Blinged out Sketch - My Everything Scrapp'n Design Team Work

Today is challenge time over at the Everything Scrapp'n Store Blog.  This month it's a sketch challenge.  We're using this Pagemaps sketch.  

Each of the designers has a different take on the sketch - visit each of them for inspiration.  Then head on over to the ES Blog for all the details & show us your take on the sketch for a chance to win this great card making kit.  Contents: Six 6x6 sheets of coordinating Sassafras Lass & Heidi Swapp patterned papers, Two Sassafras Lass 6' scalloped borders, Copper Stickles, and some yummy Prima flowers

The thing I like about sketches is that you can still be as creative as you'd like.  Some of us are very literal in our interpretations matching each shape & element.  While others, I'm in this category, will turn it, twist it, enlarge it, etc & basically put their own spin on it.  Both of them are right, fine & A-OK.  Remember there are no rules in scrapbooking....

So, without further ado, here's my take on the sketch.  Can you even recognize the sketch?  Here's my thought process on this... I turned it on it's side & since I only had 1 photo I enlarged the circle & brought it up as an anchor to the photo & place for journaling/titlework.  The curve of the circle defined the curve in my floral flourish (say that 3 times fast lol).  I love the look of the embellishments by Prima that have the stems & leaves attached to the flowers.  I didn't have any in my stash so to create a similar feel I improvised a bit.  I cut several 3" branch image from the Prima paper using my Making Memories Slice - Breast Cancer cartridge.  Then cut each of them off, bent them a bit & attached them to the flowers for more detail & texture.  I was in the mood for using border punches & boy did I use them!  I like the look of all the different shapes layered on each other.

I'm sure you recognize the gal in the photo with me; I met Noell Hyman from Paperclipping when I was at CHA.  I feel like I know her so well already since we chat, email, I watch her shows, & when you look at peoples scrapbooks you get a personal glimpse into their lives.

 

Have you tried Zva Crystals?  They are a great alternative to Prima & they cost a whole lot less.  I like the pearl ones.  The flourish I used in this layout is called "Night Blue"  I thought it was black when I went to use it.  It actually seems more grey than blue to me but looking at it sideways you can see the dark blue shimmer. This pack retails for $3.50 & I cut it into 5 parts to make the flourish.

 

These packs of floral bling from Basic Grey are super cute & super affordable at $1.80 each!  Heather has several styles in stock so check them out in new products. 

Supplies for "Live":  Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper: (Prima - Tropics Blooming Love,  Prima - Tropics Celery Splash, Prima - Tropics Sweet Apple, Prima - Tropics Waterfall); Flowers (Prima - Essentials Tropics & Prima - Black Shelf w/6 Bottles); Bling (Prima - E Line Pearls & Gems; Basic Grey - Pearls Vinyl Fleur Aqua, Zva - Symetrical Flourishes Pearl Night Blue ); Border Punches (Fiskars, EK/Martha Stewart & Stampin' Up) Flower Centers (Prima - Tropics Pebbles) 

A money saving tip that I use over and over again (including both of these layouts) is always buy the sheet of paper in a line that has striped borders.  Cosmo Cricket is famous for these & now many other companies including these by Prima & Basic Grey are including them in each of their lines.  You get a bit of each of the paper or complimentary designs that coordinate back to the other patterned papers. 

I promise these are the last of the CHA photos I'll be scrapping I'm almost finished with them.   I think this is the only photo of the 4 of us from ES who went so even though everyone but me looks great in it I am still scrapping it because it tells the story and the story was I was exhausted and boy do I look it.  This photo had me stumped for a while now since the background of the photo is earthy tones & we're all wearing pink I was having a hard time finding papers to show it off.  Basic Grey Nook & Pantry worked really well. 

Supplies for "Sigh":  Paper (Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry Bundt Pan,  Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry Rolling Pin & Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry Measuring Cups); Border Sticker (Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry - ); Alpha (American Crafts - Thickers); Ribbon - Michaels $1 Spot); Thread (Coats & Clarks)

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will take up the challenge & try your hand at the sketch.  Remember to post it on the Everything Scrapp'n blog by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 8th to be included in the drawing.  Have a great day!

Blog Award

Heather (owner of Everything Scrapp'n) gave me this blog award.  So now I have to share some things about me today & pass it on....


