Layout Sketch Challenge at Cornish Heritage Farms!

So HAPPY!
We are starting a sketch challenge at Cornish Heritage Farms! Every other week we will be hosting a challenge with a sketch that will be created by either Lesley or Julia. I have to admit that working off of a sketch is not my strong suit, so this is going to be a real challenge for me! I think that you can learn so much about other designers approaches to a page from their sketches, and this teaches a lot about balance and scale. Something that I think I can never study enough!

Here is the sketch that Lesley created:







And here is my version of it:


The paper and journaling card is Anna Griffin and Making Memories, I used the small dot backgrounder in Versmagic Aspen Mist. The bold curls by Kim Hughes and the sentiment is from the Rummage Bin by Lesley Langdon are inked with Black Soot Distress Ink. Ribbons are from Making Memories, Flowers are from Prima, Brads are from American Crafts and have Doodlebug glitter on them, Title letters are by American Crafts.

The girls from the design team have a lot of eye candy to share with you, so pop on over to their blogs and check them out!

Lesley
Julia
Dawn
Kim
Kristine
Alli
Lisa Silver

Also, Lisa has a huge review of this months gallery, so don't miss that! The backgrounder blitz brought some incredible inspiration into the gallery, the projects are amazing!

After you are done with that, grab your stamps and scrapping goodies and meet us at the farm! We are celebrating National Scrapbook Day on Saturday from 12-3 EST. Kim and I will be hostessing a chat and Lesley has another sketch and some other great things in store! There will be give-aways and fun will be had by all!
Hope you will be able to play!
B-

Puppy Playtime

It has been a while since a pic of the boys has been up, so even though it is not a good one, it is what they are about!
They play a lot, and when they play it is rough, not for the faint of heart, LOL! They snap, bite, pull, growl and chase each other and the objects that they are playing with. Nikolay weighs almost 60 pounds now, and Novak is almost 50. So it can become a big blur of dog activity when they get going.
Here is a break down of a dog day:
Wake-up with dad at 6:45 for morning relief and stretch, lay back down and rest for another hour and have breakfast at 7:45.
First morning walk and the first big business of the day. Back home for some water and backyard play and then another bit of business before a nice long morning nap.
A few minutes outside in the late morning for relief and maybe a small romp in the back. More napping.
Kids get home so it is playtime, another walk with the kids and a little more backyard time. Resting and hanging out until dinner at 6:00. A few more trips outside for business, play in the backyard and some nights a late walk if they still have a little extra energy. The kids are great about everything with the puppies, they pick up after them, feed and play with them and take them on their walks. I just have to do a LOT of delegating to make sure they stay on task. Hopefully while we are training the dogs to be good dogs, we are training the kids to be good dog caretakers, that is even more important in the long run.
It was a wonderful Sunday with the family, we only have about a month left of school. We are starting to go to Tyler's Senior events. We are very proud of him, he has achieved some wonderful things in his academics at AMES and his teachers really appreciate his commitment and willingness to jump in and do what needs to get done. He was recognized recently as a Utah Scholar, someone who has had 4 years of math, 4years of english, 3 years of foreign language, and 4 years of science. His gpa has had some fluctuation, but he has really grown through the experience. He is a good kid!
Anyway, the weeks get busier this time of year with activities the schools plan to celebrate the growth of the children through the year, so we will be enjoying those.
Also, this next Saturday at Cornish Heritage Farms, we are celebrating National Scrapbook Day with a chat some challenges and some give-a-ways. It will be very fun!
Hope a few of my friends will drop by...
Have a wonderful week!
B-

Thursday Evening!

