Live ~ Laugh ~ Create

Card Caravan Challenge #8

2011-12-11T00:18:00.003-05:00

Once again, dusting out the cobwebs that have overtaken my blog. It hasn't been for lack of creating, just lack of time to create unless it's for an assignment - which today's card is.

The Hybrid Chick Card Caravan has issued their 8th challenge - Melissa chose the theme "two". You could interpret this to be a card for a second birthday, two buttons, two ribbons, two layers, or even two cards.

I actually had a burst of mojo this round of challenges. I took the "two" theme "to" an extreme - I used:

2 papers from Sarah Jone's A Bushel and A Peck paper pack
2 layers to my card
2 rows of double twine and 2 double bows (from the Twinery)
2 different sentiments from Paper Smooches: Fruitastic set and Chic Chat set and I used "pears" (ba-dum bump) <---that was my rim shot on the pun LOL

The inside of the card reads "Thanks so much". Here is the paper pack I used to create my card:

So, we'd LOVE to have you play along with us this week! Make sure you add your project/card to inlinkz at the end of the post so we can leave you some love!!

I am also entering my card into the following challenges:

Allsorts - #133 It takes two
Marks Finest Papers - #85 Thank you card
Phindy’s Place – Clean & Simple
The Crafty Pad - Send Some One a Smile (No Christmas or Birthday cards)

Card Caravan challenge #2

2011-09-18T00:05:00.008-04:00

It's time for The Hybrid Chick Card Caravan's 2nd challenge.

Here’s how the Card Caravan challenges will work – Every other Sunday, members of The Card Caravan will host a challenge on The Hybrid Chick blog. Our challenges will be fairly simple like “use ribbon”, “use glitter” or “use the color blue”. We just want you to get creative with us!

Our 2nd challenge that starts today 9/18 and runs through 9/30 is to use one or more buttons on a card or project.

I'm think my mojo is still packed away in one of the many boxes in my basement from our recent move so I went the easy route..... I used the bus element from Melissa Wilson and Mari Koegelenberg's call called Back to School - The Elements to create my card.

I created my shaped card simply by resizing the bus element to fit on a 5.5" x 4.25" card base. After printing and cutting out the bus, I adhered very close to the fold of my card base and cut around the bus.

Now, I can hear you asking, "where is her button for the challenge???"

I took a creative liberty and used my Sizzix button die to die cut two buttons to use for wheels. After tying some lemonade twine that I bought from The Twinery in the holes of the die cut buttons, I adhered them in place using 3D foam squares.

I added some Studio G glitter glue to the red lights on the bus for a little sparkle.

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:
Dream Valley Challenge #16 - use buttons
Bloggers Challenge Button Challenge

Hope to see you playing along with our challenges!
LuAnn

Birthday gift bag

2011-07-07T16:40:00.007-04:00

Hi there! Quick post today showing off my latest creation using Nikki Epperson's About to Snap digital kit and some of my Paper Smooches stamps.

Here it is.....

I used the Sugar Rush stamp set and the Sentiment Sampler on my project. It also uses Lauren Meader's Carry Clutch template. Here's a close up of the front panel...

The candle and cupcake are all paper pieced since I don't own any markers. Here's the hanging tag...

My daughter has already laid claim to the gift bag for a friend's birthday party later this month.

That's it for me today - I need to get to work on my project for my Hybrid Chick blog post tomorrow.

Anyone for some toast?

2011-05-10T18:08:00.010-04:00

What's a hybrid gal to do when she's out of ink and she wants to create??? Get out some non-digital papers and some new stamps and get creative! I'm still so very new to this whole stamping thing but I'm having a great time learning a new way to get creative!!!

April was my first month as a Paper Smooches club member. In my first package was a stamp set called Boob Tubes. Talk about Ca-yute!!!

After seeing some cards made by the PS club members and the design team, I started to see a new use for one of the TV stamp sets. Here's what I came up with:

I used the TV on the bottom left to create the toaster. I added two narrow rectangular pieces of black cardstock for the toaster slots.

I used bits and pieces from the set to create the toast. The toast was created using the screen part of the TV on the bottom right. The eyes were created using what I think is a knob in the top right of the set and the retro antennae in the middle of the set (see arrows below)

I used a sketch from the Sweet Sunday sketch challenge but didn't get the card done in time for that week.

Additional supplies: cardstock, patterned paper, silver brad and corner rounder punch from Stampin' Up!, brown gems from Joann Fabrics, twine recycled from Paper Smooches packaging, Scallop circle and circle Nestibilities.

I've been working on a little something with the PS May release - the first idea I had didn't quite work out so I had to go back to the drawing board. I'm such a thinker when I create - I can't just stamp, cut, and adhere. Nooooo, not me - I need to sketch out my ideas on all sorts of little pieces of paper.

Well, that's it for me - thanks for stopping by!

3.27.11 Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge

2011-03-28T21:58:00.005-04:00

Happy Monday!!

Quick post today sharing the card I created for Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge #110.

recipe for card:
stamps - digital sentiment by Arty Pants Digital Stamps (thedigichick.com), whale and ocean template (myscrapchick.com)
paper - Pixel Gypsy By the Sea digital papers (thedigichick.com)
accessories - Epson Matte Presentation paper, sewing machine, thread, scissors, scallop oval (spellbinders), ric rac, tombow adhesive runner, foam 3D squares

Hybrid Pot O' Gold

2011-03-08T14:39:00.014-05:00

Happy Friday to you! Nice to see you again!

Today I am going to show you how to make your own Hybrid pot of gold. Wouldn't this be cute waiting on the table when your kids get up St. Patrick's Day morning?

You could fill it with gold coins, Hershey nuggets, Rolo's candy or anything else that your heart desires!

I was inspired to make this pot o' gold after seeing Amy Stoffel's new kit at ScrapMatters called Lucky Charm:

Aren't the colors so vibrant?

Next I went on a hunt through the SM store for a template. I knew it needed to be something that I could put gold coins in but it also needed to be a template that I could turn into my pot so I looked for a template with a rounded bottom panel.

And here's what I used - Krisi's Kreations' Egg Baskets template:

What? You don't see how I turned the egg shape into a pot for my gold?

After printing the basket template out onto paper using my printer's draft option (so as not to hog up my ink), I traced the egg basket template onto black cardstock.

After cutting out all the black cardstock, I cut the egg shape side panels down into a pot shape.

Then I measured across the top of my pot and went back to my Photoshop and resized the rainbow elements to "fit" as handles - when I cut the rainbows out, I left a tab of plain paper under each end of the rainbow so that I could attach it to the inside of the pot using double sided tape.

To form my shamrock, I printed out a 4 x 4 inch square of the green paper from the kit and punched out 3 small hearts. Join all the hearts together using a glue dot, cut a small strip of green paper for the stem and add a button to the center.

I used my scallop circle Nestibilities to cut out the felt - the flair is printed from the kit and attached using 3D foam squares. I used a teeny punch to add the holes to the felt piece. This is attached to the pot using 3D foam squares also.

Last thing I did was use some silver ink around the edges and on the top rim of the pot - this gave it a little more definition.

And that's how the egg basket template ended up as a pot o' gold!

That's it for me today! See you again soon with some cards and other projects!

Hybrid tea bag holder

2011-02-27T22:53:00.009-05:00

Hi there! Long time no see! Popping in to post a project I created over the last few days for a challenge over at The Shabby Tea Room. The challenge was to create a project with the theme "Buttons and bows" using these as inspiration:

And Jady Day Studio at ScrapMatters (collab kit with KimB's Designs) just released THE most perfect kit for what I had in mind...

And here is what I came up with for The Shabby Tea Room challenge:

I used a tutorial by Sophia Landry to create the holder. The tea bag and sentiment stamps really gave me trouble today - it just wouldn't give me a nice crisp stamped image. *sigh*

If you look really close at the tea bag, you can see that I re-stamped the tea bag stamp onto a piece of vellum and cut it out. After attaching it to my focal piece, I used a finger dauber to ink some black ink onto the vellum to look like tea in the bag. I really like how it looks in person!!!

The rolled rose on the top of my tea bag holder:

I just LOVE how pretty this looks in the off white color with the sage green leaves and pink pearl in the center!!!

Additional supplies used: rolled rose die and layered label die from My Favorite Things, felt, adhesive flat pearls, stamp set by Fiskars, ribbon, button, green twine, pink cardstock from Stampin' Up!, double sided adhesive tape, tape runner, Tombow mono adhesive liquid glue.

All in all, I am happy with how the project turned out (minus the bad stamp job!!) but I'm still new at this whole stamping thing - had a few suggestions to not press as hard on the stamp since it is a soft clear stamp, lightly sand the stamp, use versa mark ink. I'll take any other suggestions any one has that can help me!

That's it for me - thanks for stopping by!

Fancy Prints Giveaway!!

2010-12-05T12:36:00.006-05:00

One of the blogs I follow is 33 Shades of Green. Today, they are hosting another giveaway from Fancy Prints Etsy shop!!

I entered with high hopes (and with no chance due to my bad luck!) of winning one of these:

It would make a PERFECT housewarming gift!

I also love this one that would make a fantastic bridal shower, wedding or anniversary gift!

I love that the colors on any of her prints can be changed to match any decor/wedding colors that you choose!

Well, cross your fingers for me! and if you've entered the contest too.......?

if you win, I'll be HIGHLY jealous!!! and I just might cry!!!! LOL

Hang on to your hats - we're playing along with the Caardvarks!

2010-11-26T23:56:00.011-05:00

O.M.Goodness - you may want to put on a pair of sunglasses!! I think this is going to be a whole lotta pink!!!!

The Hybrid Chick Caravan is finally back on the road and we've stopped at the Caardvark's blog to play along with this week's challenge.

The challenge is to create a gift card/money holder (what a great challenge for this time of the year huh?).

I created my gift card holder after seeing (and buying!) a very simple and plain version of this gift card holder. (Yes, I'm the type that sees things that I want to re-create, buy them and the take them apart so I can make my own.)

Here's my gift card holder:

my gift card holder open (sporting a yummy gift card for Starbucks! Yum!!):

and a close up of the trendy paper roses I am trying so hard (but failing) to master:

I created my gift card holder using JenN {squared}'s Fun-a-delic {papers} - JenN {squared} is the collab effort between Designs by Jen Yurko and Jenn from Joyful Heart Designs. I also used The Cutting Files Paper Roses template and a sentiment from Elise's Pieces Designs Seasons of Love: wordart.

additional supplies: Epson presentation paper, Sizzix Big Shot, scallop circle die, Fiskars 1/8" hole punch, scallop trim border punch from Stampin' Up!, leaves created using the wing from the Stampin' Up! Bird punch,tombow adhesive tape runner, Zots glue dots, white brad and flat back pearl from Joann Fabrics

All in all, I'm very pleased with how my gift card holder turned out and I can't wait for an occasion to give it away!

Now it's your turn to play along! and if you do, link me up so I can see what you've created!!

thanks for stopping by!

A card challenge card!!

2010-11-13T16:34:00.004-05:00

Happy Saturday to you!

Just a quick drive-by posting today with a card for Stamping Scrapping Challenge Central.

The challenge was to create a black and yellow card. My favorite STEELER colors! Go Black and Gold!!!!

Here is my card made using Trixie Scraps Designs' Defining Me digital kit:

Additional supplies: Big Shot, Scallop circle and circle dies, Black cardstock and wordart rub-on from Stampin' Up!,
black brads from Joann Fabrics, black ink to ink the edges, white gel and black glitter pen, Tombow adhesive runner, pop dots

I adore how this card turned out!!!!

That's it for me today - have a good one!!!

Hybrid Frankenstein box

2010-10-26T20:55:00.011-04:00

Wow...it's been a while since I posted.

I thought I'd share with you a Frankenstein box that I created.

Now, there are a ton of different Frankenstein boxes all over the internet but I thought I'd give making one a shot and share with you how I made mine.

First I started off with Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Top Heavy box template:

I printed the lines onto white computer paper. After cutting out the paper template, I used it as a template to trace around on my black cardstock. Cut and score all the lines of the black cardstock piece.

Assemble using double sided tape on the side tab to form the box. Assemble the bottom of the box - glue the bottom flaps so that you don't lose the goodies that you stash inside!

Paperclip a green digital paper to one side of Kelleigh's template. I chose Elise's Pieces Designs' Spooky kit for the green paper and the stitches in the kit.

I used the transform option in PSE to manipulate the digital paper so that the already-inked sides of Elise's paper lined up with the sides of Kelleigh's template. Next, I added a few digital stitches to my Frankenstein face.

Print the green paper with the stitches. I also printed extra green paper so that I could create Frankenstein's eyes.

Adhere Frankenstein's face to one side of your assembled box.

Create his eyes by cutting out 2 white circles, 2 smaller black cardstock circles and one larger green circle cut in half to form his eyelids. (I used my nestibilities dies and my Big Shot). Adhere to Frank's face - I used my Tombow adhesive tape runner.

For his nose, I cut an oval shape from black cardstock. Add to Frank's face.

I drew Frank's mouth on in pencil and then used a black sharpie to go over my lines.

To create Frank's hair, I eyeballed and cut a strip of black cardstock. Cut some notches in the strip. (This is when I would have loved to have Martha Stewart's drippy punch or grass punch!!!)

Attach Frankenstein's hair to the box.

Hot glue an eyelet on each side of the box (I would have LOVED to have 2 miniature wood flower pots to paint and hot glue for the bolts!! I did that in the past for a Frankenstein glass block light I made - it was perfect!!!)

Optional: I cut a narrow strip of black cardstock and attached it with brads to the top of the box.

Optional: I sewed a button on the back of the box and hot glued gold cording to the underside of the flap to keep the box closed when held by the handle.

Wouldn't he be cute greeting your kids at breakfast Halloween morning???

That's it for me - hope you enjoyed my little Frankenstein box!

Card Patterns Sketch 78

2010-08-23T20:54:00.006-04:00

This week the Hybrid Chick Caravan is stopping to participate in the Card Patterns Sketch 78 challenge.

I have to say this sketch really had me puzzled as to what to do with it but in the end I am happy with how my card turned out.

Here's this week's sketch:

and my card based on the sketch:

I'm not a flower-girl but I like how the flower looks on here with the ribbon.

Card Credits:

Digital stamp from Quirky Twerp

Digital papers from The Digichick's Every Life Has a Story mega collab kit

Stampin' Up!: brown card stock, ribbon, button and rub-on

Bazzill: flowers

Tombow adhesive tape runner

So, how about following the Caravan and playing along with us? We'd love to see what you do with the sketch!!

Another card??? I can't stop myself!

