My Newest Layouts

Today I am rather proud of myself. While my son napped I choose to do something I wanted to do instead of the much needed house chores!!

I sat down with my new paper I got from Hobby lobby, my Western folder of goodies and put together a two page layout that turned out super cute if I do say so myself!

(sorry about the picture quality, my son woke up as I was finishing putting the page together so I was in a hurry to take them and share my excitement about actually doing a layout!!)

Journalling:

Dominic enjoyed riding on the rocking horses! Mommy "made" Daddy ride too, but he enjoyed it just as well!

(the bottom of the boot says @ the Texas Ranger Museum, Waco TX)

Journalling:
In one room of the museum there was a dress up spot. We put a cowboy hat on Dominic. He looked so darn cute! The best part is we took some adorable pictures of my Big and Little Cowboys!!

(chaps: Dominic and Daddy and the date. Hat: Mommy's little cowboy cutie)

Products used:

1. Pattern Pater: Paper Studio Wooden Fences, & Hankerchief
2. Card Stock: Recollections
3. Embellishments: My Minds Eye 6 edition Cowboy Kits kit (no paper)
4. Embellishments: My Minds Eye Mini Moments Cowboy
5. Letters: Stickopotamus Brush Letters-Red Bandana
6. Ink: Cats Eye
7. Journalling Pen: Le Plume II #6 Brown
   

Shutterfly and Santa Pics

Today we got pictures taking with Santa, and with the picture purchase we got a $20 Shutterfly gift card! I used this card to order our Christmas cards!!

Snowflake Band Black Christmas

Make a statement with personalized Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Turned out cute! This is the only family pic we have updated but it works. By posting my picture on the blog we can get $25 gift certificate from Shutterfly!! And as a bonus for signing up I get 50 free 4x6 prints which will come in handy after all the Christmas pictures I take!!

Altering punch outs

Many of you may have some of Paper Secrets Punch outs. I got a set of the journalling booklet as a free gift from Paper Secrets. I really don't like the punch outs because they are childish looking, low cost if you will, they just don't call to me.

Last night while my son was playing in his room I got them out of my give away bag and was flipping through the booklet when a thought came to me... "what if I add a little zing to them?" With this thought I grabbed my color pencils, baby oil, blending stumps and sandpaper and sat down by my son and started coloring and here is what came out of this little altering project...

*Sorry about the picture quality these were taken on my phone late last night*

This is the original turtle. Very plain and almost invisible

After I added a little color and blending techniques

This is a Rose that was very plain I added 3 shades of Pink and blended them all together, sorry I don't have a before picture I just really got into this and forgot.

Bloging from my phone and seeing if it worked

Challenges to Enter

My Mother informed me yesterday I should put my cards into challenges, and when I did a search I found some awesome ones to do!

So I am now going to do a few post to separate my cards I made EARLY (and I mean early) this morning. I already did a post on them so here goes with the separation.


I absolutely love this card. After picking out colors and adhering everything it still needed something (this happens to me everytime) I found in my scraps stash some itty bitty teny tiny jewels. I thought the would add a little "bling" to the card and personally I think it turned out super cute! The Digi is from Dustin Pike. I love his digis!!

Challenges Entered:
Laugh Everyday Challenge #115: Untraditional Christmas
One Stitch at a Time: Chritmas
Bee Crafty Challenge 41: Christmas with a Digi
ellephantasticchallenges:Blue

A little winter fun with Digis

I am a huge fan of Dustin Pike! I have yet to venture into purchasing digis but have been experimenting with the tons of free digis out there. At Dustin Pike's blog he gives away a free Digi every Wednesday. As I said I love them! One of my favorites I print 8 of them on a sheet, colored them and started using them on cards. After crusing through my Paper Secrets mag I found a few card ideas I scraplifted and modified to my liking. Please tell me what you think of my creations. Sorry about the picture quality, scans turned out too bright, camera pictures too dark. Does anyone have any tips for this problem?

