What a Weekend!

For all those of you who got to go to CHA, all I have to say is... hope you had a great time!  Wish I had been there too.  Perhaps one of these years! But nevertheless, I had a very fast and productive weekend here in PA too... even with all the rain that had our sump-pump workin' over-time in the basement!

I had a great time scrappin' up a storm for Serendipity's on-line Project Runway Crop throughout the weekend!  There were so may awesome challenges and I had every intention of doing them all but I just couldn't in time.  But, I did manage to get 7 done and I was thrilled with all of them!  Here's one of my favorites that I did for the fun 80's Flashback Fashion challenge...

Yes, that is me, circa 1986!  I loved the 80's... those were some fun times!
I was also very busy finishing up my entry for Serendipity's DT call!  I took the plunge, and now it's that time to wait, but I know I'm not alone... I saw many fabulous entries in the submissions gallery.  Here's one of my submissions for that... an all about me page...

That cloud paper is some of my very favorite from Fancy Pants!  Love  that cloud print!

I  also finished up a sweet lil' seasonal home decor piece for this month's CX assignment and I hope to be sharing that with you all really soon!  I got to use the new Easter Cricut cart for that :)
Before I sign off for tonight, just want to mention that there is an awesome giveaway over at BlueMoon Scrapbooking and it involves something very cool and new from Tim Holtz!  Have you seen his new line of Sissix Alterations Dies?  They look amazing... can't wait to get my hands on them! It looks like he also has his own machine coming out too in July... lookie ----->HERE!

Gearing up for the Weekend!

I'm gettin' ready to get my scrap on this coming weekend!  Tomorrow the Project Runway Crop begins at Serendipity... you can join in if you are wanting to scrap too and want some company as you do so!  I'm planning on scrapping most of the day on Friday and most all of Friday night as well.  Then Saturday I'm packing up the car and heading to Ellen's to scrap the day away with her as we continue cyper-cropping at Serendipity!  I'm sure I'll get sooo much done (snicker,snicker)! 

So there are 2 pre-crop challenges that have been listed already this week and one of them is to make a cool little mini book for personal info, and it's to be made totally from scratch with recycled type items (no pre-made albums).  This is Ellen's pre-crop challenge and I really liked her idea because I have been needing a place to jot down all my info, login-passwords, and such for all of my favorite on-line sites and scrappy places... and blog info, so I really dug into this challenge.  I'm so happy to have such a cheerful spot for my on-line data now!

To create the cover for my book, I first took a piece of plain white felt, and then I covered both the front and back with sections of decorative packaging tapes that I found at Michael's!   Here's what the tapes look like...

Aren't they pretty?  I love them!  There were several color and pattern choices but I only bought these two red damask and green scroll vine rolls, but I believe I'll be headed back to get me some others!  Now, they didn't indicate on the packaging whether or not they are acid-free, but I'm not too picky about that (although I know some scrappers are, so that's why I am mentioning this)!  And on the topic of decorative tapes... did you all catch the new line of "Artisan Tapes" that Pink Paislee is debuting at CHA this coming week?  I just saw them post about these yummies on their blog today, and if you go comment, you have a chance of being selected to win some!  Be sure to check out the Pink Paislee blog and don't miss your chance!  Pink Paislee is totally crankin' out the scrap candy for me this time around!

Back to my data book... I also made the flower on the cover using the green patterned tape and then I popped  a Making Memories Vintage Findings button in the center...

To make the inside dividers for my sections I used a package of square notecards and envies from the Michael's $1 spot.  I then punched out the tabs for the dividers using paint chips.

 

 I didn't put too much in the inside yet... didn't want the world to see my personal info of course, lol!  I'll add all that later!  Just wanted to share... hope you liked it!  I thought it turned out pretty cute for a recycled  item!  

One more scrap related note... just wanted to pass along that there is a DT call for the Creative Cookbooking blog, if anyone is interested in cooking and scrapping about it!  It's a great community of creative ideas for scrapping recipes and such, so please don't hesitate to join in over there if that's something you enjoy! 

Enjoy your weekend everyone, and have fun!  :)

Maryland Blue Crabs!

Today I wanted to share my layout that I created for the CX blog and store.  This one was so fun to do... had a blast working on the cute crabby embellishments for this! 

(Don't forget to click on picture to see it larger!)

For this assignment, I concentrated on using the, "From My Kitchen" Cricut cartridge to create my embellishments, and of course I also went to town with my Cuttlebug to add textures!  The papers I used for this layout are from Kaiser Craft's "Off-Shore" assortment and I used shades of blue cardstock from Bazzill's "Artic Trio" collection.  Here are some close-up details of my embellishments...

Also, if you are interested in some more step by step instructions on how I made these sweet blue crabs, I also posted a tutorial on "Bringing Diecuts to Life" at the CX blog and you can see it all -->HERE! 

