Life as a Three Legged Dog

Super Pooped!

2012-02-08T00:12:00.002-07:00

Okay, so I am more than a little exhausted from a long day of working, but I loved the projects that I shared on my Ruby Rock-It post so much today that I just wanted to give a quick share here as well.

They are all made from the Bella! Wedding collection, and you should see the warm shimmer of that pink in person, delish!

Okay, off to bed so I can start all over again tomorrow!
B-

Graphic 45 Metal Butterflies and UTEE with Perfect Pearls Tutorial

2012-02-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

The new metal butterflies that Graphic 45 just released this show are so darling! I have had a lot of fun bending, shaping and embellishing them, and thought it would be fun to share a tutorial on adding color using UTEE and Perfect Pearls.

I started with some basic supplies:

UTEE
Perfect Pearls in a variety of colors
Perfect Medium Pens
Perfect Medium Brushes
Ranger Distress Embossing Ink
Heat It tool
Graphic 45 Metal (butterflies to be store soon!)
Of course this technique works beautifully on the other metal staples as well.

Start by applying the distress embossing ink lightly to the surface of the metal by placing a drop on and then smearing around with your finger. I bent the butterflies with round nose pliers before beginning, they can be bent after but the UTEE will crack. That is a great technique and look for a more vintage look, so don't think it is a bad thing and not try it down the road at some time.

Sprinkle a layer of UTEE onto the metal and then heat on a safe surface until completely melted with the Heat It tool.

Lay down lines with the Perfect Medium pen where you will want to add color. For this butterfly I started by going around the outside edges.

Apply the Perfect Pearl color of your choice with the puffy brush by lightly dabbing in the color tub and then brushing and swirling the pearl into place. The medium will pick up the color and the brush will whisk away what doesn't stick so the pearl won't be where you don't want it.
Melt with the Heat It until the pearl blends with the UTEE.

Keep adding layers of pearl colors as desired.

You can also lightly and carefully sprinkle a little extra UTEE on while the piece is hot to "loosen up" the pearl if it feels to clumpy.

This is what the butterfly looks like when the lines from the pen are kept intact.

And this one I used the UTEE to loosen up the lines, but drew "eyes" on the butterfly's wings. The colors were inspired by those of a peacock and were fun to try and imitate.

This technique is really easy and quite fun to experiment with, the possibilities are limitless!

Have fun!!
B-

New Free Graphic 45 Project Sheet

2012-01-30T00:37:00.002-07:00

I am really enjoying all of the pictures from the CHA floor, and love seeing random pictures of some of the things that I had the chance to create coming through with all of the other inspiring projects. It makes me feel better about not having the opportunity to go this year.

This particular picture is from the fantastic people at Paper Crafts, I handmade all of the hibiscus flowers and leaves for the Tropical Travelogue line, and even though they were difficult, I am so pleased with the results!

Graphic 45 is giving people a chance to win their favorite collection before it is even in the stores, go check out the details at their blog, and while you are their, pick up a really fun Le Cirque Project Sheet for free!!! Doing a little creating is a nice way to spend our time if we can't be in Anaheim!

I have spent quite a few hours doing searches for this particular type of domed lid rustic lunch pail, but didn't have much luck with retail. But what I did find might even be a better fit for truly special family memories. If you have a relative with a pail that has a story to tell, perfection! If not, I did do an ebay.com search and there are some spectacular vintage pieces there, or maybe a trip to your local thrift or salvation army shop will result in a delightful find. The pail needs to be at 10 1/2" on the width or at the diagonal for this project to fit inside.

I am working on a fun tutorial with the newest metal butterflies from Graphic 45 and hope to have that ready to share soon! In the mean time, I hope everyone is enjoying their winter crafting time!!

B-

All of My CHA Projects Are On Their Way!

2012-01-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Oh what a relief it is!!

Project sheets, booth samples, and eye candy all either left last week in crates or tomorrow in suitcases with the fabulous Diane Shultz! There have been some really long days/nights to get everything prepared to Diane's exacting standards, but trust me when I say that the Graphic 45 booth is going to be "the place" for eye candy and inspiration! And I am not just saying this because I am biased, having the insider track on what happens and how with the in house team is amazing! I seriously feel like the luckiest girl in the world that I get to work and be mentored by Diane, she is class, grace and genuine kindness rolled into one itty, bitty, elegant body!

Over on the Graphic 45 blog they are sharing a project sheet that I designed for them. ABC Primer is one of my all time favorite releases, and I had a blast creating this project! And with the new releases coming out this show I have a couple more all time favorites! The Olde Curiousity Shoppe is clever, witty and a wonderful color combination, and the Kraft Reflections just makes me weak in the knees it is so beautiful!! All of this is why I am THE luckiest girl in the world!!

(I did not cover this clock, but I did get to add the butterflies on the spiral wires to embellish it. Not sure if it was James or Briston who covered it, but it is perfect!)

Signed with much sincerity,
B-
(aka the luckiest girl in the world!)

Stamp It! 3 Ways is Moxie Fab!

2012-01-21T01:45:00.002-07:00

Do you ever visit Moxie Fab? You know, the trends blog written by the delightful Cath Edvalson? The one with exciting challenges, gorgeous eye candy and inspiring projects? If you don't, then trust me and head there at least once a day for a large does of chirpy and cheeky crafty happiness, you won't regret it.
Today one of my projects from Stamp It! 3 Ways was featured, and I am thrilled to be included with the other Moxie-tastic people who were highlighted as well. Even though I really like my card and it is one of my fave color combos, you have to head over to see Julia Stainton's, it is divine!!

Also on the Ruby Rock-It blog there is a fun challenge to use old and/or new elements in a project.

Head on over for the details, and some more great inspiration from the team members.

I am off to go catch a few zzzzzzzz's before tackling a busy Saturday, but thanks for stopping by!!
B-

2012-01-17T22:49:00.001-07:00

Oh my!

Just a few minutes to share something fun between crafting my little heart out, eating a few bites for sustenance and closing my eyes so they won't bleed when I start crafting again tomorrow.

I made this gorgeous mini album with Graphic 45's Tropical Travleogue. I can't wait to put pictures in it from the trip the hubbers and I took to Jamaica a couple of years ago. The pages are made by covering chipboard with paper, punching holes with a Crop-o-Dile and then threading it all together with a beautiful Graphic 45 Doorplate as the binding.

I wish like crazy I could share what I have been making, but it is all headed to CHA with Graphic 45, and I haven't even had time to snap a few pics for sneak peeks! But if you are interested, and you happen to be going, stop by the booth and ask Diane for a tour, she knows every detail of every little thing in that will be on display. It is going to be a beautiful booth, very worth a looksee!!

And with that I am off to read the road maps on my eyes!

B-

Paper Craft Reject

2012-01-12T16:30:00.002-07:00

Even thought they weren't picked up for publication, they sure are fun!!

All of the product is from Tropical Travelogue. I really wish I could take a trip to the sun and sand right now, but since I can't get away, dreaming and playing with paper so lush and beautiful gets me pretty close :o)

It is a bit of a cheeky card, but the stamps made me do it ;o)

I wish this frame had photographed a little better, but the dimension in real life is wonderful. The picture is from our honeymoon in Jamaica almost 25 years ago. I looked so much better in a swimsuit then, lol!!

If you had a project that didn't get selected, leave a link to your blog and I will be sure to come by and leave some love!!

Happy Crafting!
B-

Pretty Little Card with Tropical Travelogue

2012-01-11T15:12:00.001-07:00

I am neck deep in crafting for CHA, and one of my favorite lines right now is the Tropical Travelogue from Graphic 45! It is so lush and elegant but has a wonderful casual feel to it as well, so versatile!!

Some Memory Box and Spellbinder dies, a Prima flower with Midori ribbon and my Tropical Travelogue paper has turned into a pretty little card that is ready to head out the door to brighten someone's day in the middle of winter!!

There are also some very fun releases from Ruby Rock-It that I am loving!

Having a lot of fun creating, and my studio is beckoning, so off I go!

B-

Wow!!

2012-01-06T13:24:00.002-07:00

Okay, 2012 has come out swinging, and I have been dodging and diving while trying to get my to do list done!
The week has been filled with work on CHA projects a class at Heartland and even a little tennis so I can claim to have exercised at some point during the new year!
I have a ton of things to share, so hope you are willing to stick with me!!
First, Ruby Rock-It is sharing sneak peeks of their products that are set to debut at CHA at the end of this month, and having this product in hand to play with I can assure you that it is must have stuff!!

If you are interested in winning it before it is even released, go to the blog and leave a comment on one of the posts from the week, if you want to improve your odds substantially leave a comment on all of them! The team has worked hard to inspire and intrigue, so why not share a little love with all of them? <3

Also, I taught a really fun class at Heartland last night and am so relieved to be done with it! It was nuts of me to schedule a class right now, but we all had a great time and everyone's projects got completed and were all fabulous!!!

And the newest special issue of Paper Crafts is called "Cool Tools" and I had the opportunity to contribute five projects to it! One of my faves was a calender made using Hambly, Studio Calico and a Bind-It-All for this year. I am excited to have something on my desk that I love so much that I made!!

Of course the pics in the magazine are so much better, but in this one you can see a little more detail on the inside. I designed it so the page opposite of the calendar can be used for pics, notes and organizing memorabilia! I plan on using Hambly's washi tape to attach stuff, and tying a fun pen to the binder so it will be ready to use at a moments notice! I highly recommend purchasing Cool Tools if you have tools at home that you had to have because they looked so useful, but haven't used because you aren't sure where to start.

Lastly a quick thanks to all of you that stop by to see what is up! I love that my life is filled with creativity, and having others join me for the journey makes it so much more interesting and enjoyable!!!

B-

Graphic 45 Le Romantique Necklace Gift Box

2011-12-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

One last post to say good bye to 2011, and prepare to ring in 2012!

A project sheet is available from Graphic 45 on their blog for a beautiful necklace and gift box that I designed for them. It would be a fantastic gift for a friend or family member that is sure to be enjoyed and appreciated because of its unique style.

Wishing everyone a very safe celebration for New Year's Eve tonight and a very blessed and prosperous 2012

B-

Another Sneak Peek From Ruby Rock-It!

2011-12-27T22:07:00.002-07:00

Really enjoying these peeks through the keyhole for hints as to what is coming next!!

I promise you are going to LOVE this line!

B-

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T20:23:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and thank all of you who come to visit, I really appreciate the company and comments!

May your spirits be bright and your homes filled with love <3

B-

(Card was created from the Basic Grey Advent calender Blitzen product)

Joy of the Season

2011-12-21T23:26:00.001-07:00

The gift that will bring me the most joy this season arrived on Sunday night. It was tied up with love, delivered with a knock on the door and the delivery person disappeared into the night. Attached there was a hand made card that had a very thoughtful note written inside, that read:

(outside of the card)

"Merry Christmas Sister Olsen"

(inside the card)

"Dear Sister Olsen,
Thank you for teaching us how to be more like Jesus. Please be fragel with this.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope you enjoy my brothers."

Sami

p.s. Do not let dogs chew!

I have been teaching the same children in primary at church for almost three years, and I love them very much and appreciate the lessons that we have all been learning together for that time. They will be getting a different teacher in the new year and I will be getting different children, some will even be the siblings of the children I have been learning with. If you want to know what pure love is, give love freely to a child and they will share that rare and precious gift with you. And I think that this is the best gift you can receive during the holiday season.

B-

Ruby Rock-It Sneak Peek and Holiday Projects

2011-12-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

It is paper crafting heaven when the sneak peeks start to fly, and Ruby Rock-It is sharing their first with us!

If you look into the keyhole closely you will get a very good idea of what is to come!

Also on the Ruby Rock-It blog the design team is sharing projects about their holiday traditions, and the projects are beautiful and very inspiring!

I also share a fun and easy recipe for white chocolate peppermint coated popcorn, yum!!

B-

Hambly Transparency Christmas Card Tutorial

2011-12-14T17:30:00.000-07:00

About a month ago a made a set of cards to donate to the Festival of Trees, a yearly fundraiser for the Primary Children's Hospital. It was one of my favorite cards I have made using Hambly transparencies and I wanted to share how it was made here.

These cards were easy to make a bunch of in a short time and looked beautiful when bundled together and tied up in a big white tulle bow. They would make a wonderful gift as well!

Start by picking your card stock and ribbon colors, I wanted to have a bright and fun combination that was a little different than the traditional so I went with an lighter green and vibrant pink.

Trim out a panel of the deer, cut the card stock to the same size.