Here's the info on the blog award:

• Say thank you and give a link to the presenter of the award
• Share “10 Honest Things” about myself
• Present the award to 9 other bloggers whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design or to those who have encouraged me
• Be sure to tell the 9 bloggers chosen that you are giving them the Honest Scrap award and provide the guidelines for them

10 Honest things about me:

1.  I'm a night owl & get some of my best scrapping done in the wee hours of the morning.

2.  My outdoor favorite hobby is gardening.  I love to play in the dirt - I actually like cleanup & chores in the garden.  The hours zoom by when I'm outside.

3.  I love snow & we don't get much here in the south so when there's a hint of possibility I'm watching the weather channel for hour by hour updates.

4.  I'm an animal lover with a heart for rescue & adoption.  Yes we have a house full of well loved & taken care of critters that are family.  They show up on many of my pages.

5.  I love anything lemony (lemonade, lemon jello cake, jellybeans, sherbet, etc)

6.  Chocolate is my downfall - I try to control it with small individual Dove Milk Chocolate but it's hard to stop at 1.

7.  I wanted a big family but was only blessed with 2 sons.  I'm anxiously awaiting grandkids.  To spoil & scrapbook.

8.  I enjoy the entire scrapbooking process - so it doesn't bother me when a page takes me 2+ hours (except when I'm doing a 2peas crop where they give you less than an hour to complete it grrrrr).  I even take the time & enjoy making my own chipboard letters with little piles of 4 of each to adhere together.

9.  My hubby & I ride Harley's - I love the feeling of freedom & the wind in my face.  We meet so many nice people who also ride who also are scrapbookers.

10.  I'm a video game addict - always have been from back in the 70's with pong til now.  I remember one summer when the boys were young & we lived in Alabama - my mom took them for a week to her house.  I cleaned & organized for a day or so then spent the rest of the time trying to "rescue the princess" in Super Mario for the Super NES -- and had a blast doing it (over and over and over as the "guys" kept "killing" me until I got past yet another milestone to release her).  To this day pogo, facebook, PS3 games, DS, etc.... take time away from scrapbooking but you need diversity in wasting time - right

OK so now that I have embarrassed myself a bit I get to pass this on to some friends who may or may not appreciate it lol - no it's a lot of fun.

So I nominate:

Dedra Long
Tracy Gregory
Stacey Michaud

Kathy Floen
Lesley Oman
Kim Strother

Hope you have a great Thursday!  I'm off to clean house, pay bills & run errands.  Nothing exciting but the quicker I get them done the quicker I can create or play.

Catching Up

Hi,

I'm feeling a little better still seem to have some kidney stone left & the cold is running its course after a really bad weekend. Thanks for all the well wishes on Twitter & email.

The winner from the Everything Scrapp'n Blog Hop was pulled off of Teresa's Blog. Congrats to Carmen O. Here's some photos of Heather's dog pulling the winner from the original post - too funny & creative! Heather's hubby threw the entries on the floor & Tyro picked the winner. Tyro is adorable & a real "licker".

Blog Hop WINNER! Heather's Dog Tyro

Welcome to Everything Scrapp'n's November Guest D esigner - Kimberly Mace. Visit her blog & see her wonderful creations.

Finally I thought I'd share this layout I did a little while ago that I forgot to add to my blog. Tracy Gregory & I went to a charity crop af ter CHA Supershow & we were tickled to meet & take a mini class with Donna Salazar.

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper (October Afternoon & Bella Blvd); Tag, Chipboard & Borders (October Afternoon); Grungeboard (Tim Holtz); Ribbon (Hobby Lobby); Letters (Tim Holtz & American Crafts)

Reminder Paperclipping . is celebrating their 3rd anniversary in big ways tonight Noell Hyman is giving away a Provo Craft Gypsy machine!  post a comment on the blog here. T  Don't miss out!  

I have one on back order from HSN it's supposed to ship mid November but if I happen to be blessed enough to win one I'll be doing the dance of joy & canceling the one on order - I so want one just for the fact that I can meld my letters together.  This makes a huge difference since I make "faux thickers" and the piles of 4-5 of each letter waiting to be glued together gets very time consuming.  Best wishes everyone who enters.


Thanks so much & have a great day!

Everything Scrapp'n Blog Hop

Welcome to the October Everything Scrapp'n Design Team Blog Hop. If you are one of my regular readers I know you'll want to start the hop from the beginning. Please visit the store blog to to see all the designers projects. We even have a giveaway for you & no one but Heather knows which of the blogs will be offering it so make sure you leave comments on all 6 blogs to be entered.

