Two in ONE MONTH!

So, completing two layouts in one month is probably not all that impressive for most, but, kind of a big deal for me considering my long hiatus!!   Although, I've actually scrapped more than you might think, just didn't post.  Anyway, this layout was so much fun and went together so fast, that never happens for me!

I combined several challenges for this one which I hope is o.k.!  First and foremost, the sketch came from Let's Get Sketchy.  Such a fun site and they do a new sketch challenge weekly, so amazing and so much great inspiration on their blog!!  

The second challenge that I used for inspiration was the Tic Tac Toe Stash Challenge from Scrap Our Stash.  For their challenge you had to dig through your stash and use three items in a line from their tic-tac-toe board.  This challenge blog is new to me, but, I LOVE it because I have SO much stuff to use and they encourage you to add more to your layouts...I may not have been a prolific scrapper during my time away from my blog, but, I was definitely still a good shopper! 😜 I chose Paint/Mist, Winter Theme, and The Color Blue.  I've had this picture of my son and pup for a year now and just think it's too cute.  Max is getting older and not doing well, Owen will be devastated when we have to say goodbye, they've been inseparable since the day we brought Owen home from the hospital.

The final challenge that I came across when looking for new inspiration was on the scrapbook.com challenge forums.  MarciLB challenged us to scrap a pet using a winter theme....I live in Alaska and have plenty of pets, so, maybe not much of a "challenge" after all, haha!!  The forum has quite a few challenges and I am looking forward to playing along with more soon!

Patterned Paper and Stickers:  Little Yellow Bicycle Winter Twig

Cardstock:  CTMH Sky and Twighlight

Stamp Sets:  CTMH Snow Flurries and All Decked Out

Accessories:  Paint and Dauber from CTMH distressing kit, Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black, Comic Markers, Versa Mark and CTMH embossing powder, Fiskars border punch, Maya Road Mini Chipboard Snowflakes, Martha Stewart Glitter (used on snow flakes...hard to see in pic), Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridge, and Zig pen.

Chasing the Clouds Away...

I was SO excited about this week's CSI "Case" (Case #58), especially since this was the monthly challenge with the sketch from Page Drafts tied to it and the colors were totally geared to earth tones.  But, when I actually got started, I really struggled!! I ended up adding a LOT of pink which is REALLY not like me!!

Anyway, how could I lose with these shots of Olivia! ;O)  I found a tutorial online at tipsquirrel.com by Photo Gavin and was able to make my own film strip...complete with texture, color of my choice, and a drop shadow...not to shabby eh? ;O)  This layout really came down to the wire for the CSI deadline, so, it got rushed.  But, I actually really like it even though I'd probably have done some things differently given some extra time.

Evidence Used:  Clouds, wood (heart button), and jewels

Testimony:  Document a Getaway or take inspiration from the word "escape" (whichever you think is applicable...as in Olivia let's you "escape" or "getaway" from reality with the way she makes you laugh even when she's sick...I really pushed it this week with my Testimony, not sure it qualifies!!)

Cardstock: CTMH Baby Pink, Cocoa, Juniper, and Grey Flannel

Paper: My Little Shoebox Sky's the Limit (clouds), Three Bugs in a Rug Happy Bird-Day (both polk-a-dot papers), CTMH Let's Get Together (yellow stripe), and CTMH Chantilly (pink)

Ink: Buttercup (around journal strips) 

Other: Fiskars Border punch, CTMH Bitty Sparkles with Copic marker to color, Cricut Elegant Edges and Paper Lace 2 cartridges, Recollections Button, and Zig Pen

Stole Our Hearts...

I can't believe it!  I was mentioned under "On the Watch List" at CSI for my "Baby Face" layout, so incredibly honored!! ;O) Lots of talent over there, can't believe mine was even noticed!