Then stitch around the left, top and right edges.

I then put in two colors of glitter, a pretty light pink and a white by Doodlebug.

The bottom was then stitched closed to create a shaker panel.

Tie the ribbon around, mine is a delicious Midori pink bias, and then adhere to the card base with dimensional foam adhesive.

I did stamp a beautiful Graphic 45 greeting in black ink on the inside of the card to finish it off.

B-

My Mind's Eye Christmas Trees and Card

2011-12-10T17:51:00.001-07:00

I have so much fun stuff to share it is going to be overload, but that is what happens after a terrifically crafty week!
First I wanted to share one of my Paper Craft rejects from the Card Creations 10 call. I just love this card, and there are some other fun things that I have crafted that match so it seems like perfect timing!

It is mostly My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Christmas, but that delicious red gingham is from ABC Primer by Graphic 45 and tied up with some gorgeous Midori metallic ribbon, yum!!!

This cute card will hold a gift card in the front pocket and a sweet holiday greeting on the inside.

The trees are made from turning the tussy mussy cone upside down and then punching out lots and lots of circles and adhering with a hot glue gun. Die cut stars from hot drink wrap for a vintage looking topper. These coordinate perfectly with the projects from this post.

And if you still need a little inspiration and like tutorials, Ellen let me share a guest post in the CLASSroom for the 12 Tags of Christmas with a Feminine Twist. You will find the step by step for the tag I created there.

I hope you are having a Fa-La-La-La Saturday, we went and picked out our tree and Laurel has begun putting on the lights. It has been one of those days that has been filled with the spirit of the season for me, a sweet nativity by the primary children at our church's Christmas breakfast, everyone singing Silent Night after the children's performance brought tears to my eyes.

Blessed and grateful!
B-

Graphic 45 Gift Box Tutorial

2011-12-06T16:56:00.001-07:00

I know there are a lot of tutorials going into the posts right now, hopefully you aren't sick of them!
It is just that time of year where we have a lot going on and every little bit of help makes a difference and can save a lot of time!

This box can be used to share goodies or even light weight gifts, and the little window shares a peek of what is inside.

1) Cut the paper for the bottom of the box at 12” x 12”, score at 3” and 9”. Turn paper and score at 3” and 9”.
2) Trim into horizontal scores to vertical scores, apply adhesive to top of flaps and adhere to back of side flaps.
3) Cut the paper for the lid of the box at 8” x 8”. Score at a little less 1” and and a little more than 7”. turn the paper and score at just a little less than 1” and and a little more than 7”. (Remember with a lid we need barely a titch!!) To make this easier for the titch purposes, you can turn each edge as you score and just move it barely away from the left edge and use the 1” channel to get that tiny titch adjustment.
4) Trim into horizontal scores to vertiacl scores, carefully use die cutting system to cut window. Apply adhesive to the flaps and adhere to bakc of side flaps. Apply dry adhesive to inside of lid and adhere tranparency piece in place.
5) Cut 4 1/2” x 12” strips and adhere around box and lid to resemble gift wrap.
6) Remove tag from sheet and adhere to lid with dimensional foam adhesive.

I hope this inspires you to share the holiday spirit with those around you!!

B-

Graphic 45 Gift Tag For a Gift Card Tutorial

2011-12-01T22:52:00.001-07:00

It is easy, cute and is the perfect size for holding a gift card! I made one in Graphic 45 and one from My Mind's Eye 12 Days of Christmas. Whimsical or vintage, same instructions work for both!!

1) Cut tag base at 3 1/2” x 7”. Cut card pop out at 4 1/2” x 3 1/2”, score at 1/4”, 1/2”, 4”, 4 1/4”. Turn paper and score at 1/4” and 1/2”.
2) Fold along all the lines, trim into the corners and remover the corner pieces. Punch hole with circle punch. Adhere transparency to back.
3) Place Score Tape along the left, bottom and right edges. Start with bottom and adhere edge to back of tag. Adhere left and then right edges to back of tag, careful to maintain box shape of the popped out piece.
4) Remove tags from sheet and adhere underneath window, on top of tag, and below window. Trim top corners of tag at an angle.
5) Punch hole in the center at the top of the tag, tie bow with ribbon.

Today is Chloe's 19th birthday, so hard to believe!! The time has certainly flown, she is an amazing young lady and I am very blessed to have her in my life!!

Here she is just four short years ago when she was almost 15.

And this is her at a scholarship award ceremony this spring sporting a similar do!

I know I am biased, but she has always been completely adorable, but she has matured into a beautiful, kind, generous and intelligent person who is always completely amazing me! She has recently started a blog that is intended to be a place that she can share her creative spirit, thoughts and some insight into her mind and life experiences.

Anyway, happy Friday! Happy December and Happy Holiday preparations!

B-

Christmas Emporium Gift Bag

2011-11-28T16:24:00.001-07:00

I love the gift bag from this post so much, that it only made sense that I use the same directions for the base and just use a different die cut for the front and make it out of the Christmas Emporium collection.

Add some gorgeous Midori ribbon, a tag for a to and from and it is all set to fill with goodies.

Easy Peasy!!
B-

InLinkz.com

Graphic 45 Giving Thanks Gift Bag Tutorial

2011-11-23T12:26:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share the instructions for making the gift bag that Graphic 45 shared in their newsletter today. It is a very simple project and is great for presenting yummy treats or small special gifts for your Thanksgiving celebration.

1) Cut a piece of Building Blocks at 8 1/2” wide by 12” tall. Place the card stock into the scoring tool with the tall side along the left edge. Score at 1 3/4” and 6 3/4”. Turn card stock so the tall edge is along the top and score at 4 1/2” and 7 1/2”. Fold along all the score lines.

2) Score at a 45 degree angle between the 1/34" score on the sides and the 4 1/2" score in the middle, repeat for the other 6 3/4" and 7 1/2" scores.

3) Apply Scor-Tape to the top left of the paper, fold over and adhere to the back.

4) Repeat for all the other corners.

5) Apply Scor-Tape to the angle scored sections and adhere to the back.

6) Cut a piece of Bedtime Stories at 4 1/2” wide by 2” tall and ink edges with Frayed Burlap Distress ink. Cut a piece of Games and Playtime at 4" x 1 1/4" ink edges, and adhere to center of Bedtime Stories. Use die cut to cut leaf from One, Two, Buckle My Shoe, ink the edges and adhere to Games and Playtime. Cut out letters from The Three R's, ink edges and adhere to Games and Playtime alternating between flat and dimensional adhesives. Adhere to front of the gift bag with dimensional foam adhesive.

7) Trim Bedtime Stories at 4" wide (finished width of gift bag) by 4" tall and use a decorative punch or die to finish edge. Ink edges, then score at 2" from straight edge and adhere to back of gift bag. Tie around with May Arts black silk ribbon and natural colored twine.

8) Apply Scor-Tape to both sides, adhere one side and leave the other open until you fill. Once filled adhere other side to close.

Many thanks to all of my amazing family, and friends. You are truly my loved ones, and what I am most grateful for this Thanksgiving.

With a full heart, Happy Thanksgiving!
B-

InLinkz.com

Quick Gift Card Tutorial with Imaginesce

2011-11-20T19:10:00.001-07:00

In the spirit of gratitude, a gift card can go a long way in letting someone know you appreciate them and all they do for you. So with that in mind I am sharing a quick way to put together a darling gift card that uses their cute fall line.
1) Cut a piece of paper at 3 1/2" wide by 12" tall, place the paper in a scoring tool with the pattern of the paper pointing to the left edge of the tool.
2) Score at 1", 3" and 8" and then fold along the scored lines.
3) At the 1" score line fold the pattern up and at the 3" line fold it back. Punch two holes about an inch apart and tie a bow with twine.
4) Punch small holes in the leaf die cuts and tie through with a tiny twine on one leaf, loop through the side where the bow was tied and then tie the other leaf onto the other end and let dangle.

5) Trim a piece of paper at 2 1/2" tall by 4" wide and punch half a circle into the right side.
6) Place adhesive on the top, left and bottom edges and then adhere to the center of the card.
7) Adhere the cute apple die cut with dimensional foam and insert gift card.
8) Fold bottom up and under the top flap and let the leaves do a cute dangle :o)

Happy Monday!!
B-

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-15T10:56:00.001-07:00

I think Thanksgiving here in America is at the perfect time of year. That transition from fall to winter, where we go from raking leaves to shoveling snow can get me in the dumps. And I love the winter, so I don't know or understand why that is. But it happens and when it does I take a step back from everything. I do some reflecting and always come back to how blessed I am, in most every way.
A beautiful home that is heated, has working plumbing, no leaks in the roof and provides a place for my family to love and care for each other. The food that we need to be healthy, Working vehicle that gets us to the places we need to be. A kind, benevolent and generous Heavenly Father who knows my heart and loves me unconditionally and my savior Jesus Christ who has set an example of how to live and love others.

Finding an attitude of gratitude is the quickest way for me to get my right side up and to move forward. It reminds me that I have two legs that can go out into the beautiful world and have a brisk walk, or use my two eyes to sit in a quiet place and read from a book. I can go into my studio and use my two hands to make something crafty or sit on my healthy bum and crochet while I listen to my family with my two ears. There are might be a few more "things" on our wants list, but there are very few things on our needs list and for that we are extraordinarily blessed.

B-

Gift bag supply list:

InLinkz.com

Christmas Gift Giving with My Mind's Eye

2011-11-12T11:53:00.001-07:00

For my Heartland design team projects I was asked to create some gift and treat packaging and also some home decor items from the My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Christmas collection. This was a fun assignment, and in spite of the glitter that was shed in the cutting of innocent paper, they still have a beautiful glisten when the light hits them just right ;o)

I love covering handled bags with pretty paper, and what makes me even happier is when I get to re-use a bag that has come from a store and give it a new life.

A quick and easy container to make for stocking stuffers, teacher and friend gifts or neighbor goodies is what has been nicknamed a "sour cream" wrap. Cut the paper in a square (4" x 4" for smallish all the way up to 12" x 12" if you have bigger and softer items) and adhere end to end on one edge. Apply adhesive to one end (I recommend a double sided adhesive like Scor-Tape), pinch to close, put in gift or goodies, apply adhesive to other side going the opposite direction, pinch to close.

To add a few extra finishing details pull the crimper out of your older crafting supplies and crimp the ends. Punch a hole in the top and tie on a cute die cut with a rustic twine, elegant silk ribbon or cute printed ribbon. You can write a to and from on the back of the tag if you feel the need.

Now just to clarify, I am not even remotely close to having any of my holiday preparations done (or even started for that matter, lol!!) But with Thanksgiving fast approaching and Christmas right on the heels, it can't hurt to have lots of ideas at your finger tips!

It is getting ready to have a nice big snow storm here, so my family is going to put on some college football for the afternoon (U of U is playing UCLA and U of O is playing Stanford, good games!!) and I am going to get crafty :o)

B-

Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Banner in a Box

2011-11-10T00:36:00.001-07:00

Right now I am sitting in my snowflake patterned pajama pants and a thermal shirt, watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (got to get ready part 2 comes out tomorrow!!) and doing a little crafting. On my desk are a few Christmas projects and some other assignments and such that need attention. With the chill in the air and my fuzzy slippers on my feet I am reminded why I enjoy crafting so much this time of year. I can't be outside for hours at a time, and all of that energy gets funneled into my creative projects. If I am not in my studio, I am in the family room in front of the tv with the kids crocheting a blanket to give to the next recipient of my blankie happiness.

So if you are like me and looking for a few projects to keep you occupied during these delightful, crisp fall evenings, here is one that might catch your fancy :o)

Go sign up for the Graphic 45 newsletter and you will get the instructions to make the "Christmas Emporium Banner in a Box" that I designed for them. The outside of the box looks like this and the inside is...

FUN!!!

I have some more Christmas projects to share over the next few days, so come back if you are wanting more ideas, (can we ever have enough ideas or time?).

If you are craving more inspiration, pop over to the Ruby Rock-It blog to check out the design team introductions, this team is stacked with talent and personality!!

Well that is all I have for now, I can't keep Harry waiting ;o)

B-

p.s. The project is now on their blog as well!!

Youer Than You!

2011-11-07T21:48:00.004-07:00

What could be better than a friend who sees you for who and what you are, loves you and encourages you to stay truer than true? Not many things in my opinion, and I am most fortunate in that the people that I have the luxury of calling my friends are just like that for me! To celebrate and give tribute to these friends I made a card with that delightful Dr. Seuss quote using beautiful poppy paper from Graphic 45.

