Wednesday, August 31, 2011

ScrapFIT Workout #50 - Be Inspired By A Book

I love books, especially kids books!
They are great for little minds and they can also be great to spark your crafty creativity!
Use the book cover below to inspire your next layout!
Use the design of the cover, the color or the vintage vibe – be creative!
(I placed the book under my layout so it's easier to compare them.)

I am so very pleased to have our this months sponsor:
Tessa from Precious Paper!
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I was inspired by just the colors to start...
Got me thinking of our recent trip to the beach at sunset. Greg wanted to get photos with his new camera at 'golden hour' and we all went...
4 cameras, 4 kids, sand toys, towels and full of stress.
Came home wet, sandy, happy and totally relaxed.
The evening was a wonderful gift of respite.
Topped off *perfectly* by seeing a Rainbow while out on the Rock Piers.
(You can see it between Robert and I in the photo.)

Once I started looking for paper it moved into also emulating the color 'blocks': you can see the comparison if you turn the book on it's side, to the right (minus the white strip the title was on).
I kept the embellishments clean and simple.
The laser woodcuts from Kaisercraft.
They have a relaxed, organic feel:
the wood and the swirls...
swishing like the waves...
The Family pagemark is from Making Memories.
All pattern papers are from K&Company.
Orange mulberry paper is Memory Stor.
All inks are Stampin' Up!

ScrapFIT Workout #49 - Put A Banner On It

Workout #49 ' Put A Banner On It'

Banners of all kinds have become popular in the scrapbooking world.
They can be pre-made or hand made, big or small.
You can show case your title on it or just decorate it to go with your layout.
Lets see how you showcase your banner creativity!

I am so very pleased to have our this months sponsor:
Tessa from Precious Paper!
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Pink... I got to use PINK! (I have 4 boys... this is rare. lol)
I created a page for Greg's Grandmother: Cupper (Cooper said by a toddler years ago, and it stuck). Cupper recently celebrated her 93rd Birthday. A wonderful, fantastically sweet woman who I hope lives to be 110 or more! She is just so durn cute. ;O)
Pattern paper, butterfly and 9, 3 are K&Company.
Cardstock and inks from Stampin' Up!
Title cut with a SLICE.
Mint mulberry paper from Memory Stor.
Banner from Recollections.
Lace from my antique auction stash.
All other embellishments from Making Memories.

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 116

Welcome to my usual MESS...
Come on in, swipe some crafty-crap off a chair and have a seat... if you can find one. ;O)

I had a Major Muse day yesterday and got 10 different project scratched off the 'homework' list. So I rewrote it... the one here today is much, much shorter then usual and *gasp* there's actually space for MORE.
What's out is sh-tuff for the ScrapFIT workouts um... due today.
Roses and birdhouse bits are about here and there, things I'm thinking about adding to The Order Of the Opus Gluei: Roses challenge... pondering...
Mask I snagged at the $ store for William's Halloween costume. Hoping it works out... he wants to be The Phantom of the Opera and so he will *need* THE mask, fer sure.
...and um, chocolate cause... well, uh... it's to keep everyone else *cough* male *cough* in my house safe for the next few days, if you catch my drift. *smiling ever so sweetly*

and SUNFLOWERS!!!
Greg was a goof today. :O)
We rushed out this morning for an 'OMG-we're-not-going-to-make-it-til-the-weekend/payday' shopping run for a few must-have basics. We were in a mega-rush since he had to leave for work within the hour so I said 'No' when he asked if I wanted some fleurs, I could wait til the weekend. Then he 'forgot' something inside *sigh of frustration* he ran back inside for it, I loading the car. When he came out he had his item and the fleurs. My Goof. :O)
'He knows that Sunflowers are my absolute favorite, they were on sale only until tomorrow, yadda-yadda... and he knows I'm in a lot of pain right now.'
I love my husband, very much.
So I have my Happy Fleurs... Sunflowers always look like they're smiling to me and they are such a deep gorgeous color... *sigh of pure contentment* I've taken quite a few pictures to share the Sunflower-shine today.
Enjoy!
Pop on over and see what everyone else has on the go at:
Stamping Ground: WOYWW HERE!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Three Muses - Newspaper

I can't wait to see what all of you have done with the newspaper!

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Was delighted to see the topic this week...
So much so that I made these a few days ago!
Held off on posting til the challenge was 'officially' up so it could be linked up (click text above) for anyone else wanting to give it a whirl. ;o)

I used The Epoch Times paper that I can grab locally many, many places around Ottawa. I snag one now and then because they make gorgeous backgrounds in Art Journals or say on...
hmmm... Postcards! lol
I added Japanese Butterfly clipart.
Stamps are Fancy Pants.
Red Glimmer Mist is Tattered Angels.
All inks are Stampin' Up!

