Inspired Blueprints #42....Bath Time!

My husband had a convention in Cincinnati last week and was gone for SIX nights straight.  I think that's the longest trip he's had to take since our son was born.  Every time he leaves, I gain even more admiration for single parents.  I only work part-time and if I have to drop-off and pick-up Owen, I only work 8 hour days.  But, even with shorter work days, I was exhausted!  I can't imagine not having a light at the end of the tunnel to look forward to.  Anyway, because of his absence, I'm way behind on my Creative Scrappers challenges and my Got Sketch? 105 class already!!  We'll see if I can make it up in the coming week...

I did manage to finish the last sketch at Inspired Blueprints for the month though!!  This layout was an experiment for me.  I think I mentioned before that my MIL bought me a bunch of Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist for my last birthday and that I'm experimenting with it a little.  Well, she also bought me one set of "Glimmer Screens" and I started out with this layout using a butterfly from that set.  The effect is pretty awesome, but wasn't quite right for my pictures.  So, instead, I used my Wild Card Cricut cartridge and a transparency to cut out this cute little duck and use as a stencil.  The edges of the duck are far more rigid than the Glimmer Screen's edges turn out, maybe if I'd cut the duck out using cardstock instead....?  I don't know, but figured this was good enough for my first try!  I'm not sure how to prevent the paper from curling, but it seems to lay down flat once its stuck in page protector.  So, I haven't worried about it too much

The other brilliant idea I had (brilliant for me anyway!!), was to use a Martha Stewart punch and punch on both sides of the paper strip creating this fun circle border (in the middle of the page).  I love the way it looks and will definitely be trying that out with my other border punches!!

Paper: Notebook and Emporium

Cardstock: White Daisy and Buttercup

Ink: Crystal Blue

Stamp Set: The Works Alpha

Other: Stickles, Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Lace (by the yard from LSS), Martha Stewart border punch, CTMH Crochet flowers from the White Daisy Mini Medley, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Twilight and Yellow Sunflower, American Crafts rub-on, and a Zig Pen. 

Got Sketch? #36...Busy Boy

I had these random photos that I wanted to put together into one page and used Got Sketch?'s Sketch Locator tool (on the right side of their blog) to look at 4-photo sketches.  I came across this one and thought it was perfect.  This was such a simple layout, I hate to tell you what a ridiculous amount of time I spent on it!!!  Oh well, I love this paper, the owls are so darn cute!  It's just that it's so monochromatic, I had a harder time with it than I had imagined....and I have tons of it left! ;O)

I waited until tonight to register for Got Sketch?'s "Got Sketch 105" class.  It takes 24 hours for the registration to be completed, so, I will have to wait until tomorrow to get started.  Nothing like waiting until the last minute! 

Paper: Kaisercraft What A Hoot
Cardstock: Core'dinations (not sure what the color is called)
Ink: Cocoa
Stamp Sets: Large Chocolate Alpha and True Friends
Other: Martha Stewart Single Loop Punch, Stickles, and Zig pen

Inspired Blueprints #41....Fearless

This was another great sketch by the Inspired Blueprints.  I ended up taking it pretty darn literally, but I was so excited to finally use my tree from the Grown With Love stamp set!!!  I've had it a while, but wasn't sure what exactly to do with it, so this was the push I needed.  This is probably my favorite photo of Owen from last year....we were on out for our annual day in Hatcher Pass and the weather was amazing!!  We hiked and climbed until our legs were like jello.  Owen was our guide and didn't have any intentions of coming back down! ;O)  I love fall and love taking photos during the fall even more!

Paper:  Notebook and  Emporium
Cardstock: Colonial White and Buttercup
Ink:  Sweet Leaf, Honey, Cocoa, and Crystal Blue
Stamps:  Large Friendship Alpha, Grown With Love, Comments, and Dream Wishes
Other:  Zig pen, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Suede and Yellow Daisy

Got Sketch? #91...All Boy

I had these two pictures printed for some time now.  They're the only shots I took of my munchkin the entire month of January 2008, with the exception, of course, of the hundreds I took of him while we were in Hawaii earlier that month.  Anyway, I was dying to try a Got Sketch? challenge and while I was scrolling through their blog, I came across this perfect sketch posted on October 22nd.  

I broke into my Basic Grey Ambrosia paper that I've been hoarding for this one.  I just LOOOOVE this paper!  I ordered the whole pack which comes with both a sticker sheet and alphas.  It made this layout super easy.  The only down side was that the paper is so busy, my title kind of disappears.  I covered the letter stickers in Stickles hoping that would help and then backed them with some Colonial White Cardstock.  I'm not sure it is right still, but its going to have to be enough for now! ;O)

Paper:  Basic Grey Ambrosia
Cardstock:  Autumn Terracotta and Cocoa
Stamp Sets: Fun Times (Lizard)
Other:  Basic Grey Ambrosia Element Stickers, Robins Nest Dew Drops, Recollections Sparkles, CTMH White Daisy embossing powder (lizards), Stickles, and Zig pen.