And to the friends that noticed I spelled Dr. Seuss wrong on the cards and informed me in a gentle way, thank you!! I often get in a hurry and need to spend just a few moments proofing my work. The story that I am going to stick with is, "that is how you know it was hand made"

:o)

B-

Giving a Little Love to My Paper Craft Rejects

2011-11-03T21:26:00.001-06:00

The acceptances went out for the Paper Crafts May/June 2012 issue today. And while I will have a project in there, I also have a few that didn't get picked up that I LOVE, and want to share. Not just because they are fun, but because they have a story and it is one I think is worth sharing.
One of the calls was for projects using inspirational quotes on projects. I am a huge fan of Dr. Seuss and the art form he perfected in crafting beautiful, wise and whimsical phrasing that has meaning to all who read his works. From the youngest child just learning to read to the older and more experienced, he left no one in need...

With that in mind I am going to share a crafting challenge that I tried to use and make an opportunity to overcome and grow my design skills.

First I found a quote from Dr. Seuss that could be very inspiring to graduates, teachers and hopefully most anyone who would need a little pick me up or encouragement. Then I used some favorite fonts and colors that would compliment the Ruby Rock-It paper line I had in mind to make the card from. The paper was then trimmed and run through the printer. So here is a first suggestion so we can all learn from my experience, do a test run first. Why you might ask, well if you are running out of ink and you don't know it or aren't paying attention to the computer message center your little work of art could turn into something a little different than what you had planned and imagined.

That would be where this first card comes from. The colors are not what I had planned, but I am stubborn and decided that it was cute and worth making a card to submit. The papers are from the Ruby Rock-It Bella Boy collection and Basic Grey's Out of Print collection.

So with the submission deadline looming, I made the run to Office Depot to pick up refills for my blue and black ink wells for my hungry little printer. $37.86 later I was back at home hitting the print button again after loading the ink.

This inspiring card was what I had imagined from the beginning, and was thrilled to see it come to fruition! Now that I look at it and see the scale of it, it wold have been much better executed as a gift bag. But that is the fun of going through this process with each call. I learn so much and love the challenges that come from pushing myself to go through this process. Even with the "rejection" I feel empowered and inspired to enjoy the creative process more and to learn more so I might be more successful the next time around.

What do you enjoy about your creative process and how does rejection affect you? Does it shut you down or do you grow from it? I am curious and would love to hear about your experiences. Do you take flops and try to save them or do you circle file them?

Inquiring minds want to know!!!
B-

Celebrating a Very Happy Halloween with Doodlebug and Ruby Rock-It!!!

2011-10-31T14:09:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their Halloween with some treats and some tricking!
I love giving and receiving goodies, and thought it would be fun to share a quick Doodlebug and Scor-Pal project that you can whip a few of up in no time to deliver last minute goodies to friends and neighbors.

1)Trim paper at 11 1/2” wide by 9” tall.
2) Start with the width paying close attention to directional pattern Score at 1 1/2”,
5 1/2”, 7”, and 11”.
3) Turn paper sideways and score at 1 1/2”, and 7 1/2”.
4) Trim along vertical lines to the top and bottom horizontal line.

5) Fold along all the lines.
6) Apply Score-Tape to the side flap and attach to other side, fold in side flaps and adhere closed.
7) Optional apply Score-Tape to top flap, but leave protective covering in place. If concerned that it will be removed and closed before being filled wait to apply adhesive until ready to use.
8) Cut black card stock at 11 1/2” wide by 1 1/2” tall.
9) Score at 1 1/2”, 5 1/2”, 7”, and 8 1/2”. Wrap around box and adhere end to end.
10) Cut “Boo” image from paper and adhere to black card stock with dimensional foam.
11) Adhere black card stock to wrap with dimensional foam.

I am also celebrating the day away with the news that I have been selected as an inaugural member of the Ruby Rock-It design team!!

Along with these other talented designers:

Sandy Ang - Singapore

Sarah Hill - Indiana

Amanda Jones - UK

Rebecca Keppel - Arizona

Gina Lideros - California

Becky Olsen - Utah

Benedicte Raphalen - France

Debbie Sherman - Wyoming

JJ Sobey - Canada

Carrie Walz - Illinois

Jodi Wilton - Canada

Erin Yamabe - California

Keely Yowler - Kentucky

The last few days have been filled with so much good news that I think I may actually explode!! I am really excited to work with this company, and their products!

Best wishes for a treat filled day to everyone!!

B-

Chalkboard Pumpkin Tutorial

2011-10-29T20:29:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share how easy it is to make your own chalkboard pumpkins. I did them last year and wrote about them in a post, but didn't think to share any of the information in that post. That post continues to be one of the more popular and I don't want anyone to come to the blog hoping for information and leaving disappointed because the post wasn't intended as a how-to, but as a this was fun.

So lets get down to the nuts and bolts, and don't worry there is plenty of time to pull this off before Halloween arrives.

What you will need:

Pumpkins (I used the plastic ones from the craft store so they could be used year after year, but you could certainly paint a real one and just chuck it when you are done with it.)
Chalkboard paint (I tried the spray can type first and was not happy with the results, so went with the kind in the can and loved the results)
Glue (I used Multi Medium by Claudine Hellmuth because I could brush it on, but most any kind would work)
Paintbrushes (A few different sizes for different jobs, rinse immediately after each application)
Black Glitter (I used a very inexpensive craft style)
White Chalk (Found it at Target but I think most school supply sections of a store would have it)
Drop Cloth (Something to protect the surface you will be working on)

Start by putting a layer of chalkboard paint onto the pumpkin.

Continue adding layers of paint until you get a nice even coverage, set it aside to dry.

Apply glue to the stem of the pumpkin and then sprinkle black glitter over the glue, set it aside to dry.

Get the chalk out of its box (if this will be a gift you

could give the whole box of chalk or tie a piece onto the stem with a cute piece of ribbon)

Once the chalk is in hand, have fun! Write a greeting a give it as a gift with some treats, draw a cute or spooky face for your porch or add more glitter and glam it up as a centerpiece for the table. Paint tiny ones and use them as place settings, the possibilities are endless!!

Happy Haunting!

B-

World Card Making Day Winner? No Way!!!

2011-10-29T00:39:00.001-06:00

Way!!!
World Card Making Day, that little contest that Paper Crafts has every year where a few people (hundreds) sent in some cards (1850+) in the hopes of winning some goodies (over a $1000 prize package), maybe you have heard about it? Well, I sent in a few of my fave cards in some of the categories and one of my entries actually won in the "Thinking of You/Hello" category. Now I overslept this morning, not thinking I had a chance and had gone to bed late after catching up on some work while the house was quiet. I awoke to a few fun texts and emails from sweet friends congratulating me, and for the rest of the day you could have knocked me over with a feather! And while I can't share the card with you that was selected, it is set to be published the March/April issue of Paper Crafts, I can share some more timely cards that are perfect for this spooky and kooky time of year.

This quick and easy cutie came together in five minutes using some Cosmo Cricket chipboard and Little Yellow Bicycle stickers.

This one took just a few more minutes and used some October Afternoon paper behind the Little Yellow Bicycle frame and stickers with the Cosmo Cricket stickers.

These cute little cards will get attached to some goodies and dropped and the doorsteps of friends. I am getting better at quick, easy and done. Sometimes I get so caught up in making something elaborate instead of done that I get overwhelmed and then end up not delivering. It has been one of my goals to change that and by keeping more of my projects simple it helps me achieve that.

Chloe and Carter are dressing up at work tomorrow for the Boo at the Zoo event that Hogle Zoo does every year. We spent the afternoon/evening working on the last few details and I can't wait to get pictures! Chloe is dressing up as Peter Pan and we even found some pixie dust (Krylon's new glitter spray in silver) for her shoulders. Carter is going full nerd in an amazing costume that my mom created for him. The Real Player Game called Nightfall has a character profession called a Dervish. I still really don't understand it completely, but all the gamers will and that is all that matters. But when I share pictures, it will make a whole lot more sense I think.

Anyway, I am hoping to spend the weekend relaxing, socializing with the family on Sunday night and hopefully getting caught up with the stuff that is sitting on my desk needing attention.

First of all though, I think I will enjoy my little visit to Cloud 9 with this win for just a few minutes more :o)

B-

Hambly Chevron

2011-10-20T23:22:00.002-06:00

Remember last April when I was able to get down to Arizona for a few days, visit my aunt and attend a friends wedding? I had a chance to make a layout using some of Hambly's new products and also share a tutorial on building a chevron pattern and I used one of the pictures I had taken at the wedding. Kim's colors had been a gorgeous shade of yellow and a beautiful gray, the new Hambly was perfect!

If you are interested in the technique I used to create this layout you can find more information on this Hambly blog post.

I love the memories that I have from that wonderful weekend, and I am so happy for Kim and Steve to have found each other and enjoying a beautiful life together!

B-

There Is No Place Like Home

2011-10-10T21:01:00.000-06:00

There is just something about this time of year where the weather is changing from warm to crisp and the thoughts of snuggling up at home with crocheting on my lap and a hearty stew on the stove, that always makes me think to myself that there really is no place like home. It is a great time to get caught up on some crating and scrapbooking and maybe even get started on Christmas cards so they can be sent out on time...
(nah! LOL!!)

With all the fun that Fall brings, one of the favorites has got to be Halloween, and I loved making this project for a class at Heartland, but now that has come and gone and it seems like a good time to share it here. The photo mat is only adhered on the left, bottom and right so it has a nice large pocket for a journaling card or even extra pictures if you wanted. I have a couple of older pics that I am thinking are the perfect fit for it, just need to print and adhere!

I just love this collection, as a kid I always wanted my own pair of ruby slippers! I think this is as close as I am going to get, and I am good with that ;o)

B-

Magic of Oz Tags 2	Magic of Oz Goblin Gazette	Magic of Oz 12" x 12" paper pack	Magic of Oz Scatterbrained Scarecrow
Magic of Oz Journey to Oz	Magic of Oz Yellow Brick Road	Magic of Oz Tenderhearted Tin Man	Graphic 45 Staples Hinges

InLinkz.com

Washi Tape Weaving

2011-10-08T13:35:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago I shared a tutorial for weaving washi tape over at the Hambly blog, it was quite fun and once I did the card size I knew I wanted to try it as a layout as well. Honestly it was a little harder and took a lot more patience, but I am really happy with the results, and wanted to share them :o)

The movement and colors of the weaving reminded me of Chloe and how she has so many unique and interesting components to her personality, but she is much more than just a hard worker, sweet daughter, great student or kind friend. She is our Chloe.

Also, Hambly is doing their design team search and I want to encourage everyone who has a crush on Hambly to give it a shot! It has been a dream to work with them and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to share my love for this company and their wonderful products with the world! The information can be found on this blog post for what you will need to do to apply.

Hope everyone has a very happy and crafty weekend!!

B-

Washi Tape

InLinkz.com

Happy World Card Making Day 2011

2011-10-01T01:26:00.001-06:00

It is wonderful that people who love to make cards have their very own holiday to celebrate! We have all kinds of other days to celebrate donuts, birthdays, and talking like pirates, so why not set aside a day every year dedicated to delightful craft and community of giving miniature pieces of art to those we love? After all, isn't that what a handmade card really is? A bitty canvas that lets us pour our heart and soul onto and then give away that small part of us to a recipient who will hopefully ooooh and aaaaah over our efforts giving us that warm, giddy rush of happiness that make all the decisions worth the while.

I made a couple of cards just to share with anyone who happens by the blog today, and if you have a card that you have made for the day that you would like a little love on, leave a link and I will pop by!!

For this first one I used the Christmas Emporium line from Graphic 45. The stamps are beautiful red rubber and leave a fabulous impression and the paper is gorgeous! I stamped with Archival Jet Black then colored with my Prismacolors. Easy peasy and how relaxing is doing a little coloring while the afternoon whiles away?

A closer look at the shading if you are interested.

And this fun little number uses Hambly's Birds on a Wire, some Authentique letters and handy dandy American Craft Thickers. No rocket science or skill required, just a cute and punny way to share happy birthday wishes with someone special.

Another fun way to celebrate card making is to do a little shopping, and I have seen great sales at loads of places! I know Ellen has some great products at great prices, so that might be a place to start if you need a little retail therapy (I am jealous if you don't, such self control is very impressive to me!!)

Of course there are loads of other cards in various stages of completion on my desk, but that is the fun of having a whole day to make a mess, revel in small successes and maybe even get an entire set of holiday cards done...

(that isn't me, wish it was today, but not in the cards, lol!!)

