Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Scraptastic October Challenge

A second post today...only because I didn't have my ducks in a row. I wanted to play along with the October Challenge over at Scraptastic Club this month, and almost forgot.  I finished the layout yesterday, but only got around to photographing it today (I was waiting for the sun, but it would appear I'll be waiting several more days for it to grace us with it's presence here in Winnipeg, Manitoba *sigh*).  The cut off, however is tonight at midnight, so I am going to post this now so I can link it up there. 

Here is the sketch Heather created for us to work with.
And here is my take on it.  

sincere apologies for the colours, I had poor lighting with the sun absent today
I didn't have photos the right size so I improvised with the little ones I already had printed of sweet Ella and I from this past summer.  I only had to tweak the sketch a little bit to get it to work for me.  I used the fabulous Grandma's Lima Bean Soup by Jillibean Soup to create a fun page with little pops of colour. 
  
I really need to go and see this little one again.  From what I gather she's not so little anymore, but rolling over, and full of coos, and smiles, and even giggles for those willing to entertain her.

Wish me luck on the challenge, and I wish you all the best this Halloween afternoon.  Be safe and watch for little ones if you must be out on the road.

I'll be back soon,

♥ S.
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Altered memorabilia pocket


In our home we have a lot of papers/notes that need a home from time to time.  Things  like: permission slips, or fund raising forms the girls bring home from school.  There are also checks that need to be deposited, and letters/cards to be placed in the mail.  Because my fridge is stainless steel, I can no longer use magnets to simply tack things onto the front of the fridge.  We found a solution in the form of our garage access door.  It's not pretty but it works as far as tacking papers that need to be returned/mailed/signed/deposited, etc to it with magnets.  It works, but drives me crazy to look at.

Enter this Simple Stories memorabilia pocket, ribbon, pins, and stickers. 
A pretty little pocket to hold all the 'stuff'.  I simply use magnets to hold it to the door and voila, no more eye sore of a door every time I leave the house.  Cute and functional.  Thank you Simple Stories for not only creating fabulous and fun papers and embellishments for our scrapbooks, but also wonderful items like this that are mulit-funcional.

Thanks for stopping in today friends.  Have a wonderful Monday!

♥ S. Pin It

Monday, October 29, 2012

Having fun at LGS

We have a treat for you today over at Let's Get Sketchy.

Seeing as this month has 5 Mondays, and not the usual 4 we have played a little game amongst ourselves and lifted one another, in order of offer our faithful members something to join in on this month.  Our fearless leader Brenshevia paired us up, one with another and we were given the task of choosing one of their LGS inspired layouts to lift.  My partner was Eileen, and I chose this gorgeous layout of hers to lift.  This particular layout was based on a colour challenge.  I chose to focus on the design of the layout rather than the colour combo, and had fun playing with it.  I flipped the orientation, and kept the elements together while moving them around my page.
Here is what I came up with.
Using the October kit from Scraptastic
This photo was taken quickly outside the dance studio with just a handful of the girls who were also part of the American Girl movie filming with Théa last month.  Such sweet memories for my girl.  The journaling reads: An opportunity of a lifetime  Getting to dance in an American Girl movie, and meet a bunch of new dancer friends is something Théa will not soon forget.

I loved Eileen's clusters, and had fun creating some of my own.  Using doilies, and carstock shapes.  The key up top is an Amy Tangerine element.  The flair buttons are new to my stash from a flair for buttons, a fabulous new Etsy store discovery. 

Are you up for a lift this week?  Head on over to the Let's Get Sketchy Blog to get the details and choose a layout to lift.  The design team has a lot of inspiration to choose from.  You just may win yourself the Apron Strings grand prize up for grabs this month.  Hope you'll consider joining us.

Thanks for popping by today.  I hope this last week of October is off to a wonderful start for you.

♥ S.


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Friday, October 26, 2012

LCTS Reveal

Natalie created sketch #155 for us to work with.

If you know anything about me, you know that this was about 4 photos too many for my usual style.  To make it my own I substituted tags for the smaller photos along the right. 

I kept the larger photo, and the mats behind it, and moved the large title from the bottom left to the top right.  You can still see the inspiration from the sketch within the layout.
The photo was taken just before leaving for the Canadian National Dance Championships where Isabelle competed (for the first time ever) with her Jazz Large Group.  Their song was called Fiesta a fun, and upbeat rhythm with a real Brazilian flavor. 

Journaling reads: After only one year of taking Dance Classes at KickIt Isabelle was invited to participate in the Competitive Jazz Class.  It was a little challenging for her at first, but after a few weeks, and a added number of classes including Ballet, she looked great.  She loved performing Fiesta at CNDC, and Festival this year.

