MME #31 Challenge

It's time for the My Mind's Eye Blog Challenge #31, and I decided to be last minute again, because the date crept up on me!  But I did really love the sketch and had a plan of what photo I wanted to use so I just went with it!

My niece Lera just got engaged on August 28th of this past year, and I had the honor of taking her engagement photos!  This is my first layout with the photos I took... this one with a picture of her new engagement ring! For the MME challenge we were to follow the sketch and use the theme "New" within the page.  So here's the sketch photo followed by my take, "Newly Engaged"...

(Please Click on Photo to view larger).

I did turn the sketch on it's side so that I could use a horizontal photo. I used some MME embossed Core'dinations cardstock here as my background and then I also combined papers from the older Meadow Lark line with the newer Love Me collection! A variety of Cricut cartridges were used for this too, including, Elegant Edges, Wall Decor and More, Sweethearts and Lyrical Letters. 

I'll share with you some close-up details as well! 

That's all I have to show for this post... like I said... last minute, in the nick of time, lol!  Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a great week ahead!  ;)

Getting Patriotic With A Sous Sketch and BoBunny Card Challenge!

For today I have some red, white and blue!  I know... it is a bit early to break out with the 4th of July cards, but it is never really out of date to celebrate patriotically, and besides, this Bo Bunny Liberty collection is a wonderful classic line that I just had to cut into for this week's SOUS sketch and the latest BoBunny card challenge!  

First up, it is Friday so that means it's time yet again for another terrific sketch at Stuck On U Sketches!

Our sketch for the week is brought to you all from Nanné, and we also have a wonderful guest designer in our midst this week, Debbie Burns. For this sketch, I totally envisioned a card using Nanné's fun block design!  I did flip the direction of the sketch around and upside down for my interpretation.  I used Core'dinations cardstock and a tag and I cut up 1" squares from the BoBunny Liberty collection.  The middle piece I stamp embossed the flourished star, also from the Liberty line, onto a piece of Cambridge patterned paper, also from BoBunny. 

(Please click on image to show enlarged !)

I also included some BoBunny stickers, a denim strip and pearl accents on here.  The flocked flowers are all Maya Road, the Baker's Twine from The Twinery and the tiny type alpha stickers are Cosmo Cricket and Carolee's Creations.

 

Be sure to take a look at all the other designer's creations over on the SOUS blog... it's always a feast for the eyes.  You can also play along with us and share what you create using the sketch... we'd love to see you there! 

Next up is my card that I did for the Tuesday Card Challenge at BoBunny.  For the challenge which is due on Jan. 24th, you need to use the following items on a card:  Ribbon, at least 2 buttons, patterned paper with dots, and chipboard.  Easy and fun enough! 

Again, I used the Liberty collection pattened paper, rub-on and pearl accents.  I also used a strip of denim and some ivory buttons from other BoBunny lines.  The chipboard stars from Fancy Pants I misted with Sapphire Glimmer Mist. That fabulous twill ribbon is from May Arts and my diecuts were cut using the Cricut Stand and Salute and Jasmine cartridges.  I also love the Vintage blue Core cardstock with this Liberty line... a perfect match-up! 

Okay, that's all I have for today.  I think I will no doubt be snowed in for a good part of my weekend, so I think that might be beneficial to me... crafty-wise, lol!  We shall see!  Have a great weekend, my friends!  Enjoy :) 

A Page for SOUS,Jan. 6th and Jan. Core Color Challenge!

It's Friday... time for another reveal of projects done with the latest sketch over at Stuck On U Sketches (SOUS)!  I really loved all the opportunity for layering with today's sketch by our own SOUS designer and co-creator, Nanne Harry!  You too can play along with this challenge... just make sure to link your project to the inlinkz tool at the end of the Jan. 6th posting.  You have 2 weeks, so go get scrappin!

I also went with the snowflake embellishing for my page.  I had a stack of new papers from the latest Winterland and Saint Nick collections at Fancy Pants that I bought last weekend and I just had to cut into them! Now here's what I came up with...

And for whatever reason, these photos here aren't reading clear... everything looks so much prettier IRL!  I also used Cricut cutting for the blue-grey lettering on the Take Note piece (Paper Lace 2 font) and the coral color snowflakes were cut from the Wrap It Up cartridge.  I layered those with some clear glass micro-beads.  The other felt snowflake embellies are also from Fancy Pants... I painted on some Glimmer Glaze and Glimmer Glam to those to make them "sparkle" some! 