And you can read more deets on this layout on this CX blog post --> HERE, as well if you'd like to know more!   

Well, it's Friday!  Not much planned here... maybe I'll have some time to get my scrap on!  I have  alot of stuff I'd like to get to, so I hope I can!  Serendipity is having a "Project Runway" on-line crop next weekend and they already have some fun pre-crop challenges posted that I'd like to play along with.  I'd also like to go to the movies sometime this weekend to see "The Lovely Bones"!  I haven't read the book, as I can't seem to finish one once I start it ( baddd me!), but it looks like a good movie from the trailer!  Hope you all have a chance to do something fun this weekend... ENJOY! 

Finding a new Home and a contest...

So yes, I design for the blog and store at CreativeXpress, and the forums there used to be what I called my scrappy-cyber home... that it until the demise of the forums at CX last April ( I believe it was around April )!!  Even though I still really enjoy designing projects every month for the CX store  I still really miss hanging out with all of the CX peeps. It sure took quite awhile for me to get used to the fact that I could never again hop onto the chats over there at CX when I was looking for some one to "hang out" with to keep me company for 30 minutes or so, or to peruse the gallery for some major mojo lifting!   I also became quite attached to another site, Create My Keepsake (CMK), and unfortunately that site was shut down a few months ago as well :(  Since then I have been trying to find another happy place on the net to plant my feet.  I have found a few places that I really like, but last week I started to really frequent one in particular and I believe their "neighbors" are all really friendly!  It's, Serendipity and the place really is as sweet as the name sounds!  I love the navigation of Serendipity's forums and galleries... very similar to what I was used to at  CX!   Ellen is one of their fantabulous designers there and she had mentioned to me a few times about me coming over there to check things out, so I finally decided to head on over, and I'm really happy that I have!  Now if I could only have some more of my old CX and CMK pals to come over and join the neighborhood, I'd really, really be content, lol!  Which brings me to a wonderfully awesome contest that Serendipity has going on right now...

Want $20, $30, $40 or even $50 of goodies off your wishlist for FREE???? This contest could be just the thing for you.


January through Feb. 28th we will be having the Wishes come true Contest, where there will be drawings for goods off your wishlist.


See how to particpate in this contest:
1. Register in the store and start making your wishlist


2. Register in the forum - Post in the New Members checkin thread and then post a minimum of 9 other times on our message board.


3. If you were invited Please make note in your New Members checkin thread who invited you. Then start inviting others.


4. For each person you invite and they complete these requirements you will be added to the drawings again.


-The first drawing for the $20 wishlist give away will happen when 25 new Registered members complete the above requirements
-The Second drawing for the $30 wishlist give away will happen when 30 more new members complete the requirements
-The third drawing for the $40 wishlist give away will happen when 40 more new members complete the requirements
-The Fourth drawing for the $50 wishlist give away will happen when 50 more new members complete the requirements


When we reach 1000 new members in the forum there will be another $50 drawing and ALL registered memebers in the forum will receive a FABULOUS digital/printable downloadable kit for FREE!!
PLUS when we reach the first 50 new members (827 total members) All registered forum members will get a bonus downloadable/printable item. Then when we reach 902 new members ANOTHER downloadable gift.
Lets get busy and start inviting new members: Tweet it, Facebook it, Blog about it and just start sharing about our forum


**Your name stays in for ALL drawings and you be able to continue having your name added for all new members that mention you invited them and complete the requirements.


**Wishlist giveaway items will be picked by store owner from your Wishlist and sent within a week of each drawing.

You can read this all over at Serendipity, > here
 
Sooo, maybe this will entice some of you to come on over after all!  I sure hope so :)  And don't forget, if you all register up at Serendipity, please remember to tell them all that "I", Andrea  (Andrea A) sent you!!


I am beginning to have scrap withdrawls because with the recent holidays, I just haven't been doing too much of it and now it's really starting to bug me.  Last night I sat down and wanted to do something scrappy but it was so cold down in my scrap-cave... I worked on an altered project ( a wreath actually) for awhile and then came back upstairs to thaw out, lol!  So, I don't really have much of anything new to share with you but here's a layout that I did recently for the Creative Cookbooking blog for  Appetizer recipe pages...
 

I used all Fancy Pants papers here with some Cricut cut-outs (the frame cut in half is from Story Book and the "Appetizer" word cut using "From My Kitchen). 

 
That's all I have for now... hope everyone has a great week and for those of you who are scrappers... enjoy all those CHA sneak peeks that are floating about!  This time of year is always exciting and buzzing for the scrap world.  I'm looking forward to all the new releases from Fancy Pants, Pink Paislee, Basic Grey and of course... CRICUT!!  And don't forget... come join me over at Serendipity! 

Playin' around with my first photos of 2010!

