It’s not done…

Murphy’s law #? …. Can’t find the tools necessary to finish the job. Ok, I can’t find the corner punch needed to work on the mini album. I am done with the gate folds and some of the tags but .. yeah need that punch. I’ll find it. I just know it. haha  Gosh, it feels so good to feel better. I feel like I have told everyone about my leg. I have a bacterial infection in my right leg. It is now feeling better. I gave it all over to God. You know, it isn’t as weepy anymore and the scabs are almost gone. Ever have an ailment that you just can’t explain? Well, give it over to God. Let Him work on it. I am learning so much from Fresh Start and my church family. So much.  Anyways, off of my soap box. I will look more tomorrow for that punch. If I can’t find it by noon, I will go with plan something else and use decorative scissors. Oh wait, I have to find them too. haha  Not kidding. But the book is so worth it.

Scrappy Chics

I received my kit from my friend last weekend. I am making a mini album with the kit. My friend, Melinda, has an online scrapbook store where she sells monthly kits. December’s kit is fabulous. I will post on Thursday the mini that I made. So cute. I got the design from Following the Paper Trail. Fell in love with Laura and her designs as well and my creative juices have overflowed. Check out both sites. I think you will agree that they are great. www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com and www.scrappychics.com. 

Overwhelmed...

This coming Saturday (Nov. 13th) I will have a table at a Christmas bazaar. I have never done anything like this before and am more than a little nervous. I am making a few mini albums, pre-made scrapbook pages and some cards. I am sharing the tables (we have 2) with Samantha and Veronica. They are making crocheted items. I think I will also put out some CTMH items and take names for the next catalog. I would like to get another hostess club going or two. I do love the one that I have. I look forward to seeing my ladies every month. We have such good times. I will take pictures of the tables and post on the blog what we did and how we look. Note to self: start earlier next time. I thought three weeks would have been plenty of time. Yeah, NOT!!! If you are in town on Saturday, stop by. We are at Iditarod Elem. We would love the company.

Fresh Start!

I know that it has been awhile since I have posted. Life has been crazy but that’s life. lol I have found myself lost. A dear friend of mine would talk about the program at her church called Fresh Start. Well, this summer I got myself to go. I have been in a small group with Fresh Start breaking the binds of old wounds and scraping away the scars. I am finding myself that it is ok to go out of the bounds of rules and lines. To literally get out of the box. Without getting too sappy, I find the whole thing kind of scary. But I am looking forward to life and all that it has to offer. With that said, I am working on some new mini books and techniques with them. The whole thing is very exciting. I thank you for your patience and coming back to read this every now and then. If it is your first time, welcome. I am not that great about keeping it current but I do like what I do and sharing it with you.

Creative Thursday cards

These are the cards we will be making on the 16th of Sept. at our Creative Thursday get together. I really like how they turned out. Three different sizes. I have to change the colors on one of the cards but it will just be a different tan color on ink. Nothing drastic. lol Also, I think that clock hands would be really cool in the upper left hand corner of the card with the flower. So, when you make them at home and have the hands from Tim Holtze, use them. I think they are so cool. He has the greatest stuff. The film strip on the same card is from Tim Holtze. On the middle card, I used Distressed Stickles but mini brads could work too. I'm really diggin' hardware lately. So, if you think that these cards are for you, please come and play. I will have everything cut. You just need to bring adhesive. Oh, before I forget, the pearl in the middle of the flower is new from CTMH. YES, they now carry pearls and new bling. OMGosh, the new stuff in this catalog is amazing. If you don't have a catalog/idea book, let me know. You are going to love the new colors and papers.

I’m still here…

OMGosh, I have been having the craziest time with my blog. Photobucket, who takes care of the uploaded pictures, has been charging the sites with the free blog backgrounds. So, I would lose the background. I just got this one. It is from Die Cuts With a View. I just love it. It is from my favorite paper line from them called Mariposa. I did a layout of Sami with it. That is post from last summer. Love it, love it, love it. Anyways, I have been scrapping. Made up a few premade pages. That would have been extremely handy if I had pictures to put on them. lol I found that most of my pile of photos consists of winter, fishing and animals. Shocking, I know. lol I couldn’t find the “girl” photos for my girls’ books. We organized and I can’t find anything anymore. I have been making a ton of little books which I am really excited about. OH!! I got a Workshop On the Go from CTMH. It is fabulous. I will take pictures and post those tomorrow due to the time of day it is now. The clock at the bottom isn’t correct but it is still late. I am super excited about this product and think you will be too.  Let’s get one and work on it together on Creative Thursdays. So, stay tuned. There is more information coming about Creative Thursdays and what we will be working on at the first one set for Sept. 16th at 6:30.