Thought I'd share the other layout I managed to finish over the past couple of weeks and since it was fitting for Valentine's Day...I've literally had this sitting on my scrap table since last June.  Usually, when something sits there that long, I end up getting so sick of looking at it, I just throw some things on it to get it done.  But, I love how this one turned out and didn't really agonize over it like normal.  I used Case File #24 posted on 6/24 at the CSI blog for this one.  Evidence used are jewels and silver accents and my Testimony was to add jewels to the journaling spot.

Cardstock: CTMH Grey Wool, Baby Pink, and Tulip
Paper: Kaiser Craft Tiger Lily Collection and Echo Park Yours Truly
Stamps:
Ink: Tsukineko Tuxedo Black
Other:  CTMH crocheted flower and metal embellishment,  Cricut Elegant Edges, Designer Calendars, and Gypsy Fomt Cartridges, Recollections adhesive rhinestones, American Crafts TradeMarks (rubons), Inkadinkado Mini Stamps, KaiserKrafts Paper Flower, Stampendous Embossing Powder, Stickles, Making Memories Embroidery Floss, and CSI Coordinates

I'm so sad to say that this was my first and apparently last challenge with the Scrap Fit Blog as they have decided to end their challenges.  I didn't realize they'd decided to end the blog until today when I went to find "Workout #69", the sketch I had used from way back on June 1st to do the layout below.  I'm so disappointed.  Obviously, I didn't get to participate much after finding the blog, but, I did really enjoy the variety of challenges they had each week and found it very inspirational.  For example, I also incorporated "Workout #70" posted on June 15th to "Develop your Own Polarods"into this layout.  I found the free polaroid picture frames online somewhere, but, it's been so long, I wouldn't be able to tell you where to give them credit.  I think I also used a grunge frame from one of Jessica Sprague's online courses to give the photos more depth. 

Anyway, hope you are all enjoying what's left of your Valentine's Day!  Dave, Owen, and I all have tomorrow off which would have been great, but, Owen's come up with a nasty flu bug!  We'll be watching him and his sister very closely the next couple of days!!

  

Baby Face...

I FINALLY have had time to sit and scrap a little bit again over the past couple weeks and have not one, but, two layouts to share.  I should be working, it's reporting season and the company I contract to acquired another oil company's assets here in Alaska on the first.  But, I'm already burnt out!!!  Not a good sign for year-end reporting! ;O) 

The lighting is weird today, very green, I apologize for the photo.  I hate to tell you how many pictures I took and in how many different areas of the house!  Its overcast today and in the 40s...we've gone from one extreme to the other all winter, I'm SO over it!

Anyway, have you heard?  Inspired Blueprints is back!!  I'm so excited and used their Sketch #81 for my layout.  I also used Case File 57 at the CSI blog.  I just LOVE their site, it's so inspirational.

Evidence Used:  Hearts, Flowers, Leaves/Vines, Birds, Solid background, Die Cuts, and Punches

Testimony:  Heart shaped journaling spot

     

Paper: CTMH Floral Tapestry Paper

Cardstock:  CTMH Baby Pink, Twighlight, Sweet Leaf, and Tulip
Ink:  CTMH Baby Pink and Tulip
Embellishments:  CTMH Twinkle Brads, Kaiser Craft flowers (pink), CTMH Just Blooms Flowers (white), Martha Stewart Border Punch and leaves, EKSuccess Border Punch, Cricut die cuts, and CSI Embellishments

Sketch Savvy and CSI...Love

I was so excited to get to enter a CSI challenge, but, although my layout was almost done, everything went downhill...I dropped my letter "V" stamp and ripped it in two while I was trying to peel it off the photo.  Of course, the stamp itself peeled up the color off the photo anyway forcing me to place one of the journaling spots over top that specific spot.  Then, if that weren't bad enough, I'd messed with my rubons until they were stuck to the wrong side of the plastic and I made one heck of a mess of the other photo trying to use them anyway.  I guess since it's taken me an additional two weeks to get a picture and post it on my own blog, it obviously just wasn't meant to be!! ;O)  

Oh well, if you haven't tried a CSI challenge (Color, Stories, Inspiration) yet, what are you waiting for!!!  I can't believe how much fun they are and how much I've stepped out of my box and used product/ color challenges I never would have thought of without them!