If it is you, kudos!! That makes you my hero ;o)

Best wishes for a delightful and productive World Card Making Day!!
B-

Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Cling Stamp Set 1

Christmas Emporium Stamp Set 2

Hampton Art Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Stamp Set 3

Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium

InLinkz.com

Upcycled Glass Jar Tea Lights

2011-09-24T17:11:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share a fun upcycle of glass jars and inexpensive vases that I have been playing with. They look really great when lit outside in the dark, but it is a little hard to see the fun detail of the the finish in those pictures, so I took a few pics in my light box.

This little vase was from an inexpensive flower arrangement, but I loved the shape! I took my Alcohol ink in Lettuce and Silver and used the Tim Holtz application tool to dab the colors all over the outside.

This was an old pasta sauce jar, and I have been saving them since I figured out how to do this, looking forward to doing some of these in oranges and purples and putting on my porch for the Halloween season. This one was done with Watermelon and Silver Alcohol inks. On the places I felt like the silver was getting too heavy I would add a little blending solution to the applicator tool. I did this one first and was a little more heavy handed with the silver than I was on the green. I like them both, but the light comes through the green one a little better because there is less silver on it and the silver is opaque.

I love fall and crafting for the seasons and events is one of the biggest reasons why!

B-

Last Monday of the Summer

2011-09-19T16:39:00.001-06:00

Well, it has been a gorgeous last Monday of the Summer, and I have been trying to enjoy every little second of it. A few hours of fun tennis in the perfect weather, some relaxing and a little work just to keep me on track so I don't get behind on anything.

World Card Making Day is just around the corner, and I am so excited about it! I am going to be making a set of Christmas cards to donate to the Festival of Trees, a fundraiser that is held here in Utah for the Primary Children's Hospital every year. And I am hoping that if I plan and prepare I can hopefully donate not just one set, but a few. So the plotting begins!!

Hope you are enjoying the last few minutes of your Summer too!
B-

Got No Love

2011-09-16T12:55:00.001-06:00

Monday was a deadline for submissions for the Paper Crafts March/April issue and I took a little time to submit a few projects. Yesterday the acceptance emails went out and none of my projects got picked up, I think they need to see some sunshine so I am going to share some "rejects" that got no love ;o)

Both of these were made while I was visiting with Karolyn and Kim during one of our crafty sessions. This one uses Hambly rub-ons, Memory Box dies, white ribbon, Studio Calico for Hero Arts stamp, and a Paper Trey impression plate. The lighting doesn't capture how elegant and textured this sweet card is, I just love it!

And this sweet project uses Paper Smooches stamps and Studio Calico for Hero Arts (banner pieces), there is a Paper Trey Impression plate on the background of this as well and I used Fresh Ink for the wonderful ombre treatment on the banner and pulled the colors of the mom and baby from that. :o)

If anyone else had projects that got no love, and you want some love from me I am glad to give it, leave a comment with your blog link and I will pop on by!!

B-

Letting Go

2011-09-15T12:28:00.001-06:00

From the outside looking into my life you might not see the constant creative chaos that I have been living in. I love every second of it, and am so grateful for all of the opportunities and blessings that have been showered upon me. But for this summer it has been too much and I wasn't sure how I would continue to do it all. Then I had a duh moment where I realized I didn't need to do it all and that I am no good to anyone if I am spread to thin. I would have to make the incredibly hard choice of what to let go of, and with the smallest of my responsibilities lying in a cute online shop in Issaquah Washington called Ellen Hutson it was my contributions to the CLASSroom blog, posting projects and tutorials that I would have to let go of. It was incredibly hard as I love sharing my penchant for all things technique-y and geeky to make this choice, but it is also one of the places in my brain that took a lot of fire power and that was what I needed most to re-arrange. So with much sadness I had my last post there today and have been replaced by the delightful Julie Ebersol who is sure to dazzle and delight with her clever design and quick wit.

So what is it that has kept me hopping?

For the last year I have been contributing to the Graphic 45 in house team, and have loved every second of it. My assignments range from creating projects for special events or the trade shows to writing up instructions for classes. I love this job, the team that I work with is incredible and I feel very blessed to be able to call each of them friend.

On top of that I have been working with a local store called Heartland on their design team and as a class instructor. This decision happened in a very round about way, I was heartbroken when I received an email from the previous owner saying that they were closing down both stores. So when the Bountiful shop was purchased I determined that local businesses need help to survive and that I would do what I could to help them. There are so many great online shopping opportunities that it has really placed a strain on the smaller brick and mortar shops to compete, and what is it that they can offer to bring in customers? People who know and love paper and are willing to share that enthusiasm. Well, I can do that and while it hasn't been easy to fit into my schedule, but I am hoping that it makes a difference.

This is a Magic of Oz class that I am teaching on September 29th. There is a ton of product in the kit, and four projects to make. I am looking forward to sharing my love for Graphic 45 products with those who are able to join me that evening.

With all that life gives us, it would stand to reason that learning how to adjust would get easier at some point, but I think that change actually gets harder and more complicated as relationships develop. Letting go is hard to do.

B-

9.10.11

2011-09-10T17:51:00.000-06:00

I love numerical coincidences! I am not good at finding them or seeing them for myself, my brain is a little too big picture to recognize or identify them, but when they are pointed out I enjoy them so much! I feel very lucky to have a few of the small picture/detail brained people in my home so they are very patient and kind in pointing out these lovely moments for me.

This is one of those "lucky to be me" kind of days too, I have been watching the US Open tennis tournament cheering and talking to the tv because it has been so exciting, cruising through itunes and using the gift card Laurel gave me for Mom's Day to purchase the Maroon 5 album (I have had "Moves Like Jagger" stuck in my head!!) and doing a little crafting (very little, the other distractions are so FAB!!) I really need to run to the office store to buy some ink for my printer, I have a few layouts on my desk that are waiting for pics, but I need to feed the printer so it will be willing to spit those out for me ;o)

Over at the Hambly blog, I shared a tutorial on weaving washi tape. It is a really fun technique, and not that hard.

I won't be blogging tomorrow, but I wanted to share a memory from 9/11/01 in remembrance of the ten years that have passed since that tragic day.
I was a chaperon at my sons 6th grade camp and it was the day we took them out on their long hike through the beautiful Wasatch Mountain range. It was a beautiful day and the kids were behaving well for typical 12 year olds. We stopped on top of one of the ridges that offered a spectacular view and marveled at the beauty. While we were doing this huge swarms of ladybugs moved through the air and landed on all of us, as well as the trees, bushes and ground. Having hiked a lot and spending a lot of time outside and never seeing anything like this before I was in amazement, it was one of the most surreal experiences I have ever had in my life, and the other adults in the group made similar remarks. We continued on our way and dropped into camp a couple of hours later, exhausted and ready for some quiet time with the kids in the late afternoon. As soon as we arrived one of the teachers who had stayed behind pulled all of the adults aside and informed us of what had been happening through the day. They were left with the decision of how to handle it with the kids, and whether they should even tell them or not. We ended up out at the big campfire ring telling the children about the events and then having a somber dinner and packing up the next morning and heading home.
Watching all of the news and reviews of the previous days events when we got home was so overwhelming. I couldn't understand how something so awful could happen and how so many lives could be lost in such a few short moments. Ten years later, the loss is still mind boggling and we are left with the question of how much did this change the path of America.
My take away from the event is to live life to the fullest each day, and to live that life generously, kindly and with forgiveness, no one knows what the next day may bring.

B-

Paper Smooches FOLKal Points

2011-09-08T15:33:00.002-06:00

While in Seattle I had the opportunity to play with the FOLKal Points stamp set from Paper Smooches. The set is so cute (but isn't all of Kim's work absolutely adorable?) and this Matryoshka doll makes me smile from ear to ear! She is so sweet, and it was really fun to paper piece her from a couple different lines of Prima's newest paper pads. I used Printery in 6" x 6" and Romantique in 8" x 8". The colors were warm and have lent a nice warm and vintage feeling to this card.

I left it without any sentiment so it could be used for any occasion. What do you think, does it need one?
Spent today playing some tennis, hiking in the mountains and doing some creating with the latest Graphic 45 products, so in love with the ABC Primer collection, amazing!
Anyway, the kids are loving the University of Utah and it is super cute that Tyler and Chloe have a math class and first semester French together (awe!) Having three college students still boggles my mind, but having them all at home makes me so happy, LOVE them!!

B-

September 1st!! Already?

2011-09-01T23:22:00.000-06:00

Okay, after a whirl wind trip to the gorgeous Pacific North West and five days of blissfully perfect weather I am back to my wonderful life and happy to be back with my family. I had a wonderful time with the spectacular Karolyn Loncon and incredible Kim Hughes. We ate, laughed, cropped and even played some bingo, seriously good times!!

I took a few things to play with, some of which was the new Doodlebug Monster Mania line with the super easy and fun to use Create-A-Cards and was able to put together some Halloween cards that I just adore!

I hauled pounds of crafty stuff and Karolyn has a palace full of wonderful toys, but for some reason I didn't come home with as many projects finished as I probably should have. Might have been all the munching on the delicious fresh fruit I was doing instead of working ;o)

That is okay though, it was supposed to be a vacation, so no expectations went with me. I came home refreshed and now I am ready to tackle what ever comes my way, unless it is a rhinoceros, that I might dodge.

B-

ABC Primer by Graphic 45

2011-08-24T20:00:00.000-06:00

All I can say about this release is OH MY!! I knew when I first saw it that it would become a fast favorite, but then it arrived in my house and it is truly amazing! It has such rich colors and the stamps are absolute perfection!

I shared a tutorial on how to mask stamps to layer images in the CLASSroom. Head on over if you are curious about how I achieved the combination, it is much easier than it looks and is a technique that can be used in many ways!

I am going to be missing a few days here at the blog, taking a little time up in Seattle for vacation and hoping to come back with some fun stories, interesting pictures and projects to share!

B-

Welcome to the Last Day of Blogs for Boobies!

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

There us still time to join in on the fun(draising)!!!! There are two ways you can help:

#1 There is still time to bid on my project: Here is another look at what I have up for auction.

The auction will end at 8:00 p.m. Mountain time August 23rd.

The highest bid is currently:$12.50
To win this simply bid more than what ever the current highest bid is in the comment section of THIS post. YOU MUST INCLUDE your EMAIL ADDRESS with your $ bid. ( This way we can get in contact with the winning bidder.)
Remember 100% of what you bid will go to the Komen foundation!!! If you are the top bidder you will receive a paypal invoice for the amount that you bid.

To sweeten the reason to bid, I have created another project that will be sent with the original, so whoever is the highest bidder will receive two cards!!

#2 There is still time to shop!!! Through midnight on the 23rd of August Skipping Stones Design is still donating $2 (to the Komen Foundation) for every stamp set sold.

I hope YOU can help ME make a difference!!
B-

This Is All I Need

2011-08-20T22:34:00.002-06:00

Right now I am living the dream.

No, really. I am not trying to be coy or cute or gushy. It is just a straight up fact that I have literally everything I need in my life right now, and it is emotionally a very overpowering feeling.

No, my life isn't perfect either. That is not at all what I would even begin to imply, as a matter of fact it is the imperfections and challenges that have made me realize how what I have at this very moment is really all that I need. Of course there are a LOT of things that I WANT, I'm human and woman who loves good shoes. But that is beside my point. What I am so enraptured with right now is that we have a roof over heads that is cool when it is too hot outside, and warm when it is too cool. We have what we need to eat and enough money to keep our very well traveled gas guzzling car on the road to get us where we need to be. We have clothing to cover nakedness (and just speaking for myself, that is a great thing! No one needs a big dose of my nekkid!!) I have a belief system that comforts me when I lose someone I care about very much and most of all we have a home filled with all of the people that mean the very most to me. I won't be able to say that for much longer so it seemed appropriate to shout it from the rooftops tonight.

It is a feeling that overwhelms me and fills my heart up to the point that I think I might actually burst. As a matter of fact just thinking and typing about how much gratitude and joy I have in my heart, I am ready to cry and have big tears welling up in my tired eyes.

If I could make one wish for everyone in the whole world, tonight it would be that everyone could experience that same feeling of overwhelming love and joy in their lives.

B-

Skipping Stones Blog 4 Boobies Fundraiser!!

2011-08-15T11:46:00.004-06:00

IT'S TIME TO STAMP OUT CANCER!!!!

Welcome to the second annual Blog 4 Boobies fundraiser!

This is day 1 of a 3 day blog bounce(hop) where EVERY CARD OR PROJECT is up for auction!

