sick of my photo taking - I start with the - Show your teeth smile, Jamie. Here is an example of "Just take the pic and let's get it over with Auntie!! :) Love this kid. This was completed for a challenge at Treasured Scrapbooking - the monthly challenge. Tough part was the requirement to use an oval. Not thrilled with the outcome.
This is my sweet pal Val. She makes me laugh = it was fun to do a page about her!

Treasured Hunt Challenge #4

This was the most fun I have ever had doing a layout. I took my time and built this throughout the week. I really enjoyed the process. I wanted to try some new techniques and create a layout I could frame to remind me of the Golden Rule.The pocket is made from a sheet of chipboard – I ripped it in half, wet it completely and shaped it the let it dry. After I shaped it, I sprayed it with a variety of Maya Mists and Tattered Angels mists to get the color I was looking for.Journaling:
Pinky Swear
I am not willing to surrender my principles for the easy way out. My firm line of right and wrong is not blurry. Sometimes I do not understand how anyone can give up the only thing they ever truly own – their integrity.
When I give my word – it is golden. I would rather face the consequences of my actions in this life than sacrifice my place above. The golden rule is very simple – do unto others are you would have them do unto you.The Challenge:
Layout must include:
- one picture only
- at least 3 leaves (can be an embellishment, stamped, handmade, cut from paper, real leaves etc)
- stitching - machine or hand stitching (no stamps, rubons or stickers)
- some recycled piece of packaging - plastic, hang tag, price tag, cardboard, etc. (describe in your description if it's not evident what you used)
- journaling of at least 50 words including "I am not willing to..."
- original designs only - no sketches, please
Supplies
Cardboard from delivery box
Chipboard sheet (received in a kit to stabilize paper)
Patterned Paper – Sassafras Lass, Cosmo Cricket (Leaves)
Denim – old pair of jeans
Stamp-Unity Stamp Co
Cardstock-Bazzil
Embossing Powder-American Crafts Zing
Ink-Stazon
Green journal flower-K&Co
Lace-Michaels
Paper Tape-K&Co
Pins-Fancy Pants
Chipboard bunny-Sassafras Lass
Cut Turquoise Paper-KI Memories
Metal Word – Studio 18
Thickers-American Crafts
Ribbon-Michaels
Fabric leaves-Prima
Fabric Flower-Creative Charms
Paper Flower-Homemade from old yellow pages and Maya Mist
Journal sheets-Making Memories, K&Co
Rubon-Hambly

Wish me luck - the next cut goes to 5. Only two more challenges left. I have so enjoyed this contest - after the initial "You must journal for real." shock. I am grateful to have made it this far and have no expectations of moving on. There are some very talented scrappers playing!

Cards, Cards, Cards!!

OK - I needed to get a stash of cards ready so I found some wicked deals on the BG card sets! Here they are!
Check back tomorrow for some more scrappy stuff! it's a WillowTraders blog hop Weekend!!

Pug Love Thursday

Took this pic of Roxy yesterday morning on her way to Doggie Daycare - She loves to go play with all the other furry kids! Check back for something crafty tomorrow - maybe. :)

I Believe...(Coming soon to a mini album near you!)

Found this on the blog of Raechelle Bellus.and I think it is priceless!
Thank you Rae for sharing this with the world.

I Believe . . . That just because two people argue, It doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe . . . That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe . . . . That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe . . . That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe . . . That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I Believe . . .That it's taking me a long time yo become the person I want to be.

I Believe . . .That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe . . . That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe . . .That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe . . .That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe . . . That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe . . . That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe . . . That my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.

I Believe . . . That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe . . . That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe . . . That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe . . . That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe . . . That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe . . . That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe . . . That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I Believe . . .Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe . . . That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe . . . That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. 'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything'.

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived!

Go Live and photograph it! ;)

One more WIP Page

Here is a quick page I did yesterday morning before church. Love this WIP kit - three different layouts this weekend - each with a different look. So versatile. I spent yesterday afternoon covering the pages of the apple book. Yes Jamie - I am doing another mini!! Thansk for the inspiration Trish!!

I want to give a shout out to Chrissy for organizing the Willowtraders weekly blog hop. I have had so much fun checking out all the blogs of all my new friends. Not only have I "met" some wonderful new crafty ladies, but I have been so inspired. I really am a better poster too. I am a blog hopper daily but I have always hopped and moved on. Since Chrissy started this - I comment so much more. Thanks for that and thanks to all teh talented ladies that share their work with us each week!!

