Crafty Go Lucky

Cardz TV - Cricut Cardz Challenge #101

2012-02-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

For Cricut Cardz Challenge 101, you have to make a Valentine card using any cartridge with any colors that you want. I used the Cindy Loo cartridge for this heart card.

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #41

2012-02-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #41 is to create an easel birthday card. I will admit that I had no clue how to make one! I went over to you tube and found some tutorials on how to do it. Not so hard after all.

Heart + Arrow

2012-01-31T19:59:00.000-08:00

I used The Paper Players #80 sketch for this card. I finally had an excuse to use this stripe paper that I just love!

I Dig You Valentines

2012-01-30T19:07:00.000-08:00

Aren't these fun Valentines?! Pluff Mudd Studio is carrying these printable favor tags through her Etsy shop. The shovels were ordered off of ebay, and then I added these items to the shovels: pencil, plastic bracelets, ring, mini maze, heart sucker, and a candy bracelet. I found the cellophane bags at Target in the party section. They come in packs of 50. Once all the goodies were in the bag, I tied them up with curling ribbon. I circle punched the printable, then added a hole to tie the ribbon through. I plan on doing some boy ones, and instead of the ribbon up top, I am going use twine.

Hearts and Hugs Cards

2012-01-29T19:09:00.000-08:00

Valentine cards galore over here! I did start addressing some this weekend, so they will be ready to be sent out in February. It was beautuful weekend, we went to brunch at one of my facorite places in Phoenix. It is called St. Francis. And, best of all kids eat free:)

Sweetie Card

2012-01-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

I am going a little Valentine's crazy over here! I think I have made more cards than people that I have to give them to. I'll just save them for next year. This one is for the Just Us Girls! challenge 120.

Cricut Cardz Challenge #100

2012-01-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

There is a summer theme over at Cricut Cardz Challenge 100! I am trying to get out of my comfort zone with the Cricut, and upping the amount of layering. I even cut the circle card and scallops:) If you make odd sized cards, do you make your own envelopes, or just find a big enough sized envelope? Just curious!

Valentines Cards-Cricut Style

2012-01-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

It is Valentine cards time! I used the Teresa Collins Sophisticated Cricut cartridge on all of these cards. Let me just say, this cartridge rocks! 

I would really like to use my Cricut more...but here is my problem. My machine sits in a loft area right besides both kids rooms. And I kinda feel like I have to wait super late to not wake them up. Maybe move the machine over to my bedroom for all cutting?! I love it when my craft supplies start taking over the house;)

Pencil Lines Sketch 264

2012-01-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know how well you can see it in the photo, but she has about 50 Clifford stickers on her sweatshirt. Got to love it;) I used Pencil Lines Sketch 264 for this one...played around with some misting for the heart.

Project Life- Week 1

2012-01-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

Week one of my Project Life 2012 is complete! I am doing Sunday as my start day, so far so good. I purchased the Clementine edition of the core kit. It seems to coordinate with the colors and styles that I like. As I upload pictures, I start popping them into a folder titled for that week...It is really helping in keeping the pictures organized.
Have a fantastic weekend. I am thinking of painting a wall, we'll see if that happens!

To Do

2012-01-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

I have always relied heavily on a planner for my scheduling and to do lists. Here are some tips:

Make your weekly goals attainable. I would love to write down that I am going to work out every day. Realistically I am happy to get in three times a week. So I will write down work out three different days. Even if it doesn't happen that specific day, I try to get those workouts in by the end of the week.

Don't overload yourself. Three or four items to cross off your list for the day plenty.  

Keep your planner in your purse or readily available. When you have down-times out and about, it is a great time to jot down a few things that you are thinking about accomplishing.

I keep a list of grocery or other items that I need to purchase on a post it on the current week. Then I am ready to go to the grocery store, I can pull out that list and stick it on the shopping cart to easily see.

For me, having things written makes a huge difference. Crossing off an item makes me happy:)

 Source

This is a to do list from Johnny Cash that recently sold at auction. Some interesting things on there!

Valentine + Chevron= Love

2012-01-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

Scrapbook Circle's first challenge of the year is a card sketch. It has given me a jump start to making Valentine cards. I really wanted to use the chevron paper, that pattern is so popular right now!

Grin and Bear It

2012-01-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

I used Sketchy Thursdays current challenge for this layout. I have a handful of pictures from the past couple of years that I want to scrap. The rest have been tucked away in binders..Helping with that overwhelming feeling-out out sight out of mind!

