Friday, December 27, 2013

Random Acts of Kindness

Back in January of this year I responded to a Facebook post where the poster was to send the first 5 people to respond to the post a random act of kindness sometime throughout the year.  The catch was that I had to post the same "challenge" and pay it forward.  I remember getting envelopes ready for the ladies who responded to my post and making them cards, never to send them.  Why not?  I was waiting on the "perfect time," a time where they would have forgotten and would really be suprised when they received my gift!  Well, now I'm racing against the clock...lol!  There is no doubt that those ladies forgot.  I know other people who initiated the challenge probably forgot too...it's easy to forget.

Outside of this Facebook challenge, I can't even tell you how many random acts of kindness I have performed this year.  I've used my giftcards in stores and passed the rest off to the person behind me.  I've bought and mailed items for people that I thought they would like, just because.  Why?  Because it makes me feel good to give or do things for people...something to put a smile on their face, make them feel special or let them know I am thinking about them. 

Seems like my son is catching on as well.  He had been asking me to make clipboard for his teachers for a long time!  I got up this morning and decided to finally make them.  I guess it's his random act of kindness.  I'd be broke if I acted on every demand he has to buy something for his teacher...he absolutely adores them! Here they are:



One teacher LOVES monkeys and the other has her room decked out in a Rock Star theme.  Both were very easy to find paper and embellies for!

Here is close of up of the monkey topper.  Is that not the cutest monkey you have ever seen?  I went into my stask of chipboard and found this in a K & Company pack.  I also added some silver stickles to the zebra ribbons around the Rock Star one...to add a little more pizazz.  I churned these out in about an hour...modge podged them and everything!  It's something I know they will use over and over again.  I can't wait until he gives it to them!

For 2014, my goal is to perform a random act of kindness every month, minimally.  Imagine, if 12 people payed it forward 12 times each...that's 144 other people blessed!  Blessings were never meant to be kept...I'm going to share mine!  I challenge you to share yours as well.

Smooches!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

2 Days to go!

It's Christmas time again!  In Texas, that means 60 degree weather and 2 weeks off of work (for me!)  I am so excited about my time off.  It gives me plenty of time to rest, scrap, and do some winter purging.  I started last week cleaning out things that I probably won't ever wear again.  My checklist for what to keep and what to give away goes something like this: Can it fit?  Should someone's mom be wearing that?  Will I ever be that size again?  Should an almost 40 year old be wearing that?  If the answer is no to all 4, it has to go!  I already have a big trash bag full of things to be donated to Goodwill.  It will probably be 2-3 when I am done purging my son's, my stepson's and my stepdaughter's closets as well.  In with the old to make room for the new...I mean, it is Christmas and everyone will be getting new things, right?

Speaking of Christmas, check out the most recent layout I worked on for a challenge over at Scrapbook.com:



This is a layout of my youngest last year for Christmas.  He cracks me up...the things that were on his list this year were crazy!  First of all, I didn't even know what some of that was.  Then he hit me with, "I want a crazy cart."  A crazy cart is a go cart that costs $399.  Needless to say, he won't be getting that!  I was able to talk him out of 2 things that I couldn't even find.  Parents are ON IT this year with these toys.  Somethings were sold out 2-3 weeks ago when I started investigating.  I thought I was getting a headstart, but no.  Good thing I was able to snatch that Skylander Swapforce starter pack during Black Friday!  Hope he is excited about that.  I guess I need to brace myself since he is getting older!  He also lost his 4th tooth last week.  Stay tuned for a layout with that cute pic...all he wants for Christmas are his 2 front tooth (which are both missing, by the way!)

Here is a layout of him that I did for the debut layout on the Stick it Down blog:


 
Here is the sketch I used to create it:



It was a lot of fun to use paints on this one!  The red and aqua "drizzle" makes the colors in the pics POP!  Quiet as kept, I love stepping out of my comfort zone and adding paints and mists to my creations.  However, my papers tend to warp a little if I use too much.  Right now, I have this layout sitting beneath some stacks in hopes that it'll smooth it out a bit.  Be sure to check out the Stick it Down blog and follow!

Smooches!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Too much good news NOT to share!!!

December has completely snuck up on this chic over here!  Not only is Christmas in 2 weeks (and I haven't even put up my tree yet,) but I also need to get myself in gear and get out there and start my Christmas shopping as well!  I know, I know...I'm pretty trifling right about now.

Anywho, I have 3 pieces of wonderful news to share with you!