If you'd like to see what the rest of the DT came up with using Natalie's sketch you should pop over here and to have a peek later on today.

Thanks for popping in today.  I hope you have a fun filled weekend on the horizon.

♥ S. 



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Thursday, October 25, 2012

In Real Life

My friend Danielle is part of the Use It Tuesday Blog.  It's a challenge blog where whole idea for the challenges revolves around using up your stash.  Great idea for those of us with more product than we'll ever use in this lifetime.  Truth be told, I actually purged a ton of scrap supplies at the beginning of summer.  Entire collections, that I was just done working with were given away to a friend.  I like new.  I like only focusing on collections/items I have a plan for.  No more buying anything just because it's cute, and I think I may use it one day.  I did, however manage to hang onto a few things that I just couldn't get rid of.  Like this fabulous orange chevron paper by My Mind's Eye.  It's about 2 years old and from their Lime Twist collection.


Lucky for me Challenge  #42 is to use the colour orange.  As it turns out I had several "old" items that I held on to that were in fact orange (I must really like that colour, who knew?!)  I decided that I would go with an all orange and white design.  This photo of my scrappy girlfriend Carol, and me was perfect for the page.
The Amy Tangerine tag, and brad, Jillibean Soup sprouts, Prima sculpture flowers, and that fabulous doily (my last one that size, sniff), were all items I had been hoarding saving.

Journaling reads: Getting to meet Carol in real life, after chatting online for several years was one of the most fun things ever!  We met up when D & I went to Vegas.  A few hours over shopping and lunch was the perfect way to really get to know each other.  She is awesome!

Carol - this layout will always bring back sweet memories of meeting you in person and our wonderful time together connecting over all things scrappy, happy, and everything in between.

Thanks for stopping by today friends.  If you're interested you can check out the Challenge #42 here.

♥ S. Pin It

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

I'm Not Perfect

Just in case any of you were thinking it, ha ha.

I realized the other day, that I never shared this layout I created for the Lily Bee design team call a few weeks ago.  I thought it was a fun, eye-catching, and a creative way to share a little bit of my personality and my scrappy style all at the same time.  It obviously wasn't enough to make an impression on them, but I still love it nonetheless.
Double Dutch collection
I had this quote from Pinterest in mind for the longest time to use on a layout, and it seemed to fit great with the style and design of this one.  Not to mention...it's 100% true, if I do say so myself.  It's a little difficult to read, but it says "I may not be perfect, but parts of me are pretty awesome."

Thanks for popping in today, and especially for not taking me too seriously. Pin It

Monday, October 22, 2012

Let's Get Sketchy Reveal

 Another fab sketch to work with this week over at Let's Get Sketchy.
The sketch was so easy to work with.  Combining it with the Summer Fresh line by Simple Stories helped this layout to came together in no time. 
date tag: Chic Tags
I tried my hand for the first time at a pie chart.  It was super easy, and I love the finished look.  In a couple of weeks I'll have a little tutorial here on the blog on how to make a pie chart of your own.  
pin: Jillibean soup, flair: Evalicious
Apronstrings Designs is our gracious sponsor this month.  Completing 3 of our 4 sketches throughout the month will automatically enter you into the drawing for the great prize they have up for grabs.

As always I'd love to come and have a peek-see if you choose to participate.  You can see how the rest of the team played with the sketch here.

Thanks for stopping by today friends.  Hope your week is off to a great start!

♥ S.

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Friday, October 19, 2012

How To Make A Pie Chart

Here is a post I shared over at the Scrapping Everyday Miracles Blog.  I thought perhaps some of you may be interested in it also, so here it is for your viewing pleasure.

I learned a new technique recently that I am excited to be sharing with you today.  I'm going to show you a quick and easy way to make a pie chart.  For use as a quick and easy embellishment on your layouts.  It's my understanding that if you have a Silhouette Cameo this technique can be done even quicker.  If, like me you don't have one to speed things up, this way will work just fine too.

I knew I wanted to have several charts in different sizes, so I pulled out my trusty old Creating Memories circle cutting tools.  And a scrap piece of 12x12 packaging.
 Using plates or bowls, or jar bases, or anything of the like will work perfectly also.
After I had all my circles cut out I divided them up like pieces of a pie (hence the name, go figure).

Using a ruler find the center point on your circle draw a line from one side to the other.  Rotate the circle, and do the same thing on the reverse side so you have a big "+" sign smack dab in the middle reaching from side to side.  Once yo have the "+" continue dividing up the circle leaving about one inch or so in between lines.  Your circles should now look like this.
Notice I made one pie chart off centered
Once you have all your pie charts divided up, it's important to number each sliver of the pie from #1 up.  This will help greatly in the re-assmebly.
 