SCRAPtacular

I absolutely loves scraps! Several post ago I showed that love with a treasure themed Layout. You can check it out here: smalltown blog spot.

My Mother makes tons and tons of cards and knowing my love of scraps about once a month she sends me a treasure trove of scraps! There are paper scraps, left over buttons, jewel, stickers, diecuts, and so on.

I sat down and pick out a few of my favorite pattern papers that were in the pile of scraps and got out some digi stamps and rubber stamps and colored them to match accordingly. Personally I think they turned out cute and I used up scraps!!

Challenges Entered:
My Time to Craft Challenge 113: Quick and Cute

I had several flower pieces and I put them together on this glittery diecut that looked like a stem to me. I also had a matching button in my scraps that I added glitter to to match with the stem. Also in my scraps Mom sent there was the pre-stamped Happy birthday sentiment that matched the flower color perfectly. This card really came together like it was meant to be!!

Challenges Entered:
Stamps R Us Challenge #8: Buttons and Bows
GingerloftChallenge #5: Buttons

As I was rummaging through the scrap bag I found this super cute pattern paper. The flowers and hearts and squiggles are right up my alley, I thought this would be so cute on a pink card! I then found a diecut heart and decided that my stamped owls that I had been playing around with stamp masking ( an amazing technique) would look so cute on this heart. After adhering them on the card it looked way to plan for me so I got out some ribbon to clean up the lines and it still just need something. I went back to my treasure chest of scraps and found a few pink buttons and flowers and it clicked that it was it needed. Adding a dash of black to bring it all together I think this card turned out super cute!!

Challenges Entered:
Party Time Tuesdays Challenge #19
Stamp,Scrap & Doodle: Buttons

I love polka dots! I had recently bought Recollections Doodle Birthday stamp set and had been practicing coloring them with blending techniques. When I looked in the scraps Mom had sent there was this cute polka dot paper and some that had swirls and circles. I thought they would look so cute together and great with my stamps. I added a few mini buttons from my personal scrap collection and it all just came together.


Well there you have it a few cute cards all completely made from scraps and took on a few minutes each. As I said I absolutely love scraps!!

Paper Secrets Blog Haunt

I am having a great time haunting each of the 31 participants in Paper Secrets first annual blog Haunt. My Mother and I participated and decided to do our projects on using up that ever building sticker stash. I made booksmarks and cupcake toppers, which I am proud to say turned out super cute.

Be sure to check out the blog haunt you have until Monday to visit all 31 blogs. If you leave comments on all 31 you will be entered into a prize drawing from Paper Wishes!

*Click on the picture to be linked to the Blog Haunt!!

Happy Haunting!!!

Doodling on a Layout

I love to doodle, I have notebooks full of doodles and I have doodles all over the place in my planner that I made. I was searching around on scrapbook.com and came across an challenge for Doodling and thought I should do this. Later that night an idea came to me so I went into my bedroom grabbed on of my husbands bandanas, picked up some blue card stock and sat down next to my son who was playing on the floor and began to Doodle and here is what I came up with...

Here is a close up of the bandana I drew on:

I choose this font( Juliana ) because it reminded me of a child learning to write. After picking a child-like font I decided to do the journaling as if Dominic was the one narrating the Layout!

I was able to enter this into 4 challenges

1. Let's Hear it for the Boys (Masculine)
2. Baby
3. No Pattern Paper
4. Doodles

So what do you think? Do you think it looks like a bandana?

OWH Sketch #33

I am super excited to say that I have officially completed my first sketch challenge from the OWH Stars and Stripes blog!!

I have never done a sketch challenge before because I don't use sketches, but now that I have I am hooked! It was so easy to make the cards since I already knew how I wanted it to look. See I am the kind of scrapbooker that gathers all the supplies I want to use, sit down and start to move them all around the page and a while later the page or card comes together... the downfall is somethings this takes hours or even days!