Where did this week go?
We are sitting down after a busy day and watching a little television. Our family really enjoys "My Name is Earl" and "The Office". Chloe made us cream puffs for dessert and the dogs have been relatively well behaved today! All is well!
The layout is one that I had made "just because". I don't get to do that as much as I would like, and is somthing that I am looking forward to being able to do more of in the future!
I LOVE working with Cornish Heritage Farms, such a talented and genuine group of people! Truly a blessing in my life!
So I am out, going to enjoy this quiet time with my FAM!
B-

Method Playground challenge #17

A new challenge went up today!Break the border by taking one or more elements off of the edge of your page!
The colors in the new SEI papers are so great, these are from the Chick-a-Doo line. I just love that yummy green and the cool blue is the perfect compliment, fresh and fun!
The boys were a little destructive again today. I got home from being out for the morning and they had ripped a hole in my bed cover and destroyed a couple of notebooks that I keep on my nightstand...
isn't that cute.

Dave has got some stuff going on in his professional life that could mean some changes for us, I am keeping my toes crossed for him that he can have his dreams come true. I of course will give more details as they happen, but if you could keep him in your thoughts and prayers, I would really appreciate it!
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Backgrounder Blitz started...

And I am just getting to sharing a few things that I had time to make.
It has been a busy week getting things done!

I spent a good chunk of time creating the banner ads that will be running at Split Coast Stampers for the next couple of days. I am really happy with them, and had great team help from Lisa and Kim getting them put together!
I am learning a LOT about stamping...
like the "Time is Pricless..." card, too much monotone and not any pop, check but the elements and stamps are gorgeous, so there is something to build on from the lesson.
like, on the "Beautiful" card, you may start with one concept in your head and have to make many adjustments along the way, that end result was not even remotely close to the original vision, just went with it and gave myself a LOT of leeway to enjoy the learning curve!
I have to say, I am having a wonderful experience with CHF and love this entire team already, the commitment the design team gals have to Richard and Liz is extraordinary and the respect and friendship that they enjoy with each other is so contagious, I am honored to be among them! Julia is an enthusiastic and tireless leader and is so organized it keeps things running so smoothly! And with such a diverse and exceptional choice of art to work with, that makes it even more fun!!!
Really not enough hours in the day!
B-

Spring Fling Thing!

The very last quick page I made for PcLayers a few weeks ago was released with the Spring Fling kit that Christina designed. This kit is gorgeous and so elegant with lovely embellishments.
I loved my time working with Christina, she was the first person to believe in me and help me grow, I am so blessed for having her in my life. So it seemed fitting that my circle of closure became complete when I did this assignment for PcLayers using Christina's latest creations.
I am a very lucky girl.
B-

Scrap Chat Forum goes live!!!

The scrap forum went live today, and I am so excited!
Cornish Heritage Farms has some really beautiful products that are PERFECT for scrapbooking and tons of other crafts, they are not just for cards anymore! We have a thread going about what is your favorite backgrounder is...
Seriouly, I can't decide! Is it the large dots, or the crackle, maybe the open circles. Or what about the grid, lined paper or paisley? Amazing!
On the layout, I used the large dot and the lined paper backgrounders with versamagic cherry red, I also used the scallop from The Rummage Bin "Photo Op" set.
I do need spring to get here soon though so I can get some new pics, we got snow again today, and really I am kinda over it, LOL!
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New cards to share!

I got to spend a little time this weekend playing with my stamps, and it was fun!

I am experiencing a large learning curve with the stamps, and I have figured out that while I am a really techniquey (yes Mary kay that is a word...)scrapper, not so techniquey with the stamping...
YET!

I will get there, I have a lot to learn about inks, paper toothiness and copic markers, this adventure is so exciting!
I am definitely NOT abandoning my scrappy ways though, I have just been hoarding layouts. I will share a few of those soon though!
Anyway, you know I love glitter, and that Scenic Route grid paper was so fun to stamp with the Tsukinko glue pad and then sprinkle that green color that Doodlebug does that I love so much! That is just a SUPER happy card!
And the stars are all from different Kim Hughes sets, but they looked great with the paper from Little Yellow Bicycle "Zach's Life" collection. Interesting color combo!
Anyway, the sun is shining for just one day here in UT. I got to play tennis outside, and the dogs have had peaceful naps on the lawn. Good times.
B-

Backgrounder Blitz

Cornish Heritage Farms is having wonderful week of give-aways and all you have to do is participate!