Here's the Case File for this one...

Evidence: I used doilies and flowers (the doilies being the stretch for me!)

Testimony: I used both 3 different size journaling spots as well as 3 perspectives...each journaling spot is each one of us telling Olivia about our thoughts the day she arrived.  Owen wasn't so cooperative, so, I just told about what he was thinking/doing in the days leading up to her arrival. 

Now that I look at the case file and layout side by side, I was off on the color scheme some...the pinks aren't quite right are they!  Well, I tried anyway!

Paper: Basic Grey Urban Prairie and DCWV Green Stack
Cardstock: CTMH Colonial White, Hollyhock, and Sweet Leaf
Stamps:  Friendship Alpha
Ink: Hollyhock
Other:  Bazzil Basics flowers, Doilies from my stash, K&Company rubons, Butterfly sticker from Walmart, Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Stickles, EKSuccess corner Rounder, Cricut, and Spellbineders/Cuttlebug

The sketch I used for the layout was this one from Sketch Savvy.  I'm so loving her sketches and am so thankful, I wasn't sure I'd find another I loved as much as Sketchy Thursdays!!

Pencilines and Fly Boys...

This is another layout I started when I was still pregnant for my mother's album and have just now wrapped up.  To put it in perspective, I think it was the current challenge at Pencil Lines (who closed up shop months ago) when I first began!!  Sad I know.  Needless to say, I'm SO tired of looking at it and had little brilliant inspiration to contribute, so, its pretty simple.  I didn't glue the pennants down quite right and I see in my picture the "F" has slid off a little...I'll fix that! ;O)

Gotta love these pictures though...that was my little man at almost a year and my brother at 8.  They just happened to have coats that were almost identical, too cute! 

Paper:  Imaginisce (Can't find any name of the line)

Cardstock:  Barn Red, Desert Sand, and Colonial White

Stamps:  Pennant Alphabet, Confidential, and Star Struck

Ink:  Desert Sand and Barn Red

Other:  Hemp twine, Zig pen, and CTMH Cork Alphas

Pagemaps and Little Beauty...

Paper:  Basic Grey Wisteria

Cardstock:  Smokey Plum

Stamps: Vintage Type and Bohemian Alpha

Ink: Amethyst and Gypsy

Other:  Recollections Butterfly and flowers, various adhesive gems, CTMH Bitty Sparkles colored with Copic Markers, Dollar Butterfly Punch from Michael's, Fiskars circle and border punch, EKSucces corner rounder, and Making Memories embroidery floss

This layout is pretty simple, but, it took FOREVER and clearly does not resemble the Page Maps sketch posted on their blog here.  This one was so frustrating because of the way I insisted on printing the pictures and by the time I decided it wouldn't work, I'd wasted to much time/supplies.  So, I powered through and a month later, this is what you get! ;O)

Love...

Paper:  Basic Grey Urban Prairie

Cardstock: Blush, Creme Brulee, Hollyhock, and White Daisy

Stamps: Key to My Heart, Bohemian Alphabet, Hope, and Can't remember the "joy of life" stamp set

Ink:  Blush, Hollyhock

Other:  Spellbinders and Memory Box Dies, CTMH Clear Buttons, Making Memories Embroidery Floss, CTMH Bitty Pearls and Brads, Martha Stewart and Michael's Dollar Butterfly Punches, Recollections Pearls, Joann Essentials heart brads, Fiskars border punch, CTMH ribbon, Sizzix embossing envelope, Marvy and Zig pens.

I started this layout shortly after I found out I was having a girl and will use it as a cover page for her baby book.  The layout was on the cover of one of CTMH's catalogs with a paper I didn't like and I've been dying to recreate it.  I wish I'd done the stitching differently, but, I still like it overall!  

Family...