Last year Skipping Stones Design raised and donated $1108.99 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It is our goal to raise $1500 this year and WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! There are 3 ways you can join in on the fun(draising)

1. You can help by Going shopping!

For every stamp set that you purchase during August 15th through the 23rd SSD will donate $2 to the Komen Foundation. Stamping and shopping that you can feel good about ! Click Here to laugh at some of our funniest stamps Click Here to be inspired or Click here to see everything we've got!

Here are two of my favorite sets:

Heartsong:

Bras Volume #1

2. You can help by *Biding!

Another way you can help us raise money for the Komen Foundation is to *bid on a project or card along the blog bounce(hop). YES! EVERY Single card/project along the blogs for boobies bounce is up for auction. We recommend a starting bid of $5 or more. Your *Bid not only includes the card or project but shipping to your home as well. * See how to place a bid for more detailed instructions.

If you are the highest bidder August 23rd 8:00 p.m. mountain time then you WIN the card/project that you bid on.

3. You can help by Telling Your Friends~

Help us spread the word about "blogs 4 boobies" the more people that know, the more money we can raise!!!

If you have a blog feel free to copy and paste part or all of our Blogs 4 Boobies posts.

*"How to place a bid on my card/project"

Step #1

Find the comment section of the blog that shows the "Blogs 4 boobies" card or project that you want to buy. *Please note you may only bid on the card/project shown in the specific "blogs 4 boobies" post. *Any bids not placed on the correct post will be considered invalid.

Step #2

Once you are in the "blogs 4 boobies" comment section fill in the dollar and cents amount of what you are willing to pay for the card/project. We recommend a starting bid of $5 or more. Remember your bid includes shipping as well as the card/or project. 100% of the money your bid will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

Step #3

Next to your $ bid please type in your email address. During a silent auction bidders sign their name next to their bid. Typing your email address is the electronic equivalent of signing your bid. Also it will help the blogger contact you if you are the highest bidder.

Step #4

Watch and wait.

Once you have entered your bid/comment sit back and wait. If someone out bids you then you may bid again. Bidding will continue until 8:00 p.m. Mountain time August 23rd

* Please note that the participating stampers/bloggers will probably re-post their Blogs 4 Boobies card/project on the 23rdof September. When the blogger re-post their project then the bidding will continue on the NEWEST post and that comment section.

"What do I do once I place a bid"

Watch and Wait

The "Winner of the Auction" Will be the highest bid (that includes an email address)in the comment section of the MOST RECENT blogs 4 boobies post at the end of the silent auction. Please note that ALL cards/projects WILL BE REPOSTED on the 23rd of September. The silent auction will end at 8:00 p.m. Mountain Time on August 23rd .

Things to keep in mind:

Near the end of the bidding you may not see bids as they come in. Most blog have a comment feature where the blogger must approve comments before they are published. So bid high. You might have the highest bid that is published, but someone might have outbid you in an unpublished comment/bid.

The blogger/designer will declare who has won the silent auction. Skipping Stones Design will send you an invoice for your donation/bid ammount. Please pay that invoice as soon as possible, so the designer can get your card/project in the mail to you.

REmember 100% of your bid will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

You are here at my blog ______________.

You should have come to me from ________________'s blog_________

Next you are going to visit _____________'s blog ______________________.

Here is the list of today's participants: make sure to come back the next two days and check out our other amazing designers,cards, and projects.

Day #1:

PaperCrafts Connections Blog (Renae Curtz)

Deb Felts

Michelle Giraud

Michelle Gross

Wendy Jordan

Sarah Martina Parker

Becky Olsen

Barb Turpin

Taylor Usry

Brenda Weaver

Have fun bouncing from blog to blog. Enjoy all the designs, and make a bid or two! This is a rare opportunity to take home a

card(s)/project from your favorite designer, and fight the war against breast cancer!!!

Together we can make a difference!!!

Scrapbook Workshop!

2011-08-14T18:41:00.000-06:00

First, HUGE congrats to the artist who devised the concept and saw it through to completion, May Flaum! The book has been available as an auto-delivery (download) for a few days now and has reached #3 on the craft/hobby list and is the #1 paper craft title!!

Second, so honored and thrilled to have had the opportunity to contribute to this project! The other artists who participated as well are some of my very favorite, and I have no doubt that this book will be inspiring and educating me for years, and that the blogs these artists maintain will become part of my daily routine to nurture and care for my soul. I am including the list here, but they are going into my sidebar as well in a special category so if you wish to indulge yourself, they are available to you as well.

Anna Aspnes

www.annaaspnes.typepad.com

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

www.balzerdesigns.typepad.com

Kimberly Crawford

www.kimberly-crawford.blogspot.com

Lisa Dickinson

www.lisadickinson.typepad.com

May Flaum

www.mayflaum.com

Nora Griffin

www.justmakestuff.com

Debbie Hodge

www.debbiehodge.com

Sasha Holloway

www.sassysasha.typepad.com

Nathalie kalbach

www.scrapbook-trends.com

Megan Klauer

www.meganklauerdesign.blogspot.com

Kendra McCracken

www.kendramccracken.blogspot.com

Becky Olsen

www.lifeasathreeleggeddog.blogspot.com

Katie Pertiet

www.katiepertiet.typepad.com

Kelly Purkey

www.kellypurkey.typepad.com

Debee Ruiz

www.debeecampos.blogspot.com

Doris Sander

www.sanderdk.typepad.com

Keshet Shenkar Starr

www.keshetstarr.com

Melissa Stinson

www.scrappyjedi.com

Irene Tan

www.scrapperlicious.blogspot.com

Sharyn Tormanen

www.sharyntormanen.typepad.com

Lisa Truesdell

www.gluestickgirl.typepad.com

Tammy Tutterow

www.tammytutterow.typepad.com

Iris Babao Uy

www.irisbabaouy.typepad.com

Wendy Vecchi

www.studio490art.blogspot.com

Dina Wakley

www.dinastamps.typepad.com

Deena Ziegler

www.deenaziegler.typepad.com

Sneak peek from one of the projects I created for this, any guesses as to what technique I might have been using?

Happy Crafting!!

B-

Card Ideas For Paper Crafters

2011-08-11T16:38:00.001-06:00

If you like using sketches to help your creative process, then the second installment that started out as Go To Sketches 2 which is now Card Ideas for Paper Crafters is going to be right up your alley!!

I have three projects in this issue, and I hope you trust me when I say this special issue is a must have! The inspiration the sketches give is exceptional, but also the projects that are inside the covers are magic! All kinds of different styles and interpretations really help with seeing more possibilities than what the basic sketch provides.

Here is a peek at just one of the cards, to see the rest you need to open the pages of this fantastic publication yourself. And to make it an even better experience, grab a large size of your favorite beverage, sit in a really soft and comfy chair and schedule out a few hours to just sit and peruse, You are worth it!

B-

Using Graphic 45 Metal Staples to Make Unique Jewelry

2011-08-08T21:56:00.000-06:00

So it is not made of paper, but it is a really fun way to use crafting supplies to create a necklace that is eye-catching and sure to have people asking where you found it or how you made it!

All of the instructions on how it was done are over in the CLASSroom if you are interested!

B-

August 1st is National Girlfriend Day!

2011-08-01T15:15:00.000-06:00

Today is a great day to appreciate the special girlfriends you have in your life! I appreciate the contributions and quality that all of my girlfriends have provided to me in my life, and I hope that I have done the same for others. Without these special people, my life would be poorer and have no dimension of thought, no texture of culture or belief and no range of age or experience to draw upon for support or information.

I am eternally grateful for all who have been there for me, and hope to continue being a stalwart friend to all who need one. Don't forget, a friend is a gift you give yourself :o)

B-

The Perfect Day!

2011-07-29T16:49:00.000-06:00

Yesterday (July 28th, 2011) was one of "those" days. An unplanned, the stars aligned, perfect kind of day. It started simply enough with Brady scooping me up from home at 8:00 am for a hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon. We decided to see if the wild flowers that Albion Basin is famous for were in full bloom yet. The temperature was perfect, the skies clear and the mountain lush and inviting. There were beautiful niches everywhere to explore, and Brady found an old ski lift chair that provided a quick respite from the vigorous climb to that point.

We got to the meadow and found that some of the blooms were on, but the majority were not quite ready (a reason for another hike to this beautiful location in a week or so!) for their debut. We found many more tranquil spots as we continued our hike on up to Cecret Lake, and gloried in the solitude that had been afforded us in this national park. It soon got busier as the time wore on, and we had to share the space with a few more people who had come to revel in the clean and crisp mountain air.

When we arrived we found Cecret Lake as full as could be and many snow field still melting into her body. This made for the magical sound of waterfalls tinkling from any of the crevices that would allow moisture to flow through. These sounds are so rejuvenating as are the visual glory and luscious scents that nature provided for us. We sat on an outcropping of rocks for a while and just soaked in the incredible beauty that surrounded us on all sides. We did eventually have to head back to the valley, but did so with full hearts, happy spirits and clear heads.

Then the hubbers and two oldest kids whisked me away (after a quick shower) to catch a matinee of Captain America in 3-D. What a fun movie, and I enjoyed that time with my family so much!

We arrived home from that just in time for me to change into some jeans and comfy shoes so I could go spend the evening with Brady and Chef Andrew at Sur La Table for a cooking class called "Indian made Easy". We had the best time! The fellow class mates were all foodies as well, and it was so fun to learn about a food type that I love to eat but had never learned to cook. Chef Andrew is an incredible instructor, his energy is so contagious and his enthusiasm for sharing his passion is evident in all he does! His menus are perfectly prepared and so thoughtful, and his attention to detail makes each of these classes a complete delight to attend.

And of course we eat, a lot!

After class had ended, Brady presented me with a large pastry box and inside were a dozen delicious and adorable red velvet cupcakes that he had made for me after our hike! Seriously, do I have the best friends, or what?!!! Nibbling on a cupcake while watching the Project Runway Season 9 premiere as I was crocheting was how I rang in the beginning of my 45th year. It truly was a perfect day, and one that I hope I can remember every sweet detail of for the rest of my life. I think if I had tried to plan a day that amazing I would somehow have messed it up, but the way it all came together was truly amazing. I am a very lucky and blessed girl.

B-

p.s. It is my 45th birthday today, and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of birthday wishes. Many thanks to all of you who have thought of me today, it means so very much!

The Goodies Go To...

2011-07-25T12:35:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the kind and thoughtful comments, you made me feel better when I was feeling very challenged!

The goodies are going to Heather, so please send me an email with your shipping information.

This card will also be coming to you Heather, I just made it for the CLASSroom and the details on how to make one like it can be found in this post: Embossed Metal Foil.

Here in Utah it is Pioneer Day, so we are celebrating by doing a whole lot of relaxing and maybe roasting some marshmallows for s'mores in the backyard fire-pit :o)

And while the last week was really challenging, and my camera will be on its way to the Canon facilities, my computers hard drive was replaced and I found all of my backed up files on my external hard drive. So I am breathing a big sigh of relief that my other hardware did what it was supposed to! We do so need our technology to make our lives easier, and so I am very grateful for the recovered images and data!

Here is to some happy crafting and lazy summer days!
B-

Pictureless Post

2011-07-16T15:30:00.000-06:00

Well, it has been an interesting week! (to say the least!)

This will be the first pictureless post in I don't know how long, and it isn't because I don't have loads to share, cuz I do!! It is because on Wednesday my Canon 40d started reporting and error 99 message and won't shoot anymore, and then on Thursday my desktop with all of my images on it had a massive crash and is now in the shop with an expert trying his best to resuscitate it. Not only that, but it has been a week of massive deadlines and such so to say the least, I am spent!

The good part about being so spent is that I have a lot of good stuff to share though, so if you happen to be lucky enough to get to the Summer CHA tradeshow, please go by the Graphic 45 booth and ogle all of the amazing projects that have been created for the gorgeous new releases. If there is a paper on flower something, I made it, if there is a little puffy star with glitter, I made it, and the holly wreath, hand inked each leaf. The cute little Cat's Eye ink pad is now completely destroyed, but the effect was well worth it! (thanks for your sacrifice to the cause little ink pad, you are so appreciated!) Besides that, Allison Kreft from Hambly overnighted some of the new product release to me that I got on Thursdays, I then made three layouts and sent them off on Friday so she would receive them on Monday, giving her enough time to get them on display. No work for Doodlebug this show, but they have a really great group of releases too, all of it is clever and oh, so cute!!