2010-08-07T12:47:00.008-04:00

Yepp, I'm back again today with another card! Not sure where this creativity is coming from but... I LIKE IT!!!

I have really began to look forward to the Taylored Expressions sketch challenges - the creativity just flows. I like to take their sketch and create a template based on their sketch. The whole process of creating the template gets me thinking about how I am going to use it.

I'm the type of person who needs to "think" about what I am going to create before I actually start. If I try to create without thinking it through, it usually turns out to be a disaster.

But anyway, here is the sketch from Taylored Expressions:

and here is my card based on the sketch:

I used Erica Zane's EZ Wishes digital kit - and those of you who have never tried printing and using digital papers and elements with your traditional stamp supplies really need to give it a try!

That's it for me for today - have some things to do so that I can go to our local Relay for Life. Last year, I bought my daughter a beautiful green bracelet with a silver bead with "Hope" on it. Hoping to score either a pink or blue one for myself - maybe with "Love" on it.

I am, after all, really a romantic at heart and totally believe in the theory of everyone having a soul mate. Sappy, I know. I can't help it. I'll let you know how it goes!

Clean & Simple 102

2010-08-06T22:20:00.006-04:00

Happy Friday evening! Back again with a card that went together so fast - a card for the Clean & Simple blog sketch challenge.

Here's the sketch:

and here's what I came up with using Wimpychompers Creations' Dog-gone Cute digital kit from ScrapMatters.

The saying is one that I found online - it reads: Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about little puppies.

The card is completely digital, including the "inking" of the edges of the card.

That's it for me this evening - unless I decide to make a kitty version! *wink wink*

Mojo Monday 150

2010-08-05T01:39:00.008-04:00

Hey there - thanks for stopping by!

Today's post is going to be a short one - it's 1:40am here and I need to get to bed so that I get up at 6:30am.

The Hybrid Chick Caravan made it's third stop at the Mojo Monday blog to participate in their sketch challenge.

Here's the sketch we're playing with this week:

When I first saw this sketch, I knew I wanted to use Elise's Pieces Designs newest digital kit Garden Fresh. I just loved the mix of browns and greens in the kit.

My card came out much different than I had envisioned in my head. I know I should have inked the edges but wasn't sure what color to use to do it.

Additional supplies:
MFT Die-namics big scallop border
green cardstock, flower rub-ons, and white rub-on dots from Stampin' Up!
Natural colored cardstock used for matting by Red River Paper
corner rounder punch
tombow adhesive runner
craft essential ribbon

I'm still learning this whole stamping thing but am starting to see an improvement in the overall design and in the end result. They are no where near "prize" worthy but through practice each card should continue to show improvement. My cards lack that WOW! factor....

I need to keep taking a close look at other cards and ask questions. and....learn to take some constructive criticism so that I can learn and improve even more.

Taylored Expressions Sketch challenge #122

2010-07-29T00:09:00.003-04:00

Thank goodness it's almost Friday! What a day I've had - actually it was yesterday since it's 12:10am here.

Had a vision appointment Monday evening, woke up Tuesday AM with my right eye bothering me, blew it off to not having worn a contact in that eye for quite a while but woke up this morning to stabbing hot pains in my eye. And my eye kept watering and watering.

Now, I'm not one to run to the doctors but by the end of my work day I knew I needed it checked. So I stopped to see my eye doctor. And lo and behold, it ended up I had a teeny piece of plastic or glass IN my eye. Not floating around in there, but actually in my cornea. The doctor said when he removed it that it left an indentation in my cornea. it'll heal but still hurts like a dickens!

Enough boring tales from me - today I played along with Taylored Expressions sketch challenge #122. Here's this week's sketch:

and here's what I came up with off the sketch:
Supplies:
Strike! digital scrapbook kit by The Design Girl
A little Offset alphabet by Christy Lyle
font: 2Peas Gimme Coffee
Black card stock and round corner punch from Stampin' Up!
Tombow adhesive tape runner

I made that little pink shape behind the ball using a preset shape in my Photoshop program.

I really like how this turned out! That's it for me today - see you soon with another posting. Maybe I'll get ambitious and create something other than a card!!! LOL

2 Sketches 4 You sketch challenge

2010-07-28T00:54:00.007-04:00

Happy Wednesday to you!

This week, the Hybrid Chick Caravan has traveled to the 2 Sketches 4 You blog to participate in their sketch challenge. Let's get right to it!

Here is the sketch we're playing along with:

And here's my card based on the sketch - I went a very simple route with my card:

I'm still very much a beginner at all of this stamping stuff. I tried Sylvia's inking technique on the edge of my brown patterned paper and then used a sanding block to distress the edges. She's always very kind to answer questions from this newbie - thanks Sylvia!!!

The flower was created using a new to me technique I found on the Ribbon Flowers blog - I used a wood burning tool to help create this flower.

It's not apparent on the photo but the bottom half of the card is embossed with soft and subtle dots.

Supplies used:

Sketch: 2 Sketches 4 You blog

Digital Scrapbooking kit: Friends are Forever by Creations by Rachel - avail. at The Digichick on 7/29

Stampin' Up!: Kraft cardstock, brown satin ribbon, button, twine, leaf stamp, corner rounder punch, Swiss dots embossing folder, Big Shot

Hampton Art: "thinking of you" foot longs stamps

Misc.: tombow adhesive tape runner, Zots adhesive dots, Tim Holtz Distressing ink - Vintage,

So, join the Caravan - use the sketch to create your own card. Upload it to the 2 Sketches 4 You blog and don't forget to link us to your card on the Hybrid Chick Caravan facebook group so we can leave you some luv!

Taylored Expressions sketch challenge

2010-07-17T09:19:00.005-04:00

Happy Saturday everyone! It's a beautiful July summer day here in PA! Good thing because I have a family reunion to go today!

So, Thursday I hinted that there was something new coming to The Hybrid Chick - today (hopefully!) all will be revealed. So keep checking over there for the announcement....

I played along with Taylored Expressions sketch challenge #121. Here is their sketch:

The Sketch Crew over there came up with some really beautiful and unique cards based on the sketch. I went a more whimsical route.

Supplies: Happyland digital kit by Madame Wing, Staples double sided matte presentation paper, pop dots, Stampendous! glitter on the wings, Stampin' Up! Embosslits Beautiful wings die, hello stamp from SU! Hello again set, SU! Pixie Pink and Silver metallic inks

My supply of stamps are very limited as I am just starting out. I joined a monthly Stampin' Up! card club which met from last September until June of this year. It was a lot of fun and a great way to be introduced into stamping. I mostly stocked up on tools - punches, inks, sizzlits, etc. Now I wish I had purchased more stamps!!

This card is actually only the very second time I used one of my stamps and ink here at home. I was hesitant to break out the stamps and get them dirty. LOL

I can already see why stamping is addictive - you want more and more choices to use to create! And I'm with Sharyn - I need some Copic markers now!

Everything but the Kitchen Sink sketch challenge #19

2010-07-15T22:10:00.008-04:00

Well, as far as creating cards, I've had a dry spell with the ole mojo.

But as soon as I saw the card sketch challenge posted on Everything but the Kitchen Sink, the creativity sparked a little!

Here's their sketch:

and here is what I created based on their sketch:

Not bad for my first time paper piecing!!! I used papers from ScrapMuss Designs' Music of my Memories kit from over at ScrapMatters to paper piece the to go cup.

Additional hybrid supplies used: Staples Double sided Matte Presentation paper, Scallop oval Nestibilities,
Sizzix Big Shot, Latte Love stamps from Fiskars, twine, dot rub-ons, black ink and brown ribbon from Stampin' Up!, Tim Holtz' distress ink - vintage photo, pop dots.

and that's it from me for today - but stay tuned (all 1 of my readers LOL) for a new adventure for me and few of my fellow Hybrid Chicks from The Digichick! It'll all be unveiled on Saturday, July 17th on the Hybrid Chick blog!

Curious??? check out The Hybrid Chick on Saturday!!!

It's a ScrapMatters iNSD Blog Train

2010-05-01T07:57:00.007-04:00

Just a very quick posting from me this morning!

If you are here for the Blog Train - Welcome!!You should be arriving from Amber's stop on the train http://ambersscrapspot.blogspot.com/ .

If you have arrived here and haven't been following the train, make sure you go to the ScrapMatters blog to start the train so that you aren't missing any of the goodies that will be available on this train!

Here is the preview of my blog train stop freebie:

*Sorry - but the blog train is over and the link has been removed*

This freebie coordinates with the printable that I created using the ScrapMatters Design Team collab "Moments that Matter"

The printable set that the Hybrid Team and Designers put together as a Free with Purchase:

I call my printable a "Will you be my....?" box - I thought it would be a super cute way for the Bride-to-Be to ask her friends or family to be her bridesmaid/maid of honor/matron of honor. My blog freebie could be printed out and added to the top of the box to "pop" it off to make it more 3D.

The box from the outside:

and here's what the inside would look like assembled:

This was really easy to put together and it could be changed to whatever color you'd like just by changing the buttons.

Supplies needed to put this box together: Adhesive of choice, ribbon of choice, buttons of choice, glue dots.

First, print (on your printer's best print settings - I highly recommend Red River paper for printing your projects or Epson Matte Presentation Paper for the best color), cut all pieces and assemble the box.

Punch holes in the journal tabs that spell out "Will you", "be my", "bridesmaid" or other wedding party postion and then the "Say Yes!" tab.

Next, cut a length of ribbon atleast 12 inches long. Slide the journal tabs onto the ribbon and space to your liking. Leave a couple of inches at the top so that you can adhere it to the inside of the box lid with a glue dot.

Then I strung thin twine through the buttons from the front to the back and tied the buttons to the ribbon just above each tab.

Trim the bottom of your ribbon.

And there you have it - a fun way to ask a friend or a family member to take part in your special day!

Hope you enjoy it! Your next stop on the blog train is the Fabulous Jenna http://www.sweetazshooga.com

If you get lost along the way, you can go back and start at the ScrapMatters blog

Happy Saturday to you!

2010-04-10T16:59:00.009-04:00

Hey there - welcome back! I have a few new cards and a project to share with you today.

First up is this card I created using Wimpychompers Creations' You Make Me Bananas kit and a border from Britt-ish Designs' Doodlie-Do Page Borders (which I use ALL the time on my projects!!!!)

Next up is another card I created using a new technique that I found in the resource section at Splitcoast Stampers - creating a brick wall. I used ViVa Artistry's Altered: Stoked kit.

This card made it to the Gallery Standouts site - which is indeed an honor!!!

My box of cards that I am making (and collecting at card swaps at my monthly Stampin' Up! card club) is filling up FAST this year!!!

One last project that I have to share with you today is this one - which at first I didn't like how it turned out. But the more I see the photo, the more I like it!

Don't you just love how girly it looks with the maribou?

Tip: use a low temp hot glue gun to attach the maribou to your projects.

Credits for this project are Simply J Studio Fry Box Template and Sya Blueprints and Juno Designs collab A Different Kind of Love

Well, that's it for me on the sunny warm Saturday in PA - it's almost time for the Hockey game! Go Pens!!!

3/29 It's a Blog Hop featuring Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs!

2010-03-29T06:57:00.003-04:00

Oh my....has it really been 4 1/2 months since my last blog post? Yepp...it sure has. What better way to get back into blogging than to join in on a blog hop!!!

Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Creative Team at The Digichick is having a hop (appropriate for this time of the year huh? LOL). There are 22 extremely creative artists joining in on the fun!

One lucky hopper (that's you!) will win a $10 gift certificate to Kelleigh's store just for commenting on her blog post with your vote for your favorite Creative Team project from the hop. One lucky Creative Team member will win $10 in PayPal cash for earning the most votes!! The Blog Hop contest winners will be announced on Thursday, April 8th on Kelleigh's blog.

So, what did I make? Well, one of my favorite things to do is to take a template and "do it" differently than it was intended. Earlier this month on The Hybrid Chick, I turned Kelleigh’s Heart Purse template into a Bridal shower/wedding favor. Make sure you check it out! Almost makes me wish I was getting married again.....almost!!!!

So for Kelleigh's blog hop, I decided to use her Take-Out box template.

I also used Lil Dude by Jennifer Fox, Nikki Epperson, and Melissa Bennett to create my project. I just love the papers in this collab!!!

and here is what I created:

and yes, that really is Kelleigh's Take-Out Box template!!! Wanna know how I made this using that template?

First I opened Kelleigh's large sized Take-Out Box template. I worked with the "lines only" layer - hide or delete all other layers. Next I erased the lines that would create the top flaps of the box. Then I rotated the lines layer on the canvas and enlarged it until it was as wide as my canvas. I copy and pasted the lines only layer onto my patterned paper. I changed to color of my score lines to white by adding a new layer over top of the lines, flood filling the new layer with white and then hitting "control + G" to clip the white to my score lines.

Next, I printed a full 8.5 x 11 sheet (borderless) of the green paper from the kit on Epson Matte Double Sided Presentation Paper. Then I turned the presentation paper over and printed a full sheet (borderless) of the patterned paper along with the lines of Kelleigh's template that I changed as above.

After cutting around the edges of my template, I scored all of my dashed lines and creased my scores. The triangular shaped pieces of the template were scored and folded inward instead of outward. On a regular take-out box, the pieces fold outward and then are folded against the outside of the box. This is what it will look like scored and ready to assemble:

Next, I made a faint pencil mark along the fold of each of the triangular shaped pieces and then used my crop-o-dile to punch the holes.

See above photo to see where I positioned the holes on the template.

Next I took one end of some embroidery thread and threaded it through the holes the whole way around twice ending in the same space I began.

After pulling the strings to form my basket, I tied a knot and snipped the loose ends of the thread close to the knot.

To create the handle, I cut a narrow strip of coordinating paper the length I wanted my handle to be. On both ends of my handle, I folded approx. 1/2 inch to the underside. I then punched holes at each end of the handle for the brads.

Positioning the handle on the tightened embroidery floss in the center of the basket, I added the brads to secure the handle in place. Repeat on opposite side.

To finish my project, I decorated the sides of my box/basket and the handle.

And that's my project for the blog hop! Make sure you check out all the stops on the Blog Hop (just keep in mind that those participating are all over the world and in different time zones so be patient and check back later in the day if a post on the list isn't up!)

Here are your Blog Hop Stops:
Kelleigh
Tracy
Sally
Laura
Juli
Julie
Christy
Dana
LuAnn <---You are here!
Jacinda
ViVa
Dalis
Holly
Sharyn
Karen Lewis
Linda
Alice
Mel
Sunghee
Carolina
Debbie
Kim

Don't forget to go back to Kelleigh's blog and leave a comment at the end of her Blog Hop post with your favorite Creative Team project for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Kelleigh's store.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy the hop!!