December Mini Pages- Part 2

2012-01-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

I took my MIL to a tea place when she came into town earlier in December. Sooo girly and cute!

Preschool Christmas party. Food, crafts, and singing.

Kindergarden party. They all wore jammies to school.

The grandkids with "Na." And presents!

That is where I am at on the book. I have Christmas eve, Christmas morning, and photos from Texas to do. Maybe this weekend I will be able to complete the rest.

December Mini Album Pages

2012-01-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

Ok, not the first page-but one of my favorites:)

First page...Haven't done the journaling yet for the book, but am trying to get this done by the end of January. Gotta keep moving while I have some momentum.

We always dress up real silly to look at Christmas lights. We had a grumpy someone in the car, and only made it to one house...but eh, we go with the flow.

To avoid complete picture overload, I will split the book out in a couple of posts. This was a really fun process, and a great time to tinker with new scrapping techniques.

End Of Year

2012-01-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

I would say this is my word for 2012. Focus. Need to keep focus on the important stuff and not worry about the rest.

Here we all are on Christmas eve. Right before heading off to church.

We took a quick side trip to San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl. Very exciting stuff!

New Year's eve with my side of the family, and three boxers. We were party animals;)

I am a little over halfway complete on my December mini album. Going to pick up the last pack of pictures from Walgreen's today. Cannot wait to share!

Itty Bitty New Year

2011-12-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

Decorate To Celebrate's current challenge is to create a decoration or party supply for a New Year's Party. I will admit, we are the people that always stay in. That was occurring even before the kiddos came around! 

This is a small banner, about two inches tall for each pennant. I will be taking it along to my sisters house, so I made some confetti with my Cricut, and wrapped it in some Hambly doily paper.

Golden

2011-12-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

I used the 12.15 sketch over at Sketchy Thursdays for this layout. It is titled golden, since they were panning for gold at the Natural History Museum in Mesa. Used up lots of scrap paper with this one!

Jingle Around the Block

2011-12-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

Ooh, how I love December! My camera was going to be rather pricey to fix, so I traded it in for a Canon powershot. So far, I have been really happy with it. Small camera, but it has a really large screen on the back. My brother has an SLR he doesn't really use because of its larger size. We are gonna work a deal out, I plan on taking it off his hands:) 

My little December smash mini book has been cruising right along. I think taking the pressure off of having to take a photo everyday has really helped me. Just been printing out pictures every few days at Walgreen's and scrapping them in spurts of free time. I'll show some more pages of it next week.

Off to Audrey's little Christmas party! Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

Pencil Lines Sketch 263

2011-12-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

I have a hodge podge of Christmas photos from last year...slowly but surely getting them done! Sketch 263 over at Pencil Lines was a great starting point for this layout.
And, my new favorite item- this woodgrain stencil! I used a white mist for the background, but I am ready to get out some acrylic paints to play. I am thinking some woodgrain wrapping paper would be nice.

A Not So Daily..December Daily

2011-12-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

I somehow managed to mess up my hubby's camera, so December pictures have been spotty at best. But, I am gonna make a December mini anyways! I used a smash book as the basis for this mini.

The deer image is from this Etsy shop...Katies Wish. I love that you can resize the deer to whatever size you need. 

 And, we found Santa's sleigh this weekend. Some were more excited about this than others ;)

Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-12-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

Over the thanksgiving weekend we headed down to Bisbee, AZ. It used to be a really big copper mining town, and now is a fun place to hang out for the weekend. The history of it is absolutely fascinating. We camped right on the edge of town on a hill right beside a huge mining pit.

Who is doing a December daily? I had high hopes to do one, but then my camera broke. I may just borrow my hubby's camera and start shooting away and still make a mini:)

Some Thoughts

2011-11-29T11:13:00.000-08:00

 So I have been thinking about my approach on scrapbooking, and some tweaking that I want to do in the coming new year. I have gotten into the system of printing out all my photos on a monthly basis, then picking and choosing what I want to scrap. Then by the time that month rolls around for the next year, I either scrap the pictures, or send the pictures out to grandparents/great-grandparents in care packages. Which, all in all it is been an ok system for me. But, I don't really feel like I am telling a cohesive story like I really want to!

#1 I am not great at journaling, #2 By the time I get to some of my pictures I have forgotten some of the details anyways...

New approach- A project life type scrapbooking, weekly maybe, with layouts dispersed throughout. I think this will help with taking the pressure off of having that nagging feeling "I need to scrap all the pictures to stay caught up."  

Well see...May be more up front planning, but I think it will pay off in the long run.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We will be eating turkey and spending lots of family time together. It is a great time to reflect on all that we have to be grateful for. I'll be back next week with some craftiness!