Another set of deadlines comes in the form of having the opportunity to work with a local store now. I will be a member of their design team, and also teaching classes for them about once a month. The store is called Heartland Paper, and you can find a link to there blog on my sidebar if you are interested in learning more about them. I am really enjoying working with Donna and her team, they are all very nice and so talented! I hope to be sharing more about this as things move along. The two teaching dates that I am scheduled for right now are September 29th, and I will be teaching a class using the Magic of Oz product from Graphic 45 and then October 20th where I will be teaching a class using the Scor-Pal to create cute gift packaging from Doodlebug's Monster Mania Line. (which as I mentioned earlier, is SO adorable!!) The open house to sign up for classes is going to be on August 10th, so mark your calenders if you are local and interested! And of course there are going to be loads of wonderful classes to take, so if what I am sharing isn't appealing, come look at what the other instructors are offering, there is something for everyone!

In non-paper news, the family went to the midnight release showing of Harry Potter and we LOVED it!! What an exciting, bittersweet, beautifully made film! We will be going back to see it again on the big screen, it was incredible in that format, and to only experience it once that way would be a shame.

Well, that is that for now! I hope to have my desktop back soon, and share some of what I have been so excited about with all of you! If you have made it this far you must be a saint, so leave a comment, and I will randomly select someone from the comments to send a goody box to!

Happy Crafting!!

B-

No Paper Crafts Gallery Idol For Me

2011-07-09T11:47:00.000-06:00

Darn, I didn't make the cut. But given how hectic my schedule is, I am thinking it was a blessing in disguise. The people that did make the cut are very talented, so this will be a fun competition to watch.

So even though it wasn't my day ;o)
Congrats to all of those gals, and good luck!!

B-

Paper Crafts Gallery Idol 2011

2011-07-05T10:40:00.000-06:00

It is July 5th already? Today is the day after the deadline for Paper Crafts Gallery Idol and I have a paper crafting hang over I think! Besides having a wonderful July 4th that I spent with my family and friends, I was able to paper craft most of the day for the Gallery Idol contest and for the submission deadline that Paper Crafts had for their Jan/Feb 2012 issue. I feel so lucky that I have the opportunity to spend my day like this, and this makes me even more grateful for the freedoms that I have been blessed with as an American.

The theme challenge for the Gallery Idol competition opening round was "Congratulations" and I submitted 8 cards along this line. Yeah, with over 1600+ entries my chances are pretty slim to get into the top 20, but I am keeping my fingers crossed, and hope maybe you can keep yours crossed for me too!! If you are looking for inspiration along these lines, pop into the Flickr photostream to see what many talented people have done to throw their hats into the ring.

B-

Hi!

2011-07-01T14:46:00.000-06:00

Hi!

B-

p.s. Hambly card gift set made for a friends birthday :o)

Sending Sunshine

2011-06-27T18:55:00.000-06:00

Having spent the last week under the weather, I thought it would be nice to share some sunshine with anyone else who might need some. This little card makes me smile, and the Maya Road felt piece is so darling who can resist its charm?

Now that I am on some antibiotics, and did a little online shopping at Ellen Hutson's for some retail therapy, I am feeling much better! Now my days and nights are being spent preparing projects for Graphic 45's CHA booth. I feel so lucky to have seen the coming releases, can I just say WOW!! So while my to-do list seems endless, getting the chance to play with these papers is a big jolt of adrenaline!
And with that being said, I am going to go get back at it!
Happy Monday!!
B-

Hambly Transparency Art Journal

2011-06-23T13:03:00.001-06:00

I have always wanted to create in an art journal, but certain logistics and personal creative quirks have held me back. Being on the Hambly design team with a high caliber artist like Dina Wakley has inspired me to take the plunge, and so I took a hard look at all the parameters that had previously held me back and designed a unique art journal to fit my quirky needs.

I had to have a transparency so that when and if something spilled on it, I wouldn't panic or stress. I would be able to wipe it right off. I also needed pages that I could take out and put back in very easily and that would be able to take a lot of abuse and wet layers, so I made manila pages.

This is what the inside of the album looks like, for a complete tutorial on how to make one visit the Hambly blog.

Now it sits on a shelf waiting for me to have a few minutes here and there to play, and I am excited to use it!

Can't wait to stick little notes, ink washes, inspirational thoughts, and favorite stamps and patterned papers in this little cutie!!

B-

Father's Day Treat Tutorial

2011-06-17T18:39:00.000-06:00

I shared a fun and easy treat container tutorial over on the Hambly blog. We plan on using these this Sunday for placeholders, but there are so many other fun occasions or events that you could use them for, sky is the limit with this cute craft!

B-

Dad You Are A Classic

2011-06-13T11:51:00.001-06:00

Father's Day is just around the corner, ack!! That means that June is almost half over already, where did it go? The time is flying by, with a graduate to congratulate, an anniversary to celebrate and a birthday to enjoy, plus a family vacation to visit grand parents, we have been plenty busy. It will be nice to slow down this Sunday to appreciate my husband and what a fantastic father he is, and to do something special for him. He certainly does that for each of the members of our family every day.
The card has a tutorial written up over at the CLASSroom, it is a Tim Holtz die cut that has the Marketplace tissue tape on it. I have to admit that I am a Craft-a-Board addict, it is the greatest weight, color and texture, if you haven't tried it, you should. You will never want to use chipboard again!
Well, I am off to do some more crafting and tackling of the week, my husband and I are celebrating our 24th anniversary today :o)

B-

Once Upon A Springtime Tussy Mussy

2011-06-01T21:55:00.001-06:00

Do you love Graphic 45? Do you love tussy mussies? How about the combination of the two?

I had the opportunity to make a few projects for the Graphic 45 booth at this Winter's CHA, and it was a thrill to see how beautifully the Once Upon A Springtime collection tussy mussies turned out. I have been meaning to share these pictures for months, but kinda forgot about them until tonight when I was cleaning out some image files from my poor over-stuffed desktop. There is a Tutorial in the Ellen Hutson E-zine on how to put one of these lovelies together if you are interested.

The dimension on these in real life is extraordinary, and the colors are simply stunning.

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to play with products like these from the extraordinarily talented minds at Graphic 45, and swoon with each new collection release.

Are you a fan of the Graphic 45 fan page on Facebook? If you aren't consider it, you will see the sneak peeks of all the releases and get updates on when the blog is updated with projects from their amazing design team. Exquisite eye candy that is sure to inspire!

B-

Inspired

2011-05-30T22:22:00.000-06:00

What does it take to be inspired? It is different for everybody, and the concept comes with the question of "inspired to do what?" sing, pray, work, create, play...

Are there things we come in contact with that can inspire us to want to do all of those things and much more? I find that the beauty created by nature always inspires me in every way possible. It makes me want to create beautiful things, be a better person both physically and spiritually, and take time to enjoy the smallest moments.
This small breathtaking moment was snapped on my trip to New York last year, the images from this trip have kept my heart afloat during the rough times that I have had in the last year, and have provided much inspiration to create. I have been a little afraid to scrap them thinking it would take some of the magic out of them, But it hasn't, so it is time that I share this inspiration with others, maybe it will do the same thing for you.
(and on that gorgeous Hambly overlay, the image makes me feel even more inspired!)

B-

Just Roll With It

2011-05-24T12:32:00.000-06:00

We are nearing the end of the school year here, and with that we have a few events and such to attend to support our wonderful children. Last night was a showcase choir concert for Carter, and it was over two hours long! His freshman group performed at the beginning and then again at the end with the combined choir. In between was about an hour and a half of hard working, inspired singing that we did enjoy, but might rather have been at home instead of there. We do appreciate all of the effort and talent, but hadn't realized the length of time that we had committed to, so had postponed dinner until we could eat together. Well at 9:30 we all sat down and enjoyed a a re-heated but delicious pasta dish that Dave had prepared earlier. All in all it was an entertaining evening and Carter was fantastic, we can't wait to watch him perform in the future. All said and done our theme for the day was "just roll with it". Sometimes the best memories we have made are the ones that weren't planned and came with unexpected circumstances. These are the times that I will surely miss most when the children are all grown and onto their own adventures.

B-

Scrapbook Workshop By May Flaum

2011-05-21T13:01:00.000-06:00

It was so much fun to contribute to this book, thanks May for including me!
To celebrate that it is on pre-order now at Amazon, I am sharing a little sneak peek of one of my projects, and given the contributor list for this book, it is sure to be not only amazing eye candy, but super-de-doopery inspiring!!

You can find the book at Amazon, Scrapbook Workshop: The Best Techniques From Your Favorite Scrapbook Bloggers

And because I am feeling so inspired myself, I am off to craft the day away! Just got some of the new Magic of Oz by Graphic 45 and it is stunning!!

Happy Saturday!
B-

Hello Monday!

2011-05-16T09:07:00.000-06:00

Wow, sorry it has been a week since the last update. Not that I have even been so busy that I couldn't, just not that much to update about I guess. With the kids in their home stretch of the school year, and getting ready for Chloe to graduate in just in a couple of weeks, we are excited that summer will soon be here.
So how about "hello" to Monday with a couple of Hero Arts stamps and some Cosmo Cricket paper? That will get the creative week kicked off in style :o)

B-

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T17:10:00.000-06:00

I feel very blessed to have a kind, loving and sweet spirited mom who loves me unconditionally with me on this earth still. So many of my sweet friends have lost their mothers too early and I think of them on days like this, and want them to know that I know that their moms are proud of them and are watching over them everyday. It also makes me hug my mom a little harder, appreciate what she does a little more and reminds me that I need to enjoy what I have and let petty things go, life is to short.
Best to all of you hard working, sacrificing, generous mothers, the world just wouldn't be right without you.

B-

It is Lilac Season!

2011-05-03T14:37:00.000-06:00

The smell is so intoxicating and the colors spectacular! They are one of my favorite reasons to live in Utah where the cold winters give way to beautiful blooms that can't exist in the warmer climates. Our lilacs are just beginning to bud and I can't wait to have vases of them filling the house!

B-

Sewing Pattern Flower Tutorial

2011-04-26T00:21:00.000-06:00

Wrote and shared a tutorial over at the CLASSroom blog on how to re-purpose old sewing patterns into easy to make, beautiful flowers. If you have a second head over and check it out, there are also directions in the same post on how to use a scallop shaped die cut to make a rosette flower, cool, crafty stuff!

B-

Chalkboard Hambly Rub-On Easter Eggs

2011-04-23T18:05:00.001-06:00

Oh how I love Hambly rub-ons, they are like buttah!! And using them in unique and different ways is an exciting challenge. So with Easter being tomorrow, if you are looking for a really fun way to use some of the odds and ends of your rub-ons, why not paint some eggs with a little chalkboard paint and then use the rub-ons and some chalk to make these fun place cards for your table?
I wrote up a little tutorial over at the Hambly blog if you would like more in depth description on the how to. This idea has loads of potential for other home decor items, fun cards and scrappy projects as well :o)

Happy Easter Friends!
B-

A Fun Graphic 45 Le Cirque Card

2011-04-22T14:52:00.000-06:00

I have been so busy, life feels like a bit of a circus right now, so a "hi" card that has the lady on the high wire seems just right! I feel very blessed that I have wonderful people in my life that give me the opportunity to stay very busy creating with beautiful products. And with this being Easter weekend, I have a lot of gratitude in my heart. It is finally Spring here, in spite of the storms that have been barreling through, it is such a treat to look out the window at the hyacinth on the ground and the blossoms on the trees. The grass is having a hard time recuperating from the dogs having good romps on it, but it will make a comeback eventually. Anyway, good to sit still for a brief moment and take in the beauty from the world putting on her finery.

B-

Once Upon a Springtime Treat Wrap

2011-04-18T14:09:00.001-06:00

I wrote a fun wrap tutorial and it is over on the CLASSroom blog. It is easy and something you could use for all sorts of gifts and treats of different sizes, quick too! It was made with the darling Once Upon a Springtime collection from Graphic 45, the stamps from that line are so cute. This image was stamped with Walnut Stain Distress ink and then colored with various Copics to get that color scheme that I remember from my childhood and the Beatrix Potter books with Peter Rabbit.
Easter is almost here, better make a few more of these to surprise the kids with :o)

B-

Stamping Royalty Reject

2011-04-15T13:13:00.000-06:00

I sent in quite a few this year and had no luck. In hindsight I can see where I could have stepped up my game, but that is what I love about contests like these is that the winners are so inspiring and we all come away better crafters for playing along :o)
This card was made using a stamp set from Recollections that is very cute. Just a simple black silhouette on cute patterned paper and tied with tulle and twine.
If you are interested in a fun impromptu blog hop, head over to Damask Love where Dr. Amber is up to it again!