Here, because I have so many sizes I used a system to remeber which slice went with which pie.  The largest circle is numbered 1lg (large) to 8lg.  The medium is number 1 med to 6 med, etc.  Now, because I used an extra piece of packaging which is sturdier than regular card stock, I have several templates to reuse at a later time.  Recycled cereal boxes, and the like would work excellently also.

Now all you need to do is trace the pie pieces onto patterned paper, and reassemble the pie chart.
At this point you can simply reassemble the pie chart directly onto your layout if you wish.  Because I knew I wanted to stitch on mine, I needed to reassemble it onto a scrap piece of cardstock.

Once I had them all reassembled I used my sewing machine to stitch a zig-zag pattern in between each of the pieces.

And here is the layout I came up with using my freshly made pie charts, and a cute quote I discovered on Pinterest.


I told you it was easy.  I hope you've been inspired to give something new a try.  Be sure to link me up if you give this technique a shot.  I'd love to come by and have a peek.

Happy Creating friends! Pin It

Thursday, October 18, 2012

My Secret Is Out

Popping in here today to let you know I'm back and to share this super awesome news.  Check out my new badge ---------------------------------------------------------------------->>>>

What a fabulous way to be welcomed home this morning.  I am honoured and thrilled to be working with Veronica, and her amazing team of International uber talented new, and existing designers.  I still can't believe my name is on this list, but am so excited to get to work, and show you all how wonderfully fun and versatile Chic Tags are.  I hope you'll all join me for the ride.  A huge thank you to Veronica for trusting me with this amazing opportunity, I won't let you down girl!

We returned home last night from one of the most fun filled weeks of my life.  Vegas proved to be exactly as fun as everyone claims it is, and then some.  Ate great food,  hooked up with a real sweetheart of a girl that I've known through the web for several years but never met face to face before, bought my first pair of cowboy boots, scored some other shopping deals, saw some great shows, and walked more than I have all month.  All, in all, a wonderful vacation with the man I love, and a couple of great, great friends.

Looking forward to getting back into the groove around here.  I missed my girlies, and have a ton of great photos to start scrapping.

Thanks for popping in today.  I'll be back tomorrow with a fun technique to share with you and my first layout using Jillibean Soup Grandma's Lima Bean Soup collection.


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Friday, October 12, 2012

Let's Capture These Sketches Reveal

Sketch #153 by Kimberly went live today.  Look at all the inspiration.

I had this fabulous photo of Eden holding a perfectly preserved monarch butterfly we found in our yard just begging to be used with this sketch.  I grabbed my scraps of random papers and bits, and pieces, and went straight to work.  I played with a little gesso once again, but ended up covering up most of it in the final design, again (someday I'll get it right).  Some ink, mist, stamps, stickers, metal...a little bit of everything is what it took to get this one just right.


Used a few more Chic Tag pieces on this one.  (I've begun skimping on them, as I'm running out, and can't easily pick more up locally).

Hidden journaling on the tag once again.  I am loving those tiny alphas by Prima.  They are a perfect size and stick really well.  And that kraft doily?  A surprise gift from a friend (lucky, lucky me)

I've layered a couple of different stamps here.  One being the Transposed Dots design by Christy Tomlinson for Unity Stamps.

Really liked getting my hands a little dirty with this one.  Thanks so much to Let's Capture These Sketches for the inspiration.  You can see what the rest of the team created, and link up you own layout here.

Thanks for popping in today friends,

♥ S. Pin It

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

A box full of Surprise

Are you a little like me when you shop for scrappy goodies?  I have a tendency to want only the newest items I can find when there are always great 'older' gems still to be had.   If you've been following along for the past week you know that the Marketing Team were all sent 'surprise packages' to work with this month from the

The sweet Tanya of Let's Capture Our Memories surprised each of us on the Marketing Team this month, by sending surprise product for us to create with.  Here is a photo of my surprise box contents.
I knew that this would be the perfect month to scrap this photo of the lovely Nicole and I that I've had sitting around for a few months now.  Seeing as they are both pieces of the same puzzle.  I titled the layout "Just By Chance" as I believe that's truly how we met.  Winnipeg is not all that big of a city.  You've heard the phrase 'six degrees of separation'?  Well in this city it's more like two.  Somehow though, it took Let's Capture These Memories to bring us together.  It has been so wonderful getting to know this girl.  She's funnier than most, sweet, and more loyal than ever to her group of girlies.  I thought it would be fitting to use Tanya's package of goodies to document this new found friendship.
I used the tag to record my jounaling
I added a little mist, a doily, and some Lilybee alphas to complete the layout.