With the sketch I got out my paper, print of my digi I wanted to color, colored it cut the paper and pasted it all within an hour!!! (It took that long because the baby woke up) The best part of doing this sketch is I used up some of my scraps!!

How do you think I did for my first sketch?

Here is the original sketch. The twist this week was to use a birthday theme and pink. So here are my interpretations of this sketch...



Here is my entry for the blog: I had fun added the paisleys to the cake to make it my own and unique.

The second card is my favorite! I absolutely love this paper and this sketch!

Digital Stamp Fever

While cruising around on all the awesome new people I have meet recently blog's I discovered digital stamps. At first I looked at them and thought "how cute would that be on a card!" Then I decided "I love to color so why not print some out and try it!!"

I dug around on the internet and found some amazing cards made with the digi stamps. Most used the Copic markers but they are WAY out of my budget range. I love to color so I have tons of colored pencils lying around. I picked them up, grabbed my pattern scraps box and started coloring away. I may not be an expert but I was rather proud of the outcome of my first digi stamp coloring spree.

My first attempt is with a super cute digi from Dustin Pike here is the orginal:




Here are few of my creations so far...

1.(The very first one... now to improve)



2. I love this paper so I tried my best to match the colors




Check back to this post for some more of my trial creations!!

OWH Birthday Bash Online Card Party

For Labor day weekend and all through September I am hosting a Card Party for OWH. My goal is 10 people making 3 cards each for a total of 30 cards. 30 cards would mean 30 Heroes could send a little hello back to their family and friends!!

I will be giving away 3 prize packs.
One on the 10th, 20th and 30th of September.

To enter for a prize pack please either summit a photo of your favorite card or your whole shipment on the inlinz link below or if you are a facebook participant post a picture in your gallery and I will add it to my blog for you!

Here are a few Guidelines:
*A2 sized cards (5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″)
(see below to how make your own cards out of cardstock)
*No Glitter is allowed:
(it's a safety hazard to our heroes, and tends to come off in shipping)
*Handmade cards only
(no store bought that look handmade)
*"Operation Write Home" needs to be on the backs of the cards-stamped, handwritten, or labels
* Send to shipper: Kris Allan-12152 S Summit St, Olathe, KS 66062
and include a packing slip (click here for packing slip)
*Or you can send to me directly!
*If using dark card be sure to put a light colored insert for writing.
*Envelopes are not necessary but if you have them they appreciate them

Card Themes:
Missing you, thank you, birthday
(OWH are always in need of these)
Holiday (be sure to make the deadlines)

Holiday Card Deadlines:
September 20 - Halloween
October 1 - Thanksgiving
October 30 - Christmas

Making A2 cards out of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock(cs):

Horizontal Cards (Blue card on left)

Step 1: Fold CS in half lengthwise (left to right)
Step 2: Fold in half again this time top to bottom
Step 3: Cut along second fold
You now have 2 separate horizontal opening cards!

Vertical Cards (Red card on left)

Step 1: Fold CS in half top to bottom
Step 2: Fold in half again this time lenthwise (left to right)
Step 3: Cut along second fold

You now have 2 separate vertical opening cards!!

If you have any questions send a comment or zap me an email.

HAPPY CARDMAKING!!!

Pledged Cards:

(Goal 10 participants, 30 cards)
1. Ester Ellis-3 cards!
2. Turtle- 8 cards!!
3. Bitsie Fowler-5 cards!
4. Bev Epstein-
5. Gigi Barnett- 3 cards!
6. Kim Rakos-3 cards!
7. Lynn-
8. Veronica-6 cards!


Total of Goals completed: 8/10 & 29/30!!!

WINNERS!!
(Winners are picked by putting their assigned #'s in a random picker generator)

Sep. 10th- Turtle!
Turtle pledged 8 cards check out her blog by clicking on her name above.

Baby Annoucement Layout

This is the first LO I have made in forever. I haven't been able to find the time to scrap, that and its WAY to hot to do it. The AC is out in my son's room and scraproom :(

I love Zebras and Zebra print so when my Mother made a few of our baby announcements with zebras I had to snatch it up and save it to do a layout with! All the announcements themselves were all so darn cute!! I also kept a super cute one with lions on it for the baby book.