Let's just hope that the year 2010 isn't as warped as these pictures...

Lol!!

Cheers to much love, happiness and health in 2010! 

Last Day of 2009!

I thought I'd get on here and make one last post on my blog for 2009!  I really must say that I am glad to be saying good-bye to this year.  It wasn't a "bad" year per say, but it was more so a "blah" year, and I'm ready to move on.  I look forward to seeing what's in store for us in  2010... I just hope and pray that it's all good and positive compared to much of the last few years obstacles and challenges! 

So, Christmas came and went fast!  It was a nice Christmas... the second one hosted in our home.  Once again I made one of our families' favorite main courses, Chicken with mushrooms and wine, and my mom provided a delicious prime-rib.  Of course we had all the other traditional fixin's to go along with and it was all soo GOOD!  Here's a few pix to share from our Christmas...

My mom, gram and I before Christmas Eve service.

Aww... and one of just us two! 

The babies' tree lit up on Christmas morning!

The dining room table all prepared...

Wasn't he a cute lil' boy? Lol!  I cut the Vinyl lettering out with my Cricut!

Our tree in the basement... this is the first time we set up a bigger tree in about 5 or 6 years, so it was really nice to have this up and all decorated again!

Me, opening some beautiful earrings from my favorite Santa! 

There's not much going on here today... just got a new truck load of fire wood, so M is working on piling that all up on his day off!  Can't wait to get a cozy fire going... it snowed here about 3 inches over night, so a fire will be really comforting right now!  We really aren't much for partying in the "New Year", so I'm not sure what all we are going to do yet tonight.  Some friends of ours may come over and I plan on putting together some appetizers,  maybe play some pool or card games, sip on some good wine slushies, but that's all.  I'm going to get some meatballs going in the crock-pot and make some yummy spinach articoke dip because I LOVE that stuff!  Just a very low-key night at home... just how we always like it... together and safe!  And tomorrow, the first of January 2010 will be just like any other day.  He has to work, and maybe I'll sleep in a little longer, lol! 

I hope everyone else has a great New Years celebration with much love and happiness carrying you all throughout!  Be blessed and be safe!  Welcome on in 2010!!

More Christmas Card Creating...

Didn't think I'd be back here with another blog post this week, but I'm surprising even myself! I needed to make a few more cards for my neighbors to go along with their cookie platters that I'll be giving them and I could not resist using some wayyy cute digital freebie Christmas paper for these cards.  If you have not been to Chris Hertel's blog lately, you must hurry on over because she has been in the giving spirit this month and has been generously sharing her talent with us by letting us use her wonderful paper designs!  I LOVE these papers and can't get enough of the houndstooth prints.  The polka-dots are all sweet too... I've used both her houndstooth and dots on these two cards...

I also used my Joys of the Season Cricut cart to create the accents for these cards...added some punched scallop borders, ric-rac trim, twill, glitter, ink, etc...and whaaa-laa, done!  So if you are in need of some extra cute papers to finish up your last minute Christmas cards or projects, head on over and give Chris a visit! 

Another Week Closer!

Can you believe Christmas is in another 10 days?  Hard to believe, but it will soon be here and gone for yet another year and 2010 is right on our doorsteps!  Just seems like yesterday when we were all in a tizzy wondering what would happen when the clock struck mid-night on New Year's 2000 :)  Gosh, nearly 10 years ago... doesn't even seem possible. 

I took some pix of our Christmas decorations around our home again this year and thought I'd share them here.  This first one here is of our babies' white tree which we have in our Living Room.  It has all of the ornaments on it which we've collected for our angel babies these past couple years. 

Here is the ornament that I found for our angels this year...

Isn't it the sweetest?  I saw this in at Kohl's when they first put out their Christmas merchandise, and I of course thought of my precious angel babes right away and I grabbed 3 of them.  After I got them home I took a brown Slick Writer marker and wrote each of their individual names and  the year on the bottoms.  Perfect addition to their tree this year :)

Sitting on the window are a collection of hand painted Santa figurines, and they are representations of Santas around the world.  This is a collection that we've gotten passed down from my parents... a church congregation member painted them all and gave them as a gift to my dad several years ago. 

This is how the mantle is decorated for the holiday...

The art work in the center is a pastel drawing that I had drawn and had framed as a Christmas gift to my parents back in 1999.  I quite like it!

And this here is an absolute favorite of mine to display from year to year!  It's a primitive pottery nativity scene which was a gift to us from my parents for our 1st Wedding Anniversary!  It's a treasure...

And this one is of the babies' stockings hung... these are the ones that were a gift to me from their wonderful daddy last Christmas...

