Let's Get Shabby- Challenge 18 Favorite Christmas Carols

Let's Get Shabby blog has such a fun challenge going on that I just had to play along. The challenge is to scrap your favorite Christmas Carols, so I decided to get the whole family involved in this one and did each of our favorites. I chose the fantastic Websters Pages, Waiting for Santa line. I also plan to submit this as one of my projects for their current design team call. So here is my layout, lots of love and hours invested in this one:

Bottom left is Scott's favorite: Silent Night; middle left is Aspen's favorite: Sugar Plum Fairy; Middle Right is my favorite Carol of the Bells (Scott's version of course); Bottom Right is what we imagine to be Gabe's favorite: Little Drummer Boy (fits him right!)

Some close ups of the two pages:

Merry Christmas to all of you, be sure to let me know what you think of my latest creation!

Winter Traditions Challenge at Scrap and Stamp

There is a winter traditions challenge at Scrap and Stamp this week. So share a layout with us about something you do every winter and use at least one stamp. For me, we had a frosty day in the snow with Gabriel making his very first snowman. Here is how that layout turned out:

Materials Used: My Minds Eye/Colorful Christmas; Jillibean Soup embellishments: corrugated shapes, sugar picks, ribbon & Alphabean letter stickers; misc. buttons; Queen & Company/Pearls; Stampin Up/Snowflake stamp set.

It was a magical day and it is so much fun to see these first time experiences through your childrens eyes. Makes you feel like a child again yourself. That is why I am so excited for Christmas this year. Gabe is almost two and Aspen almost sixteen and they will be so much fun! Can't wait!

The Color Room Palette #34

So I love to play along at The Color Room when I get a chance. They have weekly challenges and they give you inspiration via a theme photo, color palette and sketch. Here is this weeks inspiration block:

So one thing I love about my daughter having a face book page is that I get extra photos of her to work with. This one she took herself in a mirror? Amazing photo, I love it. Plus it shows off her new glasses, so sophisticated right? Anyway, I love how these vibrant palette colors popped against a black background!

She is growing up way too fast. But I am so blessed to have her.

Let me know what you think of the layout...

Fabric Dye Tutorial at Scrap and Stamp

There is a fabulous tutorial challenge up at Scrap and Stamp this week, it is how to use fabric dye on layouts by my friend Jowilna. It was really easy and the results are fantastic. I used turquoise fabric dye, mixed it with water in a small spray bottle and sprayed a piece of fabric and lace. If you look close you can see that I even used the lace as a mask on the left side of the fabric swatch. Then I heat set it with my heat embosser gun. Then you can instantly add it to your layout. So easy, right! So give it a try, here is my layout:

This is a special layout for a few reasons: 1) Julia was baptized that day at church camp (Northwestern Ohio Christian Youth Camp); 2) It was Scott's first baptism and it came after several hours of discussion with both of us; 3) Angels were there with us rejoicing! I also added the bible verse Acts 2:38 which explains how we are to be baptized in Jesus Christ.

As far as the page goes, the colors of the photos really matched the palette of these papers by My Minds Eye/Ooh La La collection. A beautiful layout for a magnificent day, Praise God.

Sketch Challenges Fall Getaway

I wanted to create a layout about our recent fall getaway weekend to The Georgian Manner in Logan, Ohio. I found this fun sketch at Sketch Challenges by Pamela Young. Here is the sketch:

This is my take on the sketch, lots of yummy fall colors and textures. I adapted it into a double layout with 10 total photos! Most of the papers are Basic Grey/Indian Summer with lots of Jillibean Soup embellishments. There are also some very special embellishments that I got while on this weekend trip- I found some wonderful treasures at an Antique Mall. They are the vintage buttons and vintage patterns paper (behind the leaves) that I used on the layout! Also I used something new and different for me, fabric strips- they seem to be an up and coming trend in the scrapbook world.

Such a magical weekend deserves a special layout. As always, I would love to know what you think of it!

