Stylish Blogger Award

I am so honored that Susie has selected me to receive the Stylish Blogger Award.

Hop on over to Susie's blog, So Many Scraps, to see some of her gorgeous paper crafting.

Upon receiving this award I must…
*Thank the person who gave this award to me and link back to their blog
*Share 8 things about myself
*Pass this award to 8 other individuals that I have recently discovered
*Leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition.

Here are eight things about me:

1. I am a follower of Christ ~ above all else.

2. I love and appreciate my DH of 28 years.

3. We have four children, a son and three daughters.

4. I discovered a wonderful creative outlet in scrapbooking four years ago.

5. I am on target so far, for my 2011 commitment to write out at least 10 verses in my Scripture journal each day and to memorize at least one verse each week.

6. We live out in the country on top of a big hill next to my brother and his family who we cannot see because we are surrounded by woods.

7. This is my nineteenth year to home educate our children with two more years to go before our youngest graduates.

8. Susie, who nominated me, is an inspiration to me on several levels.  I am inspired by her lovely layouts and cards.  I am inspired by the courageous way she faces Trigeminal Neuralgia.  Finally, I am inspired by the way she demonstrates her faith through kind words and encouragement.

Now, for my nominations.  You'll be blessed and inspired to stop by the blogs of these wonderful scrapbook artists:

Chris

Carol

Jean

Paulien

Betty Anne

Carolina

Ingeborg

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Blessings ~

Birthday Beauty ~ Scrap-Friendzy March Challenge #10 ~ Flowers

Here is a layout of Grace at her 5th birthday party.  She looks so happy and so pretty.

My challenge to the Girlz at Scrap-Friendzy is to create or alter a flower for their layout.  Here is my example:

I pleated 1 1/2" by 1 yd torn strips of muslin, then loosely machine stitched the edge and gathered to form into these double layered flowers which I glued onto cardstock circles with Fabri-tac glue.  I rescued from the trash, the uneven strip that I tore off the end to make the twisted fabric centers which I dyed with watered down alcohol ink.

Here's a close-up of the flowers:

I used:

MME - Kraft/red print paper

Basic Grey - blue/white print paper, green leaves, yellow swirls

Red Cardstock ~ stash

Sewing machine/thread

Martha Stewart ~ Waterfall around the border punch set

Tim Holtz Die for Sizzix

Ranger Alcohol Ink - to dye flower centers

Muslin from JoAnn's

Sewing machine/thread

Tim Holtz Distress Tool

Tsukineko chalk ink - black, pesto

Cricket Cartridge for cakes - leaf image

Honey bee scissors

Gazelle to cut title letters

I've entered this layout in:

Anything Goes Challenge Blog Challenge ~ Make your own embellishments ~ I made the flowers (4/5)

Scrap-Creations Challenge ~ Spring has Sprung ~ Hand made flowers represent spring 

Papertake Weekly Challenge ~ Just be Girlie ~ This is a feminine girly LO 

Tuesday Throwdown #41 ~ Anything but a card ~ LO 

Crafty Cardmakers #42 ~ Special Birthday ~ 5th birthday (5/5) 
Pink Paper Paradise ~ Anything goes

Thanks for dropping by!

~ Blessings ~

Two Sides of Joseph ~ The Scraping Stamper Sketch

Here is a layout of Joseph at his tenth birthday party.  Even then his funny and serious sides were evident!

I created this layout for a sketch designed by the talented Shannon White ~ The Scrapping Stamper.

If you like this sketch, head on over to The Scrapping Stamper to see the other wonderful layouts created by her design team.

I wanted to include some journaling, and since the sketch did not include a journal block, I elected to journal around the photos. 

I don't normally doodle but did some around the photo mat and corner to go along with the feel for each photo.

To add a bit of texture I stitched around the edge of the inner paper layer and applied tinted texture paste over plastic canvas along the bottom of the layout to get the grungy grid effect.

I used some older papers and rub-ons from my stash.

This LO has been entered in the following challenges:

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #126 ~ Anything but a card 

Sugar Creek Hollow Challenge ~ Anything goes 

Floweret Stamplar Challenge #2 ~ Play/Birthday Party ~ the journalling tells the story - these fun photos were taken at our son's 10th birthday

Paper Cutz Challenge #83 ~ Your choice

Digi Doodle Shop's Best Challenge #51 ~ Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Blessings ~

Uniquely You ~ Scrap-Friendzy Challenge#2 - Mix it Up

This photo goes back about 10 years. Maria is taking a hike in the forest with her walking stick. We were on vacation at a Salt Fork State Park.

I created this for the Mix it Up Challenge at Scrap-Friendzy to use patterned papers you normally wouldn't use together.  I normally would not have used the Basic Grey paper with these My Little Shoe Box papers.

