she's the crafty neighbor

Whatever is loved...

2012-02-13T03:00:00.000-08:00

Banners are one of my favorite things to make, but one of my least favorite things to take a photo of. At home, I hang banners between the dining room and kitchen. When it is hanging, it is not a great photo opportunity because you get the distracting background of the windows and the curtains or the front door. If I put it on the floor, you see all of the dust bunnies and muddy dog and kid footprints. On the dining room table (which is what I did), I have to stand on a chair and try to avoid the overhead light (which was needed since it is cloudy and snowing right now). Ugh! The things we all go through to get a decent photo.

But onto the banner...
I pulled out everything pink, red, and Valentiney. The background paper is from We R Memory Keepers (Love Struck). The, stickers, material, paper doilies, and ribbon are a mix of old and new. I used some old, unwanted CD's as the circle base for the letters, and then covered them in patterned paper. I embossed the letters and then Stickled along the pattern for a little more pizazz. I tied on the strips of ribbon and material (this is the time-consuming part) during some TV time. Multi-tasking...I love it.

Love You...for taking the time to visit.
Enjoy your Valentine's Day with your loved ones.

~Kelly

Whatever is a valntin...

2012-02-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

The title above isn't a spelling mistake. Well, actually it is, but it is really an everyday moment captured. It's these moments where my daughter wants to write messages on her easel chalkboard all of the time. ALL of the time. This picture is from last year, but right now, she's practicing her cursive on that same chalkboard. Everyday. I know this won't last forever. I know that these moments where she still wants to sit on my lap, still wants to get love notes in her lunch, still wants me to do her hair, and still wants to make her valentines with me won't last. So, it's these everyday moments that are "scrap-worthy".

One day when she is much older, she may ask,
"What did I like to do when I was little?", and I can say,
"Write on the chalkboard. Everyday. And I have a scrapbook page to show you."

Here is your challenge today...scrap something that you really don't want to forget. Capture an everyday moment.

~Kelly

whatever is in your heart

2012-01-31T09:03:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of the CHA On-line Crop over on Fiskateers. While some lucky ducks are at CHA in California basking in the sun and warmth in between make-and-takes, those of us who are "left-behind" are trying to be creative. I've been doing some "happy dances" while I've been ooohing and aaaahing over the new paper designs, embellishments, and tools that are being highlighted at CHA, so my Challenge (#14) is "Playing Your Song"--use a song title or lyrics in your creation. Fiskateer PattyB and I have been talking 80's music lately...I'm waiting to see her Depeche Mode creation, but in the meantime...here is mine. Can you guess the song/artist?

This is my Valentine's Card for my hubby...I feel pretty confident that he won't see it here on my blog before he gets it.

Creations for this challenge need to be in before 11:59pm CST ton ight (Tuesday). Let me see what you are dancing to over on Fiskateers!

~Kelly

Whatever holds...

2012-01-27T06:19:00.000-08:00

I LOVE apples. Not in the Gwyneth Paltrow-I'm going to name my child "Apple" kind of way, but I do LOVE apples. I have an apple color scheme (lime green, yellow, red) going on in my kitchen, and I just wanted to show you what's taking up a little bit of space on my counter right now.

I painted my kitchen door (that leads to the garage) with a large chalkboard paint rectangle and hung a frame around it. The rest of the door still needs some lovin', so I'm not ready to show you a picture of it yet. We've been writing notes to each other, "don't forgets", grocery lists, and schedules on the chalkboard and I LOVE it. SO, we needed a "something" to hold our chalk and eraser nearby. Enter, the crafty neighbor (that's me).

This shiny silver container used to hold cashews.

I used a Fiskars notebook border punch, a Martha Stewart apple punch, and some alphabet stickers to create the wrapper.

I ran the wrapper through my Xyron machine to laminate it and then hot glued it onto the can. Perfect holder for an eraser and chalk. Maybe I'll make one for Gwyneth and her Apple too!

~Kelly

Whatever blooms

2012-01-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

Nothing is blooming around here right now.
Six inches of snow blanket the ground.
We are a long way from spring. So, I've decided I need to create my own.
This is a very simple (and addicting way) to make some beautiful flowers that you can add to your home, sweaters, scarves, and even cards and pages.

Start with a piece of felt 3 1/2" x 12 " long. Fold it in half the long way (so it is now 1 3/4" x12"), and hot glue where the two edges meet.

Then, snip from the folded edge about every 1/2".

Take one end and start rolling, it helps to add a drop of hot glue every once in awhile to help hold it together.

Boom--you have a bloom!

Once you've done this a few times, you can really start to play around with how big a piece of felt you use and how far apart or how close you snip--it totally changes the outcome.

You can group some blooms to add to a sweater or scarf.

You can use your bloom on a gift tag
(this one is going on a bottle of wine).

Or, you can create a paper tag to use for a gift card envelope (cleverly recycled flattened toilet paper roll).

Now, I want you to be the florist! In each issue of Scrapstreet (the FREE online e-magazine, did I mention it is FREE?), my feature article Graffiti, looks at popular art for inspiration. For the April issue, I'm looking for ONE BIG FLOWER. Can you guess which famous artist I'll be highlighting?

So, show me your creation with ONE BIG FLOWER! You can doodle, stamp, cut, fold, paint, or surprise me with your bloom on your card, scrapbook page, or project, but only use ONE flower. Send your creations to submissions@scrapstreet.com by February 18th.

Check out the other submission calls too... http://scrapstreet.com/ss12/janu12/calls.htm
Turn your mind towards spring!

Whatever is counted...

2012-01-14T05:49:00.000-08:00

Twelve...
Twelve photos on the 12th of each month of 2012.
I can do this.
I've decided to do these in photo collages that I can print out and make a nice (easy) photobook later.
Capturing life one day each month.
I sure hope we do something exciting on the 12th of each month!

sweet clementines on the kitchen table~morning coffee and VeloNews~our first snow of the season~Swimmy the wonder-fish~boys in the bathroom~ready for school~prizes from Fiskateers (thanks Rebecca)~cleaning up Christmas (Tim's Tags)~never-ending dirty dishes~snow shoe on the sod farm~getting ready for trimesters~someday we'll be able to trust him out of his crate when we are gone

If you want to play along, there is more info over at www.ellapublishing.com, click on "take twelve".

whatever is a gift

2012-01-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

What is one to give the 18 month old little girl who has everything? Answer--scrapbook pages! When my niece was born, I gave my sister-in-law a scrapbook full of pages just waiting for her to plop some pictures in. I guess I spoiled her, as she was so disappointed when my niece's 1st birthday rolled around and I didn't give her more pages. So, this was a perfect gift for Christmas. In fact, my sister-in-law said this was the best present ever! I think she may have been exaggerating a little.

However, I found myself with very little time in the weeks before Christmas to create all of the pages I wanted to. After all, I have my priorities---Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of Christmas must come first! So, I decided to design one page, create a sketch from it, and then base all of the other pages off that first one. I actually made 2 sketches and did 12 pages off of each, but I am going to save the other twelve to share with you on a rainy day (or a inspiration-less day, whichever comes first).

I made the pages very simple to save me time and to make it easier for my sister-in-law to use lots of photos.

Here are a few of my favorites...

one for winter

one for Valentine's Day

one for her birthday

one for a picture with Daddy

one with a patriotic theme

one for summer-

the title says "It's so HOT it will melt your popsicle"...

so I added a popsicle journaling spot

and one for Christmas

It really didn't take much time at all...just a few rerun episodes of Grey's Anatomy and I was done!

So, scrapbooks and scrapbook pages make a FANTASTIC present. Just be warned, if you give a scrapbook or scrapbook pages as a gift...they may want more!

whatever is frosty

2012-01-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

Looks like this is all the frost I'm going to see around here this week! It's hard to believe that it's the first week in January and I haven't had to wear boots yet!

This tag, with its Fiskars grass border punch masquerading as an icicle punch, was in the December issue of GingerScrapsStreet.

whatever you need to be inspired

2012-01-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

can be found at Scrapstreet! http://scrapstreet.com/magazine/magazinehome.htm

The January issue is FULL of fabulous ideas! Take a peek at my article, Graffiti, (starting on page 8) where I asked for submissions inspired by the splatter of artist, Jackson Pollock. From subtle to drippy, the creations are awesome! I also have a white layout on page 18 and a tiny winter thank you card on page 12. Scrapstreet is keeping me busy!

Whatever...my one little word

2012-01-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

I didn't do so well with my "loving" word last year. The perfectionist in me wants me to keep the word until I get it right, but instead I've let a new word find me. I'm going with "whatever". And while at first glance, it may seem like sort of a "blah", negative word (like, "what do you want for dinner--whatever"). It came to me in a Christmas card I received with this bible quote:

Whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable;
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things.
(Philippians 4:8)

So, my word is "whatever".
I will take "whatever" wherever it will lead me.

Today, it has lead me to show you "whatever is sparkly". These are my ATCs (artist trading cards) for the Disney swap over at Fiskateers. And, if any of my swap partners are seeing this, they are getting a sneak peak before I pop these into the mail this week.

I LOVE the movie "Finding Nemo" and I loved making these sparkly, dimensional cards. I used glittery paper, my Copic markers (to color some free Nemo clip art I found on the internet), ribbon scraps, a Fiskars leafy border punch, and do you see those bubbles? They are hot glue (actually, cooled hot glue).

Creating in this small size may feel limiting to some, but to me, I'm thinking how much stuff can I get on a card that is 2 1/2" by 3 1/2"? Answer...a lot! And, it still fits in its card sleeve!

Best wishes for you, your one little word, your resolutions, and a wonderful 2012!

~Kelly

Pinecones for the Tree

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

Even if the gift inside the box is store-bought, having a little home-made topper can make a good present, extra-special. These pinecone ornaments are just perfect for that. I learned to make them ages ago, and decided to add a few new ones to my collection this year. For the ornament above, I used paper from Bella Blvd.'s new Winter Wonder collection, called Ski Slopes.

To make your own, you will need...

-a small styrofoam egg

-pins

-paper (or ribbon) cut into 1" wide strips, then cut into 1 1/2" long

pieces. You will use about six, 1 inch strips.

-ribbon

-tacky glue

Fold the rectangles of paper to a point (not true triangles), as seen in the photo. Place each folded paper onto the egg, pinning at the two top corners.

The key to getting the pinecone shape started, is to pin 3 of the folded rectangles so their bottom points meet at the bottom of the egg (you can see this in the picture below). Then, you just keep going around pinning the pieces at each corner, covering the pins of the row underneath as you go.

Once you get to the top, slide the pins under the fold (see below).

Loop some ribbon on a pin (I used a pearl-topped headpin for this), making your first loop a big one so you can use it for hanging on the tree. Dip the pin in some tacky glue before sticking it into the top of the pinecone.

Here are a few I made with ribbon. They are hanging on the tree, just ready and waiting if I need to attach them to the top of a package.

I hope you have all of your shopping done and can take some time to sit back and relish in some holiday memories as they happen. Make sure you get some photos too!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

still playing tag

2011-12-11T06:07:00.001-08:00

So having Whooping Cough does have it's advantages. I have been able to play along with Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas. Each one has been a delight, and I have a new favorite (or 2, or 3). This one at the top is literally a "Where's Waldo" of tags. I couldn't go quite as "steampunk" as Tim's tag, but I love the hodge-podge of items. I got to color the Grinch with my Copic markers and found that all of those embellishments waiting to be used in my stash can be looked at in a whole different way when thinking Christmas.

The next tag I couldn't wait to try because of the technique for the background. First I stamped the pattern with red, and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. Next, I blended in the green all over the tag (and over the red, but since it was embossed it remained prominent). I covered the whole tag in clear embossing powder (flicked some off) and then heat embossed again. This makes the red part double embossed and raised. It reminds me of wallpaper and has a texture you just want to touch.

I didn't have any of the Candlestick dies he used, so I die-cut some flourishes and put them together to create a custom candle-stick holder. Using glossy accents randomly on the candle makes it look like it's dripping wax.

I just love the traditional colors on this one!

This last tag was putzy. Creating those ornaments was a lot of work but such a great technique transferring the paper image onto packing tape. Go watch his instructions: www.timholtz.typepad.com

It truly gives you the look of vintage ornaments.

December is going by quickly.

BELIEVE

that you can enjoy the holiday and its celebrations

while still trying to get all you can on your "to do" list.

