Ouch Layout

Taking a break from Christmas layouts to do a quasi-Christmas layout. My younger son Elliot received a skateboard for Christmas in 2011, and hadn't been on it for five minutes when he fell and skinned his knee. In retrospect, the skateboard has been a poor investment, because Elliot also broke the bottoms off his two (permanent) front teeth while riding his skateboard this year. Sigh . . . So, something to contemplate as we usher in the new year: if you had a do-over for 2013, what would it be? And what would you like to do better in 2014? Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe (i.e. skateboard-free) New Year!

Update: I was a winner at Paper Secrets for this layout!

Recipe:
Later Sk8r, Express Postage & Make It Count stamp sets
Later Sk8r Level 2 paper & My Stickease
Slate, Whisper, Lagoon, Outdoor Denim & White Daisy cardstock
Slate, Whisper, Lagoon, Outdoor Denim & Pear ink
Outdoor Denim marker
Later Sk8r Assortment
Green & Blue epoxy bubbles
Swiss Dot embossing folder (Cuttlebug)
Cricut Artiste cartridge: gears, title
Pattern: Paper Secrets December 15 Sketch (twist = include clock or calendar)

Christmas Eve Layout

Another Christmas 2011 layout down. I got the basic idea for this one from a layout done by the uber-talent Wendy on Splitcoast Stampers. I was participating in a scraplift challenge, and since she was the person ahead of me in the list, I went searching through her gallery to find the perfect page. On her Ice Skating layout, I loved how she created a grid but let some elements break out, so I went with that concept. She also had a little scene, so I added a scene, and I outlined my title letters as she did. Because she was digi-scrapping, she could easily add many layers of paper, while I had to limit myself to three, but I loved the inspiration. Thanks Wendy!

Recipe:
A Timber & Pear & Partridge stamp sets
Mistletoe Level 2 & Creative Basics papers
White Daisy cardstock
New England Ivy, Cocoa, Garden Green & Cranberry ink
England Ivy, Cocoa & Cranberry markers
Red Glitz Glitter Gel
Woodgrain washi tape
Challenges: Sketch 'n Scrap Color challenge (the challenge is long over but I loved the colors so I decided to use them on my layout anyway!)

Gifts Layout

I'm determined to finish scrapping my Christmas photos from 2011 before the end of this year. Can I make it? Not sure, but here's another Christmas layout with photos of my boy's new train set from Grandma. Enjoy!

Recipe:
Animal Cookies Level 2 papers & My Stickease
Animal Cookies Level 1 My Stickease
White Daisy, Chocolate & Tulip cardstock
Chocolate, Dutch Blue, Clover Meadow, and Sunflower ink
Chocolate marker
Tulip brad
3-D foam tape
Cricut Artiste cartridge: bow
Pattern: Sketch 'n Scrap #46
Challenges: Lasting Memories Here Comes Santa Claus challenge (my journaling tells how Santa came early to our house this year)

Precious Layout

I love these pictures of my boys sleeping with all their stuffed animals, and once I found a cute sketch from Sketch 'n Scrap, I knew exactly what papers I wanted to use. CTMH's Magic Moments papers may be long retired, but they were perfect for remembering this magic moment in my life as a parent! The Sketch 'n Scrap sketch had a twist, so I needed to use two border punches and one other punch on my layout. I don't actually own 2 border punches, so I used the scalloped one I had, and then cut a border using my Cricut. I also used a circle punch to create the title.

Recipe:
Vintage Type & Whooo's Your Valentine stamp sets
Magic Moments Level 2 papers
Cocoa, Sunflower, Bamboo & White Daisy cardstock
Cocoa, Sunflower, Hollyhock, Indian Corn Blue & Sweet Leaf ink
Dutch Blue marker
Staples
Scalloped border punch (Fiskars)
Cricut Artiste cartridge: hearts
Cricut Artbooking cartridge: star border, stars, arrows
Pattern: Sketch n' Scrap #47
Challenges: Splitcoast Stamper's VSBN Music Appreciation challenge (use lyrics from Just Give Me a Reason by Pink); 1 2 3 Get Scrappy board (I used the color green, scalloped edges, and staples)

Stash Busters December Week 4

If you have tons more scrapbooking supplies than you could use in the next ten years, I have a Stash Busters challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers just for you. Just create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

Stash13Dec4
This month, I am challenging you to use up certain items from your stash and then link your completed layout here so we can all get excited over it! I'll post a new list each Thursday this month, and you have until December 31st to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started.