Here are the juicy details per Julia!

At CHF we’re pretty excited about our backgrounders. So flexible, so fun, so many ways to use them…we just love them. We know you love them too! We’ve decided to have a little fun with them and have a week-long Backgrounder Blitz.

What’s that you ask? The week before the next backgrounder release, we’re going to be focusing on innovative ways to use backgrounders and we’ll have daily challenges with designer samples. We’d love you to play along too! Design some backgrounder projects and upload them to our CHF gallery. The more samples you upload the better, because it increases your chances of winning some backgrounder stamps. Each day, two names will be randomly drawn from the Backgrounder Challenge submissions and each winner will receive a backgrounder stamp. Sound like fun?!

Now because we really want you to play along…we’re giving you some advance notice of the challenges. That way you can work around YOUR schedule. We know how busy life gets. It doesn’t really matter when you create your challenge designs…you can start now. Simply upload the challenge card or project to our gallery on that challenge date for a chance to win.

The Backgrounder Blitz kicks off next Friday evening in the CHF Forums. Make sure you stop by for a chance to win then as well. Challenges start on Saturday April 19, and follow through each day including Friday April 25, the release date for our new latest backgrounders. The list of challenges is below. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have on this thread.

I hope you can join us!


Saturday April 19th – Our first backgrounder challenge (BC01) - A sketch challenge by Lisa Strahl

Sunday April 20th – Challenge #2 (BC02) – Partial backgrounder stamping – fading or stamping part of a layer

Monday April 21st – Challenge #3 (BC03)– Backgrounders stamped on anything but paper…you CAN use paper…just make sure at least one backgrounder is stamped on something besides paper

Tuesday April 22nd – Challenge #4 (BC04) – Backgrounder Smooches – Kissing Technique with backgrounders

Wednesday April 23rd– Challenge #5 (BC05) – Double Time – using two or more backgrounders

Thursday April 24th – Challenge #6 (BC06) – Masking

Friday April 25th – Challenge # 7 (BC07) – Anything but a card - Use backgrounders to create anything but a card & RELEASE DAY


Rules: • Use Cornish Heritage Farms Backgrounders
• Upload your project to the Cornish Heritage Farms Gallery using the appropriate keyword
• Please post a link to your design back in the CHF forum thread for that day
• You can create as many designs as you wish for each challenge
• Have fun!


Here's the sketch for our Saturday April 19th Sketch Challenge...



Hope you can join us!


I have made a few things today, looking forward to sharing them when it is the right day ;)

B-

Toilet Paper Bandits...

Have struck again!

That is what I am up against, LOL!
I had just put a new roll of my favorite Costco Charmin big rolls in the bathroom. And I had forgotten to close the door behind me. (should you really have to close the door to the bathroom after you have left it?)
Well, I walk into my room and see these sweet faces laying down looking all innocent and cute...
walk into my bathroom to that mess and they just look up at me like sweet little innocents.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Boys, I wasn't born yesterday! I have had each of my other children do this, I know a guilty party when I see one!
Oh, and that little shred of paper hidden under your tail wasn't unnoticed.
This is what I am up against everyday.
Thank goodness they are so cute!
;)
B-

Tinkering Ink Quick Page

Freebie at the PcLayers Blog!

The link will expire shortly, so go grab it!
How great is it that Tinkering Ink will be available so easily in digital?
Love it!
B-

Thank You...

The May CK with my card that was in it was just delivered to my door. So happy, they spelled my name right, LOL!