Originally my Mother used Jolee's Boutique's-Zebra Stripes as the main embellishment on the outside. I love this set, so I got a set myself and added a few more zebras because they are too cute! I also found the same ribbon she had used to add a little texture to the layout. Unfortunately the stores where always out of it so it took me a month just to get the ribbon! All and all I really like the way the LO turned out.

A Great Picture Editing Site

Tonight while looking at my Sister In-law's pictures on facebook I fell in love with her edited pictures. I right away sent her a message asking how she did them and she told me about this great site picnik.com! She walked me through and after my lesson I was very proud of my creation!

What do you think, I have to scrapbook this now!!!




This one I added a Mom Tattoo, this is too much fun!

I Can't Believe You Used That Challenge

While cruising around the web for some layout ideas I came across a post from a blogger wanting ideas for using items not normally used in scrapbooking. I thought this sounded like so much fun. I found several things I want to use and decided I would like to host a challenge.

My challenge for you is to make a layout or card using items not normally used in scrapbooking. Each Month I will have a twist, this twist will be a place in the house, and maybe even outside to find an item to use on your creation.

A few item ideas:
Shells
Sand
Labels
Pressed flowers (be sure they are fully dried, I made this mistake)
Napkins from parties
Keys (this would be super cute for a new house or new driver)
The list goes on and on!!

If you would like to take a look the inspirational blog click on the link below:


Unusual Scrapbook Embellishments from Around the House
Pull out your imagination and see what one of a kind scrapping creations you can create to make your scrapbook layouts the most unique and talked about layouts in town
Read More


August Twist: Kitchen

Here is my example:



I made my husbands anniversary card using a rice crispy treat wrapper. In the inside I wrote- It has been a real "treat" being married to you for these 6 amazing years. Here's to many more "treats"

I can't wait to see what we all come up with, Happy Scrapping!!

Brainteaser Answer

Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tuesday Rebus Brainteaser at Noon...
If you've never met a Rebus puzzle before go to THIS link on Fun With Words for directions. Below is your puzzle for this week, remember, each time you comment and post the correct answer you will gain 1 entry into the Geddes School Supply Drawing!

ORIGINAL PUZZLE: ME1111ONEONE

I forced my husband to sit down and help me with this one, and after doing some other teasers we studied this one and believe the answer is "Someone's after me."

What do you think??

Back to School Blog Party

At Scrappily Ever After, Melanie is hosting a Back to School Blog Party. Each day there is a new fun project, game or technique tip. I am super excited. I am planing on checking it out daily while my little man is napping.

One of the "to do's" for extra drawing chances was to leave love on each of the 5 inspiration team members blogs. I rushed right over to do that and was so amazed at the talent these women have. I have already saved a dozen ideas to scraplift and learned several new techniques. After being so inspired by the team I became a follower so I could be sure to keep on on all the creativity pouring out of these scrappers.

Scrappily Ever After features each team member, but I want to put a link to there sites incase you are as excited as I am to see such amazing talent.

Veronica @ Circlebenterprises (She also has a great online scrapbooking store)
Cheryl @ Cafe Expressions (Super cute digi papers can be found here)
Yolanda @ Imagine Make Share (Amazing cards that you can't stop staring at)
Rhonda @ Aerobuyck (Copic Coloring, it is so awesome)
Cely @ Creating in Caroline (Tons of super cute SVG's)

Wow, after all this inspiration, I think I am gonna use what time I have left of my son's nap to go make some cards. I have tons of birthdays, anniversaries, and baby cards I need to make. Off to scrapbook land...

Finished July Challenges LO's

Phew... I finally got a few of my challenges finished. I was beginning to think that I was never gonna get any done.

