Finally Friday!

So glad the weekend is nearly here. This summer has been almost a total bust. Wanted to do so much with the kids, but life just kept getting in the way. I think the kids are happy (thank goodness), but Mom is wishing she had planned more activities.

Still taking the week off from designing (post-CHA blues, I suppose), but I am busy working on some text for one of the Scrapbook Trends Magazines. Fun to see what you guys are working on as well!

I have a layout to share with you today. It's a birthday themed layout. For this layout, I enlarged a photo and added a colored digital word brush. Then I added text to the photo. I loved how the birthday paper went so well with the banner stamp (go Hero Arts). I love combining products from lots of companies. And those Maya Road stars are my favorite stickpins of all time!! They work with birthday, the 4th of July, and I just used them on a Halloween page. I hope 2Peas gets more in soon. You can see additional photos of this layout here at 2Peas, as well as, purchase supplies to create the layout.




I hope you have a lovely weekend!

Question of the Day: What are your weekend plans?

Mine involve some more work, cleaning, and laundry. Woohoo! ;)
Some CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Fun!!

For those of you that don't scrapbook and still read my blog--and why I don't know. ;) Twice a year the Craft & Hobby Association holds a HUGE convention for manufacturers to display their wares. This is for ALL things crafts, and it's a really big deal. So twice a year I'm neck deep in projects for companies I work with to display at the show. The show started yesterday and will go through this week.

In order to attend you have to be a retailer or press (or with a retailer) so not many of us get to go. (I've been once to one in Atlanta for Li'l Davis Designs.)

But there are still many ways to participate and enjoy the show all while enjoying the comforts of home.

* Google "CHA Sneak Peeks" and you'll find several company sneak peeks.

* Check out the Scrapbook Trends Blog (I've loaded up several on there).

* Check out Jamie Sorensen's videos on 2Peas (check out YouTube station).

* Enter a CHA challenge on the GG's blog.

At the very least you can start budgeting for all the great stuff you'll be seeing in stores in the next few months. 2Peas already has Martha Stewart Halloween stuff in the store. (I'm a wee bit excited and several items to my cart already.)

So join in! Have some fun! And win a thing or two.

I'll leave you with a memo board I created for my kitchen with the new "Savor" line from Little Yellow Bicycle.



And here is a Halloween countdown box from Karen Foster Design:



Some Randoms and a Share!!

First off, let's start with something visual and summery. I have a "summer" themed layout up in the 2Peas Gallery today. I used happy, bright colors across a two page layout for fun. I combined several companies: SEI, Little Yellow Bicycle, and Studio Calico, with a little American Crafts thrown in for fun. I usually shop my stash and start putting things together in a pile and then create from there. You can find the supplies for purchase here.




I was at the Scrapbook Trends Magazine office on Friday and picked up the latest issue. It's full of lovely ideas. Be sure to pick one up at your local retailer or you can download or purchase the issue here.





I love that cover by Sheri Reguly. She's a fabulous designer!


One exciting thing I wanted to share is that my monthly article with Scrapbook Trends Magazine is CHANGING!!


We are moving from a story-telling article to a how to format. I'm very excited about this because I think it corresponds nicely with the "Work It Out Wednesday" blog posts. One new thing we are offering our readers will be a chance to film themselves sharing techniques and tips. Do you have a digital camera and know how to load films to Youtube or other video sharing sites? Then you might want to check out my "Punches" call here. Or if you have a great idea for using punches on a layout, then please submit!! This is going to be a great change for the magazine and for me.


Question of the Day: Have you ever held a garage sale (why or why not)?


I'm prepping for a HUGE scrapbooking sale. I'll share more details once I nail down a date, but I'm super purging my office so there will be lots to purchase.
Sometimes a Holiday Just Isn't All That It's Cracked Up To Be

Every year I think, "We're going to have so much fun today." And every year I forget to take into account just how tired the hooligans are going to be and how "not fun" that makes things for me.

In the morning, I ridiculously tried to hit the grocery store before our local parade. Traffic is always a nightmare that morning, and people leave their brains at home and think traffic rules are optional and endanger one another's lives by driving as recklessly as possible. By the time I arrived back at the house, my heart was pounding and I was already feeling irritated.

But I gathered up the boys to prepare for the parade. Kate had spent the night at a friend's house and arrived home just in time to jump in the car with us. (I have to say, Kate did her very best to maintain a good attitude even though I discovered later just how little sleep she got.)