Shout Out...

Ok, I was able to get onto the CTMH website and found the gal's name who so inspired me on making the blank scrap pages using left over kits. The lady's name is Emily McLemore. God bless her. She is making my life easy and actually very exciting. I feel that I am getting something accomplished. So, try it sometime. If nothing else, sell the pages or give away as a gift. It's a win-win.

Creative mojo is back! YES!!!

I was looking around the Close To My Heart bulletin board one day and came across a post by a consultant that said that she was committed to not to be a paper hoarder anymore. The whole article inspired me to do the same. She showed a picture of her stack of layouts that she had made from left over scrap kits. I mean, she made a stack of pages. Like 150 pages in less than a week. OMStars... that's a lot of pages. Just think of all of the photos you would get scrapped up in no time. She used Cherished, Imagine, and Reflection idea books. I hear you now, "I just can't make up blank pages. I have to have the pictures to inspire my creativity." And that is cool. Some of us, like myself, like the ease of premade pages for certain topics, like fishing, for instance. Anyways, I can't remember the consultant's name and the website isn't being very nice right now. So, when I can find the gal's name, I want to give credit where it is due. I haven't done as many as she did but I have done some which is very exciting to me. lol I have also made a couple of little books already this month. They are so fun to do. Just as a little tease, CTMH's special for September is a little book kit. They look AWESOME!!!!!! Can't wait to play.

It's a Miracle (Kit)

Ok, I dug out my Miracle Kit from CTMH the other day. It was the May special for National Scrapbook Month. I opened the kit up and found a ton of stuff in it that I didn't think would be there. A pack of embellishments, die cut pieces, chipboard sheet and a sheet of stickers. That with a few pieces of patterned paper and card stock. I just love the colors of soft green and blue with tan. I made up my daughter's graduation portaits with this kit. I made up six pages. I even had items left over. I did have to use card stock from my stash for the mats. I used card stock from the DCWV collection Linen Closet. I love that line. It is in coastal colors of blues, greens, grey and tan. So, so pretty. I added bling and a flower that I used alcohol inks on to give it some color.

Another page using the die cuts that came in the Miracle Kit. I added buttons from my stash and some bling.

I made four of these pages for each of the siblings' books. The floral paper isn't from the kit but from DCWV Linen Closet collection. I think it matched pretty well and was happy with the results.

I'm still here..busy, busy, busy

I am still here. May has been incredibly busy for the whole family. Samantha had prom. Several school programs. Kevin changing rooms. Graduation. Whewww! I am now able to sit and tell you about some of it. Graduation was Friday and it was fantastic. Sami's friend Veronica took this great picture. A home school graduation is a little different than public school. The grads make a speech thanking God, their parents, and some of their teachers. It is always touching to hear. Then they walk across the stage where us parents are waiting for them. The super-intendant gives us parents a diploma so that we can give it to our student. We hug and then get our picture taken by family and/or friends. It is a really nice ceremony. I find it emotionally draining. But I made it through. lol I am incredibly proud of my girl. She is the total package as are her sisters and brothers. A great start to a fun-filled summer. I want to thank you all that read my blog and have come to read it one more time. I will work harder at keeping it updated.

National Scrapbook Month

May is Nation Scrapbook Month. Close To My Heart has put together this fantastic scrapbook kit. It is so beautiful. Full of lovely spring colors good for all occasions. I used mine for my daughter's graduation pictures. With left over pieces, I made some cards. I just may have to order another kit and make a small book for Grandma. I think you will like it. Give it a try.

Spring.. I hope you’re home that day!

Our first spring here in Alaska was quite a shock for me. It was cold, white and long. One day, when our neighbor came by to feed the horses, I was complaining something awful. The year prior we lived in Oregon with grass already. Willard Scott had been on the White House lawn earlier that day showing off the cherry blossoms in full bloom. I was so depressed and here is the neighbor lady letting me vent. I asked her if it was ever going to end. Kathy was telling me how break up works and that you can almost watch the leaves open. As she is getting into her truck to go home she stops, looks at me and says, “that’s spring. I hope you’re home that day.” Get’s in her truck and leaves. I sat on the steps and laughed and laughed. Little did I know that she wasn’t far off the mark. I took this photo of the lilac leaf buds on Tuesday April 27 and they are almost all opened up now. We have small amounts of green grass and the robins have been constant visitors. I love spring and I was home that day.