B-

Hero Arts Cuteness

2011-04-12T16:25:00.000-06:00

I just adore this stamp, I made this cute card and sent it into the Paper Crafts Royalty contest, but no crown for me this year, so why not share the Hero Arts cuteness?
Not much going on around here besides crafting constantly and attending Chloe's Senior banquets and such. Last night she was awarded an MESA scholarship and tonight is the High Schools awards banquet, we are so very proud of her and how hard she has worked.
So weird to think that this fall, now that Tyler is home and Chloe is graduating, we are going to have 3 students up at the University of Utah. I can feel my wallet getting lighter already, lol!!

B-

Oh the Possilbilities of Washi Tape

2011-04-06T13:02:00.000-06:00

I wrote a tutorial for using washi tape with die cuts for the Hambly blog, and it went up today. The layout that I made using the fun shape is one of my current faves because of the color combo and the whimsical feeling it gives, really so much possibility in life isn't there?!
Thanks for your patience with me not having posts up for the last week either, I took a much needed break after creating about 75 different types of projects for varying deadlines and such. My brain was kinda mushy, so the timing for a getaway was perfect when I got an invitation to a very dear friends wedding and she just happens to live close enough to my sweet aunt Bev who had been bugging me to come and visit her and my fun cousins in Mesa, Arizona. Sunshine, friends, fun, lots of relaxing and plenty of good food gave me a wonderful recharge. Now I am back, ready to take on the other stuff that is on my plate. Amazing how good a little recharge on the soul feels :o)
And now with buds on the trees signaling that Spring really is in the air, it will be nice to get a little recharge from our own Utah sunshine by spending some time outside hiking, walking and playing some tennis, yay!

B-

Celebrate Today and Everyday

2011-03-25T13:14:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that I haven't come down from cloud 9 since Tyler has been home :o)

It feels so great to have him here, to see his face unexpectedly come around a corner and to hear his voice from another room lifts my heart to the highest heights. It is little things like that where I find the most happiness, and reminds me what the really important things are. So today is the perfect day to share this sweet card. It is snowing here in Utah and my crocus have just started peeking out of the ground this week. A few posies in the baskets of colorful bikes are perfect for the spring weather that is just around the corner don't you think? And I really want a bike like this adorable Hero Arts stamp, so cute!!

B-

Be Yourself

2011-03-20T13:45:00.000-06:00

So often we have pressure to make others happy, adjust to meet the expectations of the workplace or our peers. Today I am reminding myself and you (if you are interested) to be yourself.

B-

Susiebee Studios in da House!

2011-03-15T16:49:00.000-06:00

Just a few weeks ago a very talented and sweet friend asked if I would have some time to help her with a project. I love to help, and the kind of help she needed is one of my favorite kind to do :o)
She needed a few people to play with her new paper line, and then share what they had made, I can do that!! So BIG congrats to Susan Weckesser on her product line Susiebee Studios, and BIG thanks to her for letting me "help/play" with her papers, so fun!!!

I am really excited for her, she is living her dream!
These papers are so bright, and beautifully designed using Susan's personal art, I felt inspired to make of layout of Laurel from her graduation picture that reflected that same idea, live your dreams! The title is fly, and how appropriate is it that we use all of the hard work we do everyday to get us closer to our dreams?

I added a little stickles in scattered straw from the distress line on some of the darker parts of the yellows in the sun and stars and the flower, and some bright sparkly yellow stickles on the lighter parts of the same images. Just a little extra dimension besides the parts that I had fussy cut out.

A banner, kite, flowers, clouds and sunshine...
so many of the things that make me happy, and all on one layout, sweet!!!
I hope you will stop by and congratulate Susan, and maybe find some time to live a little of your dream today, I know I was inspired to live a little of mine ;o)

B-

Grateful to Have Tyler Home!

2011-03-12T11:41:00.001-07:00

It has been a little over a week since my last post, and I want to thank everyone who came by to see my little "reject" card and for all of the really nice comments, so thoughtful and kind!!
Here it is with the small change of going from a baby card to a welcome home card. Nothing earth shattering, just a sentiment change and a design line around the card base.

My family and I spent the last week anticipating and preparing for my oldest son to arrive home after being in Brazil for two years serving an LDS mission. His flight was scheduled to arrive at 3:55 p.m. on Thursday afternoon and we eagerly awaited him at the airport, constantly checking the arrival board to see the change from "on-time" to "arriving".

My status at facebook was:

"At the airport waiting....
Big stomach butterflies from anticipation!!!!
If I get any more anxious that stomach might fall right out of my butt!!"

There were some very funny and appropriate replies, but the one that made me giggle and seemed the most realistic was from Leslie Ashe. She said "or if butterflies are following you, we know why ;D happy waiting!"

Thank goodness (or there might have been butterflies following me around!), Tyler's flight ended up arriving a few minutes early, at about 3:47 (give or take a minute, lol!) I spotted him and snapped a few pics as he made his way out of the secure terminal area and spotted me spotting him :o)

As soon as he saw all of us, he started walking a little faster, trying not to be rude or to break into a run. But he was dodging other travelers like he was in an obstacle course, and then bee-lined right into my arms and we hugged for a few long sweet, happy, sobbing mommy moments before I remembered I needed to share him with the rest of the family <3

Another missionary mom whose son was not on this flight but one soon after was so sweet and grabbed a family shot for us, thanks to her for letting me be in the picture!!

The rest of our afternoon was spent doting on Tyler and his every whim :o)
It was awesome!! We had pizza from his favorite pizzeria (The Pie!), we got our 7-11 trip in so he could have a big Dr. Pepper and we put in Iron Man 2 and sat back and enjoyed watching it with the sound so loud you could feel the furniture shaking, good times!

Welcome home Tyler!! I am so proud of you for serving with a loving and generous spirit, and thrilled to have you home where I can enjoy your wit, charm and enthusiasm for life!
I love you!
B-

Sweet Baby Boy

2011-03-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

The emails requesting projects for the latest Paper Crafts project Go-To-Sketches 2 went out today and I was thrilled to have a few cards make it into this special issue! But with all calls come rejects and I thought it would be fun to share this one tonight, because tomorrow I am going to do a little makeover on it and have it ready to give to Tyler when he gets home in just 6 days!!!

Watch for this special issue to hit the stands, because with only 288 cards being selected from 2,760 submissions, it will be knocking our socks off!!
B-

Happy Birthday Kit

2011-03-03T18:55:00.001-07:00

Very excited about this kit, I worked on it during December. It is now in the Scrap and Paper Shop ready to for you to make at least 6 cards (with plenty of product leftover to make more!) with a price of under $3 for each, you can have a card for most every birthday occasion.

And in other news, our son is only one week away from being home!! We are so excited, he shared some really cool pictures from the center point of the South American continent last week, hopefully someday soon we can go back with him and see all of the places that he has been telling us about for the last two years :o)

B-

UTEE and Mold and Pour Beauty!

2011-03-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, that sounds kind of cocky, but I sure do love this little card that was made with Cosmo Cricket's Circa 1934 line and some very unique embellishments that I created using UTEE and Mold and Pour products. I am always wanting the "perfect" match for my projects, and this technique with these products lets me get great results!

I wrote a tutorial over in the CLASSroom, would love it if you would pop by and check it out :o)

Happy crafting!!
B-

Graphic 45 Le Cirque and a UTEE Coated Metal Flower

2011-02-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick share of a project that I created a tutorial for over in the CLASSroom.
I LOVE the new Staples line from Graphic 45, they pieces have such a beautiful finish, and they are so versatile. This project incorporated the Le Cirque paper line, but this card would have been just as fun and beautiful if I had used any other products because that flower is so stunning. I hope that doesn't sound to braggy, but I didn't create the flowers or think up UTEE, some other amazing people did that, I just sprinkled and heated a little happiness to make a really unique piece of art.

I hope you pop over and check out the how to do, it is a lot of fun, and there are a lot of different results that can be achieved with just a few small adjustments.

I am so excited that I can hardly sleep, my son will be home in 15 days!!
Can you even imagine how the anticipation is swirling in our house?!!
So happy!
B-

Winner!!

2011-02-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

We have a winner thanks to Random.org!
Congrats to Elaine Allen!!

I will get this sent out as soon as I hear from you!!

Happy Valentines to everyone!!
B-

A Share The Love Give-A-Way!!

2011-02-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

It was so fun using the products from Skipping Stones Designs in January, and Heather had sent me a set to give away! In all the commitments I had for projects that needed to make CHA deadlines, I had forgotten to do the give-a-way for the Heartsong set that she had sent, so lets do it now!! To make up for my tardiness, I have a set of Echo Park "Be Mine" paper to go along with it, a fun way to share the love!

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win by Sunday at midnight. I will randomly select a winner Monday morning as the valentine that will get this sweet set of goodies!

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!
B-

A Doodlebug Hi!

2011-02-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

I made a really cute card for one of the Paper Crafts calls awhile ago, and it has been left unloved hoping that another call would come along that it works for. But alas such has not been the case and because it is made from the Doodlebug Sweet Love collection that is ridiculously cute, it seems like a great time to share it!

All of the flowers are from the Icon sticker sheet some are adhered right to the Hero Arts kraft card stock and other were put on Scrapbook Adhesives foam squares to give them some fun dimension. Of course the flowers have fantastic spot glitter on them that is hard to see in this picture, and those buttons are from the Green Doodlebug button card (delish!!) Some random machine stitching in a green thread that is the same color as the buttons adds another element of texture that I really like :o)
Hope everyone is having fun getting preparations made for their special valentines!
B-

Paper Smooches Co-Hop!!

2011-02-03T07:00:00.010-07:00

Have you heard?

Kim Hughes opened a stamp company on February 1st called Paper Smooches! On The first day of every month, she is releasing 3 new whimsical and fun clear stamp sets that she hand draws.

Kim asked me to create a card using one of her February stamp sets. I used Birthday Buddies on the card that I have created.

She offers high quality photopolymer clear stamps, shaped card templates, a design center and so much more

There will be a monthly challenge on the The Paper Smooches Blog. (Free digi stamps are involved) Participants will be eligible to be a guest designer for the following month.
Now if you would love to see more fabulous inspiration, head on over to Teri Anderson blog!!

Here is a list of some of the Industry's top designers who are also playing with some Paper Smooches Stamps today:

Michele Boyer
Alli Miles
Lori Craig
Julie Campbell
Carole Burrage
Karolyn Loncon
Kim Kesti
Betsy Veldman
Maren Benedict
Debbie Olson
Melissa Phillips
Carly Robertson
Julia Stainton
Becky Olsen
Teri Anderson
Kyrssi Ng
Heidi Van Laar
Heather Pulvirenti
Laurie Schmidlin
Lisa Johnson
Lori Barnett
Jessica Witty
Asela Hopkins
Rae Barthel

Please help me welcome Paper Smooches Stamps!!
B-

Live, Laugh, Love

2011-01-31T12:00:00.036-07:00

These simple words can create a beautiful and well lived life. Chloe is such a beautiful girl inside and out, and is so good at finding balance in all of those things. I want to be more like her, and appreciate her example to all of us every day. The newest Hambly on this is the gold Silhouette Overlay and the Remixed Wood Grain in brown on gold shimmery paper and again I have left some design room for Washi tape. The bright pink with the delicious brown and richt gold is such an elegant and whimsical combination, just like Chloe, and it makes me smile from ear to ear!

I just love this picture, she looks like she has an interesting secret doesn't she? (maybe she does, lol!!)

B-

Vintage 1991

2011-01-30T12:00:00.004-07:00

Okay, so this ended up being my favorite project that I made from the new releases. I got the shipping notice Monday and the package of product on Wednesday afternoon. Not sure what Allison would be sending, I didn't know what kinds of pictures to print, so I just waited to see what would arrive and go from there. I have to admit that I am pretty proud of myself for getting three layouts done that night and finished a fourth they day before I left amongst the hair cut appointment, laundry and packing. I was inspired by Laura sharing how many projects that she had made this month (29!!!) so here is my inventory of what I have made in the last month:

100+ of flowers using the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die.
50 hand pleated and hot glued (burns to match) rosettes
25 cards for various circumstances (Doodlebug, Graphic 45 and Skipping Stones)
8 layouts for various circumstances as well (Doodlebug catalog and display, Hambly, and for a book project)
3 tussy mussies that are in the Graphic 45 booth loads of fussy cutting for those!
2 party hats for the Graphic 45 booth as well
1 mini-album
and last but not least 1 gift bag that was for a book project as well.