A Couple of Layouts

I busted into the August Work in Progress kits yesterday. Just love what Trish puts together. The new Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend line and Scribble Scrabble Lullaby of Birdland in the main kit was so fun and I think both layouts have a completely different look.This picture of Spencer is too cute. I saw it on his mama's facebook page and had to scrap it. This picture is of my Niece Kimmy and Nephew Jarred who live in California. I miss these two kids!

Confession time: I have a wicked addiction to cardboard and recycling it these days. I am ripping up all the boxes my kitsa come in and incorporating it into layouts. I just love stripping the top off and uncovering the rippled sheets. Stay tuned - i think you will be seeing a bunch in future layouts. I love the rough texture and that I am not throwing the box away.

I am going to mass at noon todya and then a gold party at Val's house. You bring your old broken bits to the party and they pay you for it. We shall see how this goes. I look forward to seeing Babci and Val today. Hoping Spencer and Jamie will be there too.
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa

Treasured Hunt Challenge #3

I was lucky enough to move to the third round of Treasured Srcapbooking's 2009 Treasured Hunt.

The Challenge
Layout must include:
- ric-rac
- paint
- at least one hand-made flower (made by YOU) - can be made out of paper, fabric, felt...whatever.
- 1 or 2 photos (no more, no less)
- Life doesn’t always work out the way you’d like it to. Sometimes you yearn to be doing something else, to be somewhere else, even to be WITH someone else…So - what would you rather do/be/have/say? Include the words "I'd rather..." in your journaling - make it long or short as you like.
- must be an original design - no sketches please.



OK - I know I am the queen of excess.
Journaling:
serve the Lord than serve the masses
live alone than feel that heartbreak again!
Supplies:
12x12 Blank Chipboard-unknown (painted red)
Paint: Kaiser
Cardboard from Amazon box painted (cream with Blue crackle over it)
Paint: Tim Holtz Distress crackle
Patterened paper, Stickers-Basic Grey
Album Page-Scenic Route
Tissue Paper-recycled from a kit delivery
Rick Rack-Karen Foster
Ribbon-Doodlebug, Michaels
Lace-Michaels
Alpha-Thickers, Target Dollar Spot
Stickles
journaling cards-unknown
Bling-Prima

Check back - I am in scrappin mode today!

Happy Friday!!!

Good morning!
It's Friday and I am excited to get this day started! The weekend is just around the corner. I had a "date" last night with my favorite boy in the whole entire world!
We have been doing dates for a long time. The last month and a half have been rough for me and I had not taken him out for that time period. Yesterday I picked him up from daycare after work and off we went. Our dates are always the same - a trip to Target to select a Thomas toy and then to McDonalds for a 6 piece chicken nugget meal with apples and caramel. As we were driving to Target, we were chatting about his day. Then he says " I am glad you are back Auntie. I missed you - did you miss me?" So it looks like 6 weeks can be a long time for a 4 year old. He made comments like "Remember when I was little and we had a date." WOW - I sure do buddy.

Anyway - our weekly dates are back on track and I hope I don't disappoint him ever again. I can't explain how this kid has captured my heart. He is such an angel. So - we had a great time. Singing and dancing in Target - when we started dates - I made up a song that I always sing to him. I love Jamie - I'm not crazy - He's my baby. The funny thing as we walked through Target - he started the song. I think he was reminding me to sing it. So sing it - we did. I ignored all the crazy looks from the other shoppers and sang my heart out to my little monkey.

Other things to be happy about - My Work in Progress kits should arrive today! Wahoo - I will be playing with those babies this weekend. Main, add-on and project. It is also time for another WillowTraders Blog Hop so check back for creative posts!

Hi!

Just a quick little card I did yesterday morning.

Have a great Thursday! Tomorrow is Willows Blog Hop Friday!!

Great Blogs for You to Check Out!

I thought I would share some of my favorite daily stops. Awesome blogs that I peruse while I wake up and get ready for work. Ok - the list is really long so I am just going to show you a few today.

Work In Progress - this blog is full of wonderful inspiration, fun ideas, recipes, sneak peeks and helpful hints. I am Trish's number 1 fan - I think she is the coolest lady with the best eye and creates the best kits ever! On top of that - she is an absolute sweetie pie and first class all the way. As a customer, I have NEVER been treated so well. She is conscience, kind and thoughtful. (I am in no way affiliated with her kit club except as a loyal customer!)

Cuttlebug Challenges Love the ideas on the blog itself, but this specific post blew my mind - how clever is this!! Turning a soda can into an awesome elegant embellie! (Not like the fun whimsical angel)The artist, Suzanne Cimini, is super clever!

A Daily Inspiration This blog is super cool. The designers take turns posting a project with full instructions and product sources EVERYDAY!! How cool is taht? They are all very talented too.