Our friends had nabbed a great shady spot. So we start enjoying the parade and they start throwing candy, and we are doing a little of this:



And then the boy doesn't get any candy. And the candy they are throwing he can't have with his spacer. So he starts doing a little of this:



And then we try to do this:



And then we have a TOTAL AND COMPLETE MELT DOWN so loud that we have an audience and I'm debating whether or not to take the chance of even more evil looks if I scoop him up and drag/carry him to the car to continue his fit. How do kids know they have willing witnesses to their crimes? I swear his fits are louder when there are people their to listen. Good grief.

We finish out the parade, however, and try to enjoy the floats and candy throwing, which now involves a few things on which he can suck instead of chew:



When we get home it's a "on your bed time out" for part of the day. The rest of us crash. How is it that the one who needs a nap most doesn't take one? Seriously! I did allow him to get up after a while and play quietly in his room.

After a LONG break, and a discussion about appropriate behavior he was released back into the wild.

Later that evening we had my sister and her husband and kids and my Dad over for an impromptu BBQ. My cute hubby grilled:



While I played with this beauty:



And the we did opened up the box of fireworks. I let the kids do their FIRST ever sparklers. Yep. First ever. He's pretty thrilled:



But then he promptly burned his finger trying to put it out and now has a little blister on his finger, which definitely put a damper on the rest of his evening.

But we did a few more of these:



And then watched a few of the local rodeo fireworks from his bedroom window before we all crashed once again.
Little Yellow Bicycle Sneak Peeks

Since these items appeared in the Little Yellow Bicycle catalog, I'm going to share one of each of three lines Little Yellow Bicycle will have at the show. (Cupcake will also be available, but I can't share those product samples yet.)

The first is a card for "Booville." I love the little details on each of the pieces, like the text on this mummy. So cute! The mummy is a sticker but the frame, clouds, and stars are all chipboard pieces.



"Christmas Delight" is both whimsical and sophisticated. Love the warm blues, greens, and reds in this line. Almost retro but not quite.



Although I'm not much on cooking (yes, sadly it's true), I do LOVE the "Savor" line. Textured pieces in the most beautifully muted colors. I think this might be my favorite line by them this release.



After the CHA tradeshow I will start posting more of my projects, including two albums and two altered pieces. Little Yellow Bicycle really outdid themselves this time (but frankly, they never disappoint). Be sure to check out their website for additional projects and the individual product lines (including "Cupcake").
A Mini Album a Month Class: School Shaped Chipboard Album

You can see my class at 2Peas by checking here. You can also watch the video below for some helpful tips on making the album. (NOTE: there is a slight period of time in the video that is dark, no idea why, but just be aware.)

Stamping Fun Continued!

I have two more layouts to share with you today using Stephanie Barnard's "The Stamps of Life." Stephanie's company will be visiting several consumer shows so be sure to check out and find their booth. Some of these projects may be found there. :)

This first layout is about my niece who has the most deliciously curly hair. I stamped the kites on pattern paper and then cut out and paper pieced them. I stamped clouds on the definition pattern paper. I also embossed a sentiment on the same paper and then machine stitched it to the page. The scallop border on the left of the photo is actually a wave stamp, but I thought it would look cool as a loose scallop. I stamped a couple of strips of paper with stamps. I also used an open heart stamp which I cut in half to help hold my twine.



Here is a close up photo of the kite scene:



Supplies:
* Cardstock: Bazzill, Prism
* Green pattern paper: Anna Griffin
* Yellow and Pink Double Dot pattern paper: Bo Bunny Press
* Definition pattern paper: October Afternoon
* Stamps: The Stamps of Life
* Embossing Powder: American Crafts
* Pink Buttons: American Crafts
* Pearls: Hero Arts
* Ribbon: American Crafts, Offray & Sons
* Photo Corner: Heidi Swapp
* Ribbon: Pebbles, Inc.
* Jumbo Scallop Scissors: Provo Craft
* Stamping ink: Stampin' Up, Michael's
* Brads: American Crafts
* Dear Lizzy Stickers: American Crafts

The second layout is all boy. I used the sun stamp to create a pattern in the orange strip. Then I embossed an open star circle with blue embossing powder and punched them out to fill the circles. I embossed the "Let's Celebrate" with green embossing powder. I stamped the open heart stamp across the tan pattern paper to create a strip. The two digital brushes are from Ali Edwards at Designer Digitals.