Also the colors I chose to work into this page were inspired by the latest January Color Challenge at the Core'dinations blog...

So play along with us on this color challenge and you could have a chance at winning some fabulous Core product...  All entries are due by January 31st either link to this post or post your entry on Core'dination's Facebook page. Please note: due to CHA falling at this time, we may be delayed in posting a winner until the 2nd week in February.

Have a terrific weekend!! :)

Happy New Year... With a Recap of My Top Ten Layouts of 2011!

Happy New Year 2012!  I do hope everyone had a terrific and memorable holiday season!  We had a very nice and low-key  New Year celebration ourselves... did some fun outlet shopping and enjoyed eating a delicious meal at one of our latest favorite restaurants, Texas Roadhouse.  And of course we couldn't help but join in with the countdown to the ball drop in Times Square!  But, I have to say, I am really looking forward to getting back to some normal routines and schedules around here!  And I have missed scrapping and crafting.  Sure, I did squeeze in some bits of time in between all the hustle and bustle, but I am ready to get down to some serious business, lol!  I guess that first means I need to clean up my craft room which is a total wreck!  Here's proof...

Such a disaster!  I can't possibly create til it's back to order.  So this week I will be doing some major organizing and purging. 

  So, does anyone have any scrappy or crafty goals for the year ahead?  I know I was completely blessed in 2011 by reaching some awesome publication goals!  The most awesome aspect as far as the publications was that I had projects featured in every single issue of Northridge's Cricut magazine which debuted this past February.  I'm also excited that I will also have projects featured in all the upcoming 2012 issues thus as well!  And of course the number one crafty thing that excited me for 2011 was that I joined the Core'dinations Cardstock DT.  What a great and rewarding ride that has been.  I must say that I will make it my primary goal to continue on with Core'dinations for a very long time... I love and believe in this company and their products sooo much! Core cardstock has totally improved the look and the way I craft!  And, as far as other fun goals to aim for... I sure wouldn't mind being featured as a cover girl!  I really would be stoked to have a project of mine featured on the cover of a Cricut magazine!  Wow, what a thrill that would be for me :)

 For today I also  want to join the other blogger scrappers who have shared their Top Ten layouts of the past year, 2011 on their blogs!  I wanted to do this the previous year but never did, so I thought I would get it done this time around.  As I was looking back through my files though, I realize that I probably didn't do as many pages this past year as I did cards.  The card making bug had really hit me pretty hard, lol.  Also, various pages which I would have loved to share as favorites have been out for publication too, which is a good thing, but I just can't show here right now. 

Okay, so here goes... my Top Ten Fave pages for 2011 are...

* TIS THE SEASON *

- Using Webster's Pages and featuring Gemstones Core'dinations cardstock.

* EAGER BEAVER GROUNDHOG *

- Nikki Sivils product with a mix of Core'dinations cardstock.

* VALENTINE MANTLE DECOR *

- A hybrid page using Chris Hertel designs and lots of Cricut cuts.

* LOVE INSPIRATIONAL & UNCONDITIONAL *

- My Mind's Eye product with MME and Vintage Core'dinations cardstock.

* OUR WEE PUNKINS' *

- No cardstock, mix of My Mind's Eye collections.

* SUMMER BLOOMS! *

- My Little Shoebox product with Core'dinations Whitewash cardstock.

* LIVING PROOF *

- Basic Grey Out of Print collection with BG Whimsy and Ornate Core'dinations collections.

* ENJOYING TALL TIMBERS *

- Pink Paislee Nantucket collection with Pink Paislee Modern Prints Core'diantions collection.

* TOGETHER *

- Basic Grey Nordic Holiday with BG Ornate Core'dinations cardstock.

* WINTER WONDERLAND*

- Basic Grey Nordic Holiday collection with a mix of Core featuring Glitter Silk and Vintage.

That's it!  Now I just maybe inspired to share my Top Ten cards of 2011... in some other post!  Enjoy the rest of the week... I'm already looking forward to Friday!

A Winter Wonderland and a Winner!

Hello, and good Friday before the big Christmas Day!  I'm sure everyone is frantic getting all those last minute preparations done right about now... I know I am!  I sure am looking forward to all the good food and family time to be had though!  I am also anxious for more time to relax after all the holiday festivities come to a close as well! ;) 

However, today I wanted to first announce the winner of my giveaway that was up for grabs for the Advent Calendar day I hosted at The Nook! Thanks to everyone who left their wonderful comments... I really appreciated them!  And the winner is...