OK - that's it for today - I wanted to share my response to a question in the comments yesterday.

Jamie said:
so let me ask you, do you prefer challenges simple and open, or specific like this one was?

I love all challenges - simple and specific. I think the hard part for me is the need to journal a specific topic. This one required me to include this sentence:
"If I were honest with myself..." The first challenge required me to use:
"I wish someone had told me that..." Perhaps the real issue is that I pondered both lines all week long!! The first week I went deep - the second week I pondered deep all week and did not come to a decision on my food fraud layout until Sunday! Can you see anal retentive girl emerging?? Or perhaps I was just fearful of ponying up the real emotions two weeks in a row. :)

So what so you guys think? What types of challenges do you like?

We have a WINNER!

Remember this RAK from Friday? Well we have a winner.Here is comment #10Congrats Candace!! Send me your address to lisanroxy822@earthlink.net and I will get your goodies on their way to yoU!!

Yesterday I worked on my week 2 challenge for Treasured Scrapbooking The Treasured Hunt 2009 entry. This contest is really pushing me for journaling. It requires a lot of thought. After being serious last week - I thought I would have fun with this one. Here is the second week's challenge:

Challenge requirements:
- Create a ONE page layout (paper only - no digital)
Layout must include:
- at least 3 pictures
- 4 different patterned papers (no more, no less)
- 2 colors of cardstock (no more, no less)
- at least one arrow
- buttons or beads
- must have journaling that includes..."If I were honest with myself...". It can be as long or as short as you like but must include those words.
- must be an original design - no sketches please!

Honestly...I am a Food Fraud

Journaling:
If I were honest with myself I
would admit – I am a Foodie.
Love fancy food, but I take the
easy way out.

Supplies:
Bazzil – tan and orange
Patterened Paper – Scenic Route, K&Co, making Memories, Jenni Bowlin
Rub on Arrows – Kaiser Crafts
Bling – Heidi Swapp
Thickers – American Crafts
Used additional AC Thickers as a mask
Laces – vintage
Buttons – Autumn Leaves
Mists – Maya Road, Tattered Angels
Vintage Image – Crafty Secrets
Twine – Home Depot 
Punches – Martha Stewart, Fiskars

Thanks for visiting - Have a great week!

Happy Sunday!

Yesterday was a productive day. I finished two more layouts for the X marks the Crop challenges at Treasured Scrapbooking.

This challenge required you to use yellow with red/white patterened paper. I am in LOVE with the BG June Bug! This one was a challenge to lift a design team member layout - the "hook" is you had to turn the layout upside down - too fun!
Here is my layout:
I lifted and flipped Live by DebbieFitz. Very fun and clever challenge.

Don't forget to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win the Pay It Forward RAK! Enjoy your day!!

Woo Hoo - lots of scrappy fun this weekend!!

Good morning ladies!
There is a whole lot of scrappy good fun happening this weekend!! First off - I have a RAK to give away!

The RAK is the second leg of a pay it forward train! It started with the Willowtraders Blog Hop. While that is fun and motivating all on its own - last weekend I received an unexpected very pleasant surprise! The super talented Nicole - Made by Nicole - Not only shared her creative work - she also was giving away a RAK. Guess what! I won!! In the spirit of paying it forward - and the appreciation of Nicole's generosity - I thought it would be fun to Pay it Forwad with my own RAK! So - this is what I am going to give to one fun guest here on my blog!Four brand new sets of thickers, one scenic route black alpha, one set of fontwerks labels, a Prima chipboard alpha and two stamp sets! I think it would be fun to have a PIF train - win a RAK - host a RAK. What do you think? Have you ever been part of a PIF train? Do you think it would be fun? Leave me a comment on this post and on Monday morning I will pick a winner. The "goods" are already in the envie - I just need the winner's address and off they go! Will it be YOU?

Also - Treasured Scrapping is having an X Marks the Crop! It has been going since Monday and there are a billion fun challenges posted on the board and you have til the end of the weekend to upload for some great prizes! I plan on working on it all weekend! Here is my first layout for Julie's Ahoy! Show me your Treasure Challenge!
Journaling reads:
Treasure comes in so many possible forms. One thing I have learned in life is that the physical things mean so much less than the relationships we have in life. After 30 years that statement became crystal clear to me as I lived the journey of this angel’s birth vicariously through his mama’s pregnancy and birth. Once he was here, his mama selflessly shared every aspect of him with me. From surprise hugs to picking boogers to cuddles and having him fall asleep on my chest to dirty diapers to the ultimate – a simple “Auntie Lisa – I missdid you today. That statement from his little mouth brought tears to my eyes. Jamie – I missdid you too! He is my greatest treasure.