Here is a close-up photo of the layout:



Supplies:
* Cardstock: Die Cuts with a View, Provo Craft, Prism
* Traveler pattern paper: Little Yellow Bicycle
The Boyfriend Driver's Ed pattern paper: Cosmo Cricket
* Buttons: Bo Bunny Press
* Corner Rounder: Fiskars
* Brad: Little Yellow Bicycle
* Font: 2Peas Tasklist
* Digital Brushes: Ali Edwards for Designer Digitals
* Stamps: The Stamps of Life
* Stamping Ink: Inque Boutique, Stampin' Up, Michael's
* Upper Crest Border Punch: Fiskars
* Twine: craft supply
* Leaf Embossing Powder: American Crafts
* Denim Embossing Powder: American Crafts

Keep watching for my next 2Peas Class. I will post the video and link soon!

Question of the Day: What are you working on/doing today?

Me? CHA projects. Almost done and will be shipping them off tomorrow. I also hope to ride my bike for a bit, finish up the laundry, and take my friend out for her birthday.
Stamping Fun!

I had so much fun working with Stephanie Barnard's "The Stamps of Life" stamps. She has an eye for great fonts and fun images. Today I thought I would share two layouts I created using her stamps.

The first is a birthday layout. All stamps on this layout are from "The Stamps of Life." I used dark pigment ink to stamp the banner. I used an outline star shape for the orange star, which I then inked with brown stamping ink. I printed the journaling on pattern paper. The red cardstock has balloons stamped in red to create a fun background. The title is both American Crafts letter stickers and cut with my Silhouette machine. I tied a small twine to the end of my ribbon (thanks, Jennifer McGuire for the idea). Stamping works great on both cardstock and pattern paper and can be as simple or as complicated as you like. Here's the layout:



And here's a close-up shot:



Supplies:
* Cardstock: Coredinations, Prism, Bazzill
* Stamps: The Stamps of Life
* Stamping ink: Stampin' Up, Michael's
* Button: Basic Grey
* Pop Dots: American Crafts
* Fonts: 2Peas High Tide, Ballpark
* Photo corner: Canson
* Corner Rounder: Fiskars
* Black letter stickers: American Crafts
* Green pattern paper: Pebbles, Inc.
* "Happy Birthday" pattern paper: Imaginisce
* Sunny Day pattern paper: American Crafts

This second layout is a non-thematic layout about my daughter. I embossed the "happy day" word with teal embossing powder. I used an outline heart stamp to stamp on yellow pattern paper. I used a small star stamp to stamp inside the green pattern paper. I cut out the title with my Silhouette Machine. And the words on the photo are a digital stamp from Ali Edwards.



Here are two close-up photos of the layout:



Supplies:
* Carstock: Die Cuts with a View, Bazzill, Provo Craft
* Teal pattern paper: Ki Memories
* Rock On pattern paper: American Crafts
* Green Ribbon: American Crafts
* Upper Crest Border Punch: Fiskars
* Clothesline pins: Little Yellow Bicycle
* Yellow Brads: American Crafts
* Buttons: Basic Grey
* 2" Scallop Circle Punch, 3" Scallop Circle Punch: EK Success
* Digital word stamp: Ali Edwards for Designer Digitals
* Stamps: The Stamps of Life
* Fonts: 2Peas Tasklist, AL Libretto
* Office clip: office supply
* Aqua Embossing Powder: American Crafts
* Stamping Ink: Stampin' Up, Michael's

Ok, off to do some more CHA work. :)

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What are you reading right now and why?

I just finished "Chalice" by Robin McKinley. I give it 3 stars. I was a little tired of hearing about bees by the time I was done reading. LOL!
A Couple of Cards

I've been playing around a bit with some things I love, and I thought I would share. The first is some of my American Crafts stamps. I am always drawn to American Crafts' products, and their stamps are no exception. Whether you purchase their wooden stamps or their clear, acrylic stamps you're getting wonderful stamps.

For this "A Little Birdie Told Me" card, the color scheme was inspired by the bird sticker. Colors like these look particularly good with either white or black (I used both). I love how the ribbon bow looks like a nest:



Supplies:
* Craft cardstock
* White Cardstock
* Black Cardstock
* File Folder die cut shape (Silhouette)
* Silhouette Die Cut Machine (Silhouette)
* Bird sticker and flower stickers (American Crafts)
* Ribbon (American Crafts)
* Scallop Sentiment Border Punch (Fiskars)
* Yellow Button (American Crafts)
* Twine (craft supply)
* Paper clips (office supply)
* 3X3 Sentiment Grid Stamp (American Crafts)
* 3X3 Birthday Dots Stamp (American Crafts)
* Large Sentiments Stamp (American Crafts)
* Apricot Embossing Powder (American Crafts)
* Aqua Embossing Powder (American Crafts)
* Mustard Embossing Powder (American Crafts)

I also made a few cards with my Silhouette Machine that I thought I would share.