Sherri said...

oh wow, that looks just like real wood. how cool is that!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 5:50:00 PM

Yay, Sherri!  You won my card kit with the Tim Holtz Alterations Brick and Woodgrain Texture Fades!  Please pm me your address and I will get them off to you real soon!

Now who's ready for a Winter Wonderland?  I'm not really wanting any significant amount of snow right now, but I wouldn't mind a few flurries for Christmas Day.  Right this minute though, I will stay warm and enjoy the beauty of a previous snowfall from earlier in the year on my latest SOUS sketch layout.  Here's this week's sketch from SOUS designer, Sandi Clarkson...

And here's my interpretation, which I rotated...

(Please click on pictures to view larger)

I still used 3 photos, only I adjusted the placement and of course used larger pictures.  All cardstock used here is Core'dinations... even that vibrant glittered blue which is Core's line of "Glitter Silk" cardstock... perfect for Wintery pages and projects like this.  I have to say that it cuts wonderfully in the Cricut Expression too! The beautiful and intricate snowflake imagery here is cut using Cricut's Damask Decor cartridge.  I know I always seem to have a new favorite Cricut cart, lol... but this one totally IS a favorite! I also used the Martha Stewart pine needles deep edge punch again and I love the look of the design punched from white cardstock.  It really pops off that blue Glitter Silk!  The BG Nordic Holiday line was a pefect fit for a Winter page paired off with some really cool gray plaid May Arts ribbon.  Yes... I really love to look at the beauty of a Wintery scene like this! If only snow wasn't so cold!

I want to wish all my friends and followers a very Merry Christmas, and wonderful wishes for a very blessed and healthy New Year in 2012!  Love to ALL! 

Advent Calendar Day #19 At The Nook!

Today is the 19th... and that means it's the 19th Advent Calendar day at The Nook and I am happy to be the calendar host for the day!  If you haven't already heard about it, now is your chance to join in and help us count down the days til Christmas in a very exciting way and with some fabulous giveaways to boot! 

Everyday from December 1st up to December 25th, one Nook friend is hosting a giveaway on her blog as part of the Advent Calendar festivities!  I urge you to go back and take a look if you've missed out on any of the previous days because there is always fabulous inspiration!  If you check out the Nook blog you can find a link posted for the day's host, which today is me.  If you are coming here from the Nook's blog post, then I simply say, "Welcome"! 

Here is a list of all the participating blogs for the Advent Calendar... please visit!

1	Hilde	http://www.scoobieslilleblog.blogspot.com/
2	Antenucci	http://antenucci.blogspot.com/
3	Danielle	http://picsandcheesecake.blogspot.com/
4	Lisa J	http://cutcreateandcare.blogspot.com/
5	Pam	http://happytobecreating.blogspot.com/
6	Meg Aaron	http://thoughtsoftraveling.blogspot.com/
7	Mag	http://magandscrap.blogspot.com/
8	Monique	http://moniquesscrapbook.blogspot.com/
9 10	Kate Vickers Sherri	http://www.scrapsation.com/ http://faithandscraphappiness.blogspot.com/
11	Lilith Eeckels	http://lilithandscrap.blogspot.com/
12	~jan	http://jantatomir.blogspot.com/
13	Carol	http://carolmonson.blogspot.com/
14	Arty Carty	http://blog.artycarty.com/
15	Tanya	http://little-scrapper.blogspot.com/
16	Annelie Maddoc	http://swewi.wordpress.com/
17	Nenne	http://www.creativenenne.blogspot.com/
18	Nicole	http://justnicks.blogspot.com/
19	Andrea Amu	http://imlivinonscraps.blogspot.com/
20	Marinette	http://www.scraptherapie.com/
21	Pysselpetra	http://mittkreativakaos.blogspot.com/

22 Samantha http://samawright.blogspot.com/
23 Anna Sigga http://annasigga.typepad.com/scrappalicious/
24 Jennie http://pappersverk.blogspot.com/
25 Leah http://www.leahkillian.com/

Now onto some holiday sharing and giving from me!  Today I was busy creating some holiday cards and I got to thinking that it would be perfect for me to make up a little card kit with the products I've used on my cards and offer it up as a giveaway for today's Advent Calendar!  Here is the card I created using one of my favorite new embossing folders... the Tim Holtz Alterations woodgrain texture fade! 