Paper:  Creative Memories-Nancy O'Dell's Hummingbird Collection

Cardstock:  Colonial White and Pansy Purple

Stamps: Treasure Life, Treasures, Journaling Jots, and The Works Alphabet

Ink:  CTMH Pansy Purple and Cocoa

Other:  JoAnn Craft Essentials Clear Embossing Powder with Versamark, Making Memories embroidery floss, JoAnn Essentials Brads, CTMH Bitty Brads, Ribbon from LSS, and Cricut 

I bought a scrapbook and matching "Hummingbird Collection" paper from Creative Memories over a year ago with the intentions of starting a scrapbook for my mother as a gift for her birthday last November.  Needless to say, with the year I've had, that didn't quite a happen.  But, I did manage to get this layout done based on this one here that I'd done a couple of years ago for Owen's scrapbook.  I hate to tell you how long ago I started this!!

Sassy Lil' Sketches...Those Eyes

I've had these pictures printed for a couple of months now and intended to use a Sketchy Thursdays sketch to scrap them.  But, it just wasn't doing it for me, that's when I came across this sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches.  It was perfect and so was this kit from CTMH for National Scrapbooking Month called You and Me!  I SO LOVE these colors!  

I love these pictures too.  I took these while he was getting ready for his bath.  I don't know what it is about the light in that bathroom in the evening, but, it really makes his eyes stand out.  I used Photoshop to do some Selective/Spot Resolution for his eyes and made the rest of the photo sepia tones.  I think its probably more obvious in person.

All this little boy has to do is look at me with those big brown eyes and it makes it nearly impossible (note I said nearly!) for me to be mad at him!! ;O)

Paper:  You and Me Kit
Cardstock:  Cocoa and Colonial White
Stamps: You and Me, Charm Uppercase Alpha, and Take a Picture (camera) 
Ink:  Cocoa, Olive, and Bamboo
Other:  Irresistables Chip Board from You and Me Kit, Mocha Opaques adhesive pearls, Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Film Strip Ribbon and Tissue Tape, Zig Pen, and Photoshop CS5

Lasting Memories...Chill Out

The challenge this week at Lasting Memories is to use the sketch below and to be sure to incorporate circles.  Circles are SO hard for me!  It's the engineer in me, I like right angles! ;O)  So, I kind of cheated and used Photoshop to manipulate my picture.  I made a circle around Owen and left that portion in color and then used the Hue/Saturation level to take the background of the photo down to almost black and white.  I think it would have been more profound had I reduced the size of the photo and therefore the colored portion and left more black and white background.  But, I kind of like the results anyway and I learned a lot in the process. So, it was a win-win I think! ;O)  I need to get back to my online courses and get a better handle on Photoshop.  

I combined the basics of the Lasting Memories sketch with some elements of the "On with the Show" sketch in CTMH's latest book Magic.  I LOVE when you can take the best of two sketches and make it even better (or at least I hope its even better)!

I didn't have any paper that was especially ideal for this photo and I'm trying to use up my ridiculous stash before I spend any more money.  But, I didn't want to lose Owen's rosy cheeks by making the whole photo Sepia or B&W.  So, instead, I attempted to grunge up the Aspen paper with lots of Cocoa ink to tie-in his brown coat.  Hopefully, it was enough to do the trick!

Paper:  Aspen (retired)
Cardstock:  Bamboo and Colonial White

Ink: Cocoa and Twighlight
Stamps:  Winter Reflections (retired) and Journaling Jots
Other:  Snowflake Ribbon (by the yard from LSS not sure what brand), CTMH Irresistables Chip Board Alpha, Maya Road (small) and CTMH (large) chip board snowflakes, Recollections adhesive pearls, Delta Creative Ceramcoat acrylic paint (comes in CTMH distressing kit), Martha Stewart glitter, Zig Pen, and Photoshop CS5

Pagemaps...My Everything

I was over at Pagemaps.com this week to check out Becky Fleck's latest sketches and was SUPER excited to see that she's started a challenge blog!!  As an engineer, I LOVE deadlines! ;O)  Her blog challenge this month just happens to be the sketch I'd been eyeing on her website, so, what more did I need to get motivated! ;O)  I always love all the layering Becky puts into her layouts.  I have trouble with that when I'm on my own.