Food-tastic

2011-11-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you the last time that I had been back to Texas...it was a long time coming! We stayed in Austin and then went to the exciting Baylor/OU game. Food was one of my focuses for the weekend. I wanted Tex Mex and anything fried, with a little bit of BBQ. Mission accomplished, just not in one meal;) Favorite dish title goes to the Elvis Presley Memorial Combo at Chuy's.

Round 2: Christmas Cards

2011-11-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

Here is another set of Christmas cards ready to be mailed in December! I made all the basics of the card first, then have been adding extra bling and sparkle a little bit at a time. The majority of the cards are A2 size, with about 5 or so being bigger because of larger die cuts I wanted to use. All the holiday images makes me want to sip on some hot cocoa!

Food Trucking

2011-11-11T09:25:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back Phoenix had their first food truck festival. The lines were a bit long, but it was so neat to see some really creative foods being served. I missed out on trying the pie truck, but there is always next time!

Christmas Cards!

2011-11-10T09:24:00.000-08:00

After 5 years of attempting to make all my Christmas cards...it finally happened! It just took me starting before Halloween to get it completed:)  Some things that helped me push through this:

1. Gather all your holiday papers and embellishments so you aren't searching for items when in card making mode.

2. Find a design that works for you, and do 3 or 4 the same way to keep the flow going. I would do a couple just with snowflakes, and do variations with paper or embellishments.

3. Feeling creatively blocked? Check the internet or magazines for Christmas inspiration.

OK, here is round 1!

Layouts- Digital and Paper

2011-11-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

I printed out some of these digital layouts at Costco this past week. I thought the quality was great, but it looks like there are some cheaper options online if I order them. It is sometimes fun to mix things up!

Here is a good old fashioned layout, these were pictures from going a monster truck show earlier this year.
About this time of year, I start to feel like I want to have my pictures somewhat "caught up." Whatever that means! I do start to sort through the ones I know that wont be scrapbooked anytime soon, and place them in 12x12 page protectors that have pockets to hold 9 4x6 photos.
Fall and Christmas cards coming soon...

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

Last week really got crazy (but in a good way!) Dante had a a shortened week, two half days and then all day off on Friday, so we had allot of sunning around...now it is catch up time. I tend to do much better with set schedule. I spent last night plotting out the week. So come on November- I am ready for ya:)

Ooh, and congrats to Julie, you win a copy of the My Memories digital software, you are going to love it!

My Memories Suite + a Giveaway!

2011-10-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Look who has gone digital?! I am so excited to share with you My Memories Suite! It is digital scrapbooking software that is so easy to use. One of my goals for 2012 was gong to be to try to figure out how to do digital scrapbooking. I literally learned this sofware in one evening- stress free! 

Another great thing is, not only can you do the standard size scrapbook pages, but you are able to create things in standard photo sizes to give as gifts! 

My page below can be printed at 4x6 size, (I plan on mailing them out for Halloween!) 

 OOh, and I plan on printing out some boo tags for my friends with some sweets attached:)

  My Memories Suite is providing a         $10 discount off         the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a         $10 coupon for         the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!)

 Use this code: STMMMS98391

I also have to opportunity to giveaway one of the software to one of my readers! Here is how to enter: (leave a separate comment for each entry, so I make sure they all get counted!) 

 1. Go to  www.MyMemories.com and let me know which digital paper pack is your favorite. 

1. Become a follower of the MyMemories Blog
2. Like them on Facebook
3. Follow on Twitter

I will draw a winner Wednesday night, October 26th!

Tractor Girl

2011-10-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

I used pencil lines sketch 253 for this layout of Audrey on her tractor! Have a great weekend:)

Freebie Printable at Pluff Mudd Studio!

2011-10-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

Pluff Mudd Studio has the cutest lunch box notes, and they are free! Head over to this post for the link. I cannot wait to give out the candy bars with the jokes attached.

Halloween Mini Album

2011-10-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Finally some pictures to share of my Halloween mini! I was thinking of spending another post on the construction of this album. It is pretty easy to make a book like this...it is held together with embroidery thread! The base of the book is from a K & Company paper stack from last year + tons of scraps I have been saving all year long. Now I just need to add some pictures to it!

First Day

2011-10-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

I used Shimelle's sketch of the week for this layout...I loved scrapping first day pictures, can't wait to do some more!

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #29

2011-10-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

The challenge over at Birthday Sundaes for this week is to use Ribbon on your Birthday cards. I added some ruffled ribbon to the side of my card:) You can never have enough birthday cards on hand, I am so glad to have another one added to the pile!