Ok, this telephone card is too much fun! It comes with the card shape and a cover for the inside as well. I covered it with some items that I thought were fun and made it a birthday card:



Supplies:
* Silhouette Machine
* Hip, Hip Hooray pattern paper (Imaginisce)
* Rock On pattern paper (American Crafts)
* Brown, light blue, and red cardstock (American Crafts)
* Twine (craft supply)
* Blue buttons (Basic Grey)
* Phone card die cut shape (Silhouette)

And then I wanted to try a tri-fold card. If you look closely, you can see an embossed stamp behind the die cut leaf. This card opens up by sliding off the "belt." A sentiment is stamped inside.



Supplies:
* Silhouette Machine
* tri-fold card, leaf die cuts (Silhouette)
* Button (Basic Grey)
* 1.5" Scallop Circle Punch (Fiskars)
* Twine (Craft Supply)
* Flourish stamp (Hero Arts)
* Teal, green, and yellow cardstock (American Crafts)
* Clear Embossing Powder (American Crafts)

So I'm not getting a whole of comments on the ol' blog so I thought I would pose a Question of the Day!

So here goes . . .

Question of the Day:  What's your favorite healthy snack?

Mine would be fresh fruit like strawberries or grapes or watermelon.

Let's hear your answers. :)
Saying Goodbye

After five years, I have decided to resign my design team position with Karen Foster. It was a difficult decision to make, but I feel at peace with my decision. I feel like it's time for a change. And I want to head in new directions.

Karen Foster was very good to me, and I will miss working with my co-design team members and my managers and bosses.

I thought I would share some of my favorite Karen Foster products.

The first is this "Scrap N Stash" apron, which I use in my kitchen rather than my scrapbooking room. But if I did use it, it would hold EVERY tool that I own. So cute.



This is the new version, and although it's much more streamlined it's super cute. (It also had a children's version, which I gave to my daughter.)



This is coming out at CHA, and is VERY cool. A 3D Peek Box:



I wish I could have stayed long enough to get one of these babies. Stylish isn't it? This is the "Scrap N' Style" Tote:



Here's a close-up photo:



Besides their thematic lines, Karen Foster always carries some extra fun embellishments. I wanted to point out a few those to you.

If you like twine, then I'm sure you'll be needing the new "Scrapper's Spool":



Always look for Karen Foster Brads. These "Swirl Burst Brads" are so cool:



And I always try to get my hands on Cork Sheets from Karen Foster. They are thin enough that you can punch through them easily, plus they are adhesive on the back. Seriously LOVE them:



Be sure to check out their website for their latest releases. They have a TON. Some of my favorites are the new "Baby's Firsts" and the "School" line. Both are just amazing.

And I wanted to publicly thank Karen Foster for a great five year relationship! Thanks, KF!
The Girl is Doing Great and Some Sneak Peeks!

Thank you for the well wishes on Kate's surgery and recovery. She is doing surprisingly well. She's been eating as many soft foods as she can get her hands on. She's a little puffy but other than being worn out seems to be doing well. We keep pumping the pain meds and the antibiotic to stay ahead of the pain, but I'm impressed with how she's doing. Lots of Netflix Avatar cartoons are keeping her distracted, and thank goodness, because I don't believe I have that much distraction in me. ;)

I've been seeing some fun new products on some of my favorite company blogs, and I wanted to share.

How about some new "Dear Lizzy Christmas Line" from American Crafts:



Here is their new "Dear Lizzy" line as well:



Be sure to check out the American Crafts blog for other great releases (I love City Park):



KI Memories has a sneak peek of their new "Rainbow" line:



Crate Paper has had a few reveals, as well. I like their cute "Snow Day" release:



This is their "School Spirit" rub-ons and brads:



And Cosmo Cricket continues to outdo themselves. How about this "Togetherness" line?



And what a whimsical Halloween line "Matilda":



And I can finally show you some Little Yellow Bicycle sneak peeks. Here's their "Booville" line:



And their "Christmas Delight" line:



I think their new "Savor" line might be my favorite:



And their last CHA release is "Cupcake Love" which is perfect for valentine and cupcake lovers:



Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers for Kate!
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