Drive-by Posting today......

2009-11-14T08:16:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to do a quick post this morning with my most recent hybrid project that I created for The Hybrid Chick blog.

Head on over and take a peek at how I created one of my most favorite projects so far! I had been thinking about how I wanted to make this for a few weeks now and am stoked with how it turned out! I think the only thing I'd do differently next time is make the inner box bigger.

I'd love to know what you think of my newest project!

that's it for today! Have a good one!

All Aboard! Take a ride on the ScrapMatters DSD Blog Train!

2009-11-07T00:01:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Wildblueeyez Junction - your next stop on the ScrapMatters' Blog Train!
Happy Digital Scrapbooking Day!

So, what one item (kit/element pack/etc) was on your "must-have" list that you picked up today? Please feel free to enable me, especially if it's of the whimsical nature!!! LOL

But you're not really here to enable me, are you?!? Nooooo, you're here to collect the next goodie on the ScrapMatters' blog train.

Did you know that there are 45 stops of scrapbooking goodness waiting for you on the blog train?? Yes, I said 45!!! and the best part? All of the goodies collected along the blog train coordinate with the ScrapMatters' Mega collab kit "A Slice of Life" kit.

To get this GORGEOUS kit, just spend $15 on one order in the ScrapMatters shop and receive the kit FREE!!

Here's my offering for the blog train:

Sorry but the freebie has been removed! But you can purchase all the A Slice of Life freebies in the ScrapMatters store on 11-13-09!

Here's where you came from: Jeni H http://www.jeniscraftyblog.blogspot.com

Here's where you are: LuAnn http://livelaughcreate-luann.blogspot.com/

And before I send you on your way, just a little note to let you know that the freebies along the blog train will only be available for a limited time and then they will be packaged up and available for purchase in the ScrapMatters shop. So make sure you hit all the stops!!

If you get lost along the way, the complete list of stops on the blog train will be listed on the team blog as well as in the forum.

All Aboard! Next stop.... Chia's blog: http://keepingupwiththekunzs.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Trick or Treating with the Digichick Designers and Creative Team!

2009-10-30T00:48:00.005-04:00

Happy Halloween y'all! Welcome to those of you here for the Trick or Treating!

The Digichick Designers and Creative Team have cooked up some awesome goodies to pass out for the Trick or Treaters! Some are Halloween themed, some are Thanksgiving themed and some are for everyday use.

My treat is the center cluster from this layout (minus the "sweet as sugar" tab and yellow ribbon):

Credits for my cluster freebie:
~Background paper, orange never ending stories wordart, yellow tied ribbon with bows, and orange leaves cluster from Every Life Has a Story - Chapter 1 by the Digichick Designers
~green and blue did you know wordart, swirls, cardboard flowers, and green buttons from Every Life Has a Story - Chapter 2 (part of the TDC Workshop this month)
~Greenery, string, painted hearts, and white papermask from Every Life Has a Story - Chapter 3 (part of the Digi Files #8 for the month of October)

Click HERE to download the psd and png version of the cluster. Hope you enjoy it and can use it!

Here are the rest of the team who are passing out goodies - feel free to visit the blogs in any order. Please keep in mind the different time zones that everyone lives in as they may not post until later in the day.

Tiffany - http://ascrapaway.blogspot.com/
LuAnn - http://livelaughcreate-luann.blogspot.com/ <----You are here!
Cheryl - http://cherylisadomesticgoddess.blogspot.com/
Mel - www.littlepaperhouse.com
Kelley - http://www.kelleymickusdesigns.blogspot.com/
Sinead - http://www.slaphappyandscrappy.blogspot.com
Tracy - http://tracykosofsky.blogspot.com
Pam - www.pameladonnis.com
Elise - http://elisespiecesdesigns.blogspot.com
Jill - http://scrappingprincess.com/blog
Jacinda- http://www.digikiwichick.blogspot.com/
Jenn - http://jennamy82.blogspot.com
Kara - www.karaperrien.blogspot.com
Heather - http://bowenyard.blogspot.com
Juli - http://julifreshfish.blogspot.com/
Mari - http://mydigitalartstudio.com/
Julie - http://mycrazylifeasamomandawife.blogspot.com/
Linda - http://www.yamstamps.com/weblog/treat.html
Dani - http://www.danielleengebretson.com/
Cheryl - http://cherylisadomesticgoddess.blogspot.com/
Kelleigh - http://kelleighratzlaff.com/
ViVa - http://vivaartistry.blogspot.com/
The Hybrid Chick - http://www.thehybridchick.com/

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Show and Tell and a new Hybrid team!

2009-10-10T23:17:00.003-04:00

I'm trying hard to get back into posting regularly on my blog.

In September, I was a guest Hybrid member at ScrapMatters - these are the projects I created during my guest stint:

My month was over quickly but good news! I was asked to stay on as part of the Hybrid Team! Yay!

I'll be hosting the I'll Pencil You in! challenge in the Hybrid forum at ScrapMatters on 10/15. It's a monthly challenge to help everyone get those calendar toppers finished so they can be ready to give as Christmas gifts!

In the meantime, here's a layout I did tonight as part of my ScrapMatters - One of my assigned designers is Stolen Moments:

I used Stolen Moments' Everyday Elegance kit:

Isn't it gorgeous!

That's it for me tonight! I'll see you in a few days with some more layouts and projects!

Catch you on the flip side!

Be Inspired! Ride along with Kelleigh Ratzlaff's blog hop!

2009-10-02T00:04:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! Long time no post! Yes, I know... I am hanging my head in shame over it. It's so easy to get in the habit of regularly posting but even easier to get OUT of the habit.

I'm posting today as part of a Blog Hop with Kelleigh Ratzlaff's Creative Team. What's a blog hop some of you may ask? Blog hop, also known as blog hopping is to move from one blog after another to read the entries, to leave comments and most of all....be inspired!

I'm very fortunate to be able to work with Kelleigh Ratzlaff's designs. Kelleigh creates the best Hybrid templates for The Digichick.

All of Kelleigh's templates are easy to use! You just print on regular sized 8.5 x 11" paper. Her templates come with a "lines only" pdf files for printing on traditional scrapbook paper and cardstock, as well as the standard png and photoshop files for use with digi papers.

Now for my project.... When Kelleigh released this template a weeks ago, I saw it differently than the her CT members. The template I am talking about is her Daddy's Toolbox template set:

Here's what I saw (and finally made!):

These are Memory game cards that I made using Pamela Donnis' and Jan Hosford's collab Barnyard Blast kit. The cards are sized and fit perfectly in the barn!

The barn was created using a paper from the Barnyard Blast kit. After I printed my barn, I glued narrow white ribbon around the barn for my trim. The cards are the size of a standard playing card - 2.25" x 3.5". Once I created my sets of cards, I simply printed them out on paper, cut and glued them to colored cardstock to make them sturdier. (Thanks to Kari *karistamps* for posting the idea of creating a memory card game and using cardstock to make them sturdier!)

So, as you head off to see what Kelleigh's CT is up to, remember that a template is just that - a template. It's meant to fuel your imagination and creativity!

Here's the list of who is participating in the blog hop - go and be inspired!!!
Kelleigh
Tracy
Julee
Julie
Juli
Christy
Dana
Sunghee
Laura
LuAnn you are here!

Kelleigh is giving away the Perfect Pumpkin Template to one lucky person who comments on her blog so make sure you leave her a comment!!!

How cool is that? Good luck and thanks for stopping by! Oh, and I'm impatient - so my post is up. Most others have their blogs set to post Friday morning sometime.

Another FOBTY and Hybrid Baby Shower favors!!

2009-07-06T21:42:00.004-04:00

So, I've been looking to re-decorate my blog. There's so many cool digital kits out there that would make awesome blog-ware! I think the reason I haven't blogged much lately is because *gasp* dare I say it.... the pink is getting old!!! Any suggestions?

Part of my blog post today is for the Sweet Shoppe's FOBTY "What flavor smoothie are you?" Here are my results:

You Are a Banana Smoothie

You are friendly and popular without even trying to be. People just like you.

You are easy to be around and never offend everyone. You're quite mild.

You have a warm demeanor, and many people find you to be inviting.

You are sympathetic and kind. You have a soft spot in your heart for everyone.

What Flavor Smoothie Are You?

LOL ok....let's dissect this a bit shall we???

You are friendly and popular without even trying to be. (Um I'm kinda shy and use my smart a$$ sense of humor)
People just like you. (not really. most are put off by my smart a$$-ness)
You are easy to be around and never offend everyone. (LOL I think I offend a lot of people because I'm blunt and matter of a fact about it)
You're quite mild. (not in this lifetime!)

You have a warm demeanor, and many people find you to be inviting. (see above! LOL)
You are sympathetic and kind. (for the elderly - most definately!)
You have a soft spot in your heart for everyone. (except the dumb a$$es out there!)

Not real accurate but fun!!! LOL

On the creative side, things have been in a spiral downward. Stress at work has squashed any creative spark I have. We hosted a 2 week long baby shower on The Hybrid Chick blog the last two weeks of June and boy did we have some awesome projects! Head on over to see what we gifts we created!

For my day, I created the baby shower favors. Here's what I created:

Credits HERE

Credits HERE

And this was my doorprize - a random poster won up to 100 of these ready-to-fill baby shower favors (minus the hanging tag) with laces in color of the winner's choice.

Credits HERE

Congrats to Judy S - who is planning an August baby shower for her daughter-in-law! I'll be working on getting these out to her by the end of the month!

and that's about it for today! thanks for stopping by!

clearing out the cobwebs that are growing on my blog

2009-06-11T21:28:00.005-04:00

I think I've been avoiding my blog because I want to update it but I'm not sure how. I just need to sit and play around with the HTML and make it mine! *sigh* maybe someday.....

For the 6/4 Sweet Shoppe FOBTY we are to blog about our favorite animal at the zoo. Mine has to be the Giraffe! There's just something about them. I love the coloring and the pattern on them. and look out if I see a giraffe in a digital kit!!! I was at Joann Fabrics last week and saw THE cutest baby quilt fabric. it was already done up like a patchwork quilt with textured giraffes and frogs on it. Tomorrow's payday and I just have to go get that fabric to make a blanket. You never know when you need a baby gift! or maybe I'll just tuck it away for the future.....

For the 6/11 FOBTY, we were to take a What Taste are You? quiz. Here are my results:

You Are Bitter

You aren't bitter at the world, even though you have a strong personality.

Instead, you are sophisticated and cultured. You appreciate acquired tastes.

You are very powerful. You have the ability to change a room's energy.

While some may find you disagreeable, your points of view are intelligent and interesting.

What Taste Are You?

Hahahaha.....bitter? LOL ok....I do have a strong personality. not online though. I tend to be kinda shy esp. around other strong personalities.

I have some recent projects to share and a few layouts but I need some sort of posting schedule because I am waaaaaaaaaaay behind and don't want to post them all.

I will post one of my most favorite projects ever.....a Carriage wedding favor box:

and a close up:

The digital Carriage element used for this project was designed by Kate Hadfield specifically for this project. Thank you Kate!!!
Instructions can be found in TDS archives

And my next to favorite recent project - a matchbox treasure chest created for The Hybrid Chick:

Instructions to make your own are posted on The Hybrid Chick

that's it for today - hopefully I'll be back in a few days with some more recent Layouts and projects!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T21:53:00.002-04:00

Just a quick drive-by posting today - we were away at my Dad's since Thursday evening and I need to get some things unpacked before heading back to work tomorrow morning.

First up, for the Sweet Shoppe FOBTY - a "Which Easter Candy are You?" quiz. Here are my results:

You Are a Chocolate Bunny

A traditionalist, you secretly want to dress up like a bunny. And not just on Easter.

What Easter Candy Are You?

LOL ok..... next up is a layout I did this afternoon. I don't think I ever put together a layout this quick. I only worked on it for about 2 hours. No matter how simple or cluttered I try to make my layouts, they usually take about 4 hours because things have to be "just so"....

I took this photo of my Dad yesterday 4-11-09. It really makes me sad. He's doing well since his surgery two months ago but I am still reminded that he's not getting any younger. He was THRILLED when we decided to go spend Easter with him at his house. We usually have him here for dinner. I didn't have cell phone service there nor did I have any computer or internet. It was fun but it's always nice to come home.

Credits are here - almost everything on this page is by Penny Springmann.

That's about it for me. Hope your Easter was a great one - filled with family and love.

insert a catchy title here

2009-04-02T21:26:00.008-04:00

Hey, Happy Thursday to you...how are ya?

Last Saturday, we moved my Dad home to his own home. I was so excited for him but nervous all the same. I worry about him being ok living on his own again after the valve replacement surgery, esp. since he's over an hour away but I know he'd never be happy living here with us permanently. It was kinda fun having him here and the evenings just aren't the same without him here. I worry that he'll not take his medications or worse, that he won't take them correctly. But for his happiness, he has to give it a try.

I've been busy creating things for The Daily Scrapper, the Digichick and Hybridchick and also for Penny Springmann. Here are a few things that I've created in the last week or so:

For Penny Springmann - using her newest kit Hard Times and a bunch of her overlays and alphabets from other kits:

credits can be found here

Next up, is just something I literally threw together in like an hour. Really, an hour. It was so easy to do and turned out cute if I do say so myself!! LOL

Using Pamela Donnis' Vegetable Soup element kit:

And lastly for tonight, for the Sweet Shoppe FOBTY (From our blog to yours), we are to blog about 5 TV shows that we have seen EVERY episode of. Mine would be (in no particular order):

1. House
2. Still Standing
3. Reba
4. Who's the Boss (with the yummy Tony Danza who can clean my house anytime! LOL)
5. CSI

I could name a whole lot more like Little House on the Prairie, Full House and Coach. LOL

Well, that's it for now. Got to go work on some work stuff I brought home. *ack* but I need somewhere quiet to work on it and my office just won't work. See you later!!

Hey there - long time no see!!

2009-03-21T19:39:00.012-04:00

Dang! I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted! I haven't had a whole lot of time for the computer - my Dad is still staying with us. He's here alone most of the day so I feel really guilty being on the computer in the evening. He's just about ready to move back home!! I'm so happy for him! It's been fun hanging out together in the evenings even if it's just watching TV or going to the park and walking the dog around the lake.

I have managed to get a few new projects done for some new positions. I've joined the Hybrid team at The Daily Scrapper and also joined the Hybrid Chick team. I can't post the projects that I've done for The Daily Scrapper until 30 days after the release of issue. I do have a few other things that I can share! Sadly, layout-wise - my mojo has gone bye-bye!