Please use:
• 3 patterned papers that are at least one year old
• Baker's twine
• At least 3 pieces of bling
• Felt or fabric

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

Recipe:
Friendship Alphabet Large & Moments in Time stamp sets
Silhouette Level 2 papers
Cranberry & Colonial White cardstock
Cranberry, Olive & Black ink
Heartfelt Wonder felt die-cuts
Cranberry baker's twine
Cranberry dot ribbon
Red Sparkles
Gold wire (Artistic Wire Ltd)
Winter Defined Sticker (Making Memories)
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: tag
Pattern: Title Topper - Heading & Sidebar - Layers from Reflections
Challenges: Sketch-n-Scrap Bingo (I used the fourth row down - twine, 3 patterns, tag, 2 alphas, inking); 1 2 3 Get Scrappy board (I used the middle row down - ornaments, baker's twine, lots of white); Creative Belli Christmas challenge; Lil' Red Wagon Anything Christmas; Southern Girls Christmas challenge

Stash Buster December Week 3

If you have tons more scrapbooking supplies than you could use in the next ten years, I have a Stash Busters challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers just for you. Just create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

Stash13Dec3
This month, I am challenging you to use up certain items from your stash and then link your completed layout here so we can all get excited over it! I'll post a new list each Thursday this month, and you have until December 31st to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started. This week, you have two options.

Option 1
Please use:
• Metallic or glitter paper
• A charm
• Fibers
• Staples

Option 2
• Use 4 red, green and/or Christmas themed products from your stash.

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

I used three green products (tea cup die-cut, buttons, and sparkles) and a red/green product (patterned papers).

Recipe:
Vogue Alphabet stamp set
Evensong Level 2 papers
Cashmere, Cranberry, Sorbet & Black cardstock
Black & Topiary ink
Green sparkles
Topiary craft buttons
Teacup die-cut (from my stash)
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: poinsettias, scalloped border
Pattern: EMS Sketch 30

Rainy Ride Layout

I had fun combining a couple of challenges for this layout. First, I am the hostess for the Scrapbook Variety Challenge on Splitcoast Stampers, so I challenged everyone (including myself) to create a layout that celebrates weather, either by journaling about the weather or adding a weather related product to the layout. I actually did both by telling the story of a rainstorm that hit while my family was riding a roller coaster at Epcot, then adding some die-cut rain clouds and Liquid Glass rain.

My next challenge was from Sketch 'n Scrap's online crop, the Fruitcake recipe challenge. We had to use four "ingredients" from the recipe, and I chose red candied cherries (use the color red), sugar (sprinkles of round ornaments - I used the red button nail heads), eggs (ribbon as a binding agent), vanilla (any type of liquid medium - I used Liquid Glass to make raindrops), and flour (white embellishments - clouds). The crop goes until Saturday, so feel free to play along.

The final challenge I entered was the Moving On challenge from Heart 2 Heart. Even thought there are no actual moving parts on my layout, the journaling certainly talks a lot about movement!

Recipe:
For Always Level 2 papers
Slate & White Daisy cardstock
Black, Cranberry & Slate ink
Black marker
Cranberry button nail heads
Black & red ribbon (Costco)
Liquid Glass
Cricut Artiste cartridge: clouds, title
Pattern: EMS Sketch 10

December Stash Busters Week 2

If you have tons more scrapbooking supplies than you could use in the next 10 years, I have a Stash Busters challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers just for you! Just create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

Stash13Dec2
This month, I am challenging you to use up certain items from your stash and then link your completed layout here so we can all get excited over it! I'll post a new list each Thursday this month, and you have until December 31st to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started.

Please use:
• 2 patterned papers that are at least one year old
• 2 stickers
• 2 brads
• 2 die-cuts

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

My layout - I used my December sketch (slightly revised) plus some really old stickers!

Recipe:
Passages Level 2 papers
Brown Bag & Colonial White cardstock
Brown Bag, Bamboo & Cocoa ink
Pewter photo hangers & brads
Cocoa grosgrain ribbon
Airplane sticker (CM)
Door sticker (Stickopotamus)
Space Needle sticker (Mrs. Grossman)
Pattern: EMS Sketch 51

December Stash Busters Week 1 - Leu Gardens

If you have tons more scrapbooking supplies than you could use in the next 10 years, I have a Stash Busters challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers just for you! Just create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

Stash13Dec1
This month, I am challenging you to use up certain items from your stash and then link your completed layout here so we can all get excited over it! I'll post a new list each Thursday this month, and you have until December 31st to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started.