Before and After Gift Bag

2011-12-09T02:00:00.001-08:00

If you are like me, you don't like to throw away those cute shopping bags that stores give you this time of year. The problem is, I don't want the store's GIANT logo across the bag if I am going to give it to someone else (especially if the gift inside isn't from that store). So, I give you before and after.

First, I used some Distress Inks to "grunge" up the bag a little big. The white was just a little too stark for the images I was going to be adding. I then covered the logo with hunter green cardstock that I punched with a border punch on all 4 sides (this is an adorable Fiskars border punch with a row of evergreens. It's from last year's Limited Winter Edition.). I used some white dabber paint to make snow on the trees. Lastly, I used Versamark ink to stamp on some shadow-effect snowflakes.

I cut out some images from an old Die Cuts with A View Christmas pack. I cut out each image twice and trimmed one. With some pop-dots underneath, I raised the smaller image and affixed it to the larger one to give it a shadow-box effect. I dabbed on some white paint around all of the edge and embellished with Stickles. Everything looks better with some Stickles, don't you think?

Speed tag

2011-12-08T06:16:00.001-08:00

So, I cheated on this one. I did not use Tim's reverse stamp on acrylic technique. I took from his design the green/red color combo and the wreath. Sometimes, you have to go with the simple. I love this polka dot paper from Kaiser Craft and I clear embossed the white dots to add some texture. I like this little cherub I found in my stash too~perfect dangling from the top of the tag.

Tag~You're It! I have 2 more tags done!

2011-12-04T13:20:00.001-08:00

I've already finished one more tag than I did in all of last year's twelve! Being sick and confined to the house does have its advantages!

For the snowman tag, Tim chose shades of blue. As I've mentioned before, purple and I have a long history. I saw this tag as my chance to "Kellyfy" it with some purple pizazz! Tim used acrylic/acetate for the snowflakes on the side, and while I did make one (it's kind of hiding behind the snowman), I wanted something that was more visible, so I went with vellum. I love the way he pulled tulle through the button holes, so I did that too. And, while I admired his snowman's "25", I added some dimension with one more snowflake.

For the tag below (Tim's Tag #3), I used my large Fiskars Stamp Press to arrange all sorts of Christmas stamps from Kaiser Craft and Close to My Heart to make a hodge podge. I then embossed it with a snowflake pattern, added some greenery, berries (love that idea to just color clear ones with your own inks/markers), and some twine to finish. I like that he throws an easy one in once in awhile.

So, I'm sick. A cough you can probably hear through your computer speakers.

No housework done. No Christmas cards done. Minimal Christmas decorations done. No cookies done. But, I have priorities. 4 tags done.

2 tags from T!m

2011-12-03T09:47:00.001-08:00

While some people long for December to listen to Christmas songs (I'm one of those crazies that start doing this on November 1st), or start Christmas shopping, or celebrateAdvent and Jesus' birth, I am awaiting...Tim Holtz' 12 Tags of Christmas. I only found this magnificent event last year, but this is his 5th. I've promised myself that whatever I can get done is great. Last year, I made 3 tags. This year, I am already 2 for 2.

Tim Holtz (www.timholtz.typepad.com) is a magnificent teacher. I love and respect all of the techniques he teaches with his laid back style. But, for me the challenge and the fun comes in trying to re-create what he did with items I have. In this tag below, I don't have the giant reindeer that Tim uses, so I decided to use these 2 small ones. I improvised with my own stamps, brads, and border punch. I did pound a nail into my brads like he did to give them that "worn" look. I did get a little over-zealous with the pounding and pounded all the way through on the first one~oops!

In the "noel" tag at the top, I loved Tim's technique for creating the pinecones. I cut my own spiral circle using some Paper Shapers from Provocraft. When was the last time you dug those out of the bottom of your drawer? They give a perfect edge for the pinecone. I added some Stickles and they almost look real.

For greenery, I just started punching and cutting with every punch, die, and stamp I had. This NOEL tag has become my new favorite.

Noel (Christmas) is coming. How crafty are you in December?

A Big thank You on a Mini Card

2011-11-18T02:39:00.001-08:00

Short on time? Make a short card! I was recently part of a mini-card swap and it got me thinking (sometimes that can be dangerous). But, it was so rewarding to get so many cards done in a short amount of time. And, I had to be extra-clever to see how many embellishments I could fit on such a small canvas. I wasn't going to make any Thanksgiving cards, but this mini one came together so quick and easy, it will be perfect to pop onto a bottle of wine. It's hard to tell from this picture, but it is only 2 inches x 2 inches in size. I used a small cornucopia Sizzix die and cut it on the fold (I placed the fold within the boundaries of the die so the fold doesn't get cut, thus creating the card). A little bling on the fruit (also a Sizzix die) and I am "thankful". Thankful that sometimes I can be satifsyingly quick!

I am thankful for many things...and I count Scrapstreet followers as one of those things to be thankful for. Thank you for the time you devote to commenting, the submissions you send us, and motivating us with your ideas. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ~Kelly

anything but GRAY

2011-11-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here in the mid-west we have entered the gray season. Gray sky. Gray trees. Gray clothing. Feeling gray. To counter-act this mood, I am using ANYTHING but gray. Bold colors all the way as I scrap these pictures of happier spring times.

I love this graphic, bright paper that I used as a border. It can be really hard to decide how to use such a strong design without overwhelming the whole page and the pictures. Adding texture to the solid colors pulled from the pattern give the page a balance. I think these boys could have used some balance. What I didn't catch, is a picture of them falling down as they lost theirs.

Me?...it's only November and I'm longing for these brighter, bolder colored days already. It's going to be a long winter.

Wisconsin Fiskateers know how to PARTY!

2011-11-10T16:24:00.001-08:00

Just a big "thank you" to everyone for a fun day! We scrapped, tried new Fiskars goodies, traded "scrap", made cards, worked on projects, played "Crafty Minute to Win It" games, and ate yummy food!

I hope we can do it again!

And, a super big "thank you" to

The Scrapbook Store

for letting us party at your place!

TAG!...you're it!

2011-11-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

I don't make tags very often. In fact, I don't play tag very often either. But for this challenge...I got to "play" with tags. A tutorial over on the Fiskateer blog got me started punching, white-washing, layering, coloring, stringing, and adding ribbon, I just couldn't stop.

I started with a cereal box. 2 points for me for being "green"! I cut out 2 tag shapes and then glued on some punches (a Martha Stewart apple for one and a Fiskars "Oakey Dokey" leaf for the other). I glued these on and then started adding other items. I just started digging around through my stash of "scrap" and found all sorts of interesting things...felt circles, buttons, fringe, lace, twine. You know, all of those bits and pieces that are just too precious to throw away yet tend to sit in the bottom of your bin. Now is your chance to use that little 1 inch scrap of ribbon that you've been hoarding, I mean, saving. After I glued these items on, I added some water to some white acrylic paint and white-washed the whole tag. I wiped some off in some areas and left the white on in others.

After the tags dried, I added some color with paints, inks, oil pastels, stickles, and then added a simple phrase to each tag. I covered them all with Mod Podge and let them dry. They took a

L O N G time to dry. I had to practice my patience! Finally, I punched holes in the top and added more ribbon scraps. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I could make 1000 tags and still not put much of a dent in my ribbon scraps. Well, maybe a 1000 would make a dent.

A big "thank you" to Lead Fiskateer Cheryl for getting me to "play tag". Let's see your tags. These would be great to add to a bottle of wine as a hostess gift, don't you think?

Show me your splatter!

2011-10-26T02:00:00.001-07:00

Show me your splatter!
Show me your drips!
Show me your misty mess!
Impress me with your blobs!

Why?
I want to know how you can be inspired by art. Specifically, the work of abstract, expressionist, Jackson Pollock. He is famous for his techinque of pouring and dripping paint onto a canvas he had placed on the floor. Now, I'm not saying you need to put your card or layout on the floor (klutz that I am, I would have it all over the carpet), but let me see your take on this technique.

A quick internet search of Jackson Pollock will introduce you to his work and get you thinking. It worked for me...

Did you know that Distress Stains make great splats?

I splatted my cardstock with 3 different shades of Tim Holtz' Distress Stains, and then spritzed with water. I let it dry, and added these simple embellishments (a ribbon scrap, "celebrate", and a chipboard "u" that I "bling-ed" with gold glitter).

(inside: cuz baby you're a firework! Have a fabulous birthday!)

So, you've been inspired...what do you do now?

Submit your creation to Scrapstreet Magazine for my submission call. Graffiti, is a feature in each issue of Scrapstreet (actually, it will be a feature of Scrapstreet, this is my first request). I'll be highlighting a different artist or technique in each issue, and then asking you to show me how the artists can influence your scrappy creations. So, go! Now! I'm waiting....create, and then show me your splatter! Send it to submissions@scrapstreet.com. The deadline is midnight, October 30th. Please keep the image size around 600x600 pixels.

And, yes...your creation is good enough to be seen by others.

***On a side note, go visit www.tatertotsandjello.com, sign up to win a new Silhouette Cameo. If you aren't supposed to run with scissors, can you still run with a cutting machine? hmmm...pondering.

I tried to resist

2011-10-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to start.
I held off as long as I could.
I tried to resist.
I REALLY tried to resist.

My self-control is poor.

Temptation won.
I'm talking about...
Copic markers.

I took a Copic card class a few weeks ago and it brought back some memories. It gave me that same feeling I got from coloring in my Strawberry Shortcake and Land of the Lost coloring books when I was little. At that time, there was nothing like the smell of a new box of pointy, shiny Crayolas. The big box of 64. With the built-in crayon sharpener. It was SO cool! Now, it's Copic markers.

So far, I am exhibiting good self-control. I've only bought enough to get started. This week my practice was these cute little green friends from Studio g.

BEST WITCHES!

Best Witches...for a Halloween that will make you scream!

Best witches...for a sparkly birthday!

Best witches for a scrappy week!

Supplies: Paper: assorted scraps, Stamp: Studio g, Markers: Copic , Ink: Tsukinenko/Memento, Glitter Glue: Ranger Industries/Stickles, Tools: Punches: Fiskars

Pumpkinspiration

2011-10-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

I'm a guest over at www.bugaboominimrme.blogspot.com today! It is PUMPKINSPIRATION time! There are paper crafts, home decor, Halloween and Fall decorations, and more, more, more. She even lets you take a peak at her Pumpkin Pinterest board! Here is a sneak peak at my creation...

WARNING! Crafty kid ahead!

2011-10-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Witches...goblins...ghosts...all trying to get their hands on my scrappy paper supplies! So, this week, I gave in! My daughter and I created a simple, funky, paper pumpkin.

First take some double-sided Halloween paper (or if you want to be "high-maintenance", like my daughter, have your child insist that you glue 2 single-sided sheets together). Curve the paper in half (don't fold or crease). The side that you fold "out" will be the inside when you are done, so think carefully about which side you want to see more of. Use clothespins to hold the paper in place while your child cuts from the curved fold toward the edges, stopping about 1 inch before the edge. We used some fun paper edgers, but regular scissors will do too.



Cut strips one inch wide all the way to the end and remove your holding clips.



This is where a parent is needed, or someone capable of using a hot glue gun safely. Lay a strip of hot glue on the edge of one side of your "inside" paper. Turning your paper "right side out", line up the edges and adhere.

Using a strip of scrap paper 1" x 2", hot glue this scrap to the inside edge of your rings.


Add a dab of hot glue to the end of the scrap paper and bring your rings around to connect and make a circle. This could be a cool wreath too!



Now, according to "Fancy Nancy", everything is better when it is "accesorized". This paper pumpkin is still not looking too "pumpkiny".   So, we cut strips of paper and used our Fiskars Leaves Border Punch to make vines. We wrapped the border strips around pencils to give them that "real" vine look.



We added a crunched-up, used, paper lunch bag as our stem in the center to finish off our accessorizing.

Wouldn't you love to find this funky pumpkin in your garden? According to my daughter, it looks "MAHVELOUS"!

Supplies: Patterned Paper: Recollections, Tools: Paper Edgers: ProvoCraft, Border Punch: Fiskars, Other: cardstock, hot glue sticks and hot glue gun, brown paper lunch bag (used, recycle!)

quick, a winner

2011-10-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

Just a quick check-in to let you know that I am here, but my computer is not. Bad virus (bad, bad, virus) hit it hard on Tuesday and I've been checking in from my ipod (which isn't easy). Just didn't want anyone to think I forgot about the Fiskateer Orange Blog Hop winner....Kim C. is my winner and goodies will be coming her way. Hope to have my computer back next week and a new post on the 12th, here and on Scrapstreet.