First off, a few weeks ago, Kate Hadfield gifted me with a certificate to her store at the Lilypad. Kate has THE best hand drawn doodled elements out there! Her unexpected gift came a few days after my Dad's surgery and on a day that he wasn't doing well! It was also a few days after.... shhhhh.... *whispering* my 40th birthday. So all in all, it was a rough week (not because of the birthday though - that wasn't bothering me at all).

So, I wanted to do something in return for her. So, what better way than to create something using her designs and give it back as a gift??? Now, unfortunately, I can't post the photo of what I created until she receives it because I don't want to spoil her surprise. But I do have a few sneak peeks that I've been teasing her with...

Aren't I being a stinker tormenting sweet Kate like this??? LOL...

I can tell you I am STOKED how it turned out and can't wait to get it in her hands! I am hoping to get it in the mail at the end of the week! And I hope she loves it as much as I do! I usually am VERY critical of anything I make and just LOVE how it all came together and turned out!

And on to some other things that I created in the past few weeks:

For the 3/18 Hybrid challenge at the Digichick - using Dawn Inskip and JanaM's new kit called Jungle Fever:

Doesn't it look like that lion is really RAWR'ing??? LOL

And for my blog post on the Hybrid Chick on 3-16-09 - using Starry Night by Megan Fisher:

I think that's it for today - I have a few other things in the works. Until then, thanks for stopping by!!!

ack I've been tagged! LOL

2009-02-11T22:35:00.002-05:00

I've been tagged by Gabs (fellow Dawn Inskip CT member - I'm just a guest though LOL). Sometimes I really like getting these because they are fun to read and do. They are almost like the email you get where you have to erase the sender's answers and fill in your own answers then send it on to "everyone you know"

The tag is that I am supposed to list 6 interesting things about myself and than link back to the one who tagged me and tag 6 friends. So, here are 6 things about me....

1. I always wanted to be a nurse but my high school guidance counselor talked me out of going to college for it because my science grades weren't "good enough". I did 2 years of Early Childhood Education (to become a preschool teacher) before quitting college and going to nursing school!!! And, I made mostly A's, got married and had my first baby 4 weeks before graduating!!!

2. I read really fast. A standard novel only takes me about 4 hours to read. I have an excellent memory and usually can turn to almost the exact page to find something that I am looking for (a particular scene/etc.)

3. I was adopted as a baby and have my biological Mom and sister in my life.

4. I was very involved in extracurricular activities in high school. Captain of the majorette squad for 2 years, started as a guard in Varsity basketball for 2 years, and started 1 year in centerfield and 2 years in the catchers position in softball. I was a captain my senior year in Softball.

5. I am a night owl - I think it has to do with having quiet, ME time late at night.

6. I am very competitive and tend to have a green streak when someone is better than me at something. Think it has anything to do with the sports and extracurricular activities that I was involved in??? LOL

So, that's me in a nutshell. Let's see who I shall tag.......

Lena - she's one of those incredibly interesting people!
Kris - I've got to know more about someone who lives so close to me!!
Christine - fellow Maniac that tagged ME last time! LOL
Monique
Nikki
Amy

So, Tag! You're it Ladies!!!

insert sigh here

2009-02-10T23:10:00.003-05:00

So, a few days ago, I quietly celebrated my birthday. and it was what some consider a milestone birthday. The big one. The big 4-0! Knowing I was turning 40 really wasn't bothering me. It's just a number. But then something happened that jolted me into the realization that I am getting older and that so is my Dad. And it was that chain of events that has led to one of the worst few weeks in my life.

To sum it up, my Dad was admitted to the hospital a few days before my birthday for chest pain. Multiple tests over the course of a few days and labs showed that he had one heart valve that needed replaced and one that needed repaired. Surgery was scheduled for Feb. 4th - the day after my birthday. He was in a hospital that was about 45 minutes away. But that didn't matter - all that mattered was that my Dad was sick and I had to be there with him.

Surgery was done as scheduled and he did well. Luckily he had no blockages which could have complicated the surgery. There are 2 snapshots in time that will never ever be erased from my head. The first is being with my Mom and watching her slip away almost 15 years ago and the second is seeing how frail my Dad looked after surgery hooked up to all those machines. Now you have to understand that I am a nurse and have been there with patients as they slipped away and I've seen patients on breathing machines before but NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING, is worse than seeing someone you love in those situations.

Dad has had a few rough spots over the past week since his surgery and required a pacemaker insertion due to his heart not adjusting to being cut into for the valve repair but he's finally out of the Surgical Intensive Care unit and in a regular room.

To those of you who offered positive thoughts and prayers for him, I thank you with all my heart!! It truly has helped - both him and me!!!

Kate - if you're reading this, you just can't know how your simple gift touched my heart at a time when I needed it most! thanks so much Sweetie!!!

And I leave you with a layout about that milestone birthday titled "No candles for me"

You can read the journaling HERE - I'd love to hear what you have to say about it!

thanks for stopping by!!

Candy Bouquet Instructions

2009-01-28T21:08:00.002-05:00

These candy bouquets are so easy and fun to make. My daughter actually made one with my supervision as a class demonstration project when she was in 4th grade. I've made them for Valentine's day, birthdays and baby showers.

Here's my supply list and how I make mine:

Supplies:
-Regular computer paper or sticker paper (I always use sticker paper)
-Bag of Hershey's miniature candy bars
-Bamboo skewers (found in the kitchen supply aisle at Kmart, Walmart, etc near the
spatulas/measuring spoons approx. $2.00)
-Mug or container of your choice (mine is from the dollar store)
-Floral Foam block, cut to fit snug in your mug (purchased mine from a dollar store)
-Low temp Hot Glue
-Shredded paper to cover foam in mug (purchased mine from a dollar store)
-Pre-curled ribbons (Like you attach to gifts - I bought 3 curled gift bows for a $1
at a dollar store), in my baby sample above, I used 19 of them.

Assembling instructions:
1. Start with a 2.57" x 1.51" canvas, 300dpi. Odd size, I know, but trust me, this
is the size of my wrappers. Create your candy wrappers to your liking. I
create some sort of borders on my wrapper and save that one as my "base". Then
I add an alphabet letter to the base and save as wrapper ______ (insert letter
here). Delete that layer and add your next letter to the base. Save as wrapper
_____ (insert next letter here). Do the same with any elements you want on your
wrappers.
2. Open an 8.5 x 11 300dpi canvas. Position as many of your wrappers on here as
you can to create a full page of wrappers for easier printing. I used full
sized label paper to print on.
3. Print and let sit for about 15 minutes. Cut labels and wrap each candy bar.
Center letter or image on front of mini candy bar and then wrap edges to the
back of bar. If using paper, wrap label around candy bar and tape to the back
of bar. Foil edges of mini candy bar will be visible when the candy bar is
wrapped.
4. Working quickly and on one candy bar at a time, apply a stripe of hot glue down
the middle of the back of the candy bar. Start at the top of the backside of
the candy bar and apply the glue to the bottom on the backside of the candy
bar. Lay a wooden skewer in the glue while it's still hot. Position the wooden
skewer so that the tip is very close to the top of the candy bar, but not
showing at the top. This will give it a better hold when it is put in the mug.
Let dry completely.
5. Fit your styrofoam block/shape to your mug/container. You will want a snug
fit. I had to cut additional wedges of foam to make it fit snugly. Apply some
hot glue to the foam and cover the foam with some shredded paper, if you
desire. I did half of the surface, added paper and then did the other half.
But don't use too much or it will be hard to push your wood sticks into the mug.
6. Hot glue your curling ribbons to the bottom of each candy bar in front of the
stick. (Play around a little to see how you want the ribbon to look before hot
gluing it in place) I put curling ribbon on each skewer. Allow to dry.
7. Arrange your candy bars in your mug/container. Start with your middle row and
center. See photo for reference. Some of the skewers for the front of your
arrangement will need shortened for placement. I did not shorten any of the
skewers for the candy bars at the top of my arrangement.

You can download my supply list and instructions HERE

Enjoy! And most of all, if you create a candy bouquet, please drop me a line so I can see yours!!!

I've been tagged!!! and a new layout that I LOVE!!!

2009-01-26T22:37:00.005-05:00

So, I get this sweet little PM from my friend and fellow Penny Springmann CT Christine(my4boys) and I get all excited to see what my fellow Steeler lover has to say.... and she TAGS me!!! But this is a fun little game I've been tagged in! I saw this posted on a blog a few days ago but totally forgot about it. Here's the tag:

Go to your photos folder in your computer.
Go to the 6th folder of photos.
Go to the sixth picture in that folder.
Put the picture on your blog and description of it.
Invite six friends to join the challenge.
Link them in your blog and let them know they have been challenged

Here's my photo from this fun little game:

This photo was snapped obviously as my two youngest were decorating the Christmas tree in 2007. I love the little hand signals my Andrew does when he has his picture taken. LOL

So, let's see who I can tag and see what photo is their 6th photo in their 6th folder....I'm tagging:

Kate Hadfield
Kris
Mothermark
Juli
Tracy
Eve

I did this layout last evening for a blog challenge at The Lilypad. The challenge was about white space and a photo of an inanimate object. This was my entry (which didn't win *pout*) but I LOVE LOVE LOVE how it turned out! Mandy (fellow Penny Springmann CT) commented that she loved how it was tree shaped. I didn't even realize it until she pointed it out! and funny how the star ended up on top of the tree shape!!!

Credits are HERE

And that's it for me this chilly PA Monday. Catch you later!

It's been a week??? Really???

2009-01-24T21:01:00.006-05:00

I can't believe it's been a week since my last post! Which also means it's been a week since I scrapped or created anything. Where did the time go? I've been working hard at the gym, going almost every evening this past week. I've lost 3 pounds this week. Yay me! But I didn't go last night because I had a project for today for baby shower to work on. I promised my niece that I would make two of my candy bouquets for my nephew's wife's baby shower. I thought I posted my directions for creating the bouquets but I didn't. I'll work on getting these up for anyone that is interested (all 4 of my readers LOL)

I've been eyeing up Kate Hadfield's designs for a while (I actually purchased my first Kate Hadfield kit just before Christmas) and knew exactly which of her designs I wanted to use for my bouquets. Here's the candy bouquet I created:

Here are Kate's designs that I used:

I really wanted to use the polka dotty alphabet but wasn't sure if it would "work" with the pink, white and blue curly ribbon, but I have to say I'm extremely happy how these turned out.

You can be sure I'll be on the look out for black polka dotted curly ribbon to use on my next bouquet - I think it would give it a touch of class!

I have another project in mind using the Baby Girl Doodles, but it's still on the drawing board in my mind.

And last for today, for the Sweet Shoppe's blog challenge posted on 1-22-09, we are to about our favorite cupcakes. I haven't eaten cupcakes in probably 2 years but the last cupcake Taylor and I made were yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting with sprinkles on top! and boy were they yummy!!! These days, I'm content with seeing all the cupcake digital elements popping up all over the web!

Well, that's it for me for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Sweet Saturday

2009-01-17T09:22:00.002-05:00

The Sweet Shoppe's From Our Blog to Yours offered a challenge to find out what kind of shopper you are. Here are my results:

You Are a Reluctant Shopper

You really don't enjoy shopping. For you, it's just another chore.

You approach shopping systematically. You research what you're going to buy and come prepared with a list.

Of all the types, you are the most likely to not buy things you don't need.

You try to de-emphasize stuff in your life. You find shopping and buying things to be a rather empty experience.

What Kind of Shopper Are You?

Yeah, this is me. I've turned into a real frugal shopper - only get what I need and I really have to think hard as to do I really need it?

I have a layout to share today too - it's for the challenge at digidares.com. This week's dare was:
Must use kraft paper somewhere in your layout
Must use at least one b/w photo
Must have the lyrics/part of the lyrics or words from the song/quote/poem somewhere on your layout

and here's what I came up with - uses Penny Springmann's Perfect Pair with Brandy Designs called Sweetest Heart.

The kit can be purchased here and thru the 20th, there is a Free with Purchase gift (after the 20th, you'll have to purchase the add-on):

The layout also uses a bunch of other Penny products.

Credits listed HERE

Well, I'm off - have to go get ready for a wedding this afternoon. It's a cold day in PA for a wedding but it's the daughter of a very close friend getting married and a blizzard would NOT keep me from attending!!!

See you again soon!

Sharing a new project

2009-01-14T18:50:00.002-05:00

Today was my day to post on Penny Springmann's blog for Hybrid Hump Day. Now, you have to understand that I'm not your typical Hybrid artist (I don't consider myself an artist LOL) so this is not your typical Hybrid project. I've come up with some really different projects over the past year and love that I'm different from most hybrid people. Hopefully those that I CT for love me anyway!!!! LOL

I think this one takes the cake for my most creative project!

I created these cute little snowmen from Martha Stewart Test tubes (leftover from Halloween), scrap piece of fleece, some thread, a needle, and some other digital hybrid supplies (cardstock, sticker paper, glue dots, etc.)

I hand sewed the little hats. I even taught my 11 year old daughter to make them too - in fact, the hat on the snowman in the middle was the one she made. She then asked a few questions on how to make one her size and went about making this for herself:

Now she's taking orders for these from her friends LOL.... my little entepreneur!!!

On a side note: I have continued my trips to the gym to use the treadmill. I went yesterday morning and did my Prevention walking podcast and then went again last evening for another 30 minutes but listened to regular music instead. I didn't get up and go this morning and I really missed going. Am heading there tonight and will go back in the AM.

Thanks for stopping by!
LuAnn

Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be...

2009-01-12T06:46:00.003-05:00

Nah, I wasn't hoping it would be anything other than the start of a new week but I wanted a catchy title for today LOL. Just a quick post today with a layout I created for a Sweet Shoppe Designs challenge called "Yourself in Photos".

The challenge rules were a MINIMUM of FIVE photos and describe yourself, your personality, your life..something about you with those photos. Here's what I came up with using Penny Springmann's new release Family Tree

Credits here

On a side note, I've been picked to Guest CT for Dawn Inskip in February and can't wait. Dawn's designs are so PERFECT for hybrid projects!! Can't wait!!!

Update on my gym membership - we went to the gym Saturday evening after our membership went live, got up early Sunday morning and went, and I got up this morning and went myself. I'll go again later with hubby. Maybe give the eliptical machines a try!!!

That's it for today. Catch you on the flip side!!!

today is THE day!!!