So what about you?  Any 'oldies, but goodies' laying around your scrap room that you could be pulling out to create your next layout?  As always, I'd love to come and have a peek if I've inspired you to create.  I encourage you to come back next week to see what else I was able to create with this fabulous box of goodies.




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Monday, October 8, 2012

Let's Get Sketchy Reveal

Another fun and fabulous sketch is live today over at Let's Get Sketchy.

If you haven't had a chance to pop over there and participate in a challenge this is a great week to begin.  Check out the sketch Jenessa has provided for us.


Of course I had to change mine around just a tad.  I am still so in love with this Crate Paper Pretty Party collection, that I pulled out my scraps and managed to create a layout with them. Here are some detail close up.


Love using jewelery cord from time to time for a little bit of a different look than twine or jute.

The look on this poor guys face says it all.  I'm not sure how he knows that he looks positively silly, but the expression on his face seems to relay the message pretty well.


You can see the rest of the team's creations here.  And here is where you can read up on how to become eligible for this month's sponsored prize.

How would you like to be a Guest Designer for us?  Check out this message from our fearless and lovely leader Brenshevia...

We are trying something new (for us) here at Let's Get Sketchy.  Starting November 1st, we will have a monthly guest designer.  No we are not bringing in anyone new, we are going to use our very on faithful followers!  Here is how it will work:
 

If you are interested in being a Guest Designer for LGS, when you upload your layout simply place GDT behind your name so we know you are interested in a spot.  Then at the end of the month, I will randomly select from those who are interested. If you are selected for that month, you will be our guest designer for the sketch challenge that goes up on the 2nd Monday of the month.  This will give you a little time to get the sketch from us and prepare your layout.  If selected, you must have your layout back to me NLT the Saturday before the Monday your reveal goes live.

This is open to any of our followers, simple put "GDT" behind your name when you upload for our challenges.  If you participate in more than one challenge, you only have to add the GDT to your name once.


I am looking forward to seeing your creations.  Enjoy the rest of your day!


Thanks for stopping by today friends.

♥ S. Pin It

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Wishing you a ...

source
 

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Saturday, October 6, 2012

Happy World Card Making Day


Today is a day card makers all around the globe look forward to every year.  There are so many manufacturers, retailers, bloggers, magazines, and forums that celebrate with all of us.  There is definitely no shortage of places to go for inspiration, challenges, and amazing prizes up for grabs.

Scrapping Everyday Miracles decided to join in the fun this year, and create a card just for this special day.  I still had some stickers I was wanting to use up from the Crate Pretty Party collection, along with a few scraps of paper for the Story Teller Collection, so I created a little trio of cards.




In only one hour I was able to both participate in the celebration of the day, and begin to stock up on my stash of everyday cards.

How about you, will you be creating handmade greeting cards today?  I'd love to come have a 'peek-see' if so. 
And if you haven't heard Paper Issues had joined in on the celebration in a big way.  Check it out here.

Have a wonderful weekend friends, and Happy Card Making Day!

♥ S. Pin It

Friday, October 5, 2012

Winner, winner chicken dinner

A quick post to announce the winner of my RAK from the Scrapping Everyday Miracles blog hop.  I used Random Generator to help me choose a winner among the 22 comments left on my post.



Congratulations Faith Hope Cherrytea, all this and a few extra goodies I am going to throw in, will be on it's way to you soon.


I will send you an email requesting your snail mail.  You will have the weekend to get back to me.  If I don't hear from you I will draw another winner.

I'll be back tomorrow with a few shares for World Card Making Day.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

♥ S. Pin It

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Wordless Today

Well almost...

Just wanted to pop in and say thank you for being here.  It's a crazy busy week, single parenting for 3 days, and one kid spending 4 days filming a scene in a movie (how cool is that?!).  Life if good.  Full, but oh so good.  Here are a few snapshots of my life over the past week.

Creating a couple 2-pager class with these MME goodies

Love how cute he is right before a haircut

discovered @WordFrame - love it.

Belle does the most amazing nails

The OCD girl in me loves how straight and perfect these are

Can't believe it's been over 16 years of loving this guy

And these ones are growing up way too fast

Fall in Winnipeg is breathtaking

@fatmumslim Photo-a-Day.  Are you in?

Seeing this girl come alive while dancing is a gift I treasure

Sneaky peek of Saturday's post

Loved this.  Had to share.
I'll be back tomorrow with the winner of my RAK from the Scrapping Everyday Miracles Blog hop.

Have a wonderful day friends,

♥ S.


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