So there isn't much time in there to sleep, exercise or eat, but somehow I survived and had a blast doing it all! I seriously tell myself everyday that I am the luckiest girl, I get to do what I love everyday :o)

I used the newest rub-ons from the Photography and Silhouette sheets, and the lace rub-ons that were released last summer. The Birds on a Wire Overlay is a new release as well, and is so amazing!! I want one of everything in every color, this release is so fantastic!!

It is so hard to believe that it was almost 20 years ago that Laurel came into our lives, that makes her vintage in my book :o)

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Girly-Girl

2011-01-29T12:00:00.002-07:00

Time for another Hambly sneak!
Love the happy yellow banner rub-ons, and was inspired by the technique Dina did a few months ago on the Hambly blog. I had learned this technique when I had gone to Ranger U, but had forgotten about it until she did her FAB tutorial. I just sprinkled some of my Adirondack Alcohol inks onto the backs of the pre-cut circles and then sprinkled and swirled Alcohol blending solution with it. So fun!! The gray Baby Buggy Overlay and Pink Silhouette Overlay are so beautiful, and I wish you could see how colorful and beautiful this is in real life! I did leave some space on it so we could put some of the new Washi tapes on it when it gets to the show, so if it has changes, I will be sure to re-photograph and share!

So grateful you stopped by to see what was going on, and hope you have a wonderful day!!

B-

He & She

2011-01-28T12:00:00.006-07:00

Sneak Peek #1 of Hambly Mustache Overlay in brown, I used it with other of the brown overlays in the different styles to compliment it, and then used red to give it a little pop of color. Love these pictures, they have the most natural smiles and easy happiness about them :o)

Love the 'staches, can't wait to have a little more time to play with them!

B-

It is Almost Time!

2011-01-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

My bag is actually packed before midnight, I have most of the things checked off my list and the few things that aren't soon will be! I will get to be in bed at a reasonable hour and be well rested for my exciting trip to Los Angeles for the Craft and Hobby Association Winter trade-show! My super cute and incredibly talented friend Laura Vegas will be my roomie, and she had the best way of describing this show to her Steelers super fan husband, it is the "Super Bowl of scrapbooking"!

I made quite a few projects with the Once Upon a Springtime line from Graphic 45, and this is one of my favorites! The papers are so fun to fussy cut, and they have an elegant whimsy that is absolutely delightful!

Thanks for stopping by, and I am going to try and get some Hambly projects pre-posted here so there is something to look at for the next few days, and be sure to visit next week, a couple of my very dear friends have some big things in the works and I can't wait to gush about them!!

B-

Curtain Call Card

2011-01-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

I promised a sneak peek of what I had been up to, and so here it is! It has been a fun couple of weeks working with Graphic 45's newest releases, they are fabulous! There wasn't much opportunity to snap some pictures because of the tight time frame to get them made and then handed over, but I did manage to catch this one before it went out the door. I used the Curtain Call line and some of the products from the Staples collection that they do as well.

I thought it would be fun to share a few more peeks of product as they lie on my desk...

Maybe you can find them hidden amongst the mess, lol!!!

Off to create some more, the newest Hambly arrived today (SWOON!!!!), and it is calling out wanting to be played with :o)

B-

Banners, Butterflies and Glitter, Oh My!!

2011-01-25T08:00:00.001-07:00

This has been a fun month as a guest artist with Skipping Stones Design! They have beautiful art, a very talented team and I was thrilled to be included with the stellar artists that were guests as well this month. The last project used this sketch that was created by Amy Sheffer:

I used the "Always Here" set with my Tsukineko Glue Pad and Art Glitter in Damask Red to get the beautiful look for the butterfly on my card. The papers are by Making Memories from the Sienne collection and make for such a beautiful banner and background, love the colors they used in this group!

Skipping Stones has free shipping if you use the code "freeship" at checkout and be sure to become a subscriber to their newsletter to keep up with all of the goings on! This Thursday a special coupon code is going out in it just for the subscribers, you don't want to miss that!!
Anyway, thanks to Heather and Kandi at Skipping Stones Design for letting me play along!
And come back to visit soon, I am going to share a few pictures of projects that will be on display at CHA in the Graphic 45 booth.

Best!
B-

Art-Full Horizons For Free?

2011-01-22T23:31:00.000-07:00

You have to say that like Adam Sandler does in the movie "Bedtime Stories" when he is thinking he is going to be getting a cherry red Ferrari "for free"...
Not really, that isn't what will give you the opportunity to join the Art-Full Horizon event for free, but if you head over to the Art Full horizon blog, the details are all there, and it is easy to play along. It has to be given away to someone, so why not give it a try and then maybe it could be you!!!

In other news, I am exhausted and have been working until 2 or 3 in the morning and getting up at about 8 or 9, but I am loving what I have been making! There are piles of work still waiting for me, and I promise that I will share pictures of something soon, but for now all I can do is string you along and let you know that the paper crafting industry is amazing!!!
B-

Whirl-wind, Wacky, Wonderful Wednesday of the Week!

2011-01-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a whirlwind around these parts, having family around while we all discussed our loss and treasured our many memories was a wonderful way to spend the short amount of time that we had together. One of my amazing uncles said it so beautifully in the memorial service, "there is much consolation in a life well lived". It has given me much to think about and some new goals in how to prioritize in my decision making. I feel very blessed to have a large and involved family in my life!
The whirlwind part is that it is also the time of year where I have the opportunity to work on projects for the Craft and Hobby Association trade show that is in just 10 days and there are many deadlines for making sure that these projects make it into shipping crates that need to be on the way to the show by this Friday or Saturday. Juggling the commitments that I had made prior to the passing of my grampa, and the desire to spend as much time as possible with my siblings that had traveled very far and a great expense made for a very wacky schedule and the loss of a few hours of sleep. But it is all worth it to feel the love of my family and also send some of my creative spirit on its way.Makes me a very lucky girl!
In the midst of all of that, I have also been a guest artist for the month with Skipping Stones Designs, and this weeks project features the new release called Birthday Purses. It is such a cute and very clever set with the fun and quirky sentiments and the beautiful purse images, so fun to use!

The Cosmo Cricket Delovely is so bright and cheerful with this set, and the card came together so easily! Love it when that happens :o)

I am off to enjoy my wonderful, wacky, whirlwind of a Wednesday. There are beautiful Graphic 45 papers from their two new releases on my desk waiting for me to play with them, and who am I to say no...

B-

{love}

2011-01-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a bit of a rough week with my Grampa going into the hospital last weekend with bacterial pneumonia and slipping into a coma on Sunday and then passing away on Tuesday. We are having services for him tomorrow, it will be a very love filled gathering as all of his 7 children will be there most of his 30 grandchildren and a good portion of his 65 great grandchildren as well. And while it is always bitter when you lose someone that you love very much, my faith that he has gone on to spend eternity with his cherished wife and adored mother and father carries me through my grief.
It is funny that for the last 3-4 weeks I have been thinking about him a lot. No reason really, just pondering him, his life, his choices and how lucky I am to have had such an inspirational example in my life for so long. He was a very simple man that could fix almost anything. So creative in his problem solving and even though they didn't have lots of worldly possessions, his family never lacked for anything. He worked constantly, even at night when he had to be exhausted from all of the days work and the service that he provided to others he would sit to watch the television with my gramma and he would make clothes hangers. When we visited for the night if we wanted to watch with them we were expected to make hangers too. It was fun, easy and made us all feel productive even in our most relaxed state of the day. I am sure that there are thousands of those hangers in all of the families and friends closets and most of his grandchildren could show others how to make them if we had the supplies at hand.
Anyway, I feel extraordinarily blessed to have his example of selfless and unconditional love in my life and feel that it has helped shape me into a lot of who I am today.

Good bye for now Grampa, I hope that I can follow in your steps knowing that you followed in the steps of the Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Until we meet again, I will keep you with much {love} in my heart.
B-

Skipping Stones Designs Blog Hop

2011-01-11T05:00:00.004-07:00

Welcome to the Skipping Stones Design Blog Hop to celebrate the release of two new sets, Heartsong and Purse Birthday! Today the DT and Guests of SSD will be featuring cards using Heartsong. If you've just happened upon my blog today, make sure to start from the beginning at Skipping Stones Design. You should have arrived here from Jennifer Ingle's blog.

Combined with the blog hop today, it's also Skipping Stones Sketch Tuesday which means we're showcasing another great creation from our Guest Sketch Artist this month, Amy Sheffer. We'd love for you to play along with the sketch and link your card at the Skipping Stones Blog. A lucky winner that joins our sketch challenge will win either a free stamp set or half off any stamp set in the store! and then when you are ready for another beautiful project, hop on over to Kandi Phillips blog

The Heartsong combined with Pink Paislee's Sweetness made me giddy with happiness. I had to be a little cheeky and make sure to put one of the cute notes from the set as the body for the butterfly, and if you look really carefully you can see the music notes used in Adirondack Pigment Sunshine Yellow on the background. A subtle detail that tied it all together for me.

Combined with the blog hop today, it's also Skipping Stones Sketch Tuesday which means we're showcasing another great creation from our Guest Sketch Artist this month, Amy Sheffer. We'd love for you to play along with the sketch and link your card at the Skipping Stones Blog. A lucky winner that joins our sketch challenge will win either a free stamp set or half off any stamp set in the store!

Starting Monday the 10th and going until Monday the 17th at midnight Skipping Stones Designs are having a buy 3 get of FREE sale.
Make sure to enter the code:"1free" when checking out to recieve the discount!

Thanks for bopping by :o)

B-

A Fly By Hi

2011-01-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

It has been busy around here and I have been a little under the weather. I have missed blogging, but don't have to much to say except "hi" so I though that this little cute card would be a fun way to thank you for stopping by and give you a little "hi" as you head on your way :o)

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!
B-

2011-01-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to share another Skipping Stones Designs project that I have made. I love the Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime collection, and it was perfect with the Dandelion Dreams and the Always Here stamp sets to make a sweet hello card!

Do you have favorite go to products right now? What are they?
With CHA just around the corner I know that what I am grabbing for will change a little and it is always so exciting this time of year to start watching for the sneak peeks! What company's sneaks are you waiting anxiously for?

B-

Guest Artist this Month for Skipping Stones Design

2011-01-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be designing as a guest artist this month at Skipping Stones Design! They have a guest sketch designer as well as some other wonderfully talented stampers. This is the sketch for the week with more to come, and if you are interested in playing along with everyone, you can go to this post and share a link to your projects.

The stamp set I used will be released soon and is called Heartsong. It is full of beautiful images and wonderful sentiments, I loved using it for the Valentine project that I had imagined would work beautifully with the sketch.

Some of you may not know this about me, but I rarely use sketches so this is going to be a very fun and inspiring month of stamping and going outside of my comfort zone. If I can do it, so can you :o)
Thanks so much Heather and Kandi for inviting me to play along!!

B-

Campfire in January?

2011-01-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

It is the perfect time for a campfire! The kids are back in school, the house is quiet and it is too cold to be outside doing all the outside things that I love to do, so a little October Afternoon Campfire is the thing to do on a crafty winter's day!

Carter and Dave went with their Boy Scout Troop on a camping trip for Memorial Day weekend and they built huge fires, ate tons of junk food, hiked and fished. They had a wonderful time, and I hadn't scrapped the pictures they brought home (much happier to have those than the fish they caught, lol!) yet. Along came the Campfire line, and it was a match made in heaven for me!! Scrapping goes so much faster for me when I don't have to push to use product for pictures. It seems to all fall into place when the product is inspiring the pages practically make themselves and the stories come to life.

If only everything were that easy life would be a cake walk ;o)

I think January is the perfect time for a campfire, don't you?
B-

p.s. if you are interested in winning 9 packs of patterned paper, head over the CLASSroom and leave a comment!

Playing With Claudine Hellmuth in my Craft Studio on a Snow Day

2010-12-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Playing in the snow? I wish, but the kids are a little old and crusty about all that anymore, so I am inside playing with Claudine Hellmuth's Studio Line products instead. Nothing quite like getting gloriously messy is there? Her new stamps work so beautifully with her paint line, and I used Archival ink for the clear outline stamps just in case I needed or wanted to get it wet again for some reason before I put it all on the mini canvas.
Maybe I can talk my kids into a few snowballs and some cocoa later, but for now the craft studio is warm, cozy and providing plenty of fun!
Head over to the CLASSroom blog and leave comments on the 12 Days of Christmas posts for chances to win really great crafting products!

B-