Creative Scrappers #89...A Girls Best Friends

My sister and a friend of hers came across this paper pack for just a $1.  She isn't a scrapbooker, but she likes me to do pages for her.  So, she brought me the paper and subtly reminded me that it could be used for pictures of her dogs!  She cracks me up.  She's single and has survived a couple of major vehicle accidents.  Her doctors have told her that although she technically could have children, her pregnancy would be extremely painful and both her and the baby would be put at very high risk due to her immune deficiencies.  So, knowing that, you can kind of understand how important her dogs are to her, they are her constant companions and protectors.  I paid for a photo shoot and a picture package one year for Christmas with a local photographer that happens to specialize in animals.  In fact, he's been published in both Dog and Cat Fancy.  She was so not amused with my gift, but I think that she's happy she went through with it despite some embarrassment! ;O)  Anyway, I was pretty pleased with the way this turned out considering it was so simple and quick...that was, until I remembered the two albums I bought for her are 9x9 and 8.5x8.5....not 12x12!!  Oops!!  Guess this one goes in my albums...hehe!

I'm loving Creative Scrappers sketches and hope to do more of theirs soon!!!  I'd love to keep up with their weekly challenges....wouldn't that be nice to have a minimum of six layouts (counting Inspired Blueprints) done a month!  We'll see!!

Happy Valentines Day by the way!!  Hope everyone is enjoying spending some time with their special someone!  We don't have any real plans, just to hang out and enjoy the day!  It's been sunny AND warm...around 40 degrees.  So, we're all feeling a little springy...too bad that this is just a tease.  No doubt we'll be back to subzero temps in no time! ;O)

Paper: Scrapbooking Supplies Modern Trails Collection
Cardstock: Cocoa
Other: Bazzil Basics Flowers, Mrs. Grossman's Stickers, Cricut Designer's Calendar Cartridge (title), Martha Stewart Punch, Sticko Tile Stickers, Martha Stewart Scoring Board, and Zig Pen 

Mojo Monday #125....Hoppy Birthday!

I started focusing on my scrapbooking a few months back in hopes of finding my own style and forcing myself to start working outside the box.  But, somewhere along the way, I got caught up in these really great sketch blog challenges for cards and have quit making my layouts a priority.  So, I'm going to continue to try and do at least one card sketch challenge a week, but spend more time on my layouts and make them my priority.  I'm going to start by taking the three-week online scrapbook course being offered by Got Sketch?.  I've just recently stumbled upon their blog and love the out-of-the-box type sketches they do.  I'm excited and hope this is the incentive I need to really break out of my rut!

In the meantime however, my brother is turning the ripe old age of 11 later this month and I wanted to make sure and get his card done.  This weeks sketch from Mojo Monday made me think about this stamp set fittingly called "Frogs" from CTMH that I've had FOREVER and never put to use!! :O)  The frog is just too cute!

Paper:  Life's Delights and Caprice
Cardstock:  Colonial White and Cocoa
Ink:  Cocoa, Sweet Leaf, Olive, and Tsukineko Memento ink in Rich Cocoa and Bamboo Leaves
Stamp Sets:  Frogs, A Birthday Wish, and Fun Times
Other: Stickles, Copic Markers, Wiggle Eyes from Westrim Crafts, and CTMH Twill Ribbon 

Last of the V-Day Cards...

Well, last of the cards for this year anyway!!!  I needed to wrap these buggars up so I could get them all in the mail on time.  So, I opted to make the last 3 identical and simple...my family is spread across five different states, so they will never know!

I got the inspiration from some super cute cards that Aaron Brown posted here on her blog a while back.  She made a bigger effort than I put into mine...but, they're officially done!!!!

Paper:  Martha Stewart

Cardstock: White Daisy and Cranberry

Ink:  Cranberry

Stamps:  Dollar bin wood stamp from Michaels

Other:  Martha Stewart Punch, Crystal Stickers pink "Glitter Domes", CTMH and Bazzill Basics flowers, Fiskars 1" circle punch, and Offray Ribbon (from Joann's).

Christmas Pics 2009

I printed these pictures with the the intention of using them for Sketch #37 from Inspired Blueprints.  But, I just wasn't loving the way it looked and opted to print others for this particular layout.  However, I hated to waste the originals and ended up using the same sketch idea, just moved the pictures around some to make it work.  

For the title, I stamped it all out using Field Trip Alpha and Cranberry Ink.  After cutting them all out, I sent them the wrong way through my Xyron machine so that the red part was sticky and covered with red glitter.  I had hoped to stop there, but, it seemed the glitter didn't intend to hold very long.  So, I then coated each letter with Liquid Glass, let it dry, and tada...glittery epoxy type stickers!  I was pretty pleased with myself, but by the time all of that was done, I was tired of looking at the layout!!!  The rest of the embellishments are pretty simple and minimal for that reason.

Don't you love that sled picture of my little man? ;O)  He cracked me up...the photographer suggested he scream like he was going down a hill on the sled and he thought it was a great idea!  Such a little ham.

Paper:  Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses

Cardstock: Cranberry

Ink: Cranberry

Other:  Jolee's Boutique Stickers, Liquid Glass, red glitter (don't know brand), vellum paper, Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Cricut When It's Cold Outside Cartridge, and Zig pen. 