BOING, BOING, BLOG HOP! Howdy Fiskateers!

2011-10-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy hopping to everyone who is here for the

Fiskateer Orange Blog Hop!

If you hopped over from doverdi at http://www.craftingthismoment.blogspot.com/ ,
you are in the right place! This is the 10th stop on the Orange Blog Hop where members of Fiskateers, a community sponsored by Fiskars, is sharing their passion for crafting. If you need to start from the beginning, go over to Fiskateers and hop on.

Yes, visiting all of the blogs on the Fiskateer blog hop is going to take some time.
No, you shouldn't watch the clock.
Yes, you will be so inspired you might fall off your chair.
No, it won't hurt.
Yes, we all are sharing Fiskateer love!
YES, I'm giving away some goodies if you leave a comment.
YES, I have more exciting news at the end of this post!

Autumn is my FAVORITE time of year. I love the smells, the colors, the cool temps, the crunch of the leaves. I decided to bring some autumn into the house by creating my own tree!

I punched out some leaves from yellow cardstock using my Fiskars Oakey Dokey squeeze punch. In case you are not a regular follower of my blog (and why aren't you?), you may not know that I NAMED THIS PUNCH!!! Isn't that cool? Just one of the many reasons I love Fiskars!

To re-create the rainbow of fall colors on my leaves, I wiped inks on my splat mat and misted them with water. Then I dragged the leaves through the colors to get that real-leaf effect. While they were wet with ink, I squished and folded them and let them dry overnight.

When they dried, I punched tiny holes in the leaves using my Fiskars 1/16" hole punch. I made the tree by cutting 25-30 pieces of different lengths (approximately 5-7 inches) of wire and twisting them together at the bottom. I then wrapped the "trunk" with twine. I stabilized the leaves onto the wire with Zots glue dots and curled the ends of some of the wires using a round nose pliers.

I sanded and distress stained a 5x7 wood frame that I got from The Dollar Store. I popped out the glass, and I placed my tree on some patterned paper (from Kaiser Craft) that I "swiss-dot" embossed with my Big Shot and a Cuttlebug folder, and then distress inked. I added a Tim Holtz "autumn" sticker and I AM DONE!

This is the fastest and easiest way to grow your own tree! Ok, you still need water, but no seeds! And, you won't ever need to rake these leaves!

Now for EXCITEMENT!

Leave a comment and you will be entered for a chance to win some crafty goodies! Make sure you check back on Monday to see if you are a winner!

Now for MORE EXCITEMENT!

Not only is today the Orange Fiskateer Blog Hop, it is my debut as a writer for Scrapstreet and GingerScrapsStreet magazine... the October issues of Scrapstreet and GingerScrapsStreet magazine come out TODAY! If you have not gone to Scrapstreet yet, what are you waiting for? It is free...did you hear me? IT IS FREE. After you are done hopping this weekend, you will probably be tired. By Monday, you might want to go take a relaxing walk on Scrapstreet.

Become a Scrapstreet subscriber...make me smile!

I have a submission call out for some "Graffiti" for the January Scrapstreet issue...see if you can create what I am looking for!

Now for even MORE excitement...I don't know, can you handle anymore? Keep hopping...your next stop is Connie's Crafty Goodies at http://www.craftygoodies.com/. Sit back, relax, put springs on your your shoes, and keep HOPPING!

APPLE-LICIOUS

2011-09-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

you are special...and your birthday should be too. Have a wonderful day!

Juicy, crisp, and satisfying. I adore apples. We have an orchard nearby where the trees are drooping from the weight of these pure and simple fruits. This time we picked Jonagolds, and they are sunny yellow and scrumptious. They make an audible crunch when you sink your teeth in and the juice drips down your chin. We picked 20# of apples in about 5 minutes. They are so scrumptious, they inspired me to make some apple cards.

so sweet...of you to think of me! Thank you
learning is a treasure...that will follow its owner everywhere-Chinese proverb

World Card Making Day is October 1st. You should also "hop" back here to visit on October 1st because I'm part of the Fiskateer 2nd Annual Orange Blog Hop. It's an exciting day all around because my first issue as a Scrapstreet magazine writer comes out on October 1st too. Are you a subscriber yet...did I mention it was free? for FREE? Head over there so that you get it right to your email box on Saturday. Click on Scrapstreet to subscribe. I think there might be some goodies being given away in honor of all of these exciting events!

Be-witching

2011-09-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

Where do you go when you've lost it? The mojo that is. Sometimes I just seem to move things around and re-arrange my crafty stuff so that I can trick myself into thinking that I haven't lost it. The mojo that is.

Last year I bought this Halloween banner kit from The Scrappy Gourmet. Apparently it was just waiting for me to crack it open when I needed it the most. Maybe I just don't want to admit that it's fall. Fall is my FAVORITE season, but it also reminds me that we are headed toward winter (NOT my favorite season). This kit is just what I needed to make me want to embrace this time. While I was working on it, I started getting this feeling. It was warm and fuzzy and kind of made my head hurt. I think it was some mojo returning! I started pulling out paper, making my fingers inky, and writing things down! That's how fast the ideas were coming! You might even see more than 1 blog post per week (maybe I shouldn't get carried away).

Back to this kit...it's called "The Witching Hour", by Sheila Rumney. Since this is the first kit I've bought from The Scrappy Gourmet, I have nothing to compare it to, but this one was FULL of texture, graphics, ribbons, brads, and chipboard. I had to paint, ink, punch, glitter, and sand. There were so many steps, that this kept me busy for a few nights. I give it two inky thumbs up!

Monster Love Notes

2011-09-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, I remember to stick a quick love note in my kids' lunches. Once in a great while (like when the planets are aligned) I make a cute scrappy note to stick in their lunches. Well, get ready for an eclipse, because today, lunch note love was high on my priority list. And, I had promised some friends that I would show them how to make these cute cards that fold up like a box.

Make a template (I used a cereal box) of a 4 1/2 diameter circle and a 4 1/2 inch square. Fold the circle into exactly two equal parts. Using these templates, trace them onto a sheet of patterned paper. I traced with a black marker to show you, but you'll want to use light pencil lines. Then, cut out your pattern, and crease on the pencil lines.

I stamped and cut out these adorable monsters from Close to My Heart to carry my lunch thoughts. Fiskars scalloped squeeze punches (I used Cameo Appearance) make great "bites" out of a cookie. Now it is time to creatively fold...

Bottoms up...

then fold the left flap over the bottom...

the top flap over the left...

and tuck the lower part of the right flap into the bottom.

Seal up the top, write an address on the back, and you can mail without using an envelope!

So, my kids may like that they received a love note in their lunch. They may not like that the monster ate their cookies!

Supplies: Paper: Reminisce, My Mind's Eye, Close to My Heart, The Paper Studio, Stamp: Close to My Heart, Tools: Squeeze Punch: Fiskars

This post is also my first as a Scrapstreet Magazine.com writer...

go take a walk on...

www.scrapstreet.blogspot.com

Scrapstreet Anniversary

2011-09-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

My happy dance is slowing down now as I get ready for my projects as a new writer for
Scrapstreet Magazine. In the meantime, it is Scrapstreet's 6th Anniversary, and there is a BIG prize. Go check it out on the Scrapstreet Blog. Then, come back here tomorrow to see my first blog for Scrapstreet!

I'm "churning the butter"

2011-09-03T04:18:00.000-07:00

"Churning the butter" is my happy dance. Why am I doing a happy dance? I'm so happy you asked. I have EXCITING news. I am now a writer for Scrapstreet. Check out the announcement... http://scrapstreet.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-to-our-new-writers.html

And a big announcement like that deserves a new blog design, don't you think?

I should have named her "Emmy"

2011-09-03T04:15:00.000-07:00

At least one of my family members was willing to help me celebrate my achievement. You see, I named one of the new Fiskars Limited Edition Fall Squeeze Punches...it's an oak leaf, that I named "Oakey Dokey". Angela, Lead Fiskateer, encouraged us to share our news in a unique way. The video below is actually a twist on a video that Lead Fiskateers Angela and Rebecca did. Theirs was MUCH better, but we had a good time. Me and my ONE family cheerleader. What you can't see on the video is the rest of my family rolling their eyes at how goony we are.

mosaic missing you

2011-08-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm up for a challenge...actually, any challenge will do when I feel like procrastinating yard work. And painting a door. And putting up a tile backsplash. And laundry. Lead Fiskateer, Rebecca, has an August card sketch here . Since I've been away from school/work for a few weeks, apparently I have lost my ability to count. The sketch is 4x4, mine is 5x5...so it's an INTERPRETATION of Rebecca's sketch. The card, for a co-worker, who will be missing the first month of work while she recovers from pneumonia. Get well soon!

Sweet stuff

2011-08-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm loving my new Fiskars Fresh Fruit stamp set. There is something so satisfying about the crisp image that you get from red rubber stamps that you just can't get with clear ones.

Oakey Dokey!

2011-08-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Fall is in the air...that means I don't need to look far for inspiration. There are already flowers drying out and a few leaves brown and shriveled on the grass. My "Oakey Dokey" Fiskars Squeeze Punch (that I named, see my last post if you missed the announcement) arrived just as I see these inspirations around me.

I created my own paper using Tim Holtz Distress Stains and then punch, punch, punched out some leaves. I crinkled, folded, and rounded the leaves as I glued each one on. Not that I want summer to end, but I do LOVE the falling leaves and cooler weather.

A box in the mail--toot toot

2011-08-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

A box in the mail...
from Fiskars...
hmmm....
what could it be?...
2 new Fall punches with notes attached...
"Congrats! You named this punch!"
Starry Night and Oakey Dokey
One of the benefits of being a Fiskateer is that you get invited to take surveys regarding designs and names.

I'm off to create... more photos later!

Purple "POP"

2011-08-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

I love a challenge! And, when I can add a bit of purple (my FAVORITE color) into the challenge, I can't pass it up! Tami (Lead Fiskateer) has posted the August Color Challenge--use black and white and a "pop" of color (your choice). No surprise that I picked PURPLE! I love these Hero Arts stamps so much, that I couldn't stop at just one card. After I fussy-cut out the stamped images, I used gel pens (silver metallic and clear sparkle) on some of the petals to add some dimension and pizazz!

Mini-book...Big on-line crop

2011-07-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

Those Fiskateers have me MOVING today! Two blog posts in one day! WOW! First, a pinwheel card (scroll down if you missed it this morning) and NOW, a mini-book tutorial.

This mini-book is great as a small gift for birthdays. Or, you could fill it with school pictures, graduation photos, inspirational quotes, or as a baby gift. A new mom could keep this small book in her diaper bag and always have pictures ready to share.

If you try this project, let me see it! I'll post your project right here on my blog!

Go create!

Pinwheel

2011-07-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, a pinwheel was a special treat. I remember twirling myself around trying to find the perfect breeze that would send my pinwheel on a spinning frenzy. Well, this pinwheel isn't going to spin in the wind, but it does capture a good memory. I made this pinwheel for a "folding" challenge on the Fiskateer blog. What have you created that refreshes a childhood memory in you?

straightening out a smile

2011-07-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

As I was browsing through my Google Reader...I came across an inspiring LO done by Miss Hippy

Chick/Sarah, seen here . I knew I had a single picture that would be perfect for this. Where Sarah used lace around her picture, I used a Fiskars border punch and then folded the paper carelessly on purpose. I like that phrase, "carelessly on purpose." I might use that as a page title. I love digging around in my "embellishment box" and seeing what I can come up with to complete my LO. This time it was a compass rose transparency, a chipboard tog, and a flat metal filligree. What is lying at the bottom of your embellishment pile that you haven't used yet?

Vroom

2011-06-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Ready...Set...Go! This guy is ready for the Pinewood Derby. I hand drew and colored those checkered flags, only to find out later that I had a checkered background stamp. Oh, you know you have too much "scrap" when you can't remember what you have. These little route markers and stop signs came from my Secret Sister over on Fiskateers. They came in the mail yesterday and were just perfect for this layout.

my AnTC (Artist non-Trading Card)

2011-06-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

I had lost that crafty feeling...
I hadn't been scrapping...
My desk was covered with "scrap"...
But, my friends at Fiskateers are pulling me out of my slump. Rebecca (and Don) got me motivated to create an ATC with their challenge...use something other than paper as the base.