2009-01-10T16:11:00.003-05:00

Today, hubby and I joined a newly opened health club very close to our house. it literally is a 2 minute walk from my house to the gym. It's a gym that is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The gym is in a shopping center and is a closed gym. We received our key cards with our membership today. Ken and I are most interested in using the treadmills. Since it was their grand opening, there were no enrollment fees. And I love the fact that there is no contract. It's a month to month auto-pay as you go membership.

It'll be cool to see how this works out because he and I have completely opposite schedules when we're home from work. He's up so early in the morning (like 4am) and is ready for bed at 8pm... can ya blame him??? Me? I'm a genuine night owl. I like to stay up until 1 or 2am. I wouldn't even bat an eye at heading over to the gym at 11pm LOL. I like to stay up late but I still get up at 6:30am to get the kids and myself out to door by 8am.

I know I need to get more sleep. So that I need to work on. Well, time to sign off. Wish me luck as I venture forward - maybe this time will be the time that I get on track and stay on track! Besides, it'll be a great stress reliever for everything that is going on at work as we get ready for our yearly licensing.

Now I got to find something to wear to the gym and find a water bottle!!!!

It's almost Friday!! Yay!!

2009-01-08T21:19:00.008-05:00

Work is so stressful right now as we begin preparing for our yearly licensing. The only thing that helps me keep my sanity is creating. Creating cards and other projects. It's just a great stress reliever! I've created a few projects that haven't made it to my blog so I figured I better get them posted!

Credits: Chriscrap's Princess Story

Credits: Melissa Bennett's Oh Baby brushes and Fee Jardine's Doodle Me Silly doodles
I created my card, printed the card out and used colored pencils to color the giraffe and border. I printed a matching border on clear sticker paper to make the coordinating envelope

Credits: 2 Pager #18 365 day project inspired templates by Penny Springmann and other Penny Springmann designs.

Credits: Webby Buddies by Eva Kipler, Penny Springmann, and Libby Weifenbach

And for the Sweet Shoppe's FOBTY on 1-8-09 - The Snow Test. Here are my results:

Your Snow Test Says You're Independent

You feel like something good will happen to you in the next few days.

You have an amazingly strong work ethic. You are likely to be very successful in life.

You are an independent, individualistic person. You thrive when you're doing your own thing.

Your biggest worry in your life is your financial security. You think about money a lot.

When it comes time to relax, you have difficulty relaxing. You are a bit high strung.

The Snow Test

Happy 2009!

2009-01-02T16:38:00.003-05:00

Wow...can you believe it's 2009 already? The years keep whizzing by quicker and quicker so you know what that means don't you? Come close and I'll whisper it to you..... closer...... closer..... it means I'm getting old! LOL

Quick post today as I get back into blogging. SSD blog challenge for today is to blog about any goals or resolutions that we may have. A few years ago, I gave up making resolutions because I could never stick to them after the 2nd of January anyway! LOL

But this year, I'm taking a different approach. This year I just want to do things that I love most for a better ME!!! that can mean something simple like reading more books (because reading and crafting run neck in neck for my favorite thing to do!), travelling (which I also LOVE!), to finally losing a few pounds because I want to, not because I need to (although I need to!!! LOL)

How will it all turn out? Guess you'll have to stay tuned to my blog to see my progress!

All right, that's it for this cold PA day! have a good one!

Hybrid Cocoa Pockets

2008-12-13T10:40:00.004-05:00

Hi there! It's been a long time since my last post. I've been busy getting ready for the holidays (both Thanksgiving and Christmas). I can't believe christmas is in 12 days!!! I haven't even begun shopping for the kids. Hubby and I are going later this evening and will pretty much finish them in one night. But enough about that, I'm sure you're here to see what I've cooked up...

I came across these little cocoa holders while blog hopping. The idea and inspiration came from Barbara Schram's stamping blog here. Her cocoa packets are AMAZING!!! She was so very kind to post links to the instructions for the paper cup(which I will refer to as the pocket LOL). I think she must have used 12 x 12 sized papers - some were done with double sided papers too because her pockets were bigger than mine turned out.

So, I set about making a digital version and here's how I did mine.

In Photoshop, I opened 2 papers from Penny's Cocoa Mallow Stick kit - the brilliant blue called out to me so I chose it and then did color replacement to change the snowflake paper from neon green to a light blue color. I resized my papers to 8 x 8 and layered them on top of each other on a blank 8.5 x 11" 300dpi canvas.

Now here's where it was a bit tricky. I needed to print one of my 8x8 papers on each side of my white printer paper so that I ended up with a double sided square. I made one of my papers invisible for the first printing. Print on your printers best setting. Allow the ink to dry for a few minutes before you turn that page over and put it back in your paper tray to print on the other blank side. Make sure you feed the same end of the paper into the printer.

**As always, I recommend doing a test print using grayscale (to save ink) to make sure your squares line up back to back when printing. For some reason I had to move one paper just a smidge to one side in order for them to line up perfectly**

In your program, hide the paper layer you just printed and make the other paper layer visible. Print. If you hold your paper up to light, you will be able to see if your squares lined up. Allow ink to dry before handling and folding, otherwise you'll get fingerprints elsewhere on your pocket. *trust me on this!!! LOL)

Cut your square double sided paper. Follow the instrucions for making a paper pocket. (When I folded my points to the opposite side, I touched the point to the edge of the opposite side and then eyeballed the other side to make sure it was going to look right). Once I was happy with how it looked, I made my folds and creased them with my fingers tips.

I (like Barbara) folded my flaps to the outside of my pocket instead of tucking them
in. I used a glue dot under the edge of the diagonal fold and also under the point of the folded down pieces to hold my pocket together. Boo hoo - I was out of my Xyron tape runner!

Embellish as you desire. I used glue dots to adhere my embellishments. Add a packet of cocoa (or baggie of homemade cocoa), some mini marshmallows, and of course a spoon! If my pockets were bigger, I would have tossed some mini chocolate chips and/or some colorful sprinkles in baggies in there too! Jewelry bags would have made for a better presentation.

And here's one I did for a baby shower favor - add some shower mints and you're all set!

Wouldn't these be super cute to pass out for Valentine's day??? My daughter asked me if these were Chinese cups - as she knows how to fold paper to make these. So I'm thinking these would be a fun project to get the kids involved in!

I'd love to see your version of these - so drop me a line if you make some!!!

A few new cards to add to my "box"

2008-11-12T22:36:00.006-05:00

So, since the Sweet Shoppe started with the 52 card pick up challenge, I have been more and more interested in creating cards. I decided to start a box for all my cards and give them to my sister for Christmas. I only have about 10 cards in there so far but what an assortment! I need to work on catching up on the SSD weekly challenges. I also found a really fun "It's in the Cards" challenge at Scrapmatters.com. They provide a template and you go about creating your card. I've only done 2 so far but have a few more in the works!

Here are 2 cards that I created for the It's in the Cards challenge at Scrapmatters:

Credits: Webby Buddies by Eva Kipler, Penny Springmann and Libby Weifenbach
Font is HeatherG by Darcy Baldwin
template by Jaime (ocmath)

Credits: Orange paper by Eva Kipler
Halloween elements from Heather Roselli's Boo Crew Add-on
Green ribbon from Misty Cato's Adorable Me kit
Grass is from Misty Cato and Penny Springmann's Chillin and Grillin kit
template by Dawn (winkasheart)

And last by not least, I subscribe to a really cool stamper blog: http://www.mothermark.blogspot.com/

Each Tuesday, she is having a Teapot Challenge - she will post a photo of a teapot and we are to make a card inspired by the teapot she posts! She has the cutest teapot this week! It's a Mary E teapot! I love the black and white checkered pattern on here - this is probably what I am going to use as my inspiration! Sounds like an interesting challenge! Stop back soon to see my card inspired by this challenge.

Since it looks like she started this back in July, I may have to play catch up and check out the previously posted teapots and see what I can come up with! After all, I only have 42 days 'til Christmas!! Yikes! it will be here before I know it.....

Hybrid Baby Shower Favor and Candy Bouquet

2008-11-11T10:54:00.003-05:00

Just to back up a bit and give you a little story as to how this came to be...At the beginning of October someone posted on our local Freecycle site looking for any leftover baby shower favors, decorations, etc. Well, I couldn't let someone "collect" various favors for a special time in a new Mom's life, so I emailed the lady and offered to do all of the baby shower favors for her. Had no idea who the ladies were and have never met them. After a few emails about the size of the shower and themes, I went to work. I also offered to create 2 candy bouquets for her to use at the shower in any way she wanted.

Here is the Baby shower favor I created for her - I also wrapped about 25 shower mints in white netting and tucked them in the shoe.

I found the idea online, followed their instructions and then went about "fixing" the first one to look more like a shoe, including the area for the "laces"

The little hanging tag was created using Melissa Bennett's Bundle of Boy kit from the Sweet Shoppe, font is Darcy Baldwin's HeatherG, and saying on the tag says: Little hands, little feet, pure and precious, and oh so sweet!

Here is one of the candy bouquets I made - both were the same.

Credits can be found HERE

I'll be posting my instructions on the Candy bouquet on my blog this week for anyone that is interested!

That's it for today! See you again soon!

FOBTY 10/24 and 10/30

2008-10-30T19:52:00.002-04:00

These are always fun little quizes and tests to do, however, the "What your Jack-o-lantern says" about is me is so far off. I LOVE Halloween and would never miss it. Anywho, here are my results:

What Your Jack-o-Lantern Says

You tend to be a bit of a grouchy person. The scrooge of Halloween.

And while you may complain about it, you would miss Halloween if it didn't come around.

This Halloween you should embrace your inner grump - be a warlock or a witch.

The candy you should give out: sour patch kids

The Jack-o-Lantern Quiz

And onto today's FOBTY quiz (again waaaaaaaaaay off LOL):

What Your Cute Monster Says About You

You are a simply happy person. You still view the world with a childlike innocence.

You have an easy going attitude, and you value harmony. You love freely and inspire others to love.

You inner demon is frailty. You are easily beaten down by life.

People think you're cute because you are optimistic. Your outlook on life is charming.

The Cute Monster Test

that's it for today :)

Playing catch-up!

2008-10-16T23:19:00.003-04:00

So, last posting I promised some new Hybrid projects I've done. It's been awhile since I've posted anything over here, so I have a few to show off.

First is my most favorite project so far! When I was digging through my stash box for the tattoo paper, I came across a few of my chick feeder bases that I had crafted with a few years ago. I added a new coat of paint and digitally created a label for the jar and PRESTO! I did this project for Hybrid Hump day over at Penny Springmann's blog. Isn't it purty??? LOL

I made the label using Penny Springmann's Boo to You 2008 kit

And I am absolutely stoked that my people feeder will be featured at The Daily Scrapper on 10-17-08!!!

Another project created for Penny's Team Hybrid project which we do monthly was this clock. The team used Shrinky Dinks for our projects - and wow...there were some great ideas! Check them out at this post over at Penny's blog.

I used Penny's Garage Grunge kit for this project - the wrench and screwdriver clock hands are my Shrinky Dinks!!! What guy wouldn't love this hanging in his garage or work area???

And lastly tonight, for the FOBTY challenge at SSD- Which Halloween candy are you:

Halloween Candy Quiz

You are a Pumpkin Jelly

Like the pumpkin jelly candy you are soft and gentle

Find out which Halloween Candy you are at Quizopolis.com

That's it for me for tonight! I have a few new projects in the works so stay tuned!! It's time to start thinking about Christmas gifts!

I've been Neglectful!

2008-10-12T14:58:00.005-04:00

It's a beautiful fall day here in PA. It's 80 degrees out and signs of fall are everywhere! The leaves are beautiful in their shades of green, yellow, orange and red. Once again, it's been a month since I posted. Not sure why I can't get back into regular posting?!? I've created some of my most favorite layouts this past month and also a few projects that I'll post over the next week. For now, I want to catch up on some of the Sweet Shoppe's From Our Blog To Yours challenges.

FOBTY 9/25 was a typing test. I think I type fairly well. I knew as my fingers hit the keys which words I misspelled - there were 3 of them. Here are my results:

71 words

Typing Test

Wanna give it a try? Typing Test

FOBTY 10/2/08: My favorite fast food has to be McDonalds. I used to eat there at least once a week (either for lunch at work or with the family) however, times are tough and I've been trying to eat healthier. I did have a double cheeseburger late last night (after having some beer while out LOL) but other than that, it's been probably atleast 6 weeks or more since I had McDonalds. I find the more I eat there, the more I crave it. Since I don't eat there regularly anymore, I don't crave it. Strange huh?

FOBTY 10/9/08: This week's FOBTY has us taking an ice cream personality test. Here's how mine turned out:

Your Ice Cream Personality:

You are not a particularly modest person. You're proud of who you are, and you don't care who knows it.

You are incredibly cautious. You rather miss out on something than make a mistake. No one would ever call you wild... but they would call you responsible.

You are a somewhat open minded person, but deep down you're fairly conservative. You don't like trying new things very much. And if you do find something new you like, you stick with it.

You tend to have a one track mind. You prefer not to multitask.

You can be a big dramatic and over the top sometimes. You are bold in every way

The Ice Cream Personality Test

Pretty accurate - of course, I don't know what the other results show LOL.... Wanna see what ice cream says about your personality? Link above!

And finally, leaving you with a Hybrid project I did a few weeks ago for Sara Amarie

Credits can be found HERE

That's it for me today! See you soon!!

Good Monday Morning - sharing a few Hybrid projects

2008-09-08T09:05:00.004-04:00

I just have to say that I am having the time of my life (digi-life that is!) right now. I just love playing around and creating new hybrid things. And the designers at the Sweet Shoppe make it so easy and so much fun. First thing I have to share is a tattoo that I created for Penny Springmann's blog using her Chirp kit. It was created using Invent It! Body Sticker Tattoos for ink jet printers.

And in August, I created this Hybrid bridal shower card for my niece. She and her husband to be are very outdoor-sy people. The gift card is for a major sporting goods retail store - Amanda informed me that she used the card for a much needed new life jacket for Kayaking.

Credits can be found HERE

So, after creating the bridal shower card, a light bulb came on and I began planning out a fun baby shower card that could hold a gift card and this is what I came up with:

Credits for the Baby room card can be found HERE

I actually have 2 projects that are in the "planning" stage right now. I have the kits and am working on buying the supplies I need to complete them. I'm on vacation from my full time job this week but am working extra full time this week at my other job for extra cash so I'll have some daytime project time.

That's it for today - catch ya on the flip side!!

FOBTY fun and a layout

2008-09-06T10:07:00.004-04:00

Happy Saturday everyone! Quick posting today for the From Our blog to yours posting at the Sweet Shoppe. It's a "how well do you know your crayons" quiz and I must say that if I would have stuck with my first instinct, I would have done much better! LOL But it was fun to see some of the old names as well as some of the new ones!!!