I absolutely love this photo Dave took of himself with Owen.  They truly are my everything, I'm lucky to have such amazing guys in my life!

Paper:  Reminisce Unwritten and Boom-Di-Ada (retired)
Cardstock:  Colonial White and Craft
Stamps:  You and Me (May Scrapbook Kit from CTMH)
Ink:  Barn Red
Other:  EKSuccess border punches, Making Memories Embroidery Floss, Clear Buttons and Liquid Glass, Designer Calendar and Plantin Schoolbook Cricut Cartridges, Funky Ribbon by the yard from LSS, and Zig Pen

Inspired Blueprints Meets Lasting Memories....Easter

So, my kiddo has been recovering from a cold that knocked him on his rear this week and I took advantage of the situation to do nothing but goof off!  The house is a disaster and he's not done much other than watch t.v., but, I did get two layouts done! ;O)  

The first one is a combined challenge.  Lasting Memories has a photo inspiration challenge this week.  I'm so excited to finally be able to participate in one of their challenges and submit my layout on time!  The colors of their photo were perfect for this paper by Best Creations Inc. and tulips always mean Easter/spring to me, so, this was an easy one!

I hadn't played with an Inspired Blueprints sketch in a while, but, came across this one from way back in February and knew it would be perfect.

I try really hard not to get caught up in the trends of the here and now because they seem to date your layouts faster.  I was really good with the whole pennant craze until Close to My Heart came out with this stamp set...how cute are my little alphabet flags! ;O)  Sorry about this photo, I can't seem to get a good one of this layout for some reason!

Paper: Best Creation Inc Bunny Love line
Cardstock:  Sunkiss Yellow, Citrus Leaf, Sky, and White Daisy
Ink: Sky
Stamps: Pennant Alpha and Eastertime (texture on basket)
Other: Recollections Pearls, Stickles, Martha Stewart border and butterfly punch, Cricut Stretch Your Imagination (basket) and Plantin Schoolbook (grass) cartridges, and Zig Pen

Sketchy Thursdays...Man With a Plan

I printed this picture with a different sketch in mind, but, decided it worked better for this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch if I rotated it.  The challenge at Lasting Memories was to do a spring layout.  We don't really get spring here, we have winter, break-up, and then summer...but, with spring does come dirt, so, I thought this was still fitting!  I just went to link up my layouts to Lasting Memories and realized the DT challenge closed at noon, not midnight!  Oops!! Next time I guess, I should pay closer attention next time! ;O)

Paper:  Cosmo Cricket-Early Bird
Cardstock:  Sweet Leaf, Juniper, Goldrush, and Colonial White
Ink:  Goldrush, Sweet Leaf, Juniper, and Tsukineko Memento in Rich Cocoa
Stamps:  Field Trip Alpha, Friendship Alpha, Grown with Love, and Journaling Jots
Other:  Martha Stewart border punch, CTMH twill ribbon, Owl sticker from Recollections, and Zig pen

Sketchy Thursdays..."Egg"sperts

My first layout in FOREVER!  Yaay!  I had so much fun with this one, although, I did struggle to get it started.  I printed my pictures too big, or cut my paper too small...I'm not sure which way it went.  I'm happy with the final outcome though which is what counts!  I'm a day late to submit it on the Sketchy Thursdays blog, but, thought I'd post it anyway!

Leisa Hubley of Big Red Scraps is on the design team for Lasting Memories, a fun scrapbook challenge blog which I had just barely had the chance to check out prior to the madness that was the first part of my year.  Now that I am back, I noticed that they are looking for new Design Team members and all you have to do is submit a layout for each of their four challenges this month by the 29th.  I'm not sure I have a shot, but, thought it would be a blast to try and get all 4 done in a week.  I love that their challenges aren't just sketches, they make you stretch just a bit further...this layout is for Challenge #34, Easter Theme.