I used this fabulous Let's Scrap sketch by Cheri O'Neill:

Products used in this layout:

Basic Grey background paper**

My Little Shoebox ~ Peony Collection paper**

Core-dinations CS for scalloped circle

Cosmo Cricket Rub-ons**

MME - word block "Sweet" **

Brads **

Buttons - from the stash given to my by my MIL

Ric Rac **

Paint chips ~ for the Let's Scrap DT challenge by Mich

Scotch ATG adhesive gun

** Thanks Amy and Cheryl for the prize kit awarded for December Girlfriend.

Scrap-Friendzy awards a fabulous prize to the Girlfriend with the most friendz points each month.  Come on over and sign up to play - you'll enjoy the fun challengez!

This layout has been entered in the following challenges:

Amber's Crafts and Stuff ~ Challenge #1 ~ Stashbuter/Anything Goes - Everything in the LO is from my stash. 

Clear it Out Challenge #2 ~ Buttons - these buttons are from my MIL's stash that I now have. 

Desert Island Crafters Challenge #4 ~ Use three of the following:

Not a Card! ***

Black & White

Celestial

Buttons ***

Unusual Sentiment (ie. not “Happy Birthday” or “Best Wishes” etc).

Charms

Wire

Fancy Fold

Fibres ***

No images ***

Freshly Brewed Challenge #37 ~ Pink and paper piecing ~ flowers cut and pieced on LO 

CCH #58 Eyelets or Brads ~ 2 brads used above small, inset photo 
Pink Paper Paradise Make it Monday #28 ~ anything goes
Clear it Out Challenge Flower Tutorial 
  

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

~  Blessings ~

Two Pairs ~ ScrapFIT Workout #40

This is my second layout as March Guest FITgirl for ScrapFIT Workout #40: Super Sketch To The Rescue!  We all get stuck from time to time so there is nothing better than a sketch to help pull you out! This is a one of a kind sketch from Liz at The Scrappiest! Use this sketch to inspire your layout!

I flipped the sketch on its side and used one larger photo.  As I was going through my photos for this challenge, I drew additional inspiration from the bird in the sketch by choosing this photo of Joseph and Grace gazing at these bald eagles at the North Carolina Zoological Park.  For the "branch," I tried my hand at sketching out a tree trunk for an eagle to land on, and it turned out better than I expected - the Basic Grey paper scrap made a perfect tree trunk.

To Create this layout I used:
Basic Grey paper from several collections
Tim Holtz distress tool
Sewing machine and thread
Gazelle to cut title

Ink jet transparency for journaling - I tried to print directly on the layout, but the ink absorbed into the paper and lightened up too much, so I printed it in the same format onto the transparency, sprayed the back with acid free spray adhesive and laid over the journaling that was too light.

Distress ink on tree trunk and title letter edges

I hope you'll come join the ScrapFIT Sketch Workout #40.  The winner of this challenge chosen by the design team will receive this wonderful prize:

I have entered this layout in the following:
Pink Paper Paradise ~ anything goes Make it Monday Inspiration
BasicGrey Challenges ~ Challenge #39 ~ Wings
Crazy 4 Challenges C4C78 ~ Include a tree  
Creative Belli Blog ~ Belli Challenge #112 ~ Animals
Stampavie and More ~ Challenge #132 ~ Birds

Thanks for visiting my blog!

~ Blessings~

Big Catch - Natural Elements

This is a huge carp that Joseph caught a few years back.  You can tell how happy he is with this big catch.

This is the layout for my first Design Team Challenge over at Scrap-Friendzy.  I decided to create this challenge to use natural elements on a layout.

I hope you will come on over to Scrap-Friendzy and join the challenge!

I used 8 natural elements on this layout:

Burlap ~ two types

Cork

Wood 

Bark

Muslin

Cotton Lace

Jute

Deer Hide ~ thanks Brenda

Muslin banner "hung" with deer hide leather strip:

Muslin was cut into triangles, stamped with alphabet stamps, then sprayed with Smooch Spritz, the bottom layer was misted with a darker Smooch Spritz.

Burlap and cotton lace:

To give the burlap a more open weave, I removed every third "thread" ~ Don't try to remove every other thread like I did on my first attempt because all of your perpendicular threads will be on the same weave and your burlap piece will fall apart - LOL!

Wood pieces stained with Walnut Ink:

Tree bark and jute:

I found this in the floral department - real pieces of bark and moss applied to a paper backing on a roll.  I cut a rectangle of this for my journal block and wrapped one end with jute.

In creating this layout, I took inspiration from the fabulous Tara Orr and Trudy Sigurdson's book, Tantalizing Textures.

Papers ~ from a variety of manufacturers including Basic Grey and K&Co.