Have a peacful productive Saturday!!

Construction Challenge Aug 11-12

2 Boyz on Vacation!
I wanted to play with depth, dimension and edgies with this layout. I used a lot of pop dots to stagger the height of the strips of Patterened Paper. This "layout" will actually be framed for the mom of one of the boys. A memory gift of her vacation.
Tomorrow is Friday! That means the Willow Blog Hop!!

Be sure to check back because I am going to do a RAK this weekend. It is a very special RAK and I will tell you all about it tomorrow!!

Construction Challenge August 9-10

Had fun doing this layout! Lots of layering and bits.
I used the flowers I made from the tutorial posted on Saturday.

Construction Challenge August 7-8

For the construction challenge August 7-8, I decided to lift a layout from the Work In Progress gallery!

Here is Jamie Pate's Virginia Beach layoutAnd my feeble attempt to lift Jamie's layout - I used the August WIP kit too!
OK - believe it or not - I started out flipping Jamie's layout to accomodate my pictures - then it took on a life of its own as often happens when I lift. :)
Have a fantastic DAY!!

Treasured Hunt Challenge #1

I don't think I mentioned that I entered the Treasured Scrapbooking 2009 Treasured hunt. I was selected to be part of the 25 that move on to the first challenge. I am in serious need of participation right now so I am challenging myself every way I know how. ;)

The challenge: Create a ONE page layout (paper only - no digital)

Layout must include:
- at least one circle (3 inches or bigger)
- torn paper
- only ONE photo
- journaling....and the journaling must include "I wish someone had told me that..." It can be as long or as short as you like but must include those words.

My Layout:Wow - ok I think I needed to do this challenge. A little emotional purging.

Here is the journaling:
I wish someone had told me that... Pain is the Good Lord’s way of telling you to back up and reassess your situation. Whether physical, mental or emotional – you are not making good choices. Placing your hand on the hot stove is painful – not a good physical choice. Repeatedly throwing your heart to someone that does not want it is painful – not a good emotional choice.

Supplies:
Making Memories PP Varnish Passport Great Escape
Scenic Route garden Grove Joy Street (Circle cut from this)
Prima Flower - Summer Singles-Apple Map
Doodlebug Shin Dig Black glitter alpha
Ribbon-Michaels
K&Co Aoctopus to Zelephant Adhesive Borders
October Afternoon Cardstock Stickers-Road Map
Making Memories Great Escape Masking Tape
Ledger Paper-Staples
Paper Bag Heart (recycled bag) this is torn paper
Martha Stewart loopy punch
EK Success Punch-Binding Edge

Back is better went to Chiro yesterday - no floating bones! No surgery! I have 3 bulging and degenerated disks, arthritis en mass and a bone spur. All is livable so life is good!

Recycled Flower Tutorial

Paper Bag Flowers (Based on the idea of tissue flower tutorial)

I saw this tutorial on the blog above and cold not wait to give it a go myself. I wanted to recycle materials I have around the house so I substituted the paper bags from studio calico for the tissue paper. I also received a new phone book so I am using the old one for flowers too! Supplies you will need:
Paper bag or newspaper or tissue paper or your old yellow pages ;)
Brads
2" flower punch
Mists - I used Maya Mists and Glimmer Mists
First step - cut approximately 10-15 flowers with your punch from your selected paper. The more layers you include - the fuller the flower. Next stack the paper flowers on top of each other and pop a brad through the middle. I use my scissors to punch a hole in the center then insert the brad. The color of the brad does not matter as you will not see it when you are done so if you have old yucky colored brads - now is the time to use them up.Now is when the fun part begins - I was a little leary about the right way to scrunch up each layer - but let me tell you - just go for it - this project is very forgiving once you are donw. I pinched up each layer towards the middle and the pushed it down a little as I went.
Keep scrunching each layer up.
Until you complete all layers of paper. Once I was done - I worked the top a bit - flattening it out and spreading it flat on the bottom layers.Next - a few spritz of your favorite mist colors - I mixed up my colors - red maya mists then gold glimmer over it. A little blue maya with silver glimmer.
The flowers above were made with the paper bags.
Here are some made with the old phone book!Let it dry and there you have it!
I plan on using some of these beauties on a layout today. Check back later for a completed layout!

Thanks for all teh good back thoughts ladies. The insurance coompany came through when the MD requested te MRI and I went yesterdya to have it done. Results on Monday. Still wicked sore but the pain pills make it possible to get up. I cut them in half because I do not like taking them. Hopefully on Monday we will have a plan to make this right!! I am still scrapping today!