More Songbird Layouts

2011-10-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

A few more layouts using the Songbird cartridge. It is easy to add bird elements to just about any page!

Boo!

2011-10-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

A few Halloween cards to get October going. The boo sentiment amd mummy are both from the Happy Hauntings Cricut cartridge. There are also a few bats from a Martha Stewart punch. 

I am working on a Halloween-ish mini, going to not only put Halloween night pictures, but other fall things for the month. It is going to be a test run for a December daily type mini book.

Decorate To Celebrate- Challenge #9

2011-09-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

Decorate To Celebrate's Challenge #9 is to create any project to be used as a party decoration (or party supply) for a BABY'S BIRTHDAY!!
My friend just had her baby, so this is a gift bag with all kinds of goodies for the whole family. I taped some stitched crepe paper at the bottom so jazz up my plastic basket.

Scrapping Away

2011-09-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

I used Pencil Lines sketch 252 for this layout.  First, I had tried to scrap these on some brown cardstock, and it just looked a little sad to me. So the pictures sat around my desk for a while until I completely started over on it. 

Another layout, from our vacation last spring!

LESSology Challenge #2

2011-09-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

The LeSSology challenge #2 is to make a trinket box! I used the Martha Stewart score board to make the box. I started by doing the bottom with the cute spider paper. But, after making the top up I realized the lid completely covers the bottom! I plan on putting some sweet treats in there with a few fake spiders for my honey:)

Cardz TV ~ Cricut Cardz Challenge #91

2011-09-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

The current Cricut Cardz challenge is to make a spooky Halloween card. I used Happy Hauntings cartridge to make the witch and background scallop oval.
I have got to get my Halloween decorations out this week! I can pretend it is fall even though the thermometer is still reading 105 out;)

Fly

2011-09-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

There are some Cricut cartridges that I haven't really even ventured into trying. Songbird definitely is one of the least used ones. Not anymore! I made about four or five layouts and pushed myself to use something from that cartridge. Here is the first one, the fly wording worked perfectly with the Tinkerbell costume. 

Family

2011-09-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

I have scrapped some of these same type photos from Easter last year, but hey why not do some more?! We will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this spring. We have been discussing a vow renewal in Las Vegas. We married at the Tropicana, and I would like to do a renewal ceremony and a party afterwards. I love any excuse for a little bit of partying:)  

Pencil Lines Sketch 251

2011-09-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

I know that I thought Arizona was just one big desert, (I never even had visited before we moved here!) But, in my opinion it is one of the prettiest places around:) Mountains, water, and beautiful vegetation. I used Pencil Lines sketch 251 for this layout.

Easy Canvas Prints Review

2011-09-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share with you a review of Easy Canvas Prints. I did an 11x14 size of a photograph with a .75 wrap. I took this photograph at my sister's wedding. The quality of canvas is amazing. I cannot wait to show it to her! The packaging for shipment was super secure, and came very quickly. Thank you, Easy Canvas Prints!

Just Add Water

2011-09-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

I used Shimelle's sketch of the week to get me going on some swimming pictures of Audrey. I love to go crazy with patterned papers any chance I get!

Here is a family picture when we went to Sedona a few weeks ago. The kids had no idea we were going to take a pink jeep tour. It is hard for me to keep any kind of surprise, this one was really worth it.

A Starbucks Giftcard Winner

2011-09-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

                Caroline                                                                                            

        i commented & am her newest follower :)

Thanks for playing along everyone! 

LESSology Challenge #1

2011-09-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this little mini/journal off and on for the past couple of days, and just finished it this afternoon. I really wanted to enter the first LESSology challenge! The cover and back are made from cardboard, with the inner pages being layered patterned paper. Every night before the kids go to bed we go around and say what we are thankful for. Sometimes they are fun, silly things, and others are more serious. I am going to try to fit a couple weeks worth of those in this book. 

One of the sillier ones was Dante saying he was thankful for the house and windows but not doors...guess he would have to get in and out though the windows;)

Around the Campfire: Blog Party

2011-09-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Campfire Chic is having a blog party, and I contributed a post HERE. A fun diy banner made out of a men's shirt. I am giving away a $5 Starbucks giftcard, so be sure to check out the post to see how to enter!