New Sketch To Try

This week at Scrap and Stamp there is a new sketch challenge to try out. Take a look and give it a try, you have two weeks to complete it. Our sponsor this week is Torta Gialla Designs, and they are giving away a $10 gift certificate prize!
Here is the sketch:

This is my interpretation of the sketch, I did an altered shadowbox frame that is also a wedding gift for this weekend!

Sketch Challenges Birthday Bash Blog Hop

So my friend Pamela has a great blog hop going on at Scrapbook Challenges this weekend to celebrate their Birthday! Go to Pamela's blog to begin the blog hop and then go here to find the hop on opportunity to join in the fun. I just could not resist this adorable sketch:

Here is my Halloween take on the sketch, Gabe was so cute in his costume as a turtle.
Love the color combo, some of my favorites and these Bo Bunny papers are just too much fun!

Hope you and yours had a fabulous Halloween too!

Fall Activities Challenge at Scrap and Stamp

The newest challenge at Scrap and Stamp is to share a fall activity or sport layout. Just add any stamped element, traditional or digital to your layout and you will quality for the challenge prize drawing. The sponsor this week is Wil Feda Designs and you could win two digi's of your choice! So pull out all of those fantastic fall photos and get to scrappin! and remember you now have two weeks to complete a challenge layout! So no excuses...

My layout is a blast from the past, only a year ago. This is a fall layout of my family last halloween and one of our favorite fall activities is carving pumpkins.

In fact we just carved some last night, so that layout will soon be arriving via the blog to be sure. Oh and Gabe is a terrific little turtle this year, wait until you see how cute this costume is! Happy Halloween to you and your families, enjoy!

Fantastic Fall Getaway

So Scott and I got to indulge for the first time ever in a weekend to ourselves to celebrate our third anniversary. We had planned on a cabin in Hocking Hills but opted for a Bed and Breakfast instead. I was excited since I had never been to a B&B, but didn't really know what to expect. We went to "A Georgian Manner", outside of Logan, Ohio and it sits right on Lake Logan.

Who knew a place like this existed in Ohio? We are so happy to have discovered such a treasure. This place is pure elegance indoors and outdoors. From the beautiful victorian decor inside to the immaculately kept grounds outdoors, it was full of wonderful surprises.

Our room was lovely, so romantic with it's own private balcony and extraordinary view. The food was exceptional, breakfast was way beyond what we had expected.

Being right next to Lake Logan makes the Manner such a unique experience. We enjoyed watching swans, ducks and herons all weekend long. We fished the lake and used the Manner's canoe for a sunset cruise, it was so peaceful that it is hard to describe.

The owner's were such a delight too, we so enjoyed talking with them. They answered every question we had about the area and gave us inside information on all the best activities and restaurants in the vicinity. Overall I must say that this was the perfect place to disconnect from the rest of the world and reconnect with each other. We are already planning a return visit for our anniversary next year.  Just wanted to share a positive experience!

Painted Frame Tutorial at Scrap and Stamp

This week at Scrap and Stamp there is a tutorial on how to paint a frame on photos. It is sooo easy and the results really add punch to your photos. Just pop over to the blog and join  in the fun, you now have TWO WEEKS to complete a challenge! That's right we have made a few changes on the challenge blog and extended deadlines for chalenges.

Also this weeks sponsor is Hambo Stamps you can check them out here.  They are providing the prize for the winner of the challenge!

Here is my take on this weeks challenge. A lovely layout made especially for my Mother. Check out this photo from her senior year, isn't she beautiful! Anyhow I wanted to thank her for all that she does for our family and for being such an extraordinary example of how a christian woman should be. Lots of her favorites on this layout: Pink, Amazing Grace and lots of flowers. Thanks Mom, I love you.