On another note, I just finished up late last night with a layout using Penny Springmann's newest kit "Practice Makes Perfect" and it's on sale right now so RUN and pick it up!!!

Credits can be found HERE

That's it for today - I am off to go find a few things for an awesome HYBRID project I want to do.... stay tuned!!!!

I'm back and cleaning up the cobwebs that are growing in the corners of my blog!!!

2008-08-24T23:26:00.008-04:00

Wow... it's been awhile since I've been here. I can't believe it's almost the end of August already! Kids start school today. I now have 2 in high school and one in middle school. Where is the time going??? I know I've been a busy little bee with all the projects I've done over the last few weeks. Here they are:

First up - a card I did trying something new. I'm pretty happy with it except for the writing I did on the front. I should have used a font. The kites on the card are all attached using pop dots and the kite string is actual string from a real kite! The kite tails are my attempt at doodling! LOL All in all, I think it turned out cute for my first one.

Front of card:

Inside of card:

Credits: Kites made using Penny Springmann's Summer Fun collection: solids and alpha
Cloud paper by Amy Cheeseman
Grass on front of card is from Penny’s Summer Fun Collection: Hopscotch
kite template by me
the “wood” on the kites was done using the pen tool and then an inner bevel
font: 2peas Barefoot Professor.[/center]

Next up is a 3D card I made for my niece's bridal shower. The tent flap folds back to reveal the sports store gift card that I bought her. She and her future husband enjoy anything outdoor-sy. The lantern, moon, sign and fire are on pop dots. The skillet was an element that was on the shower invite that I received from her.

Credits: Kristin Cronin-Barrow's Gone Camping kit
Grass from Penny Springmann and Misty Cato's Chilling and Grilling kit
envelope template by Bree

and last for today is a Slumber party mini tin invite I made for my daughter to pass out. I found these cute little 4" tins in the $1 spot at Target. I removed the handles, sprayed the tin white and then added my side panels. Each tin will include the party information, mini bottles of nail polish, a nail file, nail decals, small bottle of scented lotion, mini flash light and of course, Chocolate!!!

Credits: MandaBean and Robin Carlton's Stop! Jammer Time kit

And that's it for today! Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at my latest hybrid projects! Stop back soon and see what else I've done!

FOBTY - 7/3 and 7/10

2008-07-13T09:39:00.002-04:00

The July 3rd FOBTY (From our blog to Yours) on the Sweet Shoppe blog was a "what your fireworks say about you" quiz. Here are my results:

What Your These Fireworks Say About You

You are focused, single minded, and intense.

You don't let others see your intensity often, and when they do, they are quite surprised.

You burn brightly, but you also burn steadily.

You have the endurance to get the one thing you desire most.

The Fireworks Test

Well, I am focused and intense but that is a side of me a lot of people see, esp. at work. As far as this part "You have the endurance to get the one thing you desire most", I would label it more as determination!! LOL....

The July 10th FOBTY posting was to blog about our favorite vacation spot or dream spot. I already blogged about my dream spot - Pompeii and Greece a month or so ago for the FOBTY, so this time I'll go with my favorite vacation spot.

We don't really do vacations in my house because my husband can't (read "WON'T) be away from his job. But I've started traveling and started the kids traveling. My favorite vacation spot is Ft. Myers Beach. It's sunny and warm and the kind of beach that you can just sit on all day and enjoy life! Although I need a beach chair, an umbrella to sit under (because I burn so easily), a good book/magazines, and something cold to drink. That is my favorite type of vacation!!!

Well, that's it for today. Hopefully I'll have some layouts or projects to post later this week. Have to go get Andrew ready for his trip - he leaves Tuesday evening.

See you all later!!!

Who says we're too old to play with paper dolls?? Whimsical Hybrid Card

2008-07-09T21:05:00.005-04:00

Wow! I can't believe it's already July 9th! The summer is almost half over! Next Tuesday, my 15 year old will be flying alone to spend 3 weeks in Ft. Myers with my sister and a foreign exchange student. Should be an fun and exciting time for him!

Tomorrow I pick up Taylor from Girl Scout camp! She's been there since Sunday afternoon. Wonder if she's missing her Mom like her Mom is missing her??? I hope she is having a great time and will have some great memories to hang onto.

Last night I finished a Hybrid card that I started Monday night. It just wasn't working out like I envisioned until I had a brainstorm (anyone smell unexplained smoke Monday night? LOL).

At the beginning of summer, I bought a "Paper Fashions Fancy - Design your own Dresses" kit at Michael's for Taylor to work on when she was at her Grandparents while I worked. I gave her strict instructions that she wasn't to bring the kit home - it was only for Grandma's house. Well, I decided to go get the kit (and the cute little wire hangers that were included in the kit) and re-create the dress that wasn't working. The kit has great stencils that you can use to design your own clothes and accessories. Here's what I made with the kit:

Credits can be found here

And here's what the craft kit I used looks like:

My daughter LOVES playing with this and designing her own fashion clothing - she's 11. So worth the money I spent on it (although I had to use a 50% off coupon and only paid $12) and the $9.99 on the refill kit. And now I've found a way to play with it too!! I know as soon as Taylor sees my card, she'll be using her Design your own Dresses kit in a whole new way!!!

That's it for today - just remember to always keep on creating!!

Tissue Paper Stretched Canvas Hybrid Project

2008-07-05T10:52:00.007-04:00

These Tissue Paper Canvas project instructions were originally written by me on March 27, 2007 for a monthly project in a digital scrapbooking newsletter. These instructions were posted in several forums across digi-land, however, due to sites changing hands and the closing of sites, I felt it was time to bring my project instructions home and post them on my blog.

You can click on the preview for a look at the full sized, better quality photo.

Stretched canvas can be purchased at any craft store, art supply store or online from sites such as www.amoebaartshop.com. A google search will bring up other sites. Stretch canvas resembles Aida cloth (cross stitch material) which has been stretched over a wood frame for a 3 dimensional look. Stretched canvas is available in many different sizes from 4 x 4" to 12 x 12" and also can be purchased in rectangular sizes such as 5 x 7" and 8 1/2 x 11". The depth (or sides) of your canvas can also vary from 3/4" thick to 3" thick. For my project, I used 5x5" square stretched canvas with a 1 1/2" side. My canvas cost just under $4.

Once you have purchased your stretched canvas, you will need to measure the canvas surface. I know, I know... I know what you're thinking, "why did she measure the surface when she just said she bought a 5x5" canvas?" Just trust me when I say "measure twice, so you only have to print ONCE!" My canvas when measured was actually 5 3/8 x 5 1/2". Each canvas may measure a little differently than the previous one. You will need to convert your measurement into decimals in order to accurately resize your layout for printing.

Now, you have the daunting task of picking which layout you want to use for this project. To me, that was the most difficult! Since my stretched canvas was 5 3/8 x 5 1/2" which equals 5.375 x 5.5", I resized my ORIGINAL full sized 300dpi layout to 5.25 x 5.375" maintaining my 300dpi. (I used an online fraction to decimal converter to figure out my calculations. A good one can be found at www.webmath.com.) I did not want my printed layout extending over the edge of the canvas. In your program of choice, open a new image 8 1/2 x 11, 300dpi, and filled white. Copy and paste your resized layout onto this new blank image. Center your layout. This is an important step as it allows you to control the placement of your layout during printing. **Always do a draft test print (using grayscale to save on ink)on paper before doing your final print**

Next, we need to print our full color layout. We're not going to print on regular computer paper or even on cardstock. We are going to print our layout on tissue paper. To do this, you will need white tissue paper. Simply cut a piece of tissue paper about one inch smaller than the size of your computer paper. Lay the tissue paper on top of the computer paper you just test printed on and smooth it out. Use small 1 inch sections of tape (I used masking tape on one and scotch tape on another) to tape down all edges of the tissue paper. Completely tape down one side of your tissue paper before moving on to the next until all four sides are taped down. Do your best to have no wrinkles or bunching of the tissue paper. All edges of the tissue paper MUST be taped down and all tape MUST be flat.

**One of Janie (scrapastrophe) hints was to tape the sides of the tissue onto the back of your master paper so that you can print a little bit more on the edges and it gives a bit more tissue to play with. This will allow you to print up to an 8 x 8 sized tissue paper layout.**

Place your taped tissue paper in your print tray and print your layout using your printer's best print option. Allow your printed layout to sit for 24 hours before continuing with this project.

After your layout has cured for 24 hours, gently remove the tissue paper from the computer paper and cut around your tissue paper layout.

Again, check the size of your printed tissue paper layout on your canvas. Trim edges as necessary.

Position your tissue paper layout on your canvas. Lift the right half of your layout up and apply a thin coating of Matte finish Mod Podge glue on that half of the canvas with a foam brush. Very slowly roll the tissue paper back in place starting in the middle and working to your right. Go slow - gently touching and dabbing the tissue paper as it settles on to the glue. DO NOT press and RUB - this will smear your ink and may rip your tissue paper. Repeat for the left side of your layout. Air bubbles can be removed by poking the tip of a needle or pin into the bubble and then flattening the bubble. Allow to dry for 2 hours.
**I've also successfully used Plaid's scrapbooking glue pen with the dauber tip to adhere my layout to the canvas using the same technique as above**

Using a foam brush, apply several thin coats of Mod Podge glue over the entire surface of your layout and canvas making sure to get the edges of your layout. Allow to dry 30 minutes between coats of Mod Podge. Once completely dry, apply 2-3 layers of a clear acrylic sealer with a Matte finish, allowing each layer to dry completely.

These look GREAT displayed in a plate stand or hanging on a wall. If you have any questions about the instructions or would like to show off your creation using my instructions, please email me at wildblueeyez at comcast dot net. I'd love to see what you've done!!!

FOBTY - Birthday Style

2008-06-29T09:35:00.002-04:00

For the Sweet Shoppe Blog's "From Our Blog to Yours" (FOBTY), we are to blog about their favorite birthday year. That's a tough one. Each birthday year has been marked with different events to set it off from others. Sure, the obvious ones popped into my head first - my 16th birthday, I got my permit and then my license. My 18th birthday - finished high school and graduated, made the majorette squad at the college I went to, attended college. My 21st birthday year - got married, had my oldest, finished nursing school (in that order). My 24th birthday - had my youngest son, met my biological sisters, brother, and Mom. The list keeps growing.

I think I may have already experienced my favorite birthday year. I would venture to say the year I was 17 was my favorite. I was a typical teenager in the 80's. I had my license and was able to go out with my friends on the weekend - providing I had some babysitting money to spend. My weekday evenings were spent either at basketball practice, softball practice or majorette practice. I was captain with another girl of my softball team and majorette squad. Life was GOOD.

I have to say that turning 40 next February doesn't bother me in the least bit. It's just a number.

Happy 4th of July! Um, almost!

2008-06-26T18:01:00.002-04:00

For those of us in the US, 4th of July is fast approaching. Penny Springmann and I huddled secretively the other night to come up with something FUN and unique for her Workin' it Wednesday post at SSD and on her blog. My contribution started off as Penny asking me if I had ever done a pinwheel and if I could do one. "Sure, no problem" was what I told her. That alone should have told me that it would not be a picnic doing one! I'm the type of person who really jinxes herself by saying stuff like that. And trust me when I say that pinwheels are as easy as one would assume.

I knew immediately that I wanted to use the blue paper with the stars and the red dotted paper.

The first pinwheel I made using regular paper and was too big. It wilted like a flower in the middles of a hot summer day. NOT a pretty picture! And of course, I didn't have any matte photo paper and I KNEW cardstock would be too heavy.

So, I reduced the size of the pinwheel. Reprinted. Then I thought, "oh crud...how am I going to attach the pinwheel to the stick?" So, I googled pinwheels. I now know all there is to know about making my own pinwheels LOL. In the end, the lazy part of me won and I grabbed a pinwheel from the local dollar store, popped off their pinwheel and put mine on their red stick!!!

Here's my finished pinwheel:

I was so stoked at how it turned out.

And then I got this REALLY cool idea - that I was going to make Hybrid Rockets. I used full sized rolls of Lifesavers, wooden skewers and some mylar pieces coming out the other end for the "rocket" tails. I threw them together in like 30 minutes, start to finish. For the rocket labels, I just measure around the lifesaver and then how wide the original label was.

But my rockets were missing something. Penny asked if I could add some sort of cone top to them and Ta-da! They turned out adorably, if I say so myself!!! What do you think???

So, if you really like them and want to make some, pop over the Penny's blog. She's got a great little goodie for you that includes the pinwheel printables and the rocket printables. She done an awesome gallon paint can label for you too! This goodie assembled will make a GREAT centerpiece for picnics!

Well??? what are you still doing reading??? Go get it before it's gone!!! and be sure to drop me an email and show off your Pinwheels and rockets!!!

See you soon!!!

I have a Tuesday Treat for you!

2008-06-24T22:31:00.002-04:00

Catchy title eh? It's Tuesday here in PA and I have a treat like the title says! I have for you the Onesie card template that I posted about the other day. It's all wrapped up in pretty paper with a giant pink bow on top. Ok, really it's just a plain ole zip file with a preview of my Onesie card, the Onesie card template, the full instructions as posted on my blog the other day (along with screenshots) and my TOU.

I'd love to see what you do with my template!

You can download the template HERE

On another note, be sure to check out the Sweet Shoppe Blog tomorrow - Penny Springmann will be workin' it on Wednesday and has whipped up something VERY cute and fun (with a little help from moi!). It features her newest kit called All American that will be released at the Sweet Shoppe on Saturday the 28th. I can't wait to see how everything turns out! Penny and I were feverishly emailing back and forth on Monday evening. We had so many emails go back and forth that my virus protection popped up on my screen. LOL.

I have some other Hybrid goodies that I will post later in the week. Be sure to check back either Wednesday or Thursday.

See you soon!

Happy Saturday evening!

2008-06-21T22:34:00.002-04:00

So the Sweet Shoppe's "From Our Blog to Yours" this time is a "What do the contents of your refrigerator say about you?" quiz. I'm actually scared of the results of this one. Here are my results:

What Your Fridge Says About You

You don't need a lot of stuff to be happy. There isn't a greedy bone in your body.

You are not careful with your money. In fact, you rarely think about how much you are spending.

You don't tend to be a very adventurous person, but you do surprise everyone now and then. You have a bit of a wild side.

You try to be responsible, but you don't always succeed. Your heart is in the right place though.

You are likely to be married - and very busy.

As always, these are hysterical in their analysis! Always good for a laugh!