Please use:
• 3 patterned papers that are at least one year old
• 3 or more flowers - paper, cloth, metal, or whatever you have in your stash
• Chipboard
• At least one circle (can be anything in your stash)

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

Recipe:
Tiny Typewriter Alphabet stamp set
You & Me and Passages Level 2 papers
Brown Bag & Ponderosa Pine ink
Fiber (EK Success)
Just Blooms paper shapes - Floret & Paradise
Cocoa & Bamboo brads
Lucky Assortment chipboard dragonfly & brackets
Wrought Iron Fence sticker (Mrs. Grossman)
Wild Asparagus Beautiful Definition Circle (MME)
Metal-edged vellum tag (SU)
Garden Green spiral clip
3-D foam tape
Pattern: Paper Secrets 12-1-13 sketch (metal = tag edge, brads, and spiral clip)

EMS Sketch Challenge 51 - The Secret Garden

I am so late with this sketch (should have been posted on the 1st!), but here it finally is. Since everyone is probably pretty busy this month, I created a sketch that should be a snap to put together; there is very little photo cropping. Feel free to get creative with the sun element. I'm sure there are lots of shapes you can use to complement whatever you're scrapping.You have until December 31st to create a layout based on the sketch, post it online, and then link to this post. Let's see what you can do!

The sketch

My Layout

Recipe:
Chantilly Level 2 papers
Sky, Buttercup & Pear cardstock
Pear & Buttercup ink
Pear & Creme Brulee markers
Sorbet ribbon
Chantilly fabric buttons
Just Blooms Paper Shapes - Paradise & Floret
Sky & Pear brads
My Crush Besties Assortment
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: title
Challenges: Clear It Out anything goes challenge (my layout is a mix of old and newish product!); Ribbon Carousel anything goes challenge

O Christmas Tree Layout

One of our favorite holiday traditions is going to the tree lot the weekend after Thanksgiving and getting our Christmas tree. We enjoy all the components of the hunt, culminating with tracking down our perfect tree! I knew that CTMH's Sparkle & Shine paper, with its fun polka dot, check, and stripe patterns, was going to be perfect for scrapping this family tradition, and I even went a little wild and made a rosette to add some dimension to the page. Enjoy!.

Recipe:
Jubilation stamp set
Sparkle & Shine Level 2 papers
Juniper, Ruby, Black & White Daisy cardstock
Juniper, Ruby, Slate & Versamark ink
White embossing powder
Juniper brads
Ruby baker's twine
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: title, banners
Pattern: EMS Sketch 22
Challenges: 4 Crafty Chicks Christmas challenge; Ribbon Carousel Holidays and Celebrations challenge

The Land Layout

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving yesterday! I skipped the shopping today and finished another layout, this one using the origami challenge from Child's Play. I made 2 origami fish to go along with the sea life in my photos. I wanted to do a bunny, but I just couldn't find directions to one that really looked like a bunny. Oh well, the fish were fun to do once I figured out the directions, and now my kids want me to show them how to make some!

No journaling yet, but the pictures were taken at Epcot.

Here's one of my fish!

Recipe:
Keepsake Alphabet stamp set
You & Me, Expedition Level 2 papers
Garden Green & Creme Brulee cardstock
Chocolate & Creme Brulee ink
Just Blooms paper shapes - Spring Blossom, Flutter
Mocha Opaques
Garden Green & Colonial White brads
Garden Green spiral clip
Chocolate ribbon
Colonial White ric-rac
Pattern: EMS Sketch 29

Innoventions Layout

Child's Play has a xylophone challenge that I've been trying to play all month, and I finally found pictures that worked with it!

I pulled inspiration from the colored keys on the xylophone and found a paper that incorporated most of the colors, plus the stickers had the orange. The only color I couldn't get into the challenge was the purple. I needed to complete my week 3 Stash Busters challenge from Splitcoast Stampers, so I collected some discontinued ribbon, ribbon slides, and epoxy stickers from my stash and got to work. I still have lots of the papers since they came in one of those crazy 180 sheet multi-packs, but I used up half a pack of stickers - yay!