Travel Challenge

2011-09-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Scrapbook Circle is having a challenge where you create a layout with a travel theme...Here is mine using their September kit! I am still plugging away with my Alaska pictures from last spring. Sometimes the silliest pictures are the best pictures:)

A Fond Farewell

2011-09-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the news about Scrapbook Sussies...I have been so proud to have been a part of this kit club since 2008! The above layouts were when I guest designed with them in Jan '08. It has been such a positive, fun experience, and I will miss all the cute kits that Lara put together each month. There will be a clearance sale starting on Monday, some great deals are to be had! 

Over the past 5 years I have been on a design team of some capacity...time really does fly! Every team I have been on has been a great learning experience, and I have met some really great people! But, I have to say that I am ready to play along with some challenges and create some new things that have been swirling around in my head.
If you have ever thought of being on a design team and haven't tried, go for it! Trust me, the worst that will happen is a no...and that's OK! I have gotten lots of no's, and I have learned not to take it personally. Everyone's styles are different!

Alright, I am off my soapbox now, have a nice weekend:)

Baby Sprinkle

2011-09-08T10:12:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed doing up a baby sprinkle (called a sprinkle for baby #2 or more) for one of my close gal pals out here! I will preface this by saying, I had lots of help with this one:) Since my mom was in town, she pretty much set up the diaper cake, which involves the rolling of allot of diapers! We then used the Cricut to cut out the name letters.

The cupcake toppers, and the top part of the sugar scrub labels are from Pluff Muddd Studio. She also did the elephant themed invites, they were absolutely darling.

My friend makes the most amazing food, and her cupcakes were incredible as usual...and did a I mention they were vegan? She is my cooking hero.

I found the plastic champagne glasses at the dollar store, and made this lemon drop champagne punch.

I would say this best advice I can give for any event, is to write out and even draw out the crafts and details that you want to include. It really helps when you get to crunch time to know what your game plan is.

September Scrapbook Sussies

2011-09-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

I used the Scrapbook Sussies September kit to pull together a few vacation pages, and a back to school one about going to kindergarten. I have one more layout to share in a few days on their blog, my first time using pictures from my camera phone on a layout:)

Back in the Saddle Again

2011-08-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Feels like it has been a while! I had an on and off again stomach bug last week, not fun. But, on the bright side I rested up quite a bit, and feel ready to take on September.

Something that I have to share!! While in Wal Mart I always check out the scrapbooking aisle. It is usually rather sparse, but there were some surprises this round! Tons of Halloween stuff for 97 cents. The cards come 8 in a pack with envelopes. It took some will power to not get all the different styles, but I think 24 Halloween cards should hold me over ;)

Summer Memories

2011-08-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

I have a little mini posted over at the Scrapbook Sussies blog today! I wanted to show you a few pages of it...The cover and more pages are over HERE!

Here are the 3 of us on the first day of kindergarten! I just got a phone with a camera in it...Loving a new way to catch memories on the fly.

Good Good Life

2011-08-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

I listen to Itunes radio allot when I am in the upstairs area of our house. I'll Just crank up those tiny computer speakers and rock out:) I love the OneRepublic song Good Life...it inspired the above layout.
Will be prepping for a baby shower this week, and my momma is coming into town! Like Dante says, "Nana is so much fun!"

Camping Mini Album

2011-08-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

The entire album was cut with the Cricut, I think it was the Gypsy Wanderings cartridge. It has 3 different sheets- one with a plain edge, scallop edge, and a curved edge. I cut the book with  double sided patterned papers so I wouldn't have to cover the backs of pages. The holes were already cut with the Cricut, so it was quick to pull together. I took my scrap drawers out and just started trimming away.

The pictures are all 2x3, so this album is fairly small, but a great way to document a weekend trip.

Winner, and a Song

2011-08-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

Jamie said...: i have tonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnns of fav songs but my all time fav would have to be "Can you stand the rain - New Edition"
Thanks so much for the chance to win the awesome giveaway.

Thanks to all that participated in the giveaway! I realized that I hadn't said my favorite song...
Shine by David Crowder Band. Never thought lite brites would make me cry, but I am bawling my eyes out by the end of the song!

I have a mini album to share very soon. It has made me want to make "mini" more of them ;)

Blog Candy!

2011-08-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I have had a giveaway...So it is time to clear out some of my stash!! Got the August issue of Cards magazine and a For the Home (I got published in them, so got some spares:) Tons of alphabets, some Crate Paper stickers, all kinds of stuff.
So, just leave a comment on this post, and let me know your favorite song!
I'll pick a winner next Monday night, August 15th.

Scallop Circles

2011-08-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

I was looking at the past few things I have made, and they all had scallop circles in common!