Beautiful Day

I love candles. I love overly strong candles that you can smell in several rooms. Don’t get me wrong, I am a Scentsy girl. Love Scentsy. But there is just something about candle light. Well, of all the places to find one is at a little Mom and Pop grocery store. They carry Yankee Candles. I, of course, had to stop and smell them all. I picked one up and couldn’t put it done. In the cart it goes. It is called Beautiful Day. It smells like a flower shop. I light it every night. I sit at my table and watch the flame. So relaxing. If you are around Yankee candles and happen to see Beautiful Day, give it a try. I think you will agree it is indeed a Beautiful Day.

I thought it was April…

The past couple of days.. ok. the past couple of weeks have been pretty nice here in Alaska. Warm weather. Sunshine. Even sea gulls which is the usual sign to fishing. Today started overcast but still on the warmish side. All of a sudden, it starts raining. No big deal. The earth needs rain right? Well, except for our yard which still has snow. I know right, snow. Anyways, back to the story. The rain was fun to watch and smells wonderful. I look back out the window and ……… WHAT!!! It is Snowing. I am not just talking a little bit either. Huge monstrous flakes that are big enough to dent your car and give a person a head injury. Unbelievable. What is this spring coming to?! So disgusted. And of course, it being Alaska the sun came out in the evening. Gotta love that. So, with any luck the white nasty stuff will melt very soon and take it’s unwanted friends in my yard with it.

Can you tell I am sick of winter? lol

Happy Easter

What a fantastic day. It started out slow but ended just great. I cleaned my craft area in the dining room all day yesterday. It looks fabulous now. Almost too clean to work from. lol Kevin made rolls which are so good that who needs ham and all the other goodies. But I made it anyways. We had the ham, potatoes, gravy and such. Didn’t go all out this year. Kept it very simple. Forgot to get supplies for pies but had a cake mix. I added red food coloring to make a red velvet cake. I’m guessing it wasn’t enough red because the cake was beautiful shade of pink. Worked out great. I hope that you all had a good day. Let’s not forget why we celebrate it. The song “Who Am I” from Casting Crowns reminds me every time I hear it. Look it up if you don’t know it. I think you will like it.

Flight of the .. butterfly?

This is a card that Samantha made for the card contest at Stamp Cache. Isn't it great? What a happy card. Not sure if you can tell but there are popped up butterflies on the stamped image along with the ones along the edges. The colors are fantastic. I just may have to "borrow" this idea from her. Sam didn't win the contest but it was fun anyways and that is why we do them. People are so creative and I am always inspired when I see their work. A good way to get out of your box once in a while. You should try a card contest or even a scrapbook one. I think you will like it. I am sure that you will inspire someone.

What a beautiful day...

to be out taking pictures. Samantha, Jessica and I went driving around to take some photos. Well, Jessica was taking pictures. I was driving. She has a great eye. We stop here at this little lake because they saw some swans in the lake across the road. I don't think they got pictures 'cause the birds would hide behind trees. But as I was waiting, I hold my camera out the window and snap this one. I just love this view. Could you imagine waking up and seeing this every morning? Oh, yeah. Go get your camera and take some photos. It doesn't have to be award winning shots either. One of my favorite pics is one that Jessica took of a TV tray with pancakes, cup of coffee, and syrup on it. It is everyday life. I just love it. Take pictures of what makes you happy. I have been trying to capture the drips of water running off of our house but it hasn't come out yet. lol Now, melting snow, that makes me happy.

Renew this spring..

I spent some time with some friends this weekend. As I take in my day with them, I realize that I want to be like them. The positive vibe I get and how I feel went we part. So, being inspired I am making a mid-year aspiration. I never make New Year’s Resolutions because I can never keep them but I try to make aspirations – where I aspire to be better or do better. So, that is where I am at today. Today was not a good day but what a good note to start on. Please, be patient with me. This is a work in progress.

Just to change the subject for minute. Had a FABULOUS time with the girls on Tuesday. Lots of laughs like always. Have missed them all. I am honored that they like my ideas. We made a little book and a layout (which I will post tomorrow). It has so many uses, both the book and layout. Love them both.

Have a fantastic week. It is spring. The snow is melting. The sun is shining. It is a good time to renew your creative juices and make something fresh today.

Yep, I have no life…

My husband and I have to make a trip to Anchorage last week. My DD calls and say “OMG … this and  OMG… that” about Farmville. I am thinking “This is why I play Farmville. They make it so interesting and interactive.” Just about the whole way home I am deep in thought about my farm. A moose runs out in front of the truck. Kevin hits the brakes. He looks at me to see if I am ok and all I can say it “Do you think I should make my plots smaller to add the castle”. I have at the point in time decided that I have to life. I am a no-job-having, no-life-living, time sucking, Farmville addict. Sad, sad, sad….

Sami's amazing!