Distress Inks ~ Ranger

Chalk Ink ~ Tsukineko

Solvent Ink ~ Staz On

Stamps ~ Stampin' Up and misc. stamps from my stash

BossKut Gazelle ~ used to cut journal numbers/letters

Lace ~ by the yard at JoAnn's 

Tree Bark ~ floral department at JoAnn's

Jute, burlap, cork, jute, wood pieces ~ from my stash

Deer hide strip from my scrappy friend, Brenda - thanks!

Challenges I entered this layout in:

A Spoonful of Sugar Challenge 142 - Anything Vintage/Shabby

Desert Island Crafter's Challenge #3 - Recipe

Craft Your Passion Challenge #48  - Anything Goes 

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge #42 - Fabric ~ Used Muslin, lace, and burlap (4/4)

House of Gilli Challenge #2 - Use Green - used in mat around photo

Kaboodle Doodles Challenge #57 Go Green - used in mat around photo

Karen's Doodles Challenge #53 - Go Green - used in mat around photo

OOh La La Creations Challenge #75 - It's a man thing - I used a masculine back to nature theme for this LO

Easy Craft Projects Challenge #33 - Green ~ used in mat around photo (4/1)

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #124 - Patchwork ~ I patchworked the cork background around the perimeter of my layout.
Scrapbook Sisters Challenge #1 ~ Framed - the photo is framed by a mat and by the multiple layers of matting and bracket frame as well. 

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit my blog!

~ Blessings ~

Design Team Announced at Scrap-Friendzy

I am new to the on-line community of scrappers.  The first place I attempted to complete challenges was back in September when I saw an announcement that Scrap-Friendzy was holding Scrap-U - A month of challenges developed around school classes and extra curricular activities.  I was amazed at how many fun layouts I completed and discovered the fun and supportive group of scrapbooking girlz there led by Cheryl and her lovely daughter, Amy, along with a fabulous design team and wonderful challenge and forum participants.  Scrap-Friendzy has been my on-line scrapping home ever since.

When a design team call was issued last month I decided to apply.  Needless to say, I was ecstatic to find out that I made the team.  

Although, primarily a scrapbook site, paper artists of all genres are welcome to participate.  I hope you will come join us for some fun challenges.

What an amazing day to have the Scrap-Friendzy Design Team announced on the same day I could finally reveal my Guest FITgirl opportunity which I have known about since early January.

~ Blessings ~

Sassy Abby for ScrapFIT Workout #39

I am so honored to have been selected to be the guest FITgirl for March over at ScrapFIT.  This is my layout for Workout #39 ~ Glitter and Glam.

Here is the challenge description: I love things that are sparkly and glamorous, I think many girls are right there with me! With this layout we want to show off our Glitter and Glam! There are many ways to make things sparkle – glitter, embossing, paint, stickles and more! Now for the glam – lets make this a fun feminine layout, you make it soft and fully or bright and blingy! You Go Girl! 

I enjoy bling, so this was a fabulous challenge to create a layout for.   

This is a photo of my niece, Abby, at my parent's home by the lake.  Although cropped out, you can just imagine by the precious expression on her face that she has her hand on her hip and is giving just a little sassy attitude.

So, sassy bling is what I wanted to bring to this layout.  As I explored ideas for some cool and sassy flowers I found this great tutorial by Lisa Gregory.  I made some minor adjustments to her directions.  First, I made my flowers smaller and in two different sizes.  Then, I scrunched and crinkled my paper before I brushed with the Glossy Accents (whatever kind of glossy medium you have will work for these flowers).  Lisa has some really fabulous flower tutorials, so if you enjoy making your own flowers check out the side bar of her blog for links.

Here is a close-up of my flowers:

I cut the butterflies on my Gazelle from black cardstock and BoBunny paper left-over from the flowers. I brushed Ranger Stickles on for glitz, made the antennae from black wire and added sparkly black tails cut from a Zva crystal swirl.  Here is a close-up shot:

Papers used in this layout are from BoBunny's Love Shack Collection along with black cardstock.  

Peacock feather ~ my stash.  

Black feathery leaves ~ cut on my Gazelle from cardstock, then Stickles applied with a paint brush.

Scallop circle ~ cut from the Cricut Cake cartridge. I added Darice heat set rhinestones using my i-rock setter.

Bling cluster at the bottom of the page ~ after Christmas finds from the floral department that I modified using alcohol ink and Stickles.  The curl piece was created from a piece of wire wrapped with floral tape.  I then wrapped the wire around a bar to create the coil and of course brushed with more Stickles.

Photo mat border punch ~ Martha Stewart's Vintage Floral Punch Around the Page set.

I hope you are inspired to create your own Glam and Glitter layout and submit it at ScrapFIT!

The FITgirls have outdone themselves for this challenge so be sure to go check out their great layouts here!

For further inspiration, just look at all the goodies in this fabulous prize sponsored by The Paper Trail being offering to the winner of this challenge:

Thanks for stopping by to look!

~ Blessings ~