Material Used: Jillibean Soup/Kraft Staples- White Macaroni, ruler twill & corrugated buttons; Studio Calico/Anthology- woodgrain paper; Prima/Breathe- flowers & diamond pattern; K & Company/pink gingham; American Crafts/White Ribbon Roses; Colorbok/journal envelope and tag; Martha Stewart/Flag Pennant; Alphabet stamps; Making Memories/green gingham; pink gemstones;  misc. buttons

Stitching Challenge

Do you like to add real sewing or stitching to your layouts, or are you like me and would rather just stamp them on? Either way you should give the challenge over at Scrap and Stamp Saturday a try! Stitching and a stamp is the only qualification for this week.

Our sponsor this week is Delicious Doodles and you can check them out here. They are offering some digis as a prize this week.

Here is my layout it is titled "Farm Fascinated" and was inspired by a trip to the pumpkin farm last fall. I adore this photo of Gabe, his whole face is lit up by excitement. So much fun that day was.

So let me know what you think!

Moxxie Fab Pleating Challenge

So there is a new challenge posted over at Moxxie Fab World blog and it is to use pleats. Soooo I actually have done a double layout using their new autumn line. I pleated my ribbon border to add texture. Love these colors and the photos are so perfect- they are from Scott's parents visit last fall. We had such a great time when they were here and really tried to embrace fall in Ohio. A visit to Leed's Pumpkin farm, a hayride and a day trip to John Bryan State Park. I love fall.

My Sketch at Scrap and Stamp

This week at Scrap and Stamp they are featuring a sketch challenge by yours truly, me. So you simply must play along! Remember from now on, you have two weeks to complete the challenge, so no excuses. The sponsor this week is Inktegrity Digital Images, be sure to check them out. Here is the sketch, it can be interpreted however you like as long as you add a stamp to it.

This is my take on the sketch, of course another double layout.

This layout celebrated the last day of school campout of my teen daughter and her friends. Love the Bo Bunny Sun Kissed lines explosive colors and playful patterns. They had a blast by the way.

The Color Room - Palette #26

Ok, so I fell in love with the newest color palette and sketch at the color room. Check it out here. Here is the sketch and palette below:

I knew I had to play along and my wonderful husband allowed me to create all day Saturday. I instantly pictured a layout for Aspen celebrating her 15th year. So I called it "Fab 15" and used patterns and a style that I thought Aspen would like. I was right she loves it, it is very much my core shabby chic style and I also love how it turned out.

Materials Used: Coredinations/Red cardstock base; Jillibean Soup/Clove of Fresh Garlic-Pasta Fagioli (red text paper); Pink Paislee/Love Potion-Cupid Collection (red flower & rosebuds); Pink Paislee/Front Porch-Bayberry Cottage (houndstooth); Daisy D's/Pintuck Antique Black (title black mat); Me & My Big Ideas/#5956 CC-170(black flourishes); Glitz Design/Digital CD Season 3-Hot Mama (Zebra & Earrings print); Fancy Pants/Silver Snow-Christmas Magic (gray pattern); Jillibean Soup/Herbed Houndstooth Alphabeans (Title stickers- Fab 15); American Crafts/White Roses & Netting; Queen & Company/White Pearls; Stickles/Red & White Glitter; Jillibean Soup/Red & Black Bean Stalks (black ribbon); White cardstock (journal tags); Computer font Journaling/Rockwell; Unknown/Black flower stamens; Fiskars/Scallop border punch (corners)

So using Aspen as inspiration really allowed for a fresh layout combination. I would have never thought to mix so many patterns otherwise. But I just love how it turned out, especially her beautiful smile. So let me know what you think!

Alaskan Cruise & Hope Jacare Digital Stamps

Doodles by Hope Jacare Digital Stamps are the sponsors for this weeks challenge over at Scrap and Stamp. They have some really cool images that are so easy to use. In fact, for the first time ever, I used one on my layout below. The "Boat at Sea" image on each side is from their website. I just used craft markers to color them in and added eyelets for the portholes. This week's challenge is "Anything Goes" so that means any type of layout with a stamped image will qualify so join us this week and maybe you will win 3 digis of your choice.

Here is my layout for the week, it is for my parents and their Alaskan Cruise they took last year. They had a wonderful time. I hope to take an Alaskan Cruise someday, in fact Alaska is in my top five places I want to see in my lifetime.