First off, I received an invitation to join the Stick it Down Design Team!  Yes, I am now a member of the new sketch challenge blog that promises to provide WONDERFUL card sketches as well as one and two page sketches.  Check out the Stick it Down site and be sure to play along with us!  There are some REALLY talented ladies who will be creating over there and I am so very excited about being on the team with my scrappy friend Brenshevia Baker who will be creating the sketches!  She has a few wonderful sites herself.  Check out her personal blog here.

.  I don't know about you, but if it weren't for sketches, I'd probably still be using construction paper to create scrap pages...well, probably not.  HA!  I have come a long way though...there is no disputing that!

Secondly, I've been stalking the DCWV blog all week to see the top 10 scrapaholic picks for the month of November and guess what???  My submission was chosen!!!

Here is the DCWV sketch:


and here is my creation using the DCWV Teenage Dream Stack:


I really enjoyed this sketch!  It allowed me to use so many different papers from the stack which went PERFECTLY with the picture I chose to scrap of my boy!  Isn't that paper with the sneakers all over it the best ever!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE DCWV papers...there are my absolute favorite!  Now that I've made top 10, I'll be playing more often.  I think this is maybe my 2nd submission ever.  They sure do know how to make a girl feel special!

Last, but not least (and I don't know how much of an "announcement" this is, but) I've found a new crafty hobby!  Paper crafting will always be my first love, but I have taken on the task of making my own deco wreath this year for my door!  I know that's not "big news," but it is something I am very excited about!  I've bought many rolls of deco mesh and beautiful ribbons to make a few wreaths this year.  If this goes well, I'll be making wreaths for my school and probably every year for my son's teachers!  They are so beautiful!

Have you been checking out the Unscripted Sketches blog?  I am still so very excited to be a part of this design team!  This week I chose to make a card.  Those of you who know me know I am NOT a card maker.  Sure I buy cards, but I use them to create mini albums! 
Here is the sketch:


 and here is my creation based on the sketch...just in time for the holidays!


I used the MAMBI Holiday paper pad to make this card.  I cut out the mittens using the Simply Charmed cricut cartridge.  One trick I've discovered (which you might have already figured out) is to turn the paper backward (printed side down) to cut the 2nd mitten so that the thumbs are "pointing" different instead of cutting duplicate images.  I hope that makes sense.  I completely messed that up with the backsides of my onsie album so I just wanted to share that tip!

As you can tell, all is well in my scrappy world!  OHHH, I almost forgot...I'm debating on whether I should put the Cameo on my Santa list.  I don't know enough about it to determine.  What are your thoughts?  On another note, I picked up the cricut mini from Michael's for $69.99!  I thought that was a steal!!!

At any rate, be sure to check back for more scrappy projects and dt work!

SMOOCHES!

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Oh Boy Mini Album


Outside of creating layouts, I would have to say creating mini albums from scratch has to be my 2nd favorite thing to do!  I actually sat down and finished this mini album in one sitting!  You can't even imagine how proud I was of myself.  Proud is actually an understatement!  Check out my YouTube video which details each page and give a little information about how I made it and the materials I used.


Made completely using kraft envelopes from Hobby Lobby and the Awesome Boy stack from Recollections, this mini album is filled with pockets, tags and other cutouts from the stack!  I didn't use alot of other product...this stack has it all!  In addition, I cut out the title using the Boys Will be Boys Cricut cartridge!


I plan on taking pictures throughout the year (2014) of my boy and using them in this album.  Who else is guilty of taking wonderful, candid photos using their phone and never doing anything with them?  Yeah...me too!

I also bought the Fabulous Girl stack from Recollections which has the same wonderful cut outs.  I plan to make a mini album using that stack as well!  I've also had a few friends ask for a tutorial and since I made this mini album "all by myself" (without the use of a tutorial or YouTube video) I think I might have figured out a new binding system using only the flaps of the envelopes and no additional gusset!  That's huge (if that is indeed true, lol!)

SMOOCHES!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Catch the Sketch Fever!

I am so excited about my first design team project for the Unscripted Sketches site!  Here is the wonderful sketch I had to work from:

 
  


 Here is my project...a baby book made from chipboard using the New Arrival cricut cartridge and the DCWV Little Mister stack.  Initially when I saw the sketch, I saw it exactly as it was  pictured and wanted to do something other than a card or layout (which is what my sketches always amount to.)  After I finished this mini album, I started to see other things I could've done...such as a pawprint or a flower.  Some of my other DT members interpreted it so cleverly...one saw wings of a butterfly and one use nothing but flowers.  That is the beauty of working with sketches...you can literally interpret it into anything you want it to be!  Over at Unscripted Sketches, you can create whatever you want, flip it around..afterall, it is unscripted!  Be sure to come over and check us out!