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #24 - Inspiration Photo

Challenge #24 - Inspiration Photo

This week we have an inspiration photo that I have been waiting months to share! Your challenge is to create a birthday card using the photo as inspiration. Please remember to include birthday wording on your card!
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I took inspiration from the white frosted cupcakes pictured (click above to see original challenge post with photo) and the cute-ness... yes the cuteness...
I used a digi-stamp form my stash (I just LOVE this lil'guy!)
Stamp and all inks are Stampin' Up!
Sentiment is attached with 1/4" foam tape.
Pattern paper is K&Company.
Glitter and heart gems from the $ store.
3D Crystal Lacquer is Sakura.
Cup Cake wrapper is cut from a real Mary Engelbreit liner then glued on.

The Corrosive Challenge #131 Come to the Dark Side

Challenge #131 Come to the Dark Side

Hey everyone:) How is everyone on this great Sunday??
Are you ready for another challenge??
Today's challenge is one of my faves "show us your dark side"
...you know zombies, bats, vampires, etc....
We would love to see it:)
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*rubbing my hands together with glee*
My favorite (next to Steampunk of course...) theme of Challenge!
Cardstock and Inks are Stampin' Up!
Stamp sentiment is a Kraftin' Kimmie (Steampunk!)
Pattern Paper is Basic Grey
Bat Brad is Little Yellow Bicycle
*blood* was made by mixing Red Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels
with 3D Crystal Lacquer from Sakura.
Image was Freebie Clip art from my stash.

Forever Night Challenge # 6: Too Cute To Spook

Freaky Friday

Challenge # 6

Too Cute To Spook
This weeks challenge is to create a project that is just too cute to spook!
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The sentiment is a freebie from: http://www.elegantwordart2.blogspot.com
The Digi-Stamp was a freebie too but I can't find the link anymore.
Flowers are Prima.
Gem Brad is Keepsake Crafts.
Pattern Paper is Making Memories.
All inks and cardstock are Stampin'Up!
3D Crystal Lacquer is Sakura.
$1 store glitter.

This is the Poi-fect card for Thomas's 7th Birthday...
I'm tucking it away before he sees it! *grin*

Simply Betty Challenge: Trick or Treat, smell my feet!

Trick or Treat, smell my feet!

You may not be able to smell my feet,
but I bet you can smell candy when you see this post!

Its time for a Scrappy Challenge again...sort of!
We want to see some treat containers for this challenge.
For what holiday you ask? Halloween of course!
Our favorite holiday around here at Simply Betty!
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Yeah Halloween!
That's what my treat-bag 'says'. :O)
I was so happy I had a *great* Simply Betty image to use:
Freebie London digi-stamp, earned for posting a card on Facebook.
I monster-ed her up all pretty in green.
Pattern Paper is Basic Grey.
Inks are all Stampin'Up!

Soartful: Bathing Beauty

Bathing Beauty

I live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and

Hurricane Irene is going by off shore. No damage done

to us so far. I will have to do some yard clean up when it is over.

The yard is littered with small branches and twigs.

It is still raining heavily and it is pretty windy.

When looking for images I found a lot of

Mack Sennett bathing beauties.

I should go beach combing when this is over. I bet a lot

of goodies washed up on shore.

Enjoy using the photo in your art piece or just let it

inspire you when you create your own

Bathing Beauty.

To all of you in the storm's path, stay safe.

Jeanette
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I was inspired by the vintage image when I went searching through my clip art collection.
The image used on this postcard is from a vintage postcard. ;O)
Pattern paper is DCWV One Upon a Time (Mat Stack).
Inks are Stampin'Up!

The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC96

Are you ready for a softer, gentle color palette?

Jaclyn Miller, our Color Story Coordinator gives us

the suggested colors of...

Mint...Ivory...Coral
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I made a feminine-postcard... ya, know... with those colors for inspiration. ;O)
Pearl and Flowers are Prima.
Mulberry Paper is Memory Stor.
Inks are Stampin'Up!

4x4 Friday: Goofy Creatures

4x4 Friday: Goofy Creatures
'nuff said!
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Inspired by our Art Journal munching Bunny: Hope.
Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Monday, August 29, 2011

DragonsDream Tag It On #93: "Travel - Time to Make a Get Away!!"

TIO #93 - "Travel - Time to Make a Get Away!!"

I seem to have chosen a popular theme around and about, and that is;
"Travel- Time to Get Away"
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I used a standard Manila Tag for my base.
Stamped in Brown with the Canvas Stampin'Up! Background stamp.
Brad, Ribbons, Fibers and Mulberry Paper are of unknown origin.
Clipart gent on a boneshaker and a lovely H.G. Well quote.

Blog Challenge Garden: Tag Tuesday

Tag Tuesday - Letter A

Your tag this week should feature the letter A, and an image of something beginning with A.