Recipe:
Summer Stack patterned papers (DCWV)
Tulip, Moonstruck, Honey & White Daisy cardstock
Tulip, Moonstruck & Honey ink
Moonstruck marker
Tulip ribbon
Pear ribbon slides
Boys Gone Wild epoxy stickers (Reminisce)
Cricut Artbooking : title
Pattern: Page Maps November 2013 double page sketch (reversed)

Sunset at Epcot Layout

It's the last week you can participate in my November sketch challenge, so I thought I'd showcase the sketch with one of my own layouts. When we were at Epcot, my hubby took tons of pictures of the sun setting over the lagoon, but only two of the photos seemed scrap-worthy. Fortunately, that fit in perfectly with my November sketch, plus it gave me an opportunity to play along with the Heart 2 Heart Sponging challenge. For the title, I sponged a piece of Colonial White cardstock with three different colors of ink (Creme Brulee, Goldrush, and Smoothie), then I used Versamark ink to stamp my title over the sponged cardstock, followed by clear embossing powder. Finally, I brayered Chocolate ink over the whole piece, leaving my sponged and embossed title to pop through. Thanks for a fun challenge, H2H, that inspired me to do something I would not have thought of on my own!

Last week to play along with this month's sketch!

Recipe:
Trinity Alphabet stamp set
Perfect Day Level 2 papers
Whisper, Indian Corn Blue, Creme Brulee & Colonial White cardstock
Creme Brulee, Goldrush, Smoothie, Chocolate & Versamark ink
Clear embossing powder
Sparkle flourishes
Sparkles
Cricut Artbooking cartridge: hearts overlay, hearts
Pattern: EMS Sketch 50

Sparkle & Shine Card Workshop

All this week, I've been busy designing cards for a Sparkle & Shine workshop, and it has been so fun! I love these papers, and can't wait to create some scrapbook layouts with them. Hope my cards bring some sparkle to your life today.

Pattern: Mojo Monday Card Sketch 320

Challenges: Always Playing With Paper Trees With Bling challenge

Pattern: Sunday Sketch & Stamp Card Sketch 183 (the sketch made me think of a four-paned window)

 Pattern: inspired by this card

Pattern: Deconstructing Jen Card Sketch 128
Challenges: Heart 2 Heart's Seeing Double challenge (I made two versions of this card), Frosted Designs 11 Item Challenge (I used circles and stars)

Pattern: Deconstructing Jen Card Sketch 125

Recipe:

Trim the Tree, Cityscape, Very Merry Christmas, Universal Backgrounds, Santa Claus, Back to Nature, Illuminate, Holiday Tags & Scandinavian Wishes stamp sets

Sparkle & Shine Level 2 papers

Juniper, Ruby, White, Chocolate & Black cardstock
Juniper, Ruby, Slate, Chocolate & Versamark inks
Ruby & Black markers
Silver embossing powder (JoAnn's)
Sparkle Shapes
Ruby chevron ribbon
Sparkle & Shine Washi tape
White Daisy grosgrain & organdy ribbon
Silver Shimmer Trim
White Daisy baker's twine
Star & silver brads (from my stash)
All die-cut images cut using Cricut Art Philosophy or Artbooking cartridges

Epcot Layout

I have several layouts from Epcot to do, so I thought I might as well plunge in and get 'em scrapped. Here's the intro page, combining some really old and some brand new products. I seldom do a page these days without first finding a sketch, but I had some old CTMH Level 1 papers that were already "designed," so I just built on top of them and added stuff until I thought it was done. Hope you like!

Recipe:
Save the Date stamp set
Route 66 Level 1 papers
Bamboo, Moonstruck & Cranberry cardstock
Bamboo, Moonstruck & Cranberry ink
Round Durables pewter
Best Day Ever Assortment (journaling spot, ticket sticker)
Cranberry baker's twine
DE Monograms chipboard E, P, C, O & T
3-D foam tape
Cricut Artiste cartridge: gears
Challenges: Splitcoast Stampers Variety Challenge Supersize It; Lasting Memories Anything But Snow challenge

Be Yourself Layout

Animal Cookies was one of my favorite CTMH paper packs, and I bought a bunch of it. Now that four of the colors are retired, I find myself using it less, but it still comes in handy for fun and silly layouts, like this one of my crazy boys getting creative with straws!