And even better, the woodgrain is perfect embossed on some fabulous Tim Holtz Distress Collection Core'dinations cardstock. I also used the Cricut Winter Woodland cartridge to cut out the cardinal from some Tim Holtz Nostalgic Kraft-Core. Isn't the green pine needles border a really neat detail?  That is my new Martha Stewart Deep-Edge punch that I just got on sale at Michael's for 50% off! I also got the wood buttons in the Dollar bin at M's and spritzed them with some Burnt Red Glimmer Mist. 

Okay, here's what's up for grabs... and yes, the Tim Holtz Texture Fade set with the woodgrain is included in my card kit giveaway!

 

There's enough to complete 2 cards!  If you'd like a chance to have this kit, just leave me a comment here in this post by 12 PM EST, Wed. Dec. 21st.  I will randomly draw a winner by December 22nd. 

Also, You don't want to forget to hop on over to Leah Killian's blog and get entered for the grand prize sometime between now and Christmas Morning. You could win a free subscription to the always inspiring Nook kits!

My Friday Finale!

So excited that it is Friday, which makes me all the more excited to share some scrap-happy things today as well! 
First off, all week long on the Core'dinations blog, we've paired up with the most fabulous company, and a personal favorite of mine too... BASIC GREY!  I can never have enough BG collections, and the same goes for the awesome Core'dinations cardstock offered in Basic Grey patterns now too! 

If you haven’t heard, we have a BasicGrey Core Impressions line that we just LOVE! There are TWO Core Impression packs in this line that are fabulous. The Whimsy Collection is full of bright colors and whimsical patterns that match BasicGrey papers and embellishments. And the Ornate Collection has beautiful blues, greens and pinks that coordinate with BasicGrey papers and embellishments as well. You will be seeing both of these collections in action this week along with LOADS of BasicGrey goodies, too!

Each pack has FOUR embossed patterns in FIVE colors totaling 20 unique sheets and we sell certain sheets individually as well.

And you know it wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t have a giveaway! We are giving away one of EACH of our BasicGrey Core Impressions lines!!!

You have a few ways to win this week.

1.) Leave a comment here on the Core blog all week long! Leave a comment everyday for up to FIVE chances to win!

2.) Head over to our Facebook page for another chance to win!

3.) Make your way over the BasicGrey blog for additionial chances to win, too!

4.) And hurry over to the Facebook page, too! Tell them we sent you!

Now are you ready for some inspiration? Don’t forget to click HERE to get see the gorgeous projects over at the BG Blog and more chances to win win win!

Today was the final day of the swap, and I was pleased to have had two of my holiday layouts showcased using Basic Grey's super cool Nordic Holiday collection!

This first layout is pretty and festive... using some more traditional holiday prints included in the Nordic Holiday line, such as the red and green pointsettia pattern.  I paired it all with some floral embossed green cardstock from the Basic Grey Ornate Core Impressions line and green and white Core Essentials.  Punched border detailing really helps to define the backround texture of the cardstock! 

(Click on pictures to view larger)

Then, I also created the following page, which also leads me to another fun announcement! 

To create this page, I followed an awesome layout sketch for Dec. 9th from the Stuck On U Sketches (SOUS) challenge blog.  This sketch design was created by their own designer, Sandi Clarkson. 

And, I can now announce that I am a new design team member at SOUS!  I am very happy to be joining this fun site with such a great group of talented ladies!  Looking forward to designing with many, many more inspirational sketches in the weeks and months ahead!

Here are some more details of this holiday page...

 I used the BG Ornate Core Impressions in the Olive Cornbread pattern. I painted on some Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze within the embossed areas to give the cardstock a different look and then I also sprayed on some Glimmer Mist.  This all gave the olive toned cardstock a more golden and glitzy, festive look. I also used May Arts ribbons here... that chevron patterned ribbon is thee coolest and the red really gives a cheerful punch.  The stitched brad and fun feltie ornament sticker embellies are also all part of the Nordic Holiday line!  Finally, I used the Paper Lace 2 Cricut cart to cut out the pretty ornate circular background diecut. I really do love this page and have decided to frame it and gift it to my mom this Christmas.  I know she'll love it just as much as I do!

Before I go, I just wanted to thank everyone who has voted for my cards in the Card Sharks challenge at the Nook!  I appreciate the votes and comments so much.  There is also a little more time left to vote if you can... I believe voting closes at 9am PST Saturday morning (Dec. 10th). 

Vote for me HERE, please! 

Have a terrific and fun-filled weekend!  ;)