In the scrapping world, I had a request from someone at DST asking if there was any way I could make a template from my onesie card. So today I worked on this request and am happy to say that I was able to make the Onesie card into a card template. I'll be posting that template along with the instructions on my blog sometime this week.

Penny Springmann emailed me and asked for some help on a special blog goodie. I think we're working on this for the upcoming Wednesday. It's a 4th of July goodie/give-away. So, if you haven't visited her blog, you may want to and keep checking back! Also, I'll be hosting Penny's Hybrid project on July 9th. Come check us out and see what the Maniacs are up to!

That's it for tonight! Take it easy!

As promised! The Onesie card instructions!

2008-06-19T23:41:00.007-04:00

This tutorial is written using PSE 4.0. I'm sure there are other ways of achieving the final result but this is how I did mine. Once you make one, you'll zip right through the making of another.

Open a 8.5" high x 5.5" wide 300dpi blank canvas. Using your rectangular marquee tool, select off the bottom half of your canvas.

Add a layer and fill with white - this will be the front of your card. Deselect. Hide the bottom layer.

Working on the top layer, paste in a background paper of your choice. Resize to your liking. this will be the color/pattern of your onesie.

Using the ellipse tool, draw a small white circle - this will be used to form the leg cut out. Position it along the bottom of your card. duplicate the layer and position this circle for the other leg cut out. duplicate once again and move this circle to top center of the front of your card - this will form the neck of your onesie. You can see your onesie taking shape. Reposition the bottom circles to your liking. See photo below.

Now, again select your rectangular marquee tool. draw a rectangle on your card to form the cuff of a sleeve. Add a layer and flood will with white. Deselect. duplicate this layer and position on opposite site to form other sleeve. Use your ruler at the top to help space evenly. This is what your onesie should look like.

Choose your polygonal lasso tool - make sure your feather is set at 0. Here is where I utilize the ruler markings at the top of my canvas.

Position the tool at the bottom outer corner of the "cuff" of the sleeve. Click once and draw a straight line in toward the body of your onesie. I counted the number of hash marks that I moved inward so that I can make the other side the same size. I came in 15 markings and clicked. you should have a straight line.

Then I went back out toward the cuff 8 markings (don't click!!) and then straight down to the middle of the white circle that is our cut out of our leg. this creates the side of your onesie. Click once and then move to the bottom of the card and click. Move to the outer edge of your card and click, continue up to the top of the front of your card and come across to above the cuff, click and then finish the area by ending where you started. See screenshots below.

Select your background paper layer and hit delete. choose the circle shape layer for that side and hit delete. Repeat the above directions for the other side and you should have this:

**If you aren't happy with the shape of your onesie, now is the time to hit the undo button and go back and reposition the shapes that form the leg of your onesie. I also adjusted the neck cut out to my liking.**

Let's clean up our onesie. Using your magic wand tool, select the circle shape that forms your neck cutout. Hit delete. While still selected, choose your background paper layer and hit delete. This will form the neckline of the onesie. Deselect. Repeat for both circle shapes that form the leg cutout.
At this point, you can decide if you like the cuffs on the onesie or not. I decided I didn't like my cuffs so I deleted these also using this technique. Delete those empty layers.

Next I found a round scallop element in my stash. I positioned it and resized it to fit around the leg cutout to resemble lace. Once you are happy with the look, select your onesie layer. Choose your magic wand tool and click in the space along your onesie. Select your scallop element layer and hit delete. this will leave only the "lace" along the cut out of the leg. Deselect. Repeat on the other side and again for the neck.

Add shadows to the scallops and the sleeve cuffs to your liking. Unhide your background layer. Don't worry about the "extra" shadow showing - this is good because it will give us cut lines when we print.

Add any embellishments you'd like to add to the front of your onesie or wait and add to the printed Onesie. Merge visible.

I added a 1 point black border to the edge of my card as a cutting guide. Print.

Steps for cutting out your onesie:
Using a ruler, I lightly scored the fold line (along the shoulders of my Onesie) and then folded my card. Using scissors, I cut the straight edges on the front of my onesie - the sides of the sleeves, along the sides. I only cut the front of my card at this time. Next I cut out the legs and neck. Use the front of your onesie to lightly trace with pencil the Onesie shape onto the back of your card.

Finish cutting. Do not cut through the "shoulders" of your onesie!

Embellish and there you have it! Your very own onesie card! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at wildblueeyez at comcast dot net. Also, I'd LOVE to see your Onesie, so drop me a line!!!

Some Hybrid Fun!

2008-06-19T06:21:00.000-04:00

Hello there! Happy Thursday to you! It's almost the end of another week. I can't believe it's almost the end of June already! I'll need to start buying Back to School clothes soon!!! Yeesh!

Today I have 2 hybrid projects I did the past week. I did a travel mug for a co-worker so she'd have something to remember the cruise she went on. The second project was for some hybrid fun on Sara Amarie's blog. It was very easy and fun to do. If you head over to her blog, you'll see another variation on this project that I did. Wouldn't it be cute for a baby or wedding shower? Or as a gift for that special teacher or Sunday school teacher? Sara made the suggestion of using different colored candles in the middle.

Doesn't the leaf look real? It's really a digital leaf printed out LOL

All's quiet here on the home front. My two youngest are away all week at their Grandparent's house. They watch them while I work but this week is Bible school week at the church. Taylor is almost too old for it and Andrew is a helper this year. They are old enough to stay home but trust me when I say it's much easier sending them there because then I'm not getting calls at work every 20 minutes saying, "Mom, he's_____" or "Mom, can you tell Taylor to stop _____". How soon does school start???? It's been quiet here - hubby and I are enjoying the peace and quiet but I miss them. I went after work and spent an hour with them before they went to Bible school last night. They'll be home Friday evening so I guess I'll enjoy my peace and quiet.

Well, that about wraps it up for today. Time to go get ready for work - it's 6:35am here in PA. I've got to figure out how to change the time stamp of my blog. Anyone know???

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

A big Happy Father's day to all the Dads out there. Enjoy your day!

Today's blog posting is for the Sweet Shoppe's From Our Blog to Yours - we're to blog about our favorite summer activities. We really don't take vacations in the summer (or any other time of the year - but that's another post and something I've been working on fixing!!!). Hubby's job just doesn't allow him to get away over the summer for vacations. That's the beverage industries busiest time of the year. We usually hit the local amusement park atleast once a summer. We do alot of picnics with friends - you know the kind with hot dogs, bonfire with s'mores and mountain pies, and just generally enjoying each other's company. The kids will be busy running here and there.

This summer, Andrew - my 15 year old - will be flying to Florida to stay 3 weeks with my sister while she hosts a foreign exchange student. They will attend a morning session of school and then do all sorts of things throughout the evenings and weekends like hit Disney and biking on Sanibel Island.

Taylor will be attending Girl Scout camp July 6th through July 10th. It will be her first real time away from home but she'll be with her friend Carissa so I'm sure she'll be fine.

Justin - he'll be working the summer at Giant Eagle. When he's not working, he'll be off with his group of friends playing Wiffle ball or he'll be chilling here at the house.

Here are a few scrap pages I did this week:

This one is for the Cookie Challenge over at the Sweet Shoppe:

Credits: Splish Splash by Penny Springmann & Lauren Grier

Font: Bank Gothis Md bt

Credits: Sand In My Shorts by Julie Billingsley

Clouds from Penny Springmann and Misty Cato's Chilling and Grilling kit

Pool divider and journal tabs from Splish Splash by Penny Springmann & Lauren Grier

Font: 2Peas Beef Broccoli

For those of you who left comments about my Onesie card (see post below), I have the tutorial written (with screen shots) and will have it posted this week. So, stop back and see me!

That's it for today - have a good one!

Another Hot one here in PA - and sharing a layout and hybrid card

2008-06-09T14:10:00.000-04:00

Yepp, it's a another hot one here in PA - it's in the mid-90's with a hot breeze blowing. The kids and I are hiding indoors although we did spend a little time earlier today sitting out in front of the house in the shade before retreating back inside. Today's my last day off and it's back to work tomorrow for me. Blah!

I managed to get a few things done this weekend - a hybrid card for the 52 card pick up workshop at the Sweet Shop and a layout about my father-in-law and his Hillbilly buddies. The hybrid card was inspired by a stamping site and was created almost entirely in PSE, printed and then the bow and "snaps" applied. I'm working on the tutorial with screenshots and look to have it posted here later this week. It really was fairly easy to do although the instructions written out seem a little long. I also did a coordinating envelope for the baby card and both are now safely stored in my designated card box.

Credits: Traci Reed's Sweet On You kit

Scallop element by Ksharonk designs

Font: 2Peas Shenanigans

Credits: Be Amused by Sara

Single frame by Penny Springmann

White Frame cluster by Welli Designs

Arrow (covered with Be Amused paper) by Mirranda Reinhardt

Font: Hiccips

That's about it for today. I need to go load the dishwasher and then maybe sneak in a cat nap. LOL

June 6th and it's 85 degrees and HUMID!

2008-06-06T12:30:00.000-04:00

Wow...2 weeks ago we were complaining about how unseasonably chilly it was in Pennsylvania and today it's 85 degrees and humid. But it feels sooooo good!!! I'm one of the freaks who is never warm so I love the hot days! Last night, I ran to Walmart to pick up ink for my printer and noticed on the bank sign that it was 84 degrees at 9:45pm!!!

It's great to have ink again! I missed being able to print things! I picked up an Aladdin brand photo mug at Target last weekend (boy did I luck out - it was hiding behind the other "regular" travel mugs!). I want to do it up for a co-worker as a late birthday present for her. She'll love it - I just need to figure out which photos to use - ones from the cruise she went on last September or some of the ones I have of her 2 kiddos.

I managed to get a hybrid card done yesterday - which is why I needed the ink so badly! and also finished a scrapbook page. I love how both turned out. I've decided to try to participate in the 52 card pick up workshop at SSD (including envelopes which are provided by Bree) and start a box of all the cards. Maybe get ahead on the Christmas gifts! Not sure who will be the recipient of these - maybe they'll be a gift to ME! LOL

Credits: Ship Mates by MandaBean and Kay Miller

http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=72&products_id=2818

Clouds and Sun from Penny Springmann and Misty Cato's Grilling and Chilling kit

http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2775

flight doodle by Vickie Fernandez

Font: Treasure Map DeadheadAnd a little Swarovski Crystal bling added to her hat

Credits: Adorable Me by Misty Cato & Betty Jo Martin

http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=72&products_id=2803

Bent Bunch #8 by Penny Springmann

http://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/shoppe/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2048

font used: 2Peas Chatter

I think that's it for me today. I've got some cleaning to do - already did the kitchen Yay! Tomorrow it's shopping day at SSD!

FOBTY fun - quick post today

2008-06-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

So, the Sweet Shoppe has this fun little thing on their blog called From Our Blog To Yours (FOBTY) where you take their little quiz or challenge, make a post about a specific theme, etc. It's always a guaranteed laugh when Libby picks a quiz. Today's was no exception. It was a quiz to see just how nerdy you are. LOL. So, off to find out how nerdy I am. I didn't think I'd be too nerdy and I was right!!! here are my results:

So, I guess I can put away my glasses with the tape in the middle for now right? LOL.

Today is my kids' last day of school. Andrew and Justin will be back home by 10:00am and Taylor will be home about 10:30ish. One of our "traditions" that I've done every year is to make sure I am home for their first day of school and again on the last day. I greet them with "How was your 1st day of school?" and "How was you last day of school?". One year I wasn't going to take off the first day because I figured the kids were getting older and it didn't really matter to them. Boy, was I wrong! I got the "But Mom, it's a tradition! just like getting underwear in our stockings every year at Christmas!" So, I took a few extra days off from work to be with them to kick off the summer.

Well, kids will be home soon - it's 9:10am here (no matter what the time stamp at the end of my post says!!!). I need to go buy some ink for my printer. have some things I need to finish this weekend. I have an awesome idea for Week 2 of the 52 card pick up workshop challenge at SSD. It definately will show my sense of humor!! LOL Also, going to run my hands through my furniture and in the washer for spare change - Saturday shopping at SSD is killing my budget!!! LOL.... Tomorrow is sneak peek day at SSD. They make us drool every week with sneak peeks of the goodies that will be released the next day.

Alrighty then, have a good one and keep it real!!!

Happy Tuesday!

2008-06-03T18:25:00.000-04:00

So, I'm trying to get into blogging more than once a month. I figure it's a great way to vent my frustrations about everyday things and to show off layouts and projects I create. This is my latest scrapbook layout. Photo was taken at Disney in February. The look on my oldest's face is almost scary!!!

Credits: MandaBean and Kay Miller's Ship Mates Kit from the Sweet Shoppe

Bordering on Fun! Acrylic border by Shantilly Faire at Elemental Scraps

Inked edge by Nancie Rowe Janitz

Font used for date on sword: JI Beasts

So, I'm trying to get some challenges done at the Sweet Shoppe to earn a % off a future purchase, however, now the points to earn 40% off a purchase has gone up drastically. Now for those on multiple SSD CTs (and there are people who rack up 25+ points monthly because of this), this won't make a difference to them as they get double points each week for completing a challenge with a new release. For us regular members, this is going to be quite a challenge. Not sure if it's worth it esp. if the challenges don't interest me, but we'll see. There are some that really make you go "Hmmmm..."

Ok, I'm off - time to eat supper. Have a good one and stay dry as it's raining here in Pennsylvania.

Bad blogger...bad, Bad, BAD!!!

2008-05-31T23:13:00.000-04:00

Holy Smokes! Has it really been almost a month since I blogged last? Geesh - good thing I don't have any readers!! LOL.

So, for the SSD From our blog 2 yours, we're suppose to blog about our dream vacation spot. For me, that's easy. Although I'd pretty much be happy anywhere that I can FLY to and where it's warm with beautiful weather, my dream vacation would be to get to Pompeii and Greece (all in one trip). When I was in college, I took a humanities class that was 3 hours long. It was one of the most intense but intersting classes I've ever taken. We study ancient civilization - everything from tools to pottery. But it was the study of the structures in Greece that grabbed my attention. I even did a layout about my dream trip/goal for the ADSR 2 last year.

So, if money was no object, I'd have my passport in hand and be boarding the next plane to Pompeii and also Greece to see the ruins.

On another note, today was another AWESOME SSD New release Saturday. I'm currently working on a layout for Sara Amarie and one for Penny Springmann using their new releases today. Sara released Lighthearted and Penny collab'd with Lauren Grier on Splish Splash.