 Lately, scrapping has been in small tidbits and all over the place...I just felt like making some Halloween cards on Friday night, so that is what I did:) 

Last week we started some potty training, and quit napping at the same time. That made for a really long week! School starts this Thursday, and I still can't believe I have a kindergartener starting. The tears are gonna be flowing. 

The potty trained princess will be going to preschool a couple days a week...mama is gonna have a little bit of playtime during the week;) 

Also, make sure to check out Angi's new co-venture: LESSology! I can't wait to start playing along with some challenges this fall.

August Scrapbook Sussies Kit

2011-08-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

This Scrapbook Sussies August kit just screamed summer to me! Some great embellishment items: a bingo card, scorecard, and a sun that is a spinner!

Seeing Stars

2011-08-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

I love this one of Audrey on her birthday. She was so proud of her Dora doll, and those goggles. I tend to hang on to my precious favorite pictures till I am really ready to part with it, and commit to a layout.
I ordered a new cartridge last week- Flower Shoppe. All the spiral flowers sold me on it. Plus the Mother's Day flower cartridge from this past year is heavily used, figure this new one would be just as popular with me ;)

Hawaii Mini

2011-07-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

I made this mini for a friend's birthday...Haven't made a mini in quite a while! I first pulled a bunch of pieces of patterned paper, and then cut them out in a scallop circle shape with the Cricut. Then it was just a manner of layering different papers and embellishments. This is a great time to use up some odds and ends in a fun way. 

I have about 100 pictures printed out from my sister's wedding. I am overwhelmed with that amount! Do I pull my favorites for 12x12 layouts, and put the rest in an album? I am leaning towards a bigger mini, that is less detailed but able to keep all the photos together. Still thinking through that one!

Viva Las Vegas

2011-07-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Finally back at home for the long haul! Just the hubby and I took a trip to Las Vegas. Probably about 15 years ago, when all the new casinos were popping up, Bellagio was the one that I wanted to stay at. I got my chance, and it was so very pretty.
All of these pictures are from the conservatory area. A worker there was saying they change out the flowers every day. Early one morning I saw some being replaced, it was amazing!

Layouts, and More Layouts

2011-07-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Layout extravaganza today!! The last two I posted on the Scrapbook Sussies blog last week...Using up more of the July kit.

I took a snapshot a couple weeks back in the midst of scrapbooking. Everything sprawled out on the floor with a pile of pictures. It is a good kind of mess!

Summer Scrapping

2011-07-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

I have been happily scrapping the summer away, (while using lots of polka dot paper!)

Yum

2011-07-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have shown the Dora mermaid cake...It was so stinkin' cute! My friend did an amazing job, and her cake always tastes great. Although I am somewhat capable of baking, it really stresses me out! Outsourcing can be a good thing:) 

Over at the Pluff Mudd Studio blog there is a post about Audrey's party, and a few new pictures of the banner that was done up for her birthday. Thanks again Pluff Mudd Studio!

Flower Power

2011-07-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have just been scrapping away and trying to find inspiration in different places. I loved the colors and the flower print from this page in Lucky magazine. It gave me the opportunity to try some color combinations that I wouldn't normally think of using.

Here is a shot of one of our little fountains we had going for the 4th...The wind made it look really crazy!

July Scrapbook Sussies Kit

2011-07-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

I had such a great time with the July Scrapbook Sussies kit! Still got a couple more items from the kit that I really want to use- one being a really cool photobooth strip, so cute.

Guest Designer at Decorate To Celebrate!

2011-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be the Guest Designer for the challenge blog Decorate to Celebrate! 

The theme for this challenge is 'Birthday Party (for an adult)' and they accept any party decorations in the challenge. It continues until July 12th, so be sure to head over there.

So, I will tell you a little about my pie banner:) I always get pies for my birthday (it is in August so you can bet I will be getting another pie;)What better way to spruce up any sweets than a little banner! I used small sized bamboo skewers, and attached the banner with twine. To make the pennants, fold a 2 inch circle in half and apply glue after you have folded over the string.

Thank you to Decorate to Celebrate for letting me join you all in this challenge!

Bliss

2011-06-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

What better place to get married than Waikiki?! My sister looked adorable, and everything turned out so cute and sweet:) I think I might just have to do up a whole album for her.
PS- A fun little surprise coming tomorrow!