I have yet to have a "layout" in a regular issue of CK, maybe someday, but I really do enjoy making cards, so having them pubbed is a treat!
The puppies had a busy day, they broke their cookie jar while I was running Carter to school this morning and ate all the biscuits that had been in it! They are so funny, they are so playful and busy for a little while. Then, CRASH! They sleep for hours! We have given them all kinds of chewing things to help them with their teething and need to destroy stuff. They have ripped up stuffies and scattered the fluff all over everything, they have chewed up all kinds of bones and they love their "kong" toys and ropes. But, this did not prevent them from enjoying a quiet evenings enjoyment of chewing, ripping and pulling on a chair that we have had for twenty years...
Yeah, one of those carved rosewood, queen ann style, fan back chairs. Now this chair was not in pristine condition by any stretch of the imagination, it has lived a very busy life with us. But it was in the same place that it has been for a few years when the boys found it, standing there helplessly. I love those puppies, but that was a bit of a bummer!
Let's just say that they are getting away with a lot, LOL!!
We have a hectic week happening, but it is all good!
B-

Monday stuff...

HOF calls are done, and no call for me...

BUT 5 out of the 10 new winners are from our HM group, and for that I am very excited! I have really grown attached to these very talented ladies, and think that it is thrilling that so many have done well in this contest!
The layout is one that I almost used for the contest, but didn't. I love that pic of my little Nikolay, and the color combo is very eye catching! All of the elements are from PcLayers.
Of course I would be fibbing if I said I wasn't disappointed, I am. But I am one of those people that believe that there is a time and a place for everything and that the Lord has a plan for me. This just wasn't it. I am hoping to get a few of the projects that I made picked up by other publications, but we will wait and see on that as well.
Things at Cornish Heritage Farms are exciting, and they are keeping me hopping with all of the things that I need to learn and get going on! Good stuff!
I am just going to say that you should keep your eyes open and your ear to the ground with this company, they have some HOT stuff coming down the road!
Anyway, I am going to have a nice quiet evening pouting, get a good nights rest and be ready to hit the day tomorrow fresh as a daisy!
*smooches*
B-

Yikes!

So sorry I haven't updated in a few days...

it has been a little hectic around here!
We have a new Method Playground challenge going up tomorrow (please play!), and this is a challenge that I LOVE! It is a hybrid card made with a kit you can get for free! Coolness, right?!!!!
Dave and I went skiing with the two boys this weekend and it was beautiful! We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful area! I have also been learning a lot about my new job, and seriously this company is amazing! Also, I want to thank all of you who left me such supportive comments, I really appreciate your thoughts! There is a lot for me to learn, but with such a talented and fun team it won't feel like work! And you all know how much I love to play!
Also, a long wait tomorrow, they are finally making the call for HOF! Please call me, please call me...
I will be playing tennis for a few hours in the morning and then doing a lot of errand running in the afternoon before carpool. Busy, but not to busy for that special call!
B-

Transition

I am at it again!
Let me explain...
Kim started it all! She is an amazing friend, UBER talented and soooooooo FUN! I respect her immensely as well. She designs stamps for this wonderful company called Cornish Heritage Farms. They make gorgeous, high quality stamps and live on a working farm in Montana, amazing! (This is going somewhere, promise!)

I recently was approached by them to join their talented team of designers and artists as a marketing director. I accepted.

This meant a lot of changes in the way my life is organized, but I really believe in them so I took the leap. So it is with immense gratitude I say farewell to the other teams that have been so good to me. I love each of these people so much, and if I could have my cake and eat it too, I would stick with them forever, but life is about change, and it is only fair to them that they have people who can be more commited than what I could be. So the change has occured.

I hope that I will retain these friendships forever, and I hope that they all understand in some small measure what each and everyone of them has meant to me and provided me with in terms of support, growth and kindness. I have become who I am through their contributions, I am eternally indebted!
So there it is.
A new path, an exciting adventure, a lucky girl!
Thanks everyone from the very bottom of my heart!
B-