Here's the prize:

Retro Ice Cream Sticker Notecard and Zva Self-Adhesive Pearls



Now for my inspiration.... I love papers that do a lot of the designing for me.
So that's my theme this week - Fantastic background papers....

No one does background papers better than Webster's Pages! So when I saw this whimsical hot air balloons I knew just the photo for the layout. Their prints are so rich & have so many layered details. Even the "backs" are super usable - many times it's hard to pick so I buy 2 sheets so I don't have to.

This magical photo of Stonehenge at sunset really pops off the page when layered with a Basic Grey Doilie from the Eskimo Christmas line. The color is perfect & the print is so not an in your face Christmas look but a nice flourish that layered nicely here.




Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper (Webster's Pages - Tres Magique); Lace Overlay (Basic Grey - Eskimo Doilies Green); Lace (Prima - Lace by the yard); Tag (Nikki Sivils - Breadless Tag); Letters (American Crafts - Thickers Black Delight & Jenni Bowlin Tiny Reverse Alpha Black)


My next layout is about our new rescued dog "Lady". She is quite a character. Most nights she gets on the bed & starts digging at the covers. The next thing I know she has slid herself under them; cozy & ready for sleep. It totally cracks me up night after night how she has the covers all smoothed out. To capture this memory without her jumping down I had to sneak a photo with my cell phone (so forgive the dark photos) it is just too cute to miss this moment.

Taking a cue from her name I thought I would take the opportunity to go totally "girly" (though she is so not a feminine gal - she's more of a clumsy Marmaduke).

Don't you love this stitched paper from Prima? I turned it sideways to offset the heaviness of the photo strip. I am keeping the elements light so that as much of this yummy paper as possible will show thru.

Then the simple addition of the beautiful Prima Roses placed in a visual triangle to draw the eye around the page. I only used half of the package so that stretches my budget & leaves me plenty for the next project.

Supplies: Paper (Prima - Art Stitch Mulberry & Prima - Tropics Waterfall) Flowers (Prima - Trellis Roses Fontaine); Bling (Prima - Pearl Swirl White); Lace (Prima - Lace by the yard); Bling (Prima - E Line); Chipboard Circle (Technique Tuesday); Paint (Tim Holtz - Crackle Paint); Letters: (American Crafts - Thickers White Delight); Ink (Ranger); Floral print paper is 2 layered Prima Journaling Spots sold out.

Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win the prize.

Thanks for visiting my blog the next stop on the hop is Teresa

I'm Not Crazy or Lazy

Though I was feeling it lately... I went to the doctor & had some blood work done because the fatigue & "funk" was just getting me down. I've been so forgetful - losing the car keys was the wake-up call. Anyway my blood was "wonky" and way off so in some strange way that made me feel better. I didn't really feel depressed I just felt "blah" is all I kept saying - not able to put my finger on it. The severe fatigue & memory issues were really effecting me. So hopefully the doctors will fix me right up with an infusion or two. That along with the fender bender has really put a damper on my creativity this week - I know I said I was going to be back on track with my LOAD challenges & making time for me... guess the illegal non licensed driver didn't read my blog lol. I'm fine just a little sore. I'm thankful it's just "little" things but they keep on coming... I guess that's life.

I'm trying to streamline my scrapping style to make pages I'm happy with that don't take me hours to do. The diecut papers seem to help me with that goal. They add the pizazz I want with little effort on my part.

Meeting online friends in person was the best part of the Florida trip. Here I get to meet & hug the neck of Stacey Michaud. She's one of the nicest & most talented scrapbookers around. If you aren't familiar with her work I encourage you to go to her blog & be prepared to drool.

Now to catch you up on more scrapping stuff:

EVERYTHING SCRAPP'N NEWS: Pink Paislee Mistletoe & Co is now in stock & ready for you. As always new products are on sale the first week in the store. Head on over for best selection - this line is so pretty! Fast & inexpensive shipping Make Everything Scrapp'n the perfect replacement for those of you who don't have a great LSS anymore... Don't forget the Customer Rewards program - for every accumulated $200 spent you receive $20 store credit.