Summer Sweetness

2011-06-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

Whew. I don't even know where to start to catch up on things! I do have a stack of layouts, and a few other fun crafts just sitting here to be photoed. But it won't be happening for a little while. I will be attending my sister's wedding (just me, no kiddos this round) and hanging with my family. So, for now have a great week, and I'll be back soon with lots of pretties :)

Birthday Beach Style

2011-06-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

My in-laws graciously hosted the whole family for Audrey's birthday, it was wonderful! Talk about stress free for me:) 

Cupcake toppers and custom tag graphics are from Pluff Mudd Studio. She did such a great job in helping me craft for the party.

I took a few beach buckets from Micheal's (they were spring ones on clearance for a dollar) and played around with cutting vinyl. Not too hard to master, you just never know what you are getting yourself into when trying something new!

Save Your Stars

2011-06-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

 This grad card was in the May issue of Cards magazine.

I had been itching to cut out some stars, but didn't really have any summer themed photos, so I went to some Christmas pictures. Then I saved my stars...And made a birthday tag with the perfect embellishment!

Still My Baby!

2011-06-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

She is 3 this week! Time really does fly, what fun we are having. I have been saving her curlers pictures since January, and finally committed to scrapping them. 

Hope your week is going to be wonderful:)

Winner!

2011-06-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! klisson

Enjoy your circles and thanks to Pluff Mudd Studio for providing the giveaway!  

Father's Day Cards

2011-06-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

I cut the golf ball and tee from the Everyday Paper Dolls Cartridge. Then embossed, and added lots of grass! The other card is one of those use up some scraps card, and emboss a little more.

And, I will be adding my chocolate golf balls from the last post to the new challenge blog Decorate To Celebrate! Thanks Rhonda for showing me the site, it is awesome:) 

Father's Day Treat

2011-06-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

These are the best kind of golf balls, chocolate!! This fun craft uses Pluff Mudd Studio's  Father's Day Golf theme printables.

Make sure to check out Pluff Mudd Studio's blog, they always have such fun party ideas!

Want a chance to win a set of the party circles? Just leave a comment on this post and I will pick a winner Friday!

A Crafty Go Lucky Sketch

2011-06-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

I never quite know what to do with one vertical photo, and one horizontal photo. I trimmed the top picture to make it a little more square and feel more balanced. Who doesn't need their goggles when bike riding?!

Cricut Storage

2011-06-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

I just have this thing for having all my booklets and overlays together...But honestly do not have the room to have mountains of Cricut boxes stacked up everywhere. I invested in the Scrap Caddy system, and have been really pleased with it. I can easily pull out books, plus I like the idea of cartridges being visible so I can find them easily. I still kept the Cricut boxes, but they are headed for the attic!

Scrapbook Sussies- June Kit

2011-06-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

June's Scrapbook Sussies kit is adorable! The papers were so much fun, I had a hard time choosing which sides to use. I have a few more layouts coming...the scraproom is a rockin' :)

Fave Things- Childhood Toy

2011-05-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

A new challenge is up at These Are a Few of My Favorite Things! It is all about your favorite childhood toy. I picked She Ra, she is all about girl power :) My second choice would have been Jem, I remember having a pair of high tops wit her on them. I miss 80's toys!

And winner of the banner file is...

Julie Tucker-Wolek

I will send you the file right over!

Golf Banner + a Giveaway!

2011-05-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

I would love for you to check out my tutorial over at Pluff Mudd Studio on making this Father's Day golf banner! There are lots of cute items perfect for parties at the Pluff Mudd Studio Etsy shop.
How about a giveaway?! A copy of this digital banner file will go to a reader on Tuesday! Just leave a comment on this post, and for an extra entry become a follower or let me know if you are one:)

Winner!

2011-05-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Classic photo, I know! We went to a logging show on vacation, it was really entertaining. Dante was given a section of tree/log to take home, that was fun to pack...

On to the winner of my gently read book and some scrappy stuff is:

Jen said...: Awesome! I love Indian Food. I can eat a good Chicken Tikka Masala any day!

Birdies

2011-05-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

Some pink bird themed cards for today! Been working on all kinds of scrappy stuff, it is my stress reliever ;)

Let's Talk Food

2011-05-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks back we went to a restaurant off my wish list. Yep, I have a list of places that I really want to try! There are a variety of places, some a little fancy- but most are great hole in the wall types that catch my eye.

One of my all time favorite dishes is a chile relleno meal that is at a drive through Mexican restaurant. And, they are open 24 hours a day.  I will admit to ordering that dish pretty close to breakfast time!

On vacation, I read Kitchen Confidential, Anthony Bourdain's book. Since it was given to me, I would love to pass it along to someone that is interested! Just leave me a comment on this post (and I am curious what your favorite food is!) I will pick a winner next Wednesday. And if you like, I will add a couple scrappy goodies to the package:)

The Latest....