Have a fantastic weekend! And be sure to join my list of followers for email updates whenever I post!

Shared Excitement, I Met Lisa Bearnson!

So the most amazing thing happened this past weekend and I just had to share. The Jillibean Soup team (Jill the Big Bean herself, Alecia/Sales & Marketing and Karen Nuce/Design Team member) and I headed to a charity event crop. The Power of Purple Crop, in Celina, Ohio- it was to benefit the Mercer County Domestic Violence shelter and services and we were teaching a card class for the event. We were all soooo excited to hear that Lisa Bearnson was going to be there and we couldn't wait to meet her. We arrived set up our booth and awaited Lisa's presentation, we were certainly not disappointed. I expected her to be very charismatic and outgoing, but I did not expect her presentation to move me to tears! She was amazingly sincere and so sweet- she reminded us of the importance of the little things in life and how we need to capture the everyday moments. She shared relationships she had made in Ohio and they were such touching stories. I was really pleasantly surprised by her down to earth attitude and the depth of her sincerity. As if that wasn't enough I entered the Power of Purple Layout Contest and won second place. Which meant that I got to have a private dinner with Lisa and two other ladies!!!! I was soooo excited- To top it all off she complimented me on two of my layouts!! I was blown away.

During Lisa's Presentation

Chiara (the crop organizer) and her sister sang the most beautiful song from "Wicked"

Students busy creating at our Jillibean Soup card class

Our private dinner with Lisa!

 We talked about our jobs and our families and we all got photos taken with her and even our layouts. It was also so refreshing to witness an individual who is so bold in her faith- she openly shared her religious beliefs.

Lisa and I

My winning layout

The Jillibean Soup Booth and our crazy crew!

 Needless to say, I was on cloud nine, and I'm still smiling every time the memory comes to mind. Such a unexpected treat and a magical day. Here are photos from the event, if you live anywhere near western Ohio you should definitely consider attending next year, it was tons of fun!

Here was this years link to register: http://scrapbookcrops.com/scrapbooking-events/scrapbook-crop-ohio-featuring-lisa-bearnson/1260 I'm sure they will be attempting to organize another next year. I would love to see you there to support a wonderful cause and have tons of fun!

Embossing Challenge & Tutorial at Scrap and Stamp

This week is an embossing challenge over at Scrap and Stamp, there's even a tutorial. So don't wait, check it out now here. This weeks sponsor is Sassy Studio Designs, you can find them here.

For my layout I chose photos from my husbands birthday last year, he wasn't real excited to hear that I was posting it on my blog. It was a surprise party and as you can see in the photos we did surprise him. I used Coredinations cardstock and followed the tutorial to create some really neat birthday candles at the bottom. I love the color combo and how it turned out.

 Materials Used: Bo Bunny: Double Dot Purple base, Peacock Lane Stripe, polka dot, green grid & purple grid, Block Party/green arrow sticker & "40" stickers: Coredinations Green & Blue Cardstock; Jillibean Soup: Monster Stew Journal Sprout, green twine & Green/White Bakers twine; Green silk ribbon; McGill Star Punch, 3D pop up dots; Stampin Up Music Notes stamp, Colorbok/Green glitter letter stickers, Cuttlebug Cut & emboss Birthday Candles, sanding block.

Thanks for stopping by, please leave a comment!

Let's Get Shabby Design Team Call

So over at the Australian blog "Let's Get Shabby" they are having a design team call. Since Shabby Chic is my fave style I thought I would give it a try. So this layout is for their music challenge. It is somewhat outside of the box for me, but tried to create something my teenage daughter would appreciate! Tough to impress teens isn't it? Anyhow, I actually recycled junk mail in this layout. The red eye looking embellishment is from a Verizon Droid advertisement, I thought it would adapt well to this layout. Let me know what you think.
The layout celebrates Aspen's favorite concert of the year, Warped Tour. Scott got to take her this year, what an adventure it was down in Cincinnati.