-I loosely strung assorted seed beads onto two 1 yard lengths of wire. (There are only beads on about 1/2 the length of the wire). This goes by really fast if you are watching "So You Think You Can Dance." (I'm so excited for the new season!)
-I wrapped one wire around a piece of ATC size (2 1/2" x 3 1/2") heavy cardstock. I spread the beads apart as I wrapped, so in some places the wire is bare.
-I wrapped the other wire around in the opposite direction
-I wove purple ribbon through the wires to give it some stability and tied it at the corners
-Using a small piece of linen textile specialty paper (from The Paper Company), I rubbed purple and pink ink pads on my splat mat, and misted the ink with water, and ran the paper over the liquid
-I dried that with my heat gun, and then used Versamark ink to stamp the heart.
-I used Winter Wonderland (from Stampenous) embossing powder on the heart and got out the heat gun again.
-I printed out "2 create" on some paper, glued it to some polka dot ribbon, attached it to the linen paper, and thinly hot glued the whole thing onto the wire base.

I'm calling this an Artist non-Trading Card because I'm keeping this one for ME!
Maybe I haven't lost that crafty feeling!

Birthday treats

2011-05-29T14:02:00.001-07:00

Who wouldn't want to receive this jar as a special birthday treat? I don't think I can fit cupcakes in there even though there are these cute ones on it, complete with sprinkles. My co-worker is getting this filled with Swedish fish, her favorite--and MINE too! What would you want in your jar?

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week

2011-05-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

"Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best." - Bob Talbert

My children have been blessed with wonderful, WONDERFUL teachers. This "Don't forget..." note station will be perfect on their desk.

All you need is:
- a picture frame (I found mine at a local Dollar Store)
-paper and embellishments (I'm sure you can find some in your stash)
-a dry erase marker
-sticky backed Velcro (a small piece of hard and soft)

Measure the size of your frame, and cut two sheets of light colored paper to that size. I embossed my paper by running it through my Big Shot with two different Sizzix texture plates. I cut the now embossed paper into 1 inch strips and weaved the two different patterns together.

I added a "don't forget" header at the top and a strip of patterned paper at the bottom. I used Fiskars border punches (In Stitches and Apron Lace) on the strips and punched some flowers with the Fiskars "press star now" Squeeze punch for embellishments. I velcroed the Dry Erase marker to the glass and now their teachers will always be ready to jot a quick note to themselves.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all those who have devoted their lives to teaching!

Crazy for ribbon

2011-04-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

I've been experimenting with my Fiskars tools again. A small token gift always looks better when it's wrapped with "pizazz". I used my Fiskars Apron Lace border punch on both sides of 1 inch strips of paper. I glued 3 strips together to have 1 yard of lacy paper ribbon to work with. With some loops, wire, and a Seal of Approval scalloped center, this gift bag gets a makeover!

My button jar is topped with a ribbon surprise! By cutting 6 strips with my Fiskars Sure Cut Trimmer, layering, and then using some glue dots and thread, this ribbon can go from flat to "POP!" with just a slide of my fingers.

Being a kid

2011-04-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for this project comes from childhood memories. Shrinky Dinks. I remember begging my mom to let us get Shrinky Dinks. After making our creations, we would press our noses to the oven door to watch them curl and shrink.

Well, I'm not a little kid anymore, but Shrinky Dinks are still around. I decided to use the shrink plastic to create a fun birthday gift for my 7 year old niece, who happens to be very fashionable. Right now, she adores the "mis-matched" craze right down to her feet. She loves to wear socks that are similar colors but different patterns and tights that have polka dots on one side and stripes on the other. I decided to make her mis-matched earrings.

Using my Fiskars "Seal of Approval" Squeeze punch, I punched out 2 shapes from the shrink plastic. I stamped a "Happy Birthday" with a Fiskars stamp onto the plastic using Stazon ink, and after they dried, I turned them over and colored the opposite side with permanent paint markers.

Here is where technology is great! No more waiting with my nose pressed to the oven window...my heat gun works fabulously! I slowly wave the gun over the shrink plastic shapes as they curl, shrink, and then flatten.

I glued earring hardware onto the back and created a tendy purse card to make a presentation.

What inspires you from your childhood? Spirograph? Etch a Sketch?

Me, I'm going to go look for my Fashion Plates.

Hexagons

2011-04-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

I am many things...a wife, a mom, a physical therapist, a Fiskateer, a housework procrastinator, a crafter...but, I am NOT a quilter. I want to be a quilter, but it just doesn't seem meant to be. Sure, I can sew straight lines, but the artist in me just can't handle all of the precise measurements required of quilting. Some might disagree, but I think paper is much more forgiving.

A vintage penny quilt is my inspiration for this paper table runner. I've always admired how the perfectly shaped stacks of circles connected with tiny stitches are so simple yet produce such magnificent results. So, no, I am not a quilter, but I do know how to improvise.

First, I made a diagram based on the number of rows I would need to make a hexagon approximately 24 inches in diameter. It all started with 1 circle and 6 circles around it. Each row added 6 more circles (1, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36). To get the size I wanted, I was going to need 127 base shapes, with 127 centers.

Using the Large and Extra Large sizes of the Fiskars "Seal of Approval" and "Round 'n Round" squeeze punches made this job easy. I made my center "penny" and then, on the first row, I used the XL Seal of Approval as the base, and the Large Round 'n Round as the center, For the next row, I switched and used the XL Round 'n Round as the base and the Large Seal of Approval as the center. I continued alternating these shapes until I had all that I needed. For the last row, I decided to layer with 3 shapes and used the XL Round 'n Round, the XL Seal of Approval, and the Large Round 'n Round.

Using my Fiskars Sure Cut Paper Trimmer made cutting the 12 inch by 1/4 inch connecting strips an easy job. After arranging and gluing the first six strips into symmetrical angles of approximately 60 degrees, I began gluing on each of the "pennies" with tape runner adhesive.

I just kept adding and attaching more strips as I added each row. As I got further out from the center, I would gently pick up the runner from the table--where there seemed to be a gap between rows, I would add a small strip for stability. I continued this method until I had all 7 rows attached.

The end result is a "vintage" paper penny table runner...a great centerpiece for the dining room table. I could even frame it and hang it on the wall. Maybe, I am a quilter after all. And, maybe, I'll give that material quilting method another try someday. Maybe.

I ALMOST missed my own BLOGIVERSARY!

2011-03-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! 1 year. Thanks to my followers who have kept me motivated! Cheers to the another 365!

This weekend I'm joining in Lead Fiskateer Tami's Winter Stamp Out. Yes, I am trying to stamp out winter! At least for another 8 months or so. Here are some of my creations. Notice the spring colors...I'm wishing and hoping to please the spring fairies! Check out the fun at Fiskateers.

For the "pastel" challenge

For the "numbers" challenge

For the "black and white" challenge

Quick cards...trying something new

2011-02-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

Two quick cards thanks to Tami's technique that she shared over at Fiskateers. I used black pigment ink to stamp these 2 images, and then heated up with black embossing powder. I "painted" the images using a water brush and some white acrylic paint(Tami had used white ink, but I CAN'T FIND MINE or my splat mat either---daughters! hhmmph!)

On the tulip card, I added glossy accents. On the medallion card (the medallion is from Holly Berry House), I cut out the image and layered it on some paper that I dry embossed with a damask design (Cuttlebug folder) and some black damask-designed paper from Pink Paislee.
I like this simple, subtle look of the white against the Kraft colored paper.

Be my Valentine

2011-02-13T16:59:00.001-08:00

Just a few last-minute cards...and I do mean last-minute...you only have about 5 more hours, maybe 11 if you can be the first one up.

This is the inside of one of the cards...it's "bursting" with love.

I punched a circle and then spiral cut it. I attached each end to one side of the inside of the card and attached a whole bunch of little hearts..."bursting" with love.

I hope you and your loved ones are all "bursting" with love tomorrow.

Happy Valentine's Day!

no words needed...VICTORY is SWEET

2011-02-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

Snowy Demo

2011-01-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

Maybe I should have included something about not neglecting my blog as one of my New Year Resolutions...hmmm

While everyone can't be at CHA in California this week, the Fiskateers know how to celebrate on-line...with a crop! Get your ORANGE on!

Here is my project for Challenge #2 (a demo)
I used my ZIG glue pen to make a frame of dots and snow flake shapes around my photo

I sprinkled on some Flower-soft (www.flower-soft.com) in Polar White...

shook off the excess... and ooh-la-la...a snowstorm on my page!

Flower-soft may become my new obsession for 2011!

How do you measure a year?

2010-12-30T17:55:00.001-08:00

365 days... 8,760 hours...525,600 minutes...31,536,000 seconds...(don't check my math).

I've been blessed with another year. A year of joys, tears, successes, fears, love.

2010 is the year I started this blog. And, while I may not have "chatted" as much as I would have liked, I am thankful to have this outlet. Even if no one is listening or reading or looking. It's mine.

In the last 24 hours, I've made a list.

11 goals for 2011.

I still have about 24 hours to change and re-arrange...

-----------------------------------------------

#1-Make time and take time to read.

#2-Finish our family Christmas photo mini-book. Book is made--it has no photos in it.

#3-Start a recipe scrapbook. Family favorites all in one place.

#4-Be ok with saying "no" to requests

#5-MOVE some everyday...even if it is 5 minutes. Preferably 15 minutes.

#6-Push, explore, and share my scrapping abilities. DT? I'm aiming for a secret something that I'm not willing to share yet.

#7-Initiate photo re-organization using Stacy Julian's Library of Memories method. Be ok with however far I get.

#8-Spend more time with girlfriends.

#9-Prayer and reflection everyday (and not in desperation)

#10- Dedication to a picture a day with...

#11- LOVING...my "one little word" for the year. Inspired by Ali Edwards project...read here for more details... http://aliedwards.com/2007/01/one-little-word-3.html . At the end of the year, I want to make a book with those 365 photos all reflecting on this one little word...LOVING

I'll focus on what I am LOVING each day. Finding something LOVING in each day. Recognizing LOVING that is happening in each day. What's your one little word?

These are my last layouts (from Fiskateers Liftateers) of 2010.

I am LOVING these.

Happy New Year~may it be a special one.

Where to put those gift cards....hmmm

2010-12-20T06:05:00.001-08:00

I had some neighborhood friends over last night for a "wrap" party, and I taught all of them how to make these great gift card holders. They were all skeptical when I told them to bring over empty toilet paper rolls! But, we flattened the rolls, glued on papers and punches and embellishments and they were impressed with their own creativity!

To make these...

-flatten your paper roll

-cut the paper about 3/4 inch wider than your roll so you can fold the paper over one end. I found hot glue works the best for adhering this first layer of paper onto the cardboard roll.

-Cut the length just enough to wrap and overlap.

-Decorate, decorate, decorate.

-Then, make a small hole on the open end (all the way through both layers).

-Slide your gift card in and then place a brad in the hole to close it up.

Your relatives will be so impressed!

The 12th day of Christmas--2 more tags for me

2010-12-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

My version of Tim's tag #9
I added a little color to the tag by using a burgundy paper for the rosette and for the matte under the phrase.

My version of Tim's tag #5

I used some snowflake patterned, glittered paper as the base and punched the holly leaves with some glittered paper (saved me some steps). I used a small square of some vintage-looking paper I had since I couldn't find a big Santa face like he had. Lastly, I used some Thickers for the "25" since I just wanted to simplify.

The 12 days of Christmas have come and gone, and I'm going to need at least 12 more days to get a few more of Tim Holtz' tags done. I've watched him through photos and videos teach techniques for embossing, stamp-making, masking, inking, crackling, and the list goes on. Let's just say I've added a few of his products to my Christmas list.

Tim's Tag #6, Kelly's Tag #1

2010-12-06T14:44:00.001-08:00

12 days of Christmas, 12 days of tags over at Tim Holtz's blog. This guy has more creative juice in his little finger than I can only wish for. It is a challenge to find "substitutions" for his elements. He loads each tag with lots of new techniques. There are so many layers and steps, that each tag becomes a work of art. There is a lot of time that went into this one. Maybe the next one will go on a present...this one, is for ME.

Not a Christmas project, but still a project (or 3)

2010-12-03T18:32:00.001-08:00

I recently followed a few sketches over at Allison Davis' blog for Scrapbook Generations new sketch site and publishing creative DT. While I didn't make the DT, it did allow me to get some pages done. Next on my "to do" list, getting 4 kids to sit still and look good for a Christmas photo. Wish me luck!