2011-05-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

The whole family did an Alaskan cruise for a week. It was beautiful and so peaceful!

Saw lots of wildlife...

And kisses:)

I spent almost 7 days with no internet or phone, and I have to say it was a nice technology break. I really am going to try to get on some type of schedule for my scrapping and computer things that I like to do. I roll much better with a calender, just need to dig out under all the dirty laundry that is everywhere!

A Crafty Go Lucky Sketch

2011-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Out of all the Easter pictures that I have from this year, this one really made me grin. The eggs are cut from a Sizzix die, and the sentiment was just calling my name for the layout!

Happy Cinco De Mayo

2011-05-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

All cards were made with the May Scrapbook Sussies kit!

A Royal Breakast

2011-05-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

Design your own wedding dress out of frosting.

Crowns were involved.

Fruit pies, and handmade scones (not by me!) Best scones I have ever had.

And, curd.

We did not get up to watch the wedding live, but rather skimmed through all the best parts on dvr. I'll take any reason to wear fancy shoes in the AM :)

Scrapbook Sussies May Kit

2011-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

We (or actually Phil) spotted Dora on the way out of Easter brunch. Audrey was so excited, and the May Sussies kit was a perfect fit for these photos.

We dyed Easter eggs that afternoon, they had such fun!

A couple of months ago there was a walk-a-thon at Dante's school. I wanted to showcase a couple different parts of that morning. Love the hot air balloons.

Here is a photo of the kit...Going to work on some Mother's Day goodies with it next!

Fave Thing About Spring

2011-04-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the new challenge at These are a Few of My Favorite Things! It is about spring:)

Spring is really great out here, we start getting the swimsuits on to stay cool at the local splash pads.

Yeah for Friday

2011-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture taken from Easter brunch, I think it shows all our personalites rather well! 

Loving:

1.Water for Elephants (haven't seen the movie yet)

2.Royal wedding hoopla and commemorative items!

3.Shop Sweet LuLu- makes me want to have a party ASAP

Something New

2011-04-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

These pictures have been calling my name since December. They are both 8x10 collages, and felt a little busy for too much embellishment. I applied the same format for both pages to simplify the process. Still some color and pattern, but tried to keep the focus on the photos.

I have been learning how to create sketches digitally, so plan on seeing more in the future:)

Die Cut Organization

2011-04-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

 I do still have quite a few manual dies...Sizzix, Quickutz, Spellbinders-just couldn't part with them even after getting a Cricut. So, I decided to split them out by brand. Then I somewhat grouped them by type and size.

Yes, this part took a while to do. I then cut all the shapes out and glued to paper to make a die cut book. Both the die and cut out out have been numbered.

I have a few border punches, so I used the same concept for those. For all the time it took to get this system up, I can say that it was worth my effort. Now I know exactly what I have and where I can find it!

And yes, Happy Easter! This is my sister and I back then...I love how my momma dressed us all up!

Egg-stra Fun

2011-04-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

 Here are some goodies I have been working on lately...

My sister is getting married this summer, so a card for the shower, (which I am missing this weekend, boo!)

A birthday tag.

I am down to just a few photos to scrap from last year, here is a Halloween one.

Last week our little church playgroup had an egg hunt. You can see Audrey's strategy. All pink eggs! Sometimes it is good to just go with what you love:)

GYSO #16

2011-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the new sketch at GYSO! The sketch was perfect for cutting out all the little playing cards. Loved all the hearts, it fit right in since they love the carwash...Or maybe all the snacks at the carwash!

Cards...

2011-04-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of random cards on a Thursday! 

I have been thinking of some Mother's day gift ideas, and asked my mom if she would like me to do up a set of cards so she has some to give out to friends and family. She really liked that idea. I am thinking of just doubling up what I make, so I will have a set too. I am always in need of birthday cards and never have them! So, some card strategy is in order for the next week!

I also need to photo my new die cut organization. It will likely be in two posts, this was the most time consuming project in my craft room makeover.

Cute Overload

2011-04-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

First, I wanted to share a little video tutorial that I did up on the Scrapbook Sussies blog on how to make this mini:) I have been wanting to make a video with our little Flip camera, it was fairly easy to figure out.

We went to Princess on Ice with our pals Julie and Brookie, we had such a ball! Who can pass up on a chance to dress up?!

More to come, it has been a really off week- and it is only Tuesday! Audrey has a stomach bug, and we have had some real sadness with our extended family. Many prayers for an improved rest of the week.