I stole the title from scrapbooks.com, how clever is that!  I love it!!

Paper:  Best Creation Inc Bunny Love line

Cardstock:  Citrus Leaf (retired), Sunkiss Yellow, and White Daisy

Stamps: Bohemian Alpha

Ink:  Sky

Other:  Martha Stewart border punch, CTMH chalk (ears and cheeks on bunny), Egg Brads from my stash, Heart Brad JoAnne Essentials, and Bitty Brads (bunny eyes) from CTMH, Cricut Plantin Schoolbook (grass) and Stretch your Imagination (Bunny), Zig pen, and cotton off of a Qtip (bunny tail)

Sketchy Thursdays...Family Ties

I follow a Russian blog that I really love, but, can't understand a thing that's said!  Anyway, I have had the beautiful layouts shown in this post stuck in my head for a year now where each layout includes a picture within a picture.  I loved the idea and was reminded of it when I saw this sketch at Sketchy Thursdays.  I found this picture of Owen with his grandparents at the glacier in Valdez and attempted to make the 3 of them pop by making the background a little more monochrome.  I actually printed two pictures with the intent of using foam tape to make the photo really stand out, but, changed my mind at the last minute and just glued it down.  The difference in the photos is a little more obvious in person, but, I still liked it.  I'm going to have to try this again and get out of the box a little more!!

I had so much fun with this one, it was SO nice to take a break from work...of course, it just set me back that much further!  

I didn't think I'd ever use this paper from My Mind's Eye because there was so much pink, but, I think it worked well and the colors make me happy regardless!!  I absolutely love these flowers too...they were on an example layout in the latest CTMH catalog and I thought they looked like "manly" flowers...;O).

Anyway, if you'd like to play along with this sketch, you have a couple more days!!  Make sure you use spring colors for the extra challenge!  I am dying for spring!!  I think we got about 6 more inches of snow this morning...it makes the already 40 minute commute that much LONGER let me tell you!!  

Paper:  My Mind's Eye Pretty Please
Cardstock:  Juniper and Colonial White
Stamps: Bohemian Alpha
Ink:  Sunset, Juniper, and Tulip 
Other:  Fiskar Circle Punches (flower petals), CTMH brads in Colonial White, Juniper, and Tulip, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Zig Pen, and of course, lots of Photoshop!

Sketchy Thursdays...Do Dragons Roar?

I had this post ready to go and then decided I wasn't entirely happy with this layout.  I made some adjustments and took a new photo.  I'm still not entirely thrilled, I think I lost my mojo thanks to the 2 sick "boys" I've been taking care of!!  I love these pictures of my little man in his "dragon" costume though!  He's SO much fun lately and this particular day was no exception... I may be bias, but, I think he's the cutest thing ever...hehe...I know, every mom is obligated to think that about their munchkin...I guess the real test will be if I still think so in about 12 years! ;O)  I'm working through the weekend again, so, no more layouts will be done any time soon.  I'm hoping I can really get some reports knocked out this week and get my weekends back to myself!

Paper:  My Mind's Eye Boo to You 

Cardstock:  White Daisy, Black, and Barn Red
Ink:  Honey and Black
Stamps:  Rustic Alpha, Fright Night, and Spellbound
Other:  Martha Stewart Border Punch, CTMH Bitty Sparkles, Cricut Designer's Calendar (font) and Wild Card (bat) Cartridge, and Zig Pen

Sketchy Thursdays...My Funny Valentine

I got SO tired of making cards during my last minute race to get my Valentine's done that I started not one, but THREE different layouts!  I absolutely loved this sketch from Sketchy Thursdays along with this sketch they posted on 2/10.  I missed the deadline for the 2/10 sketch, but, I'm managing to get this one entered at the last minute.  The third layout is a 2-pager out of CTMHs Magic book, so, no deadline obligation there!  I've had two sickos at home with me since Thursday and am supposed to be working from home as well as cleaning house for my dad's arrival next week....but, I'm hoping to finish up the other Sketchy Thursday layout tonight and get it posted tomorrow!  Priorities, right? ;O)