December is HERE! Project #1

2010-12-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try really hard. I mean REALLY hard to post 12 projects before Christmas. Christmas projects to help you find the energy and blessings of Advent.

Day 1: Last year, I made an Advent calendar tree. I bought these little wood boxes from Oriental Trading Company. After many hours of sanding to get all of the doors to fit, I painted them, and then distressed them with sand paper. I created a structure that will allow all of the doors to slide open so the kids can pull out the slip of paper with the Advent activity for the day and the chocolate. Then, I pulled out my stash of stickers, ribbon, brads, and Christmas goodies to decorate each box. It's already become a favorite tradition.

If It's Groovy--my DT swan song

2010-11-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

I have had a blast being part of the If It's Groovy DT. It was my first DT and will always have a special place in my crafty heart. I've decided to take a break from the DT and focus on my home and some self-paced projects. This is a project I did called "Inspired Every Day-by the Everyday". I'm hoping to make this a regular series for my blog, so here is hoping that this is the first of many "everyday inspirations".

Inspired Every Day

There have been times where my desk has become a pile of “s-crap”. For months. Yes, months. Sure, I can go to the internet or look through my pages of ideas that I’ve ripped out of magazines, but what has helped me re-fuel is to look at the “everyday”. After all, isn’t that why we scrapbook? Save some time, save your money. Look around you. What can you find to inspire you? A cereal box? A bible verse? A pair of shoes? A shower curtain?

While we may have wonderful memories from vacations, weddings, and graduations, “everyday” is where we spend most of our time. And, sometimes it’s not enough to see those memories in scrapbook form. We need to let our creative juices pour out into other things…our jewelry, paintings, walls, gardens, furniture. After all, we are not just scrapbookers. We are artists.

This is the first in a series of articles to get you inspired every day, by the everyday. And I’m hoping to inspire you to make your creative juices pour out.

My first source of inspiration? My bathroom tile. I hate it. Wait, HATE is such a strong word. I really, really, really, really do not like my bathroom tile. I look at it and it screams 1966! It’s cream colored with light brown flecks (which look like freckles) and every so often there is unique tile that really screams 1966! It looks like… gear shaped snowflakes?! And while I really, really, really, really do not like it in my bathroom, I’ve used it as a source of inspiration for a scrapbook page.

Here is a picture of my tile (I told you, 1966!!!)

Here is the page that it inspired. Headline: Ugly tile inspires A Whole New World. I cut square cardstock “tiles” and fleck painted them by putting brown paint on an old toothbrush and rubbing it against a piece of plastic. After they were dry, I ran the squares through a Cuttlebug embossing folder (Swiss dots). I used Spellbinder nesting dies and Sizzix snowflake dies and assorted punches to re-create that “unique” tile design.

Right now, go look at your bathroom tile. Go. Right now, I’ll wait…Hopefully, yours is newer than 1966. But ugly or not, let it inspire your next scrapbook page. And, come back and show us your tile inspired art.

Be inspired every day, by the everyday.

A purpose under heaven (and in heaven too)

2010-11-17T05:25:00.000-08:00

Every dog has a purpose. Indy's was to teach, love, and lick... not necessarily in that order. I just finished reading "A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron. As I read, I reflected on the passing of our first "baby". She taught us a lot and gave us the practice we needed to have 4 kids. We will always love you Indy!

INDY January 11, 1996-October 27,2010

She also taught us to perservere. And it is in that mind-set, that we couldn't be a 1 dog household for very long. We welcome with love...Axel

He is a "mutt" with some obvious shepherd and lab traits. He has brought joy to our house as our new fur-baby.

Did you know, in addition to everything else they eat, puppies eat into "scrap time"? It's been tough to get anything done around here, especially Christmas cards! But, I've gotten a few layouts done to share.

I used this precious photo for a "Liftateer" layout over at Fiskateers.

This layout was inspired by Gerry van Gent's "Just a Boy" LO from August over at Scrapbook Challenges. I loved all of the stitching she did around her page so I used it too!

This is from Sketch 224 at Scrapbook Challenges.

This one is a Kelly "original". I tried a new technique for me on the right page...back-stitching with ribbon. I like the effect.

And, if this one look familiar, it's because I already posted it back in October. But, this week it is a "gallery gem" over at Scrapbook Challenges. Thanks to Ana for choosing my layout to showcase!

I'll be back soon with a paper-piecing technique and my Christmas cards (I hope).

Got gum? I have Halloween gum wrappers!

2010-10-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have a love for monsters. Not only the 4 I have at home (just kidding--I love you kids), but silly, goonie-looking not so scary monsters. They've shown up here on these gum wrapper treats. I cut these monsters out of some creep-a-licious paper from Reminisce. Trick or Treat? Definitely a treat!

Pink and Orange DO go together

2010-10-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

As a special October Breast Cancer Awareness Month challenge, Tami, one of the leads at Fiskateers, had a few of us working on a secret project...create something highlighting the colors Pink and Orange. I threw a little Halloween fun in too, and I created a bracelet and earrings by stamping and coloring on Shrink Plastic (like Shrinky Dinks). And let me tell you, it sure is fun to shrink the plastic with a heat gun...then I don't have to press my nose so close to the oven door to watch it shrivel (hee-hee).

Here is a little photo tutorial on my creations.

-I cut sheets of shrink plastic (like Shrinky Dinks) into approximately 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" squares and 1 1/2" x 2" rectangles using my Fiskars bypass trimmer (the one with a guillotine-like blade).
-Using black Stazon ink, I stamped some Halloween images onto the "rough" side of the plastic sheets. I found it very difficult and slippery to try and stamp on the shiny side. Note that due to the texture of the plastic sheet, the images did bleed a bit. So, it would best to choose images that are simple and have less detail.
-Once the ink dried, I colored them with colored pencils (again, on the "rough" side).
-Using the piercing tool from my Fiskars Tool Taxi, I held down each shape as I shrunk it with my heat embossing gun (remember to do this on a heat resistant surface).
-Once they were shrunk and cooled, I used my Fiskars Craft Drill to drill a hole in each piece.
-2 important SIDENOTES: Make sure you put a piece of wood under your project while you are drilling. And, I did try punching a hole in the plastic before shrinking... But, since the hole shrinks too, I was having difficulty with the control I had over the size and placement and decided to use the drill instead.
-I added some jump rings (note to self: buy some bigger jump rings) and beads to some flex-wire and head pins and oooh-laa-laa, I have some fun and funky jewelry for October!

Now, you MUST check out the fabulous VIDEO that Tami put together to highlight all of the pink and orange projects. I'm proud to be a Fiskateer!

NOT Lost in Translation

2010-10-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

Over on the If It's Groovy blog, we were given a challenge to translate a phrase and create a layout with it. Here is my project...

Nothing fancy, because this time it is all about the precious picture of my daughter and our dog, Basso. Just using up some scraps of dog-themed paper and stickers on this irridescent pink patterned paper, some paper crimping, a title, and I'm done. I am a font fiend, and I love searching sites for free font downloads. I also have to give kudos to this website that I used to convert my title, www.freetranslation.com. I do not speak any foreign languages, but I can conjugate Latin verbs and decipher vocabulary (how useful is that?). My highschool Latin teacher would be so proud...semper ubi sub ubi (always wear underwear).

Pick-a Pick-a Pumpkin from the pile...and a "banner" Halloween

2010-10-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

I made these pumpkins about 5 years ago, and even though they get squished into a plastic bin for storage after Halloween every year, they've held up very well. Except a few have gotten their "stem" pulled out by a Golden Retriever I know that likes to chew on sticks (we should have named him "Chip").

They are "sew" easy...I thought I would share them with you.

I start by using a bowl or template to draw a circle on some material, and then cut out the circle (I like to use pinking shears to avoid the un-ravelling edge).

I take a needle and thread and do a quick running stitch (in, out, in,out) all of the way around the edge. No need to be perfect here...no one will see your stitches.

I add a little "filling", pull the thread, add a stick for a stem, and tie it up.

I add some ribbon scraps for leaves/vines. After I've made a few pumpkins, in all different patterns, I take 3 or 4 and hot glue them together.

I've made my own pumpkin patch for a fall display in the family room and around the flower centerpiece on the dining room table. Let me see your pumpkin patch!

Fall is in the air, literally, in the air, hanging between rooms...I made this 2-sided Halloween banner for a challenge over in Fiskateerland a few weeks ago. I hung it up and was happy, but it just needed something more. I decided to tie on some scraps of fabric cut into strips, and now it is complete!

A scary sneak peak!

2010-09-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Boo! Are you scared? You will be when you see this very (not so scary) ATC I created for the Spooky Halloween swap over at Fiskateers. This little monster is cut from some fabulous Reminisce Monsters Collection patterned paper (I think I have to go get some more).

Calendar girls and "soups on"

2010-09-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

These are the creations from my daughter's 13th birthday party. What a talented bunch!

Too many tomatoes from the garden? Here is a DELICIOUS recipe to use them all up! Putzy but worth it!

Tomato soup with basil dumplings

¼ C olive oil
2 large onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 sweet red pepper, seeded and diced
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp sugar
3 C well-seasoned chicken stock
3 pounds very ripe fresh Italian plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
1 Tbsp gin (optional)

1 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
3 eggs
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
¾ C torn fresh basil leaves

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy soup pot. Add onions and garlic. Sauté’ over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add carrots, celery, red pepper, lemon juice, sugar, and chicken broth. Simmer for 15 minutes. Strain out vegetables; return broth to the pot. Puree vegetables in a food processor or blender and return to soup pot. Add tomatoes and gin; simmer for 10 minutes or until soup begins to thicken. Watch carefully and don’t allow it to burn.

Meanwhile-Get a large pot of water to a boil. Combine flour, baking powder, and ½ tsp salt in a large bowl. Add eggs and oil; beat until dough is sticky. Stir in ½ C basil. Drop dough by ½ teaspoons into the large pot of boiling water. Simmer dumplings, uncovered, until they rise to the surface and then 3 to 4 minutes longer, turning periodically, until they are cooked through. (Test one by cutting in half to be sure the center is no longer raw).

Drain dumplings in a colander, rinse under cold water, and drain again. Set aside until ready to add to the soup. Add dumpling to the hot soup and serve at once. Garnish with remaining basil.

ORANGE Blog Hop Winner(s)!

2010-09-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

Yes--"winners". 100 comments!!! A new record! So, I decided to pick 2 winners.

Karin Hall said...
What a great project - very nice. Karin H #6470

joybear said...
Oh so pretty, I know she will enjoy it!!!

Karin and joybear--send me your addresses so I can mail you some goodies!
purplekellystar@aol.com

ORANGE you glad today is the Fiskateer Blog Hop?

2010-09-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

ORANGE you happy to be a Fiskateer? Get ready to bounce through the Fiskateer Blog Hop. If you came from the blog of Debby's Dare, you are in the right place. If not, go back to the Fiskateer blog so you start from the beginning and don't miss a "scrap" of ideas and fun.

Orange you thinking that September is a great time to make a calendar? Orange you ready to see what fabulous Fiskars tools I've used? Orange you hoping I stop over-using "orange"?

Here is my orange creation...I made this calendar as a sample for my daughter and her friends. It was their crafty project for my daughter's 13th birthday party. They all thought they would be perfect for hanging in their school lockers.

I rescued an 11"x17" piece of cardboard from the recycle bin and covered it with 2 sheets of 12x12 paper. I had the paper hang over the edges on the top and bottom and I used a hot glue gun to secure them. You can wrap the sides too, if you like, but I chose to cut it.

Next, I punched circles from cardstock (using my Round and Round squeeze punch)and then placed the negative paper (with the hole) into a scalloped circle punch (Seal of Approval) .

I centered the hole...

and made a "flower".

By mixing and matching punched circles (that I "popped" with Zots) and flower rings, I created a garden. With some Thickers, I spelled out my daughter's name for the top of the calendar. I added a bow too.

I had a blank calendar page (from Close to My Heart, but you could easily print one out from your computer) and slid it into a page protector (that I trimmed to fit on my 11" wide cardboard). You can put another blank calendar on the back side, so that you can lift it up and plan 2 months at a time.

Using my FAVORITE Fiskars border punch, Apron lace, I added some ORANGE patterned paper to my calendar to cover the place where I glued on the page protector to the cardboard. I also made a pocket at the bottom of the calendar to hold notes and other important "stuff". I added a ribbon at the bottom to slide on some paper clips--one more spot to hang notes.