1.) Scrap your Pet Challenge:

2.) Use your Scraps:

3-5.) Patriot, Baby and No Pattern Paper

6.) 2 Page Sketch

I had a really hard time with my Dad's page it still didn't turn out the best I have ever done but its better than before. I keep staring at the 4 generations one trying to think of what it needs. Got any ideas? And it can't be pattern paper haha

Friday Photo Inspiration Challenge: July 16th

For this weeks Photo challenge the key word was Sleigh Ride




The inspiration photo was so beautiful but with it being 105 degrees I was having a hard time being inspired. I wasn't able to sleep last night and I got up and threw together this quick little card.

Scrappily Wednesday Challenge #1

I love scraps, they are so much fun to make cards with, alter items and even make layouts! My Mother recently sent me a package full of scrap paper, flowers, bling... basically she cleaned out her scrap drawer and sent it to me. When I got the package I thought it was treasure and that is when my idea for my LO came to me. I had a blast making this layout, with help of my husband I think the final product turned out super cute! The chest box is on cardboard with the "inside" cut out and scraps popping out of it like treasure!

*Sorry the picture isn't that great, I couldn't get my camera to take it right, if I get the time (ha not with my Son) I will try to scan it and replace the picture.

*Thank you Scrappily Ever After for hosting this challenge!!

My July Scrapbook.com Challenges Updated on July 20th

This month I went challenge crazy. I am trying to do so many and well Dominic isn't really letting me do very much scrapbooking right now but I am getting through a few of them.

Here are my challenges I am currently trying to complete:

*2010 challenge 14/50 (this is for the whole year)
*Use your Scraps-Done! Scrapper's Treasure
*Military
*2 Page Layout
*2 Page Sketch-Done! My Father's College Grad
*Baby-Done! 4 Generations
*Scrap your Pet-Done!
*Heritage
*No Pattern Paper-Done! 4 Generations
*Patriot-Done! 4 Generations
*Shades of Grey

Check it all out at Scrapbook.com and don't forget to add Smtownhick as a friend!!

Operation Write Home

My Mother and I recently joined a great mission perfect for card making fanatics! This mission is Operation Write Home (OWH) Below I have included the mission and the info from the website. To sum it up we make Homemade cards to send to our "Heroes" in the military for them to send home or to keep to help them through being so far from home and fighting for our country.





Operation Write Home began in 2007 with just a few cards made by friends on a message board; what began as an outlet for a hobby has become a much larger mission to help heroes keep in touch with home - and the effort has been joined by thousands of cardmakers!

OWH receives handmade cards donated by crafters across America (and beyond!). Cardmakers range in age, location, and level of skill; cards are provided by individuals and groups, schools and scouts, companies and churches. All have one primary thing in common: a desire to serve those who defend our nation!

Cards are mailed to one of our volunteer shippers in quanities both small and large. The shippers process, sort, repair, and document each donation, and then pack and ship boxes of over 300 cards each to our contacts. Our heroes request cards (families may also request on their behalf; we serve all branches in all deployed locations.

OUR MISSION

Supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them.

My Family Life

My life is all about my Family. I love being a Mommy to a fantastic little boy. Dominic is now nearly 5 months old and everyday learns something new, grows in size and strength. He cracks his Daddy and me up all the time. I can't imagine life without him!

We live away from all our family so they don't get to experience all the fun times we are having with Dominic. When they call or we call we have to tell the same stories 5 times to the grandparents and so on. I decided I would start a journal about Dominic for the family and for him to read all about Dominic's day and the new milestones he reaches the silly things he does and anything basically that we want to tell. My husband named this Journal Naps and Nipples and it has been a hit. I recently started added coordinating pics to the stories,thanks to a suggestion from a grandparent, and now they are even a bigger hit.

I love to scrapbook, my plan is to turn the the journal into a book for Dominic with stickers and pics to bring his story to life. I think it will be fun reading to Dominic about growing up and later in his life he can look back and maybe learn a few tricks for raising his own kids and not have to find everything out the hard way as his Daddy and I are having to do.