I know we all think of apple, but try to have an image of something else instead of apple!

Let's see how many different ideas we can have for A!

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ahhhh, ha! I *know* mine will be different...
A for Arthur!
I used some pictures from a recent photo shoot we did for a Design Team project. I had loooots of pictures to choose from so I made a nice little grouping to add to the tag.
The 'A' was cut with my SLICE.
I used Red and Blue because they are his favorite colors.
The Orange is 'his' color: Each of my 4 boys has a color for their plates (Thank-You IKEA!) and also used to mark other thing that are theirs around the house (storage bins, books, water bottles etc...)
Gems are Icons from My Big Ideas.
Papers, Brad and Ribbon are Stampin' Up!

Art Jornal Pages and GREAT News!

I can share my News!!! Now that the articles are all done, sent in and have been approved. :O)

3 of my Scrapbooking layouts will featured be in the October Issue of www.Scrapbooking.com!!!

The articles will be made into videos which will then be posted on their YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ScrapbookingCom

The videos will also be on their Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/ScrapbookingMagazine.

Squee!!! Worthy News....

ahem, *gathering myself together*

Now on with our regularly scheduled Blog Posting.

The latest batch of Art Journal pages:

The Joy of Baking:

The List:

Grandpa's Favorite:

Do You Believe?

Not a girlie girl:

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Take a Word #44 - TIME

This week the theme word is TIME.
We hurtle through time,
the years pass and the only constant is the clicking of the clock.
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My piece is 4X6" Postcard.

Stamps: Stampin'Up! and Recollections.

Three Muses: Windows

The Three Muses Challenge - WINDOWS

This week's theme is WINDOWS.
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My piece is a 4X6" Postcard.

The image is a photo I took from inside the main mausoleum at Beechwood Cemetery when we went to 'visit' my grandparents. We stayed for almost 3 hours walking around as a family, all 4 cameras going... lots of great pictures of the old stonework, stones and the gorgeous gardens.

Sunday Postcard Art: The Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom

Well are we all ready to have some postcard fun with our furry friends from the Animal Kingdom?

Remember all mediums are welcome just as long as the piece is 4″x6″ in size.

We can’t wait to see what you all come up with.

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This is one of those quotes I've had hanging around in my mind...

Good to get it out and created into something!

The inspiration ideas can get pretty crowded in there.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Promo offer from Viva Las Vegas Stamps free stamps!

Popped in before at Viva Las Vegas Stamps and *drooled* over their awesome collection of Steampunk Stamps... sooo many for every taste. Reluctant to buy until I try though, that's me. :O)

God-Bless Crafty friends!
a Little Birdy told me about an awesome Promo at Viva Las Vegas Stamps:

If you use their image code to link back to VLVS! on your blog or website they will send you a free grab bag of unmounted rubber (15 Images and Sayings) as a thank you!
See mine to the right!... *blink-blink-blink*
To qualify, it must be a permanent link on your blog sidebar or website homepage.
Send us an email with your blog/website after you've linked them to claim your free grab bag... so they can send out a FREE Grab Bag!
Go their Blog for the Blinkie and the rest of the deets!!!

So it is quite likely I WILL have that Steampunk Christmas Tree before starting this year Christmas cards...
or the Steampunk Bunny...
or... or...
Both plus an empty PayPal account. *wink*

Friday, August 26, 2011

Sunday Postcard Art : da Vinci

This week we are travelling to Italy and celebrating the artist da Vinci. There is plenty of inspiration for you to be inspired.

Our only rule on SPA is that your artwork is 6 x 4″ in size.

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Last quick project tonight.
:O)

HDH103 - Carnival of Curiosities for Macabre Monday at Haunted Design House

HDH103 - Carnival of Curiosities

Ok, macabre fans... your challenge this week:

"Carnival of Curiosities"

You are to create a dark, Gothic, or Halloween-based art piece

of the creepy circus or carnival oeuvre.Come one, come all!! Bring out your freaks, your fortune tellers, terrifying clowns,
and your most curious of curios.
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Went with a creepy carnival game for my project...
For the base, used a tole-painted wood Milk Bottle sign we picked up on the last Treasure Hunt Weekend. Twice a year in our City you can leave things you don't want at the curb and people can take them... or you can go *hunting* like we do! I messed the sign up with some Red Glimmer Mist 'blood'.

The Skull was part of a freebie clip-art Halloween Sign printed, mounted on Cereal Board and then cut out. Sprinkle of 'blood' here too. It's mounted on with thick foam tape, stacked 3 layers at the jaw so it's tilted out over the Milk Bottle Toss Sign.
Signs were printed, cut out, scrunched into tight balls, smoothed out then rubbed with light yellow ink. Then glued them over some Cereal Board, so they'd be raised as well, and added the Brass Brad 'nails'.