Everything is better when Stickled, don't you think? A little sparkle makes these die-cut butterflies dazzly!

Since I used a page protector to cover the calendar, it is perfect for use with a dry-erase marker. Rachel is thrilled that I had to make a "sample" for the party, because this calendar is now hers. Won't her teacher be thrilled that she is so eager to practice her numbers?

Come back next week to see what the birthday party calendar artists created...what a talented bunch!

NOW, would you like some happy mail? Leave a comment, and I will pick on Sunday at 6pm (via Random.org) a lucky winner to receive some scrappy goodies.

Boing! Boing! Keep on hopping...next stop...Colleen Flathers at http://cleancreate.blogspot.com/.

If by some chance, you just happened to stop by my blog today and you have no idea what Fiskateers are or why I keep raving about ORANGE, let me explain. Fiskateers is an on-line community. Actually, it's a family. No, we are not related, but we have all come together to celebrate our love and appreciation for Fiskars products. Whether you love the endless scrapbooking supplies (squeeze punches, border punches, paper trimmers, micro-tip scissors, stamps), rotary cutters, garden tools, or their famous orange-handled scissors, Fiskateers is a place for you. At the website, inspiration is abundant. The site has a gallery of AMAZING creations by other Fiskateers, games, chats, swaps, tutorials, and 7000+ friends. It is a place for all things crafty (and sewing and gardening too). If you are interested in becoming a Fiskateer, click here. Contact one of the lead Fiskateers: Angela, Cheryl, Rebecca, or Tami (I listed them alphabetically so they think I don't play favorites), and tell them Kellystar sent you over. Your crafty life may never be the same.

Orange you waiting for a blog hop?...a present for me!...and a blog hop winner (is it you?)

2010-09-07T12:43:00.001-07:00

First, an announcement of ORANGE proportions! Put on your bouncy shoes, the Fiskateer blog hop starts Friday at 8am. Make sure you start at the Fiskateer blog and then sit down for a long, fabulous ride through 42 blogs of orange inspiration.

Second...I've finally finished my summer project. I've painted lots of funky furniture for others this year, and this one is for ME! It's like a giant furniture zentangle of fun shapes and designs and in my favorite color (PURPLE).

There really is no place like home.

Lastly, from the Scrapbook Challenges Seasons of Change blog hop...thanks to everyone who visited my blog...32 comments...a new record! Kate Heijde...come on down! You have won a prize...please email me your address so I can send you happy mail!

Boing...Boing...Blog Hop

2010-09-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hoppy September! I'm participating in the Season of Change Blog Hop over at Scrapbook Challenges. If you've never visited Scrapbook Challenges, your scrap life is not complete! Head over there and become a member if you aren't already (tell them Kellystar sent you)!

The blog hop, starts at Pamela's place.

If you haven't been there yet, please start there so that you don't miss a scrap of fun!

If you want to "hop on" and get your own blog in on the fun, read the information at the Scrapbook Challenges blog hop thread.

Here is the sketch we are all following (Pamela's creation)

Here is my version of the sketch. This is an adorable picture of my husband and youngest daughter picking apples last fall. Olive green is one of my favorite colors and worked well with this photo. The "wishies" are a stamp set from Close to My Heart.

Thank you for visiting my blog. While you are here, take a look around! I hope you'll start "following" me. I LOVE comments...if you leave one, you'll be entered for a chance to win some scrap goodies from me. Keep hoppin'! And speaking of hoppin'...one good blog hop deserves another. Come back here next weekend (starting on September 10th) for a fabulous, ORANGE, Fiskateer blog hop!

a juicy card

2010-08-27T04:49:00.001-07:00

Holding onto that last "bit" of summer. Head over to the If It's Groovy site to see the instructions for this summer-time card. I made it (along with 8 more) for a recent card swap.

Fiskateer fun...again

2010-08-23T11:07:00.001-07:00

Here are some creative highlights from last week's Fiskateer Liftateer Online Crop.

I ran a white foam piece through my Sizzix Big Shot with a texture plate and then inked in yellow before using it for this "thank you" card.

I just LOVE being able to use lots of photos on my layouts. This one is from Halloween last year.

I lifted a LO design from another Fiskateer Kelly for this one. It's great to scrap these pictures of the kids with my Grammy. I love the Coredinations paper...so fabulous to just texture and then sand to let the color come through.

Made these cute tags with a pocket that is just perfect for sticking in a gift card.

Lifted this card LO from Fiskateer lead, Rebecca. You just gotta love Fiskars squeeze punches (in every size).

I promise to be back soon with some more creative goodness.

Almost famous!

2010-08-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

So once again my blog is feeling a bit neglected! And, I left you with a cliff-hanger on my last post...here's the secret surprise...I was the Featured Fiskateer last Friday! Check it out by clicking on the link below:

http://www.fiskateers.com/blog/2010/07/30/friday%e2%80%99s-fiskateer-focus-kelly-6446/

Ok, so I'm not famous. But it was very exciting!

Take my Kellystar quiz and see how you do.

Kellystar Quiz
1) How long has Kellystar been a Fiskateer and how did she hear about Fiskateers?
a) she signed up over a year ago after visiting Fiskars in Madison
b) she was born a Fiskateer because her mother was a Fiskateer
c) she signed up about 1 year ago after meeting Legend Stephenie at a LSS scrapathon

2) What does Kellystar do besides be crafty?
a) she performs massage therapy on dogs
b) she works part time as a pediatric physical therapist for children in special education, likes to read, likes to walk, volunteers at church and school, has a handsome husband, and is mom of 4
c) she trains to be the first female to ride in the Tour de France

3) What is something many people don’t know about Kellystar?
a) she does not have a middle name
b) she likes to waste time playing Mario Kart on Wii
c) she adores the Harry Potter series (and has read them all at least 3 times)
d) all of the above

4) Kellystar’s ideal relaxing craft time would be…
a) a week-long cruise with unlimited scrapbooking time
b) a massage to relax and get things started, an empty house for a week (with crafty friends coming and going) and a trip to see “Wicked” (again) as a rejuvenating break in the crafty action
c) surrounded by my children, all of us making a mess together

5) Kellystar’s favorite Fiskars tools are… (this is a hard one)
a) funky heart punch and Apron lace border punch
b) rotary paper trimmer and micro-tip scissors
c) Ultra Shape Xpress and the Woodland tree template

6) Kellystar’s favorite creations are …
a) paper art (scrapbooking and card making)
b) painting funky furniture
c) beading-jewelry and rosaries
d) involve food-baking and cooking
e) all of the above

7) Why does Kellystar love being a Fiskateer?
a) it’s all about the prizes
b) she looks good in orange
c) the Fiskateer site is a place of love and support, and she gets ideas for projects from all of the other creative Fiskateers

8) Who would be in Kellystar’s hot tub?
a) Johnny Depp, Daughtry, Josh Groban, and George Clooney
b) Matthew McConaughey, Tom Cruise, and James Taylor
c) Richard Gere, John Travolta, and Sting

9) Which of these statements is false?
a) Kellystar’s favorite color is purple
b) her scrapbooking style is “a little bit of everything”
c) she likes to use eyelets on her layout

10) Where does Kellystar find time to be crafty?
a) her secret super power is that she doesn’t need sleep
b) she neglects housework
c) she has found the secret to cloning herself

While the post was being seen by "millions of viewers", I was in Chicago and the Craft and Hobby Association's Supershow. It was a long day of make and takes, shopping, and new techniques. At night, we went to the Fiskateer Party with the Lead Fiskateers where we made fashionable jewelry.

I have lots going on with Fiskateers, If It's Groovy, and back to school (for me and the kids), but, I promise to be nicer to my blog in the next few weeks.

Coming up next weekend...

It's the 1st Anniversary of Lift A Fiskateer. There is a group of us that "lift" a scrapbook layout each week as a fun challenge (and motivation to at least get one layout done a week). We are on Week 52, and we are celebrating with an online crop. Head over to Fiskateers and join in the fun.

surprises galore!

2010-07-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Announcement, announcement, annnnnnouuuunnncccceeeement!
The Fiskateer Liftateers are having their own on-line Crop on the Fiskateer website the weekend of August 13-15. There will be challenges and prizes and surprises! All of us Liftateers have been very busy getting ready for this. This is also your opportunity to join the Fiskateers and the Liftateers. Fiskateers is an on-line community based around our love for Fiskars crafting products. Liftateers surf the gallery for scrapbook page layouts we like and each week we all do our own take on one of the layouts chosen by our lead Liftateer-Groovy Deb. If you would like to join Fiskateers, go to the Fiskateer website and tell Tami, that Kellystar sent you.

I have LOTS to get done before going to the CHA supershow on Friday (I'm bursting with excitement)!

And, I will have another super Fiskateer surprise when I get back. I can't tell you yet....shhhh...it's a secret!

I haven't just been lying by the pool...

2010-07-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

Where is the summer going? I thought that I would have more time in my "scrap dungeon" during the summer while I was off from work, but pulling weeds, sitting by the pool, and playing with kids has taken priority. I do have some things to show though...

First up, a card. It's a little twist on a card that my favorite Close To My Heart consultant, Gina, made. Wouldn't these be cute for a kids' party invite? I used the Fiskars Seal of Approval punch to make "the bite".

Next up, Mickey Mouse! Over at Fiskateers, there is a group of us that "lift" another Fiskateer's page each week. This was my take on someone else's design. Mickey just seemed to hit me on the head that day, and say "Look, 3 buttons make a Mickey head." Sometimes creativity comes when you want it!

Lastly, here is sketch 206 over at scrapbookchallenges. It is Luke, flying away on some sort of Star Wars vehicle. I'm getting to be "ok" with empty space on a page...that takes some getting used to.

And, the most exciting news. I am going to the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Supershow. It's where all of the crafty companies come to display and sell their new design lines. I am so excited. And, there is a Fiskateer Craft party too! I can't wait, and of course I'll have pictures!

I'm going home...

2010-07-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

Daughtry is one of my favorites (as seen by one of my earlier posts this year), and when "Home" was selected as the song of the week over on Scrapping the Music, I just HAD to do this week's challenge. I sent my daughter out to take photos of our neighbor's houses too. We are blessed to have a wonderful neighborhood--they are definitely "scrap-worthy".

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you... (sing it)

2010-07-05T07:05:00.001-07:00

Debby over at Debby's Dare has this fun little survey to answer, for her heART of Scrapbooking. Head over there and read her answers. Here are mine. I pulled out the questions for you at the end to copy and paste. Leave a comment and tell me where I can go to visit your answers.

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My real name is Kelleen. My mom worked at a Children's Hospital when she was pregnant with me, and came across that name on a patient's file. OOPS-HIPPA laws... I think we are ok, it was a LONG time ago.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Last week, Grandma Alice died on Days of Our Lives...I've been watching ever since I can remember
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? -sometimes
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Ham
DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 4 wonderful ones
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, I do not have enough crafty friends
DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? sometimes
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NEVER, I prefer my retinas attached
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? NEVER
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? yes, physically and emotionally
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? mint chocolate chip
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? their face
RED OR PINK? pink
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I'm a procrastinator
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My father in law, he was crafty
WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? flesh colored--I'm barefoot
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? cinnamon sugar crescent roll
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? TV in background-Let's Make a Deal
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? purple
FAVORITE SMELLS? outdoor woods/pine trees and lilacs
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? my neighbor, she said "get over here, we are in the pool"
MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE? beach, I'm a water watcher, but that is a tough decision
FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? none, I have a short attention span
HAIR COLOR? dark brown (some weeks darker than others)
EYE COLOR? green/hazel
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes, I have since 8th grade
FAVORITE FOOD? ice cream
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? happy endings
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Grease (on TV last night)
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? red, white, and blue (nightshirt, still in my pj's)
SUMMER OR WINTER? SPRING OR FALL? spring and fall, love the moderate temperatures and the changes of the seasons
HUGS OR KISSES? hugs (and kisses)
FAVORITE DESSERT? ice cream (are you seeing a theme here?)
STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO? cardio, but really neither
COMPUTER OR TELEVISION? both
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Eclipse (Twilight series)
WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Marquette University
FAVORITE SOUND? kids yelling and playing in the yard
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles, definitely
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Europe, senior year in high school
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? my son says "scrapbooking" , I say "air guitar"
WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Wisconsin
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW? Wisconsin
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE? dark brown and beige
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR? silver gray

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
RED OR PINK?
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
FAVORITE SMELLS?
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
HAIR COLOR?
EYE COLOR?
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
FAVORITE FOOD?
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
SUMMER OR WINTER? SPRING OR FALL
HUGS OR KISSES?
FAVORITE DESSERT?
STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
FAVORITE SOUND?
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
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free-flowing, folded box flower, and forever love

2010-06-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Now that school is out, I'm looking forward to getting some more creative time. I've been keeping up with Lift a Fiskateer, and my DT projects for If It's Groovy, but haven't had time to just free-flow. Today was my time.