Well, that just happens to only be half of our decorations.  We also set up the bigger tree and some other things down in our basement area this year and I didn't even take pictures down there yet.  Maybe later, and if not, we'll be opening gifts down there this year so I'll have pix in some form later ;) 

And before I move on outta here for the time being, thought I'd also share a sampling of the Christmas cards that I made this year... need to share a lil' something crafty after all...

I did these using the Winter Woodland Cricut cartridge and dressed them up with some chunky glitter, Prima flowers and pearl and glitter and gem brads.  Thanks for stopping by... I'll try to make it back for another post before the 24th, but have yourselves a great week getting all the last minute stuff checked off your lists! :)

Glitter, Bling and Cuttlebug!

Good Monday to ya!  And a very cold Monday at that!

I've decided to participate in a challenge going on over at the Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot this week.  I'm entering a card in hopes of winning one of *15* Cuttlebug folders that they will be giving to some lucky peeps!  They are being sponsered by, Oh My Crafts!, who has 4 new exclusive Christmas folders from Provo Craft!  One can never have too many Cuttlebug embossing folders now can they?!  No... never too many! ;)  So, here's my card... the requirements of the challenge are to use glitter, bling and Cuttlebug.  Easy enough!

Winter Wishes

The "wishes" tag that I used on this card was cut from the Cricut Winter Woodland cart and embossed with the snowflake folder.  I cut my snowflake-like flowers out using Cuttlebug dies and then I embossed them (Victoria and Diamond Plate folders) and blinged up the centers with sugar coated doodlebug brads.  Those loopy edges are Bazzill decorative edges and I stickled them with Frosted Lace Stickles. The alphas that I added for "WINTER" are AC Thickers and I stickled them too!  After my card was all assembled I gave it an all-over spritz with my Old Lace Glimmer Mist to give the card an even icier sheen. 
Here's another detail photo, and don't forget if you click on the photos, you can see them all even larger...

And now for other scrappy news of the day, I found out recently that I did NOT make the design team for the new company, Couture Cardstock, however, I was asked to be a guest designer for them in the coming year!  I gave it my best shot, so I couldn't be prouder about that.  I'm very excited about my guest designer spot and I congratulate the new team!  You can read the announcement today for the new designers here.

Okay, I'm off to make a run to the store.  I am finally baking some Christmas cookies today and there's a few extra ingredients that I need to go fetch.  But, I hope to be back a little later this week to post some pix of our Christmas decorations!  Hope you all have a terrific week of Christmas preparations ahead!

December's Here and It's Flying By Already!

S-L-O-W down!  Where's this month going to... it's already the 5th, less than 20 more days til Christmas and I'm not ready!  It sure comes and goes quickly as you get older, doesn't it?!  I did get the house decorated this week, trees and all, which is excellent but I still have a lot of shopping left, cookies to bake and some crafty projects to complete before the big day arrives. 


Today I've really been getting in the spirit by listening to a ton of holiday music!  I have acquired my dad's vast collection of religious Christmas music, and when I say "vast" that could quite possibly be an understatement, lol!  See, Christmas was most certainly my dad's favorite time of the year and he loved everything about it.  He loved decorating, and he was perfectly content to start and complete all the decorating by himself while my mom and I and others would brave the Black Friday madness!  After a long, draining day of shopping, walking through the front door was always a beautiful site to behold!  Anyway, getting back to the music, I have found that it is now one of, if not my most  favorite part of the holiday season.  I have discovered that listening to the music he was passionate about is what draws me closest to my dad during this time of year, and I am so glad that I have his collection to love and enjoy!  I find myself listening to some of his favorite songs over and over again.  He loved, "Once In Royal David's City"  and, "In The Bleak MidWinter".... I can remember him telling me that those were his favorites, so now when I play these tracks, I imagine that he's beside me in the room listening.  And sometimes his presence feels so strong that my heart just crumbles all over again.  This will be our second Christmas without him, and it just doesn't feel right.  I really hope that he and our baby girls can feel our celebration of Christmas in Heaven and that they can sense how much they are all missed! 

Before I head out of here, thought I'd post some photos from last week's Thanksgiving dinner...  it was very good, as I didn't have to cook the turkey, lol!  My sister in law and brother hosted, but Christmas will be at our house again... minus the turkey!  I'll be making my signature Mushroom Chicken and Wine and I can't wait!   Here's my full plate...

Here we are enjoying an after dinner glass of wine... or two!

Here's my two crazy loons, my niece and my DH...

Do you think maybe they ate too much turkey?  I think so!!

Here's a better picture of them...

and one of her and I ...

Her 20th Birthday was the day after Thanksgiving!  I still can't believe that she's that old because it doesn't seem possible!  I feel so old :( 

I made her a card... she's into music and likes guitar and now she's all about tattoos too (she has 2 small tatts now).  So I created this one for her...

I think she thought it was cool!   Yep... it was a great day to be full AND thankful!  Hope that yours was too!