Mojo Monday #124...Whooo Loves You!

Have I mentioned that I am over Valentine's Day cards already!!!  I have to knock the last three out this weekend.  So, I can quit complaining after that!  I've learned my lesson however, only one card, mass produced, in the future! ;O)

I have been DYING to ink up this little owl stamp from Greeting Farm since I got him last summer, but I think this is the first project I've actually accomplished using him...I don't love my coloring again, but I think its an improvement over my bunny.  So, maybe I'm gaining some ground.  I need to do some tutorials on using watercolor pencils and Copic markers.  This learn by trial and error thing doesn't seem to be working!

I'm so used to using acrylic stamps, I really struggle when I have to use a wood stamp.  These cute little owls are from Hero Arts, Birds and Branches line, but unfortunately, they're red rubber and mounted on wood.  I managed to botch the one on the bottom and really wanted to go back and stamp over it like I would do with my acrylics...no worries there...but, so not an option with wood!!  Anyway, I left it be, but its driving me nuts! ;O)

Paper:  Martha Stewart

Cardstock: White Daisy and Blush

Ink:  Tsukineko Memento in Rich Cocoa, Hollyhock, and Cranberry

Stamps:  Greeting Farm's Forest Friends, Hero Arts Birds and Branches, and CTMH Small Chocolate Alpha

Other:  Martha Stewart Punch, EKSuccess Corner Rounder punch, CTMH and Casa Collection ribbon, Crystal Stickers pink "Glitter Domes", CTMH and Bazzill Basics flowers, Cricut Designer's Calendar Cartridge (hearts), Strathmore Watercolor Paper, Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils, and CTMH blending Pen.

Unscripted Sketches #40....Some Bunny Loves You!

Things have been extra hectic these last couple of weeks, both at home and work, forcing me to switch my work schedule around.  So, Wednesday night was my first chance to play in over a week!!!  I was having total withdrawals.  I'm a little behind on my challenges, but, I'm hoping to make-up for it fast and get back on track.  Unfortunately, despite the fact that I had this whole post ready to go, I got to feeling sick last night and completely forgot to add my photos.  So, I missed the deadline!!!  Bummer!!!!

I absolutely LOVE the Bunny Love stamp set from CTMH and was elated when I saw one of my fellow consultants use it for a Valentine's card last year!!  The four bunnies in the set are geared more to Easter than anything, but by replacing the bubbles with hearts, tada, this particular bunny becomes a lovey bunny! ;O)  I wish I could think out of the box like that myself, but being extra diligent in peeking around different websites seems to make-up for my lack of creativity...I just scraplift someone else's!!!  Terrible I know!!

My coloring isn't great, I'm out of practice, but I still think he's cute!

Paper:  Martha Stewart

Cardstock:  White Daisy and Cranberry

Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Ink in Rich Cocoa and Cranberry

Stamps:  Bunny Love and Key to My Heart (heart on inside)

Other:  CTMH Clear Sparkles, White Daisy Grosgrain ribbon, Just Blooms (White and Pink), Twinkle Brad (in center of flower), and Filigree Charms.  Crystal Stickers red "Glitter Domes", Bazzill Basics flower (red), Martha Stewart punch, Stickles (on hearts), Cricut Designer's Calendar Cartridge (hearts), Strathmore Watercolor Paper, Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils, and CTMH blending Pen.

My Very First Blog Award...

My very wonderful "upline" with CTMH, Judy, awarded me this tasty looking blog award over a week and a half ago!!  I've been so crazy busy, I haven't had a chance to acknowledge it.  But, I thought it was super sweet of her to think of me and it made my day, which was tough to do considering the last couple of weeks I've had!  

With the award comes some rules, I'm supposed to list 10 things that make me happy...so here we go:
1. Hearing my little one say "I wuv you mommy"...nothing beats that!
2. Spending real quality time with my son.
3. Spending real quality "alone time" with my husband...sorry sweetie, the 3-year old beat you out! ;O)
4. Wasting a beautiful sunny day away just hiking and exploring in the woods
5. Ice cream....vanilla with lots of toppings or strawberry with brownie chunks, yum!
6. Getting some "me" time to scrapbook...
7. Standing outside after it gets dark while big fluffy snowflakes are falling...there's nothing more peaceful!
8. Alaskan falls, right after the currant's leaves turn red.
9. Being around my goofy dogs...Daisy and Max (our little bird Sammy is fun too though!)
10. Sunday dinners with my family (This should probably be higher on my list, but although I love my family, too much time with them just stresses me out!!!  ;O)  Don't tell on me!)

I'm also supposed to think of a few people to pass the award on to...honestly, Judy's blog is one of my favorites.  I love to see what she does with the latest CTMH products!  But, I'm not sure I'm allowed to give it back...so, here's my 3 runner ups....

1.  Irene Tan of Scrapperlicious

2.  Janine Koczwara of A Creative Life

3.  Marjorie of Mommy Scraps

Phew, its kind of late for me...I may need to head to bed!!  I have a couple projects completed that I hope to get pictures of when the sun comes up tomorrow...