I took this photo of my great aunt and uncle singing at my grandma's 80th birthday last summer, and I've been wanting to do this LO since my great uncle passed away in January. It's like a "Where's Waldo" of layouts-there is a little bit of everything, lots to look at. The brown leafy stem sticker came from Basic Grey, and so did the doily looking paper. The music sheet paper is from Colorbok, and I used a new EK border punch along the side. I inked a doily and then pressed it onto the paper for a cool pattern.

The paper for the folded "box" flower came from Graphic 45 (this was one of those papers that it was difficult to part with--I REALLY like this pattern). I punched 4 circles, folded them in half, and layered over each other (like the top of a box). Then I repeated with the flowery side up, connected the 2, and layered on 2 buttons in the center. Maybe I'll try making my first tutorial to show you--wow!

At the top of the photo, I inked the flowers and then heated on a few layers of clear embossing powder until they almost "cracked". I then layered them with some felt flowers and leaves. I ran the "doily" paper through the Sizzix texture plate and gave it a checkerboard texture.

This is one of those times where I would LOVE a 12x12 printer. I want to scan this for myself before I put the original LO in a frame for my great aunt--a present to celebrate their "forever love".

photo booth, be funky, and my pops

2010-06-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

School's out, let's scream and shout! It's been a busy few weeks and my blog has been feeling neglected. But now, I'm off for the summer and I can get back to being "crafty".

First, I have a photo booth challenge from If It's Groovy. I didn't have any photo booth photos, so I re-created the idea with my 2 favorite girls--always willing to "ham it up" for the camera. This fun, loopy background paper is from Colorbok. And, I used my Fiskars Border Punch, Leave it to Weaver, to reproduce that "filmstrip" look.

I found a very fun site: http://www.befunky.com/. Here, you can play with your photos and create funky effects. I used this site for a Lift a Fiskateer Challenge-WHY I scrapbook.

Lastly, I have a card I created for the If It's Groovy DT. Father's day is coming up soon, and I made a wordle for my Dad with all of his favorite things. I put a logo in the bottle cap, found a few pieces of clip art, and added the sandpaper for some more dimension. Go to the site...www. wordle. net. Click "create" at the top. Type in words. If you want a word to be bigger, type it in more than once. If you want to use a phrase, place a ~ between those words. Click "go", and your wordle is created for you. Now, you can click font, color, and layout to change things around. (*Helpful hint: Make sure you highlight and copy your words before you click "go". It doesn't save it if you want to go back and edit or add words). This would be a fun idea for a new graduate too.

CREATE!

thinking like a scrapbooker, volleyball, and stuffed shells

2010-05-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

I just recently completed a challenge for the If It's Groovy Design Team. I can't show you the layout until it's posted over there, but it made me realize how much my ideas about taking photos have changed since I've become a scrapbooker. I'm just not taking pictures to look at later. I'm capturing moments. I'm freezing feelings. I'm telling a story. I'm turning the ordinary into extraordinary. It's the expression on a face. It's the sprinkles on the whipped cream. It's the sparkle on the shoes. It's the messiness of a room. I zoom in. I pan out. I look at all of the components of the environment and wonder "what a great scrapbook page" that will be. Yes, sometimes the photos still turn out crummy, but I don't always delete them. Crummy photos can still become non-crummy layouts. Show me one. Send me your fabulous layout that has a crummy photo. I'll show you mine soon.

This is the week 42 Lift-a Fiskateer layout. I pop-dotted some of the volleyballs. Sport layouts are a great time to give some "movement" to your page.

Last week, when I got to spend the morning with my new niece, Reina, I had a special request from my brother and sister in-law for...

CHEESE STUFFED PASTA SHELLS
1 box jumbo pasta shells (there are about 40 shells in a box)
28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
15 oz. can of Italian style tomato sauce
2 garlic cloves minced
1# ground beef, browned and broken up

Stuffing:
1 # ricotta cheese
8 oz. shredded mozarella
1/2 C grated parmesan
2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 Tbsp parsley flakes
2 C fresh spinach, chopped fine

Boil water and cook shells. Drain. Brown meat and drain. Make sauce with tomatoes, sauce, and garlic. You can add additional spices to your taste. Let simmer for 30 minutes. Stir ground beef into sauce. Mix all of the ingredients for your stuffing in a large bowl. Stuff each shell with a spoonful of "stuffing" and lay in a greased 9x13 pan. Pour sauce over shells, and gently mix to coat. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

a cupcake, chocolate, and a baby

2010-05-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

The most important news first...I'm an aunt! Reina Kathlynne was born on May 12th. She came to visit yesterday and she is ADORABLE and now well-loved by her older cousins, aunt, and uncle. My husband felt the need to limit my time holding the baby (in case I would get that "feeling"). Maybe he had a good idea...

I used my Fiskars cupcake template to make a birthday card. This one I made for my brother's birthday in February, but now I'm making another one for a different brother.
The outside of the card says:"We baked cupcakes for your birthday"
The inside says: "They were delicious" (Hee-hee, sisters never stop picking on their brothers).

Last week's recipe of Macaroni and Cheese (ala Noodles and Company) received 6 thumbs up from our family. It was not as good as Noodles, but it was smooth and creamy and delicious!

Friday was Scrap Club and I was the "hostess". These brownies were scrum-diddly-umptious!

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BARS
1 box of German Chocolate cake mix
¾ C butter, softened
1 C chopped pecans
2/3 C evaporated milk (5 oz can)
1 C chocolate chips
14 oz package of caramels

Mix (with hands), dry cake mix, butter, nuts, and 1/3 C of milk. Spread ½ of mixture in a greased 9x13 pan. Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

When it comes out of the oven, immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.

Melt all of the unwrapped caramels and rest of milk in microwave, 30-60 seconds at a time until you can mix well. Spread melted mixtures over chocolate chips. Crumble reserved cake mixture over the top. Return to oven for 15-18 minutes.

Cut into bars when cool.

shadows, crowning, and Mac N cheese

2010-05-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

"Shadows" is the theme for this month over at "If Its Groovy". That Groovy Deb has me scrapping out of my usual chronological order for this one. I found a great picture from this winter when we were all skating over at a friends' pond. I stamped the paper with silver metallic ink, and used glitter paper to shadow box the bottom title.

The month of May is a month for Mary. Luke got the honor of crowning Mary at a prayer service this morning. He looks so handsome (and grown up) in his fancy clothes.

Monday means a recipe. I'm trying this one tonight. My kids love Noodles and Company macaroni and cheese...so here will be our attempt. A friend found this on the internet.

Mac and Cheese (Noodles and Co. style)
1 # elbow noodles
1/4 C butter
1/4 C flour
3 C half and half
1/2 tsp salt
3 C shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (or Colby Jack)

Cook pasta according to package directions.

In large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, making a roux. Gradually stir in half and half, whisking until thickened. Stir in salt. Remove from heat. add cheese, stir until cheese melts. Pour sauce over noodles as you serve it. Top with more shredded cheese.

birthdays, sunshine, and tea

2010-05-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have 3 recent layouts to show you today...maybe they can inspire you to get some scrapping done.
The first one comes from a Fiskateer challenge. Groovy Deb organizes the "Lift a Fiskateer" challenge each week. We are inspired by other Fiskateers to take a spin on their layout from the gallery. This one came from Fiskateer Carlee. I went a little doodle crazy-which I don't do enough. It's fun! I am also showing off my new EK border punch-it's so cute.

Layout number 2 does double duty. It is sketch #198 from Scrapbook Challenges (I showed you the sketch on my May 3rd post) and the Scrapping the Music challenge from last week. If you haven't visited Scrapping the Music yet, go there to be inspired. Each week, a song's lyrics become the inspiration for pages. This week, the song is The Rainbow Connection (by Kermit the Frog). It's difficult to see in the photo, but I "popped" some of the flowers that I cut out from the patterned paper. I LOVE layouts that let me use a bunch of photos!

Layout number 3 is the Lift a Fiskateer challenge from last week. Lots of blue here, and lots of pattern paper...but keeping them all in the same color group seems to make it cohesive.

Feeling inspired? Show me your efforts and you may get featured here!

rainbows, crescent rolls, and a sketch

2010-05-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

Two recipes today since I missed one last Monday (this will make Jennifer happy).

It is not a celebration at our house, unless there is Jello. Rainbow Jello is a favorite. And if you are going to be home for about 6 hours...it's totally worth it.

RAINBOW JELLO

4 boxes of Jello (6 oz size) in any flavors (I used raspberry, lime, lemon, and orange)

water

1 small carton of sour cream

Mix first flavor of Jello with 1 cup boiling water and stir well for at least 2 minutes. Add 1 cup cold water, stirring until Jello is completly dissolved. Divide Jello liquid in half and set one half aside. To other half, add 2 TBSP of sour cream and stir in with a whisk. Pour into a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Place in refridgerator to set for 45 minutes. Then, pour same flavored plain Jello on top. Let set for 45 minutes. Repeat with each flavor until rainbow is complete.

CRESCENT ROLL CREAM CHEESE BARS

2 packages of crescent rolls (in the tube)

16 oz. of plain cream cheese

1 egg

1 1/2 C sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbsp cinnamon

(optional: rind and juice of 1 lemon)

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Press 1 package of crescent rolls into the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk (save the egg white) (also add rind and juice of 1 lemon if you would like) until smooth. Spread over pressed rolls. Place other package of crescent rolls on top of the cream cheese mixture (I try to smooth out and connnect the "stitches" before placing it). Brush top of rolls with egg white. Mix cinnamon and 1/2 C sugar together and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Cut into bars when cool. Keep refrigerated.

Lastly, here is the sketch of the week at Scrapbook Challenges.

National Scrapbook Day, a sketch, and a celebration

2010-05-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

National Scrapbook Day was May 1st. My participation was limited as we were celebrating Luke's First Communion, but I did get to join the fun a little bit. Here is a Fiskateer Challenge Sketch from Allison Davis...

And here is my version... the left page is turned clock-wise to accomodate my horizontal photos.

And, here is our handsome boy...extra holy on this day.

I'll be back tomorrow with 2 (yes, count them 2) recipes from our celebration.

a First Communion, National Scrapbook Day, and spirelli

2010-04-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Spring means celebrations. It is Luke's First Communion this weekend and he is so excited. Here he is holding the rosary that I made for him.

Saturday is National Scrapbook Day (of course, I will be busy with the First Communion and will have limited scrapping and blog-hopping time that day). Make sure you check out the fun times at Fiskateers and Scrapbook Challenges that start on Friday and extend through the weekend.

Spirelli is Dutch string art. I was watching a PBS episode of Scrapbook Memories and saw a demonstration. So, I thought I would try it for my Scrapbook Challenges flower swap. These are coming to you Larissa!

1)Punch out a scalloped shape from cardstock.

2) Tape one end of some embroidery floss (or metallic thread would be fun too) to the back of the shape.

3) Pull the thread taut and around to the front of the shape, placing it in a "valley" on one side of the shape and then into another "valley" a few down from the last placement. You can place it directly across from the first valley or just skip a few.

4) Keep moving and wrapping in the same direction (I did counter-clockwise...probably a "lefty" thing), always wrapping the one next to the last one you placed. It goes very quickly, so don't feel bad if you get confused the first couple times and need to start over.
5) It can get a little tricky, because each valley is going to get thread placed in it twice.

6)When you are done, tape the embroidery floss on the back and trim off the excess.

These were just my first attempts. I can't wait to make some more and start using them on my layouts and cards.

Now, it's your turn. Try it and let me see your creativity flow! I'll post them here if you send them to me. E-mail it to me at purplekellystar@aol.com

Sorry I missed the Monday recipe post (Jennifer). I'll have 2 on next Monday!

Birthdays, Fiskateers, and fun

2010-04-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

It's Kelly Jo's birthday month (she's a lead Fiskateer) and it is time to celebrate with an online crop. Get your tushy over to www.fiskateers.com and join the fun!

orthodontia, toast, and thankfulness (and a P.S.)