 

 Here is another layout I worked on for the monthly sketch challenge over at scrapbook.com hosted by JusLyn:




This sketch was so much fun to work with as well!  I decided to use squares instead of hexagons and follow the same "direction" as the original sketch.  I LOVE the way it turned out!  Be sure to check back later in the week for new projects!


SMOOCHES!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

I'm an Unscripted Sketches Design Team Member!

I received the notification email on Thursday, but had to wait until today to announce my FABULOUS news!  After years of wanting to be on a Design Team, my desire has finally come to fruition!  I was chosen to be a part of the wonderful team of designers over at Unscripted Sketches!!!  I am so excited about this opportunity and can't wait to start!  Anyone who knows me knows that I am pretty serious about my crafting.  This just takes that passion to a whole different level.  Now I will be working on weekly projects for Unscripted Sketches, my work will be "published" and my blog will have more traffic!  How exciting! I've already prepared my first submission, so be sure to check the site and visit here often to see my projects in full detail.  I will also be sure to post a YouTube video so you can see the very first onein real life...cover to cover!

SMOOCHES!

Sunday, October 20, 2013

More LOTWs...I'm hooked!

Made by many different ladies, I did the pearled out "r."  Isn't this gorgeous?

This couldn't have come out more perfect!  I made the "n."

I will have to book a cruise just so I can use these!  My addition to this work of art was the "r."

This is going to be perfect in my wedding SMASH album!  I created the blingy ringed "G."

I promised myself that this would be the very last LOTW swap I participated in until next summer.  The ladies over at scrapbook.com are going strong with these creations.  The swap is really an addictive one!  I have been using more of these on my own creations lately.  I have a huge ziploc bag full!  Check out one of my recent layouts where I used "Son:"



I misted and painted on the white background paper (as well as used some washi and did some stamping) to create the perfect palette for this adorable picture of my son on my wedding day.  He was hanging out on the balcony when the photographer snapped this shot of him.  See the LOTWs?

In addition to swapping, I've also been working on catching up on my layouts.  I've managed to do 2-3 a week.  At this rate, I should definitely be able to reach my goal of 52 for the year.  I've also been working on completing some mini albums that have been laying around AND creating new ones.  Be sure to come back to check out my halloween mini!

SMOOCHES!

Friday, August 30, 2013

Here Comes The Bride

 I would be lying to you if I said I wasn't super excited about getting my wedding photos printed so I could start scrapping them!  It's all I've been scrapping as of lately!  I've been buying and making all sorts of wedding embellies, papers and flowers so my layouts would be nothing less than fabulous.  Check out a few of them:

Walked down the aisle by my son, here we are making our grand entrance!

This is my cousin and I.  She lives in London, England and will be getting married in May, 2014!

These pictures were taken at our at home reception.  I love candid shots!


With over 1,000 pictures taken by our photographer, I have been in scrappin' heaven these last couple of months!  I will be starting on my very first SMASH album really soon and am pretty excited about that!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

I'm a Mrs!

My wedding couldn't have been more perfect!

We had 44 guests fly into Riviera Maya, Mexico to join us for our special day!  The location was a very posh, all inclusive resort that had tons for everyone to do!  We enjoyed fine cuisines, premium drinks, beautiful days on the beach (and by the pool) and gorgeous sights.

The next week, we had an at home reception for all of our friends and family members who could not make it to Mexico.  We had light bites and an open bar!  It was all very wonderful!




If I had to do it all over again I would do it the same way!  Unlike most brides, there was little stress involved in my wedding planning process.  Having a destination wedding where someone else plans every little detail was ideal for me, especially with all that I had going on professionally!  Planning a party at home was a breeze as well because I had a lot of help.  If this is any indication of our life together, tere is no doubt that we will have a "happily ever after!"

 

Sunday, May 26, 2013

It's Almost Wedding Time!

I've been planning my wedding for a year now, and the time is very near for me!  I am very excited to be going to Mexico with 44 of our friends and family.  I am very excited about seeing everything finally come together.  I've been emailing the coordinator for months, so to be able to finally see the resort, taste the food and hold the flowers that I picked is exhilarating!