This is one of the little critters that Sami's made. She saw this online and made it up without instructions. Incredible!!! I am one of those that needs directions. lol She has made several more that will be added to the blog. My favorite is the gnome which she made for her friend. Soooo cute. Even has a mushroom.

I think I've done it!

There, I have added the layout I did of Samantha. It turned out so well. The paper is from the Mariposa paper pack from DCWV. I just love it. The layout was far more fall like than I imagined but it worked out. The bling piece in the corner (from Prima) has the same colored pearls and crystals as in the necklace that Sam is wearing. She made the necklace. It is crocheted and then braided together. Just lovely. Mariposa means butterfly which I just recently learned. If you love butterflies as much as I do, then you might consider getting yourself this paper pack. I got it from Joann's.

Kinda Frustated

I have been trying to upload some pictures of my latest projects but the blog manager keeps uploading them sideways. I am rather frustrated. I did up some great layouts of Sam and wanted to show off some of her art but unless you like looking to the left, they aren't working. Dang!! So, when my sweet husband can help me figure this out, you have just my words. haha I was asked to make baby shower card. It was rather interesting to do. I have never made one before. I purchased some new Tear Drops from Stamp Cache. They are like Dew Drops but shaped like tears, hence the name. haha I really like them. They are colored Sea Glass. So pretty. I may have to buy a gallon pail of them. Also, picked up a couple of new Memory Box stamps. Love those. Last fall, Linda had in a twig wreath that was very popular. Well, now there is one that is in the shape of a heart. I am so in love with it. Add Flower Soft, OMGosh. I, also, watched the video tutorial on the new Flower Soft Ultra fine product. It looks like it could be a ton of fun. Not chunky like the normal product but acts like glitter. Just sprinkle it on and then off again. In fantastic colors too. Can't wait.

Another month done...

It is amazing that the older I get the faster the year goes by. I feel like I should start making Christmas gifts now so that they will get done in time. lol I have been scrapping a bit lately which has gotten the creative juices flowing. Sami and I are now making baby cards. There are a couple of ladies at the school who are new moms this year. So exciting. Babies are the best. The card making process is slowing me down a bit though. I want the cards to be just so. Ready for spring to arrive. Looking forward to bright colors and warmer days. Although, this winter has not be bad. We are odd people when we are happy that the days get to 25 degrees. lol. Have you started any projects? Let me know. I would love to hear about creativity. What makes your heart sing?

Great time with the girls!

Thursday, Jan 21, I had a night of laughs with the girls at Hostess Club. We made the scrap technique I explained in the previous post. Everyone’s looked great. It is incredible to see how creative we all are in our own way. I just love it. I am looking forward to creating something new for next month. Have so many ideas floating around in my mind that I just don’t know what to do first. Ever have those times? lol Just start at the top, I guess. Like the new Spring Idea book from CTMH. OMGosh, it is fabulous. The layouts and cards are just lovely. So, my daughter says to just start at the front of the book and work our way back. Good advice. Let’s doooo it!!!

Oh, scrap!

Finally, I dug out some paper and got some pictures put down on a page. Well, actually it is a page protector that has six pockets. I cut two 12x12 sheets of card stock into thirds. I then folded each 4x12 piece in half. I put pics on each side of the fold. It is a great way to scrap a lot of pictures all at one time. We all have events where we have 20 – 30 pictures taken. When this technique is used, you can scrap 24 4x6 pictures. I love it. I have to post the pictures I took of my pages to show what exactly I am talking about. lol I am not very tech savvy so I have to recruit my daughter to help.

2010 Achievements

I have added a box titled 2010 Achievements. I must admist that I didn't come up with this idea. A gal named Nona Davenport has it on her blog and I just loved the idea. It is really more for me than you to see how productive I become in a year. You should try it too. Write down on your calendar, journal or even your mirror how many pages you complete this year. It will be interesting to see what we come up with. Good luck and happy scrapping.

Happy New Year!!!

How fast 2009 came and went and here we are looking at a new year. I am looking forward to this year. Not sure why, exactly. I just have this deep in my gut feeling that great changes are in store for me this year. I have many plans set out for myself.

We had a good night of celebrating. We went and saw fireworks which were fabulous. Especially, since they were at night in the dark. lol As all of us that live here in Alaska, our fireworks on the 4th of July are not in the dark. We then went and had a Blizzard. So yummy. Came home and warmed up. Jessica and I wore our 2010 glitter glasses. We were soooo styling. lol The kids blew their party horns at midnight. It was good. Had lots of fun. Lots of laughs. Lots of pictures.

So, on that note of picture taking. Let’s dig them out, pictures that is, and let’s start scrapping!!!

Happy New Year, my friend.