I did a little shopping today at SSD and picked up the following new releases:

I just can't resist anything Pirate for Taylor. Have to work on something special for her using this kit!!! And I also picked up this beauty:

Cute huh??? Can't wait to play with my new goodies!!!! Well, that's it for tonight. Check back again (all my invisible readers LOL) for what I've created with these fabulous goodies!!!! Catch you on the flip side!!!

Miscellany Monday fun for May!

2008-05-04T15:34:00.001-04:00

Good Sunday afternoon! Just figured I'd jump on and blog a little about the Miscellany Monday Recipe Card Swap that I am hosting tomorrow on Penny Springmann's blog for Miscellany Monday. It will run every Monday through May and have a different theme.

Here are the themes for the month:

May 5th - Desserts

May 12th - Main Course

May 19th - Picnic/Covered Dish/Salad recipes

May 26th - Appetizers

Here are the guidelines:

Recipe cards must be sized 4 x 6 inches

You can use any designer of choice to create recipe card, just follow the weekly theme.

Post your recipe card to your favorite gallery, link us up on Penny's blog, and email the full sized, jpg recipe card to me at wildblueeyez@comcast.net

Recipe cards will be emailed out at the end of the week to each participant for that particular week.

Here's mine for tomorrow:

Credits: Doodle Pop by Penny Springmann and Micheline Martin, sequins by Chris Wasielewski, fonts used - Porky's and Verdana

And a dessert recipe card by fellow Miscellany Maniac - Traci

Traci's credits: Doodle Pop, Shape Up! by Dani Mogstad, Stampy Alpha by Christy Lyle and Apple from Back 2 the Books by Rachel Martin and Beth Kern

Just think - at the end of May you will have so many new recipes to try!!! Do you know anyone getting married this summer? Wouldn't they be cute all printed and given as a bridal shower gift?

So, come join in on the fun at Penny's blog! Hope to see you there!!!

An eye opener, for sure!!!

2008-05-03T22:35:00.000-04:00

So, SSD's "From our blog to yours" from Friday is taking a personality test. Can't say I was shocked by the "results" but I am terribly shocked at the part about "how others see you".... here are my results:

You Are An ESTP

The Doer

You are adventurous and risk taking. You act first, think second.
You love being the center of attention. Chances are you were the class clown.
Competitive, charming, and charismatic - you have your own code of honor.
You live a flexible life, bouncing between a series of activities that interest you.

In love, you are a master seducer... and quite manipulative when you want to be.
If someone loves you, you'll only believe their actions. Words don't mean a whole lot to you.

At work, you are a "people person." You're especially good at getting people to do what you want.
You would make a great salesperson, marketing director, or entrepreneur.

How you see yourself: Reasonable, proficient, and tough

How other people see you: Flaky, unrealistic, and untrustworthy

What's" Your Personality Type?

Ok, so this is not good. How other people see you: Flakey, unrealistic, and untrustworthy??? me? Nah! I think if I had to describe 3 of my bad traits, they would be: Blunt, opinionated, and headstrong. Hey, I just want things MY way and if it isn't my way, then you WILL know it!!! Hey, a gal's gotta be truthful eh? LOL

On the scrapping front, today was National Scrapbooking Day. There were mega sales everywhere. However, my budget did not allow for me to shop at all today. And there was a LOT to drool over!!! I could buy most of the kits at the Sweet Shoppe and not bat an eye!!!

I only scrapped 2 layouts this week. One was for Penny Springmann's newest release called A Vintage Dream and another was for Elemental Scraps Bits and Pieces challenge. The bits and pieces challenge is such a fun challenge - you can only use the few elements/papers that are provided for the challenge on your layout. It challenges you to think outside the box! Without further ado, here are my layouts:

Such a Sweet Girl credits HERE

Sweet Dreams credits HERE

I want to work on some SSD challenges tomorrow. Funny thing about the SSD challenges...I seem to get those done in a few hours instead of the all day that it usually takes me to scrap a page. PLUS - I did enough challenges in April to receive a 20% off coupon to use in the Shoppe. So not only did I get a coupon to save money, I got some RAWKIN' layouts. I highly recommend their challenges!! The sugar babes really come up with some awesome challenges!

And one final note, I've applied for the SSD Hybrid babe call. Not that I ever expect to pick chosen but I know I would kick myself for not giving it a shot (albeit a SHOT IN THE DARK! LOL). Also, I applied for the Hybrid team at Elemental Scraps. Again, a shot in the dark but who knows??? Wish me luck!!!

First CT requirement for Sara Amarie

2008-04-21T22:45:00.000-04:00

So, I was accepted to Sara Amarie's CT last week and immediately went to work creating a hybrid project for my first requirement. This cute little notebook I did for my daughter, Taylor, was a cheap-o $1 note book from the local dollar store. It really was quick and fairly easy. I used Sara's Buggy Cute Bumble Bee kit and her Splat Party on here.

I simply measured the cover and added 3/4 of an inch to the length and width so that it would wrap around to the inside of the cover. Then I created a piece big enought to cover the entire inside of the cover. I printed my new covers on Staples full sheet label paper and stuck it over the ugly dollar store cover. Next I used a pen to poke small holes where the spirals come through the covers. Then I used my Crop-o-dile to do the holes and then slip the covers back on the notebook.

From there, I added tiny little crystal blings to the stars and to the buttons in the center of the flowers using a Scotch Scrapbookers glue pen. I used a very light coat of Krylon triple thick crystal clear glaze on the front and back to protect it. Then I added a little "T" monogram with the glue pen again and created a little dangly using jewelry string, beads, and flower bead frames found in the craft (jewelry) section at Walmart.

Next on my agenda is to put another one of these notebooks together, an address book, some note cards and a mini tag album for my daughter's friend Sarah. Stay tuned for more photos!

2008-04-19T08:52:00.001-04:00

Wow... it's been a while since I last posted. Not a whole lot going on here in PA. We're enjoying some warm weather FINALLY! Yay!

Some good news! I've been chosen to join SaraAmarie's CT! I just love her whimsical designs and can't wait to use her designs!

Did some fun blog challenges for SSD Sweet Rewards program. The first one I did was a spelling challenge. I'm almost obsessive about my spelling so I was surprised that I got 9/10. Do you think it told me which one I missed??? Noooooooooooooo LOL. Here are my results:

Your Spelling is Good

You got 9/10 correct.

Your spelling is generally pretty decent. You are prone to a few mistakes, but the mistakes you make are pretty forgivable.

How's" Your Spelling?

And I did a Guess the Spot challenge - Geography is so not a strength LOL:

Here are some recent scrap pages I did. Hard to choose which is my favorite.

Hula Girl credits can be found HERE

Taylor and Stitch credits HERE

Little Mommy credits HERE

Well, that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy April Fool's day!

2008-04-01T23:31:00.000-04:00

So, today was kind of lame in the way of April Fool's day. I can safely say no one played any tricks on me today. And I played no tricks either. It was a sad, sad day! Maybe next year.... LOL

Tonight Andrew and I set out to do our Couch to 5K training. Man, was it cold here in PA. It's currently 40 degrees with a wind chill of 31. We almost headed back home but after the warm up and our first 60 second jog, the cold wind was welcome! We're working on getting set days to do this. We've yet to complete the first week. I've been swim suit shopping. Not set on anything YET!

On the scrapping front, Elemental Scraps has gotten a face lift! The site looks great! Marisa and Jo did a FAB job with it. And I'm excited to be a part of the challenges that will now be hosted in the forum.

We're in the last week of the ADSR race - headin' down the home stretch. This was my layout for challenge #10.

Credits HERE

We had to use 50 elements from atleast 10 different designers. The one posted above had 43 elements on it. The layout posted in the NDISB forum had the required 50 elements and the required journaling but I didn't like how it turned out. so, that gallery is the only gallery you will see the true challenge layout. I think my favorite thing on the layout above is the cute little crab element. It was part of a beach freebie created by Bette Duganitz' with the flip flops and the sand pail and shovel. Aren't they adorable?

Well, time to do my last rounds at my favorite sites, finish my water, shower and head to bed.

Not much going on here in PA

2008-03-25T23:11:00.000-04:00

Typical PA weather has forced Andrew and I to delay our Couch to 5k program. It was so bitter cold last week and pouring cats and dogs that we were unable to get past week 1, day 1. So, like the program recommends we started again this week. Tonight we ran week 1, day 1 again. It was strange because we only did on day last week (exactly a week ago) and it seemed easier tonight. So, one day down, 2 more to go this week. I'm stoked! I've been swim suit shopping and want to pick out one to actually buy this summer. I haven't had a new swim suit in 14 years. *and it's not like the one I have looks good or anything, I just dreaded buying a new suit.** That's one of my goals I set for myself for 2008. I didn't set resolutions but goals that I want to accomplish this year. But that's another posting!

One the scrapping front, I was able to get 2 layouts completed this weekend for the ADSR. Here are my LOs for challenge #7 and #8. Both were very challenging for me.

Challenge #7 at Elemental Scraps had us playing a numbers crunch.

Team Member #1 (ME!)- ONE DESIGNER - MESSY - No JournalingUsing the correct number of items as listed below, you must scrap using only ONE designers products. Pick your designer carefully and make sure they have all of the things listed on the list below, remember only ONE designer. (this does not include the use of drop shadow actions but does include the use of templates, mattes, shape files etc.) Once you choose your ONE designer you will be required to scrap in a Hodge Podge style, a little artsy and messy. No Journaling, ONLY TITLE WORK.Use the following items: (Please remember this layout requires all pieces to be from the same designer)1 - paper (only ONE paper, no other paper for mattes page borders, nothing)2 - ribbons3 - buttons4 - glitter/gems/sequins or bling pieces5 - frames6 - pictures7 - alphas (different but from the same designer unless created by you, we made an exception to this but alphas cannot be made of paper.)8 - flowers/stars/cardboard pieces9 - staples 10 - random elements of choice (all by the same designer, no more no less)

Here's my LO - I used the awesome Vickie Fernandez - designer at the DigiScrapShak:

Credits HERE

Challenge #7 was hosted at NDISB:
Scrap about your most memorable vacation or trip.

1) Use only B&W Photo(s)

2) Do not use any travel themed elements or papers (i.e planes, trains or automobiles, postcards, etc.)

3) Use only ONE word as your title

4) You must incorporate the lyrics to some song in your journaling somehow. You don't have to include the whole song, just a line or even a few words. Just let us know what song it is in your credits.

Credits HERE

Well, I'm off to the shower and then to bed. Night!!!

2008-03-18T06:50:00.000-04:00

Last night was the first night of me doing the Couch to 5K running plan. It actually wasn't too bad for the first night. Multiple periods of brisk walking broken up by 60 seconds of jogging. We downloaded the podcasts which made it so easy because it tells you when to walk and when to run/jog. Andrew, my almost 15 year old, did it with me. It was kinda fun just him and I spending some time together. And I'm not really sore this morning. My legs feel a little heavy but that's about it. Tonight is a night off but tomorrow is back to work!

The ADSR #7 challenge was posted at Elemental Scraps on Sunday and boy is it a challenge!!! I need to think on my part of it for a day or so. 'Cause I'm a planner. Here's my LO for challenge #4 - we had to interview an inanimate object. I love how this turned out - it's probably one of my most favorite. Does that make me a morbid person????

Credits can be found here

And I did this cute little project for designer Penny Springmann last week using her newest release Hop To It Mini Kit:

So, HOP on over to her store and pick up this sweet mini kit so you can scrap those Easter photos! Through 3-22-08, when you pick up the mini kit, you get the Easter Basket above that I created AND you get this cute little carrot box printable:

That's it for today. Not bad for my first official blog entry eh? Catch you on the flip side!

Up and running!!!

2008-03-14T22:42:00.001-04:00

I've always wanted to do a blog. Somewhere to showoff my creations. Somewhere to rant and rave. Somewhere to call mine. So, here it is!

Live ~ Laugh ~ Create

Card Caravan Challenge #8

Card Caravan challenge #2

Birthday gift bag

Anyone for some toast?

3.27.11 Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge

Hybrid Pot O' Gold

Hybrid tea bag holder

Fancy Prints Giveaway!!

Hang on to your hats - we're playing along with the Caardvarks!

A card challenge card!!

Hybrid Frankenstein box

Card Patterns Sketch 78

Another card??? I can't stop myself!

Clean & Simple 102

Mojo Monday 150

Taylored Expressions Sketch challenge #122

2 Sketches 4 You sketch challenge

Taylored Expressions sketch challenge

Everything but the Kitchen Sink sketch challenge #19

It's a ScrapMatters iNSD Blog Train

Happy Saturday to you!

3/29 It's a Blog Hop featuring Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs!

Drive-by Posting today......

All Aboard! Take a ride on the ScrapMatters DSD Blog Train!

Trick or Treating with the Digichick Designers and Creative Team!

Show and Tell and a new Hybrid team!

Be Inspired! Ride along with Kelleigh Ratzlaff's blog hop!

Another FOBTY and Hybrid Baby Shower favors!!

*clearing out the cobwebs that are growing on my blog*

Happy Easter!

*insert a catchy title here*

Hey there - long time no see!!

*ack* I've been tagged! LOL

*insert sigh here*

Candy Bouquet Instructions

I've been tagged!!! and a new layout that I LOVE!!!

It's been a week??? Really???

Sweet Saturday

Sharing a new project

Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be...

today is THE day!!!

It's almost Friday!! Yay!!

Happy 2009!

Hybrid Cocoa Pockets

A few new cards to add to my "box"

Hybrid Baby Shower Favor and Candy Bouquet

FOBTY 10/24 and 10/30

Playing catch-up!

I've been Neglectful!

Good Monday Morning - sharing a few Hybrid projects

FOBTY fun and a layout

I'm back and cleaning up the cobwebs that are growing in the corners of my blog!!!

FOBTY - 7/3 and 7/10

Who says we're too old to play with paper dolls?? Whimsical Hybrid Card

Tissue Paper Stretched Canvas Hybrid Project

FOBTY - Birthday Style

Happy 4th of July! Um, almost!

I have a Tuesday Treat for you!

Happy Saturday evening!

As promised! The Onesie card instructions!

Some Hybrid Fun!

Happy Father's Day!

Another Hot one here in PA - and sharing a layout and hybrid card

June 6th and it's 85 degrees and HUMID!

FOBTY fun - quick post today

Happy Tuesday!

Bad blogger...bad, Bad, BAD!!!

Miscellany Monday fun for May!

An eye opener, for sure!!!

First CT requirement for Sara Amarie

Happy April Fool's day!

Not much going on here in PA

Up and running!!!

clearing out the cobwebs that are growing on my blog

insert a catchy title here

ack I've been tagged! LOL

insert sigh here