The only thing that I will miss is being able to create anything!  With my new job and the wedding, I've been unable to sit down and scrap!  It's my therapy, but I've been too busy these past few months.  June is out of the question.

I am looking forward to all the beautiful pictures and all of the layouts that I will be able to do after the wedding.  I am looking forward to being able to swap with my Scrapbook.com friends again.  Until then...smooches!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

April Showers bring...

Exta time to stay inside and catch up on some scrapbooking!  I've been working on a few layouts and have managed to get in a few swaps here and there.  I knew I wouldn't be able to stop swapping cold turkey!

It seems as though these days my pictures are getting stuck inside my camera...something that has always been unheard of before now.  Its a very important time in my life as my wedding is in 2 months!  I actually need to clear out some of those pictures to make room for all the wonderful memories that will take up space on my memory card!

Here are a few layouts I've managed to churn out:



Somewhere along the way I gravitated towards kraft papers.  I think kraft is just as good of a neutral palette as black and white!  I actually prefer kraft over white...totally!  Here is a layout of my son.  He is quite the soccer star!  I was able to use my LOTW (letters of the word) on this one and it was perfect!  Other elements include a tab, a journal block and a tag with the subtitle.


I am trying really hard to use what I have.  Did I mention how hard that is for me?  There are so many great stacks for boys that have come out this season that I can't help myself!  This paper, in my opinion, was perfect for these pictures of my boys!  I cut squares out of scrap papers, mostly from the Making Memories "Chillin Out" stack I've had for quite some time.  A folded ribbon was the perfect final touch.


Finally, this is a layout of my son and his Kindergarten teacher.  I used the Edumacation stack by DCWV, my absolute favorite line of papers!  I have so many more kindergarten memories to scrap.  Hopefully I'll be able to get them done before the end of his school year.

It is my goal to get pictures printed before the end of the month so I can get to work and showcase some more layouts.  I also have a mini album I am dying to start.

SMOOCHES!










Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Just trying to stay afloat...


Every year I set a scrapbooking goal for myself.  This year, I have been doing a great job of creating one layout a week.  If you do the math, that means my goal for 2013 is to do 52 layouts.  Much to my suprise, I've actually been churning out 2 and 3!  Take a look at a few that I've done...


Here is a non traditional Halloween layout.  Done with DCWV Boys will be Boys pack, the only thing I used that was actually "Halloween" was the stamp and the picture of the kiddos.  I even managed to use my new Wild Card 2 cricut cartridge on this one!


This is a layout of my son and his "best buddies" who include my niece, nephew and a family friend.  Lately, I've been cutting out cool elements on cardstock and integrating the pieces onto layouts.  Here, the pennants were hand cut.

I've falled a little behind, but plan to do some super scrapping during Spring Break!

Smooches!



Sunday, January 20, 2013

Busy times 3!

Happy New Year, friends!  I've been busy planning my wedding which will take place in roughly 5 months and 2 days...but who's counting?  I've also been putting the finishing touches on my new scrap spot.  Over the Winter Break, my fiance put together 4 tall shelves for me, which now are lined up against the main wall in the room.  I was able to put so much stuff up on these shelves using baskets and bins I already owned!  I am now looking for the perfect chest of drawers or armoire and table with chairs that I can sand and paint in pop colors. It is only then my scrap spot will be complete and ready for visitors!

In between searching Craigs List and putting up supplies, I was able to sit on the floor (my favorite place) and belt out 4 layouts and 2 cards.  Take a look:


Before putting the Jenni Bowlin envelope over to the left, this layout wasn't coming together.  I love the way it came out...it really makes our white POP!


I used all scraps for this one, and a paint chip!  I plan on making some bookmarks for my son's class for Valentine day.  Gotta go stock up on some red ones!


Taken at my son's 5th birthday party last year, this one is of my godson and my little one.  He will be 6 next month.  Where does the time go?


I had a blast working on this one!  I recently got an Expression 2 for Christmas, but refuse to open it until I go to my class that is supposed to completely teach me how to use it.  I know that's ridiculous...however, it has gotten me geeked about my original bug.  I used the Pack Your Bags cartridge on this one.

And though I am NOT at all the card maker, I was able to complete these with the addition of corner bookmarks:

I am making little trinkets and sending them randomly to various friends of mine.  I really hope they like their corner bookmarks...they were so much fun to make!

My goal for this year is 52 layouts....one a week.  Right now, I am right on track.  Last year I failed miserably!  Be sure to come back and see more creations...I have a few mini albums I need to complete and more layouts to churn out.

Smooches!