Happy Monday! Be back soon...

All About Numbers & Lets Get Shabby Design Team Call

Happy Saturday Everyone!
The numbers are where it's at this week at the Scrap and Stamp blog. The sponsor for this week is the Cutting Cafe check them out here. The challenge is to use a stamp and numbers on your layout, very easy to do. I chose to highlight my age as the main number on my layout, there are also numbers in the patterned papers across the top, left side and bottom. I love colors but never really embraced orange until recently, love the energy it exudes. Lots of details in this layout, I chose to be true to my favorite style which is shabby chic. Which is why I am also entering the design team call for "Let's Get Shabby" blog. Here is my layout for this week's challenge and their call:

Material Used: Jillibean Soup: Orange Bakers Twine, Orange & Brown Sugar Staples (Polka Dot Paper), Journal Tag from Chicken Noodle Soup, Daisies/Chicken Boullion, Kraft border/White Stock, Text Border/Diced Tomatoes; Dream Street Orange Floral background paper; Jenni Bowlin/Account Paper; American Crafts/Brown Gingham ribbon; October Afternoon/Vintage Girl & flower insets-Fly A Kite line; Martha Stewart/Flag; Queen & Co./white pearl; Fiskars/Border punch; Prima/flowers; Autumn Leaves Stamps/Postmarks; Stampin Up Ink/Chocolate Chip; Misc. buttons, lace & trim.

New Sketch Today at Scrap & Stamp

So over at Scrap and Stamp this week is a Sketch Challenge. The sketch is by my fantastic design team member Paola and this is it:

Looks like fun right? Why don't you join us this week and give it a try the sponsor this week is Digital Delights check them out here. Here is my take on the challenge:

Have a great weekend!

Multiple Photos at Scrap & Stamp

There is a multiple photos challenge over at  Scrap & Stamp Saturday this week. You must use multiple photos and a stamp, challenge post is here. This weeks sponsor is the fabulous Digi Doodle Shop, full of digital designs check them out here. Here is my post for this week:

I am also finishing a class kit for a class at B&B Scrapbooks in Powell, Ohio on Tues.night 9/7 it is a Sports-o-rama Class kit that uses Jillibean Soup products and it is made to be customized to any sport and any school colors. Here is a photo of the main layout, featuring my stepson Logan in Football last year.

So spread the word if you know anyone that may be interested in the class or just the kit ($20) which includes two cards with and step by step instructions for all three projects. Gotta run, need to prep for Sunday School class tomorrow! Have a wonderful Holiday weekend!

My Tutorial Week

This was my week to provide the tutorial over at Scrap and Stamp Saturday. My tutorial explains how to create custom faux buttons to match any layout and it's easy. Find my tutorial here. Here is a preview of the buttons I created.

Here is my layout for this weeks S&S challenge, special thanks to Pamela Young for this fab sketch- she has a new one posted every week at her blog here.  I wanted a layout to capture the energy of my 21 month old and Aspen helped me to come up with the title (it's a fav song of hers right now) "My Sweet Honeybee". Gabriel is one busy little bee to be sure. Love how this one turned out, although it seems a little busy to me :) ha ha.

Another Sketch Challenge

This week at Scrap and Stamp is another sketch challenge. This sketch (see below) is a fun one full of possibilities, so take a look at the website here and give it a try. You just need to use your interpretation of the sketch and stamp somewhere on the layout.  Also this weeks sponsor just happens to be Jillibean Soup and you could win a stamp set, ribbon set and pack of sprouts.

Here is my interpretation of the sketch, I used BoBunny Peacock Lane and love these vibrant colors. Who could resist the smiles in this photo? Irresistible!

Hope to share more soon, have a fabulous weekend!

CK Convention in Cincy!

I was so excited to see that Creating Keepsakes has scheduled a convention in Cincinnati next month! So I just wanted to share the information in case anyone out there is interested in attending and for the chance to win some free tickets! Here are all the details:

Join us for a weekend of scrapbooking and more where you can enjoy shopping, classes, and chances to win at our newest location—CKC-Cincinnati!