2010-04-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

We have entered the world of orthodontia, as Luke now has an "appliance". I am taking bets as to how long it will be before I will be digging through garbage to find the "tossed" retainer.

I had a wonderful night away with friends on Friday. We giggled and got our fill of movies (Shakespeare in Love-one of my all time favorites, the Hangover-very funny, and the Proposal-cute chick flick). For breakfast I made a fabulous recipe from my friend Patti. It is so yummy, that it is the Monday recipe.

Schauer's Overnight French Toast

½ C. butter
1 C. brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
12 slices of bread
5 eggs, well beaten
1 ½ C. milk

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in brown sugar and cinnamon, mixing until blended. Spread evenly on bottom of a 13x9 inch pan. Place bread slices in a double layer on sugar mixture. Combine beaten eggs and milk and pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 for 45 minutes. Serve with syrup and powdered sugar.
Yield: 4-6 servings

Sketch 194 over at Scrapbook Challenges has me working on Thanksgiving.

Especially fun is this cute paper-pieced turkey. I used a Fiskars Daisy punch for the feathers and a small "splash" punch for his feet and head feathers.

P.S. Forgot to announce the winner of my scrappy survey RAK. It is Scrappy-rat Fiskateer Veronica. Congratulations! Send me an e-mail (purplekellystar@aol.com)

a survey, an ATC, and pillow fights

2010-04-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

Over at fellow Fiskateer Judy's blog http://www.piecesofmepapercrafts.blogspot.com/ she had a "Scrappy Get to Know You Survey". Copy, paste, fill it out, and send me a link to view your answers. You never know...a little RAK might fall into your mailbox.

Here's 25 scrapbook-related get to know you questions. Copy & paste the questions to your blog and change the answers to your own! Have fun!
1. Scrapper/cardmaker/both? both
2. How long have you been scrapping/cardmaking ? How did you get into it? I had gone to a party for one of those stamping companies (I don't even remember which one) before I had kids and really didn't feel compelled to start scrapping. When I had my first child, I got the itch...the last 3 years it has just kind of snowballed, actually AVALANCHED, from there.
3. Do you prefer to work alone, or get together with friends/go to crops/classes etc.? I mostly work alone, but do go to crops a few times a year and am part of a scrap club that meets one night every other month (Hi Gina)
4. Favorite embellishments? stickers, I like to pop them up, ink them, doodle on them, use them as a border, or as a frame, or, or, or...
5. Favorite paper brands? Basic Grey, Bella Blvd, Reminisce, Bo Bunny, not picky--I like them all
6. Favorite tool? my special Fiskateer Fiskars scissors (#6446)
7. Favorite kind of ink? Versamark and plain old black
8. Whose your scrap idol? I love the scrappers of Scrapbook Challenges and If Its Groovy , there are some very talented scrap artists that hang around there
9. Something you bought that you wish you hadn't or have never used? I rarely use my Xyron machine
10. Do you have your own scraproom or do you work in a shared area? I am a basement scrap-rat
11. Are you a chronological, reverse chronological, or random scrapper? obsessive, crazed, chronological scrapper, but I'm trying to break free and random scrap or make mini-books once in a while
12. What is your scrapping style if you have one? focus on the photos
13. Whats on your work area right now? a mess
14. Favorite adhesive? I do like an adhesive runner, but I still use a glue stick for lots of things.
15. Technique you have never tried that you would like to? I've been meaning to "mask", but haven't done it yet.
16. Are you on or have you ever been on a design team or been a guest designer? I'm on the www.ifitsgroovy.ning.com card design team. (Hi Groovy Deb).
17. Have you ever had your work published? Not yet, I have submitted a few times.
18. Are you a consultant for a company such as Close to my heart, stampin up, creative memories, etc? no
19. Do you subscribe to any kit clubs, if so which ones? no
20. Do you have a minimal stash of supplies or are you a shopper/collecter? I'm a shopper
21. Are you a sketch user, scraplifter, or do you come up with it all on your own? a little bit of everything
22. Do you participate in any online challenges, if so which ones? Fiskateers (Lift a Fiskateer) and Scrapbook Challenges. I've just found scrapping the music and inspired blueprints and would like to try those.
23. Do you own any diecutting machines (manual or electric) and if so which ones? I have a Sizzix Big Shot (non-electric).
24. If you have a manual diecutting machine what kind of dies do you use? I use Sizzix, Spellbinders, Cuttlebug. I have found many cheap, on-line (e-bay) from scrappers who are switching to something different.
25. Are you a Stickleser (is that even a word?Do you use Stickles?) once in a while, I only have 2 (I don't have the patience for letting them dry).

I'm starting to work on my Fiskateer ATC butterfly swap, so I've inlcuded a photo of my very first ATC (it was a Fiskateer heart-themed swap). I was not familiar with ATC (artist trading cards) until I was a introduced in Fiskateer-land. It pushes your creativity to compose something on a such a little space. And when swapping--it is amazing to see what comes back to you. I encourage you to try it.

I glued pink, light pink, and red tissue onto white cardstock and let it dry. I cut those into rectangles slightly smaller than my 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch black cardstock base. I rounded the corners and then stamped and embossed with purple powder the heart tree, a squiggle heart, and a checkerboard. I added a dimensional heart sticker (small square), puffy painted a few hearts on the tree in silver glitter, and then glued it onto slightly larger purple mulberry paper. Then glued that all onto my black base.

I'm going away Friday night with "girlfriends". Here's to daquiri slushes, chick flicks, and... pillow fights (?).

aaaahs, 2008, and salad

2010-04-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...the kids are back at school. Ahhh..the baby shower is over. Ahhh...I get to crawl into my scrap basement again. I am on a mission to finish 2008. You see, I am one of those obsessed, crazy chronological scrappers. I hope to be on 2009 before school is out.

It's Monday...recipe time. We had a fabulous lunch of salads at the baby shower yesterday. Here is a requested one (from our Church cookbook):

Winter Fruit Salad
Salad:
1 large head of Romaine lettuce, cut/torn into bite-size pieces
1 apple (with skin), cubed
1 pear (with skin), cubed
1 C cashews, diced
4 oz. Swiss cheese, diced
1 C Craisins (dried cranberries)

Dressing:
1/2 C sugar
1/3 C lemon juice
2 tsp. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
2/3 C canola oil

Prepare salad ingredients in a large bowl. Gently toss.
In a blender, mix first 5 ingredients for dressing. Slowly add the oil and poppy seeds while blending.

Toss salad with dressing just before serving. Serves 12-15.
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One more thing...head over to... http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/ for a chance to win a spring cleaning prize. You can also drool over the pictures of her scrap space...aahhh

fonts, diaper cakes, and thank yous

2010-04-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

I'm going absolutely font crazy! I was referred to this font-a-licious site http://kevinandamanda.com/ Fabulous, FREE (did I mention FREE) fonts to download. I can't wait to scrap, so I can use all of these new ones.

Here is a picture of the diaper cake. Let me just say, this isn't too bad for my first attempt. I was cruising around the www and found some AMAZING cakes (I won't show you those).

My daughter is not falling far out of my scrapbooking tree. She has made these adorable "thank yous" as a shower present. I am proud of my young Jedi.

Butterflies, babies, and Daughtry

2010-04-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

Still working on getting ready for the baby shower...countdown 3 days now. I finished and hung the banner yesterday. The other side is still blank so I can add baby girl's name after she is born and they can hang it in her room. Going to get the diaper cake done today.

Last night, my birthday present from my hubby was to see DAUGHTRY in concert. It was fabulous. Great opening act by Lifehouse too. I think my hearing is finally starting to come back now. Thanks hubby, I had a fabulous time (like he would ever come and read my crafty blog). Found this great photo on the web...

an aunt, sketches, and results

2010-04-06T09:15:00.001-07:00

I'm giving my sil a scrapbook for her baby shower this weeked. It's ready for her to just plop pictures down on each page. Here are a few. I used a lot of sketch designs from Scrapbook Challenges . I thought it would be easy to do all of these pages without photos, but it's hard not knowing what the color scheme from each photo will be.

baby shower, 5 days, and eek!

2010-04-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be an aunt to a sweet little girl that will be born in May. On Sunday, we are having a baby shower at my house for my sister in-law. These are favors I've made. Still working on a scrapbook gift, a diaper cake, and a banner. Those pics will be up later this week.

Wayne's Drive In, a recipe, and chocolate

2010-04-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

We are actually going out for dinner...Customer Appreciation Day (50% off) at Wayne's Hamburger Stand. But, of course, I have a recipe. This is a family classic. It isn't a party, if someone doesn't bring the...

Chocolate Revel Bars

1C, plus 2 Tbsp butter
2C brown sugar
2 eggs
4 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1 C whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
dash of salt, twice
3 C Quick-oats oatmeal
12 oz. (semi-sweet or dark chocolate) chocolate chips
15 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1 C chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bottom/crust:
Cream 1 C butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs and 2 tsp vanilla.

In a separate bowl, stir together flours, baking soda, and a dash of salt. Stir in oatmeal.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to creamed mixture.

Now spread 3/4 of this mixture into a greased jelly roll pan (15 1/2"x10 1/2"x1"). Set aside.

Chocolate filling:
Place chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, 2 Tbsp butter, dash of salt, nuts, and 2 tsp vanilla ina microwave-safe bowl and gently melt together 30 seconds at a time. Mix well. Pour the chocolate filling over the bottom, spreading almost to the edges.

Use remaining oatmeal crust mixture to "dot" over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.

If It's Groovy, bunnies, and moster mashes

2010-04-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

I've been busy getting ready for my sister in-law's baby shower and doing some Design Team work for If It's Groovy. Check out the 2 sites for some fun and creative ideas! http://www.ifitsgroovy.blogspot.com/ and http://www.ifitsgroovy.ning.com/ . Here is my first card as part of the DT.

Also, trying to keep up with the sketch challenges on Scrapbook Challenges. Yes, I'm still working on Halloween 2008.

one week, Joseph, and a recipe

2010-03-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

My head is definitely spinning. Welcome to the 1 week anniversary of my blog creation. If you have been visiting, you've noticed that I've re-designed my blog 3 times now. It has become kind of an addiction. However, now that I've found http://www.shabbyblogs.com/ ,I don't think I will be changing it anytime soon.

We had a busy weekend, as you can see on my "picture of the day", my daughter, Katie, was in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (9 performances~whew!). And now, the track season starts tomorrow...no rest for the weary. It was also Pinewood Derby (a picture of Luke and his car will be on the site later this week).

I'm getting ready for my sister in-law's baby shower and will have lots of new crafty projects to show you as that draws closer.

Also, head over to the Paper Fashions website...if you take a survey, you can be entered to win a special treat (see this pic above?...lots of scrapping goodies). So, go visit Lisa at http://lisafalduto.blogspot.com/ and take her survey.

Now for the recipe...I used to work with a great gal, Janine, that gave me this recipe eons ago. I haven't made if for awhile, and the broccoli was calling my name in the grocery store this week. Enjoy!

Mostaciolli Broccoli Bake
1# box of mostaciolli, cooked
1/4 c margarine
1/4 C salt
2 C milk
1/2 C Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 C broccoli, cooked
1/2 to 1 C Swiss cheese, diced
*Optional~sometimes, I like to throw in some grilled chicken pieces (about 2 breasts worth)

Melt margarine. Stir in flour until blended. Add milk. Cook on medium until thick, stirring constantly. Stir in Parmesan and spices. Remove from heat. In large bowl, combine pasta, sauce, and broccoli. Place in a 9x13 dish. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

a winner, a Fiskateer, and a cabbage roll

2010-03-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

Can we have a cabbage roll...(instead of a drum roll)
For her cabbage roll recipe, Kim, Fiskateer #5612, is the winner of my Grand Opening, Monday is What's Cooking in Kelly's Kitchen Day RAK (how do you like that for a contest name?). Send me an e-mail with your address!

fame, groovy-ness, and pieces

2010-03-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

I am the featured "Pieces and Parts" Designer over at Groovy Deb's blog

Groovy Deb sent me some pieces and parts:

using only those and white cardstock, I was challenged to create.

Here is a sneak peak

Head on over to http://www.ifitsgroovy.blogspot.com/ for a peak at all of my creations

spring, butterflies, and Halloween

2010-03-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know it is spring, but I am still working on photos from 2008. Halloween is where I am, so Halloween is what you get to look at. However, it does have butterflies, so it is easily adaptable for spring time.