Do you want to be a guest designer? Well we at Everything Scrapp'n want to see your stuff! Apply by emailing photos of your best layout and project to hgturner@everythingscrappn.com by October 12th to become our November Guest Design Team Member. Also, please provide your name, blog address, forums you frequent, and any special talents you think makes you sparkle. Guest Designer spots are only open to those residing in the US. You would be required to create 2 layouts/projects due Nov 14th and 2 layouts/projects due Nov 28th using products from Everything Scrappn. The layouts/projects due the 14th you are free to create whatever inspires you. I would love to see projects created for the current season or upcoming holidays. The layouts/projects due on the 28th will be an assigned project for a contest or challenge for our blog readers. You will receive $15 gift certificate, free shipping, and a discount for other personal shopping items you would like for the month.



PAPERCLIPPING NEWS: I posted the October Challenge on the Paperclipping Forum. I hope you will join in for your chance to be in the spotlight of the well read Paperclipping Newsletter.



MORE PAPERCLIPPING NEWS: Noell Hyman just released a fantastic Altered Book tutorial featuring the creative Dedra Long. I've watched 2 of the 3 books on the video & I just have to say WOW WOW WOW!!! Dedra breaks everything down & these books that look so complicated to achieve the look really are do-able. I love how they are an anything goes kind of project. Click here for more details.



SCRAPPERIE NEWS: Scrapperie has a fantastic kit for the month of October. It's filled with all the colors of fall. Sandy is so generous here's the details of sales & charity donations for the month: "This year I plan on donating 30% of ALL SALES (through the whole month of October) to the American Cancer Society, through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Breast cancer is a disease that strikes very near and dear to my heart and this is what I can do to help give a little bit back. (I love you, Mom!) Also, for the entire month of October, everything (except the new Spice of Life kit) is on sale anywhere from 5-60% off! Past kits, Vintage Ltd kits, Add-ons, everything is on sale! AND if you spend $100 or more, you'll get free shipping (in the US only)!! Simply choose the "in store pick up" option when checking out. " So head on over to Scrapperie & pick up your kit. Don't you love these colors?



Well I'm staying in all day & hopefully will get some creative time in. Have a great day!

I'm getting back to my challenges....

With all the lack of A/C, computer/internet problems & then doing paperwork for my hubby's company I have gotten out of the habit of completing the Layout a Day & Flashback Friday challenges over on the 2peas Pub board.

This week I'm going to set the goal of getting back to that. It's not just the challenges I miss but the wonderful women over there - they are so talented & encouraging.

Here's my Flashback Friday challenge for last week - I know it's late but AT LEAST I DID IT! smile : )

My dad has always been a "night owl" working all day & then several nights a week staying up half the night when he got a burst of industrious energy. So I guess I come by it honestly when I do the same thing with my scrapping or reading.

Even though it's Prima Halloween paper added the whimsy I wanted for the topic & theme.



Hope you have a great week.

Happy World Cardmaking Day!

Here's my part of the guest blogger post over at the Everything Scrapp'n Store Blog. Head on over there to check out some creations by Jana & Teresa too.

My first card I used the Pink Paislee Amber Road stamp set along with the matching paper scraps from all the layouts I've been doing using it. The sentiment is a Unity Stamp Company treasure that is well used on all my cards.


Nikki Sivils papers are filled with whimsy.


Who says inexpensive cards have to lack pizazz... I used the front & back of this paper, a simple sentiment stamp & some stitching.




Finally I thought I would show you a sneak peak of the Pink Paislee Christmas paper that will be coming in stock very soon. It is my favorite Christmas line from CHA summer. This gift card holder was a make & take in the manufacturers booth.






I encourage you to make a card for our soldiers on active duty to send back home to their loved ones. Check out Operation Write Home for more details. It's a wonderful organization & really makes me feel like I'm doing something to support the troops in my little way with my love of card making.

Finally I wanted to remind you of the November Everything Scrapp'n Guest Designer spot. Here's the details:
Apply by emailing photos of your best layout and project to hgturner@everythingscrappn.com by October 12th to become our November Guest Design Team Member. Also, please provide your name, blog address, forums you frequent, and any special talents you think makes you sparkle. Guest Designer spots are only open to those residing in the US.

You would be required to create 2 layouts/projects due the 14th and 2 layouts/projects due the 28th using products from Everything Scrappn. The layouts/projects due the 14th you are free to create whatever inspires you. I would love to see projects created for the current season or upcoming holidays. The layouts/projects due on the 28th will be an assigned project for a contest or challenge for our blog readers. You will receive $15 gift certificate, free shipping, and a discount for other personal shopping items you would like for the month.

I can't wait to see the talented layouts/cards that come in!

Have a great time creating this weekend. Post a comment to links to your creations so we can see your work.