Register online now through Monday, August 30 at 9:00 pm at our website: www.ckscrapbookevents.com/cincinnati. Plus, receive a FREE gift and FREE magazine subscription when you register online (free items available only through online registration).

Schedule:


Thursday, September 9


Vendor Faire: not open; classes: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; CK Sketches Workshop 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Friday, September 10


Vendor Faire: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; classes 8:30 am to 8:30 pm; Friday Celebration Crop 7 pm to 11:30 pm

Saturday, September 11


Vendor Faire: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; classes 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Super Saturday Crop 7 pm to 11:30 pm

Vendor Faire daily pass pricing: Adults and children ages 10 and up: $10 at door (see web site the week before the event for discount coupons); seniors ages 65 and up: $7; children ages 9 and under: no charge

Be back soon with a new post!

Gabriel's Imagination & Paper Piecing

So over at Scrap & Stamp this week the challenge is paper piecing and a stamped image. The sponsor this week is  Wags n Whiskers.

If you are familiar with my work you know that I love paper piecing- it's so much fun and the possibilities are endless. So next time you can't locate a design or embellishment you want, then make your own! The layout below is my all time favorite little boy layout, the rocket and sub are of my own design (inspired by cosmo). I used all Cosmo Cricket in this one, loving that I could use five different lines of theirs all together. I really love how they turned out, and those photos are some of my favs.

This boy gets ornery by the hour, so much fun- pure joy.

Buttons & Jillibean Soup Prize

This week at Scrap and Stamp there is a new challenge posted to use buttons and at least one stamp on a layout. More exciting is that Jillibean Soup is the sponsor this week! We are offering a great prize pack including a stamp set, ribbon set and a pack of sprouts. So head on over and check it out, also follow this link to see Jillibean's brand new catalog packed full of product that are premiering at CHA this week! Also Kimber has been busy on the blog with tons of sneak peeks with details on all of them check out the blog here: Bean Talk

So here is my buttons layout, this one began with the quote at the bottom. Love these photos of Daddy and Gabe they are two peas in a pod to be sure! Such a joy to see them enjoy the piano together, precious moments to cherish forever. This layout is a wonderful mixture of two of my other favorite companies Cosmo Cricket and Sassafrass Lass.

Hopefully I can find some scrap time soon I have great sketches and photos from my Michigan trip, Cedar Point and Church Camp. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Black and White Photos Challenge

I don't know about you but I love me some black and white photos, anything vintage really. There is just something about black and white photos they seem to capture more details, somehow. Anyway this week at Scrap and Stamp is a challenge to use them in a layout, along with a stamp of some sort. For this one I did a double layout with a BoBunny line that was made for B&W photos, literally. It's called MamaRazzi and I love it. Lovely shades of green, blue and ivory with a distressed, vintage feel- so nice.  I stamped the journal boxes to create a "story" for each photo. This is how it turned out:

Hope you like it! Gotta run, have a fantastic week of inspiration!

Girl's Weekend Getaway

This week for the Scrap and Stamp challenge there is a fabulous sketch by my design team buddy, Paola. Find the challenge here. This week's sponsor is CocoDingo, check them out here.

For my layout I chose two photos from my recent Girl's Getaway weekend with my Mom and Aunt Sally. We had sooo much fun in western Michigan. We stayed in Holland and visited Douglas as well. We visited lighthouses, beaches, yard sales, shops, restaurants, parks but mostly just enjoyed being together. The hotel was fantastic, Holiday Inn Express/Holland, it was just as nice inside as it looked from the outside (see photo). Oh and no we are not at a strip club, lol, the dollar bills on the wall behind us were for a children's fundraiser! Anyhow, can't wait to see where next year's weekend adventure takes us!

Have a great week! I'm off to church camp tomorrow, pray for us... so much fun but so exhausting. Gabe is going with us too, so things could get a little crazy!