In addition to the sketch, Heidi at Sketchy Thursdays, added three additional requirements to include on our layouts:
                                      -Pink/green or red/turquoise
                                      -Hearts
                                      -A list about something/someone you love

I don't often use bright colors, but, I was absolutely in LOVE with Basic Grey's Lime Rickey collection when it was first released and even pre-ordered the 12x12 collection pack.  Of course, I love it so much, this is only the second layout I've managed to bring myself to use it on!  Why do I get such an attachment to paper!!  Anyway, where else was I going to find paper to create a Red and Turquoise layout! ;O)

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and staying healthy!

Paper: Basic Grey Lime Rickey

Ink: Tsukineko Memento in Tuxedo Black, Cranberry, and Ocean (retired)

Cardstock: Cranberry and White Daisy

Stamps:  Doodle and Bohemian Alphabet

Other:  CTMH Clear Buttons, Copic Markers, Accent Essentials Cricut Cartridge, and Zig pen

Sketchy Thursdays...For The Bird

I started this layout using yet another of Sketchy Thursdays sketches a couple weeks of ago and unfortunately, just finally wrapped it up last night.  This is one of "those" papers for me.  I've had it for a couple years now, just waiting for the right photos.  But, when I started to cut into it, I started having a panic attack and beads of sweat were running down my face!!  Haha, not really, but it WAS painful.  I don't know why, but, I absolutely love it and the thought of making a wrong cut and rendering the paper useless, was more than I could bear (or is it bare?).  Anyway, it was one of those moments when you realize this whole paper crafting biz isn't as much a hobby as it is an addiction!! ;O)

Despite the drama of cutting up the paper, I'm happy with the results and absolutely love these pictures.  How cute are these two together!!  This bird absolutely adores Owen and we have trouble keeping them apart!  Owen's very gentle, but, with such a little bird, you just can't risk it!    

Paper: Three Bugs In a Rug Happy Bird-day

Cardstock: Vineyard Berry, Creme Brulee, White Diasy

Ink: Vineyard Berry, Juniper, Creme Brulee, and Cocoa

Stamps:  The Works Alpha, Small Chocolate Alpha, Your a Hoot (branch), Twitterpated Exclusive set (leaves), and Dream Wishes

Other: EKSuccess border punch, CTMH Ribbon, CTMH Spring Blossom Mini Medleys and brads, Making Memories Embroidery Floss and Bazzill Basics In Stitches Circle Guide, and Zig pen

Sketchy Thursdays...Rudolph On Ice

I had so much fun with the last sketch from Sketchy Thursdays, I decided to keep the fun rolling with the current one!  This one goes against the engineer in me...I do better with big pieces of square paper...strips of paper are outside my comfort box!! ;O)  I'm sad, I know...I'm working on it!!  This was a great way to use up some scraps though!

How cute is my little man as Rudolph...he had to take beginning skating lessons over again this year...he was quite the pro by the end of the winter last year, but, we didn't stick with it over the summer and he informed us the ice was "too swippery" when we got him on skates this year. Anyway, the rink had a Christmas recital at the end of the lessons and we decided he might as well participate in it since we skipped out last year.  Owen likes being in front of a crowd, but, didn't feel the need to do the dance moves.  So, mostly, we went to watch him stand on the ice...I think we'll stick to hockey and avoid any possibility of another skate recital in the future! ;O)

Paper: BoBunny Tis the Season

Cardstock: Cranberry, Clover Meadow, and Colonial White

Stamps:  True Friends and I Believe

Other:  Cricut Plantin School Book Cartridge (title), MS Snowflake punch and border punch, Stickles, CTMH pearl colored red with Copic markers, Glitter Dome Crystal Stickers by Mark Richards, and Zig Pen