Recipe:
Typeset stamp set
Animal Cookies Level 2 papers
Sunflower, Dutch Blue, Tulip, Whisper, Chocolate & White Daisy cardstock
Sunflower, Tulip, Whisper, Chocolate & Clover Meadow ink
Chocolate & Sunflower markers
Grey Wool baker's twine
Tulip embroidery floss
Slate washi tape
Tulip, Topiary & Dutch Blue craft buttons
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: banners, tag
Cricut Artbooking cartridge: owl, title banner
Pattern: Sketch-n-Scrap sketch 45

Challenges: Southern Girls' circle challenge (buttons, patterned paper, washi tape); Heart 2 Heart's Grateful for You challenge (my journaling reads: So grateful for my silly boys!); 1 2 3 Get Scrappy November challenge (I used the middle line down - bird, circles, and buttons)

Stash Busters November Week 2

If you have tons more scrapbooking supplies than you could use in the next 10 years, I have a Stash Busters challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers just for you! Just create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

Stash13Nov2
This month, I am challenging you to use up certain items from your stash and then link your completed layout here so we can all get excited over it! I'll post a new list each Thursday this month, and you have until December 2nd to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started.

Please use:
• 3 patterned papers that are older than one year
• Stickers
• Photo hangers or photo turns
• Something clear (ideas: bubble stickers, vellum, transparency, etc.)

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

Recipe:

Tinkerin' Level 2 papers

Sunflower & Holiday red cardstock 

Twilight & Clover Meadow ink
Clover Meadow marker
Bubble Stickers (JoAnns)
Word stickers (from my stash)
White photo turns (JoAnns)
Topiary brads
Pattern: Let's Scrap Sketch 11-16-13
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: title

Stash Busters November Week 1

If you have tons more scrapbooking supplies than you could use in the next 10 years, I have a Stash Busters challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers just for you! Just create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

Stash13Nov1
This month, I am challenging you to use up certain items from your stash and then link your completed layout here so we can all get excited over it! I'll post a new list each Thursday this month, and you have until December 2nd to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started.

Please use:
• 2 patterned papers that are older than one year
• Ghost letters/shapes or chipboard
• 3 or more brads (bonus points if they are patterned or shaped!)
• Magic Mesh or fabric

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

Recipe:
You Are My Happy Alphabet stamp set
Cocoa Cafe Level 2 papers
Bamboo and White Daisy cardstock
White Daisy textured cardstock
Ocean, Cocoa & Amethyst ink
Bordeaux Ghost Letters (Heidi Swapp)
Bamboo Bigger Brads
Magic Mesh (Creative Imaginations)
Fibers (EK Success)
Pattern: EMS Sketch 28

October Sketch Challenge Winner

We only had two players for last month's sketch, but I did enjoy both entries. I decided to feature Joyce Ann's layout because I loved her mix of papers, and her wonderful color combination really wowed me.

Joyce Ann, please contact me to find out about being the guest designer for next month's sketch! All you scrappers out there, don't forget to check out this month's sketch and post a link to your interpretation of it by November 30th. You could be the guest designer for my January sketch!

Huntington Cards

I love holding card workshops, in part because it really makes me exercise my creativity! The Huntington workshop in particular made me think hard, since my workshop gals wanted non-seasonal cards and these papers have a definite fall flavor to them. Hope you like what I came up with!

For this one, I added some embossing using my Cuttlebug so that I could play along with the CAS-ual Fridays embossing challenge.

Recipe:

Floral Happiness, Casual Expressions, Remarkable Wreath, November Word Puzzle, Sweet & Lovely, Salutations Seals, Happy Birthday & You Are My Happy stamp sets

Huntington Level 2 papers

Olive, Cocoa, Autumn Terracotta, Barn Red, Desert Sand, Champagne & Colonial White cardstock

Olive, Cocoa, Autumn Terracotta, Barn Red & Versamark ink

Olive, Autumn Terracotta, Barn Red & Black markers

Mocha Opaques

Colonial White & Cocoa grosgrain ribbon

3-D foam tape

Cricut Artbooking cartridge: scalloped border, journaling box

Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: tab, butterfly, title shape

Challenges: Stampin' Royalty anything goes!

EMS Sketch Challenge 50 with Guest Designers Joyce and Tanya

It's time for another sketch challenge, and today we have guest designers Joyce and Tanya, our featured scrappers for September, providing layouts for the sketch! This month's sketch features two uncropped 4" x 6" photos and a fun design element down one side of the page. Get creative with it, change what you need, and please share what you come up with. You have until November 30th to post your version and link it to this post. I will choose one scrapper's layout to be featured on my blog on December 5th, and that person will be invited to be a guest designer for the following month's sketch.

Joyce decided to go with a double page spread using the sketch, and she shrunk down the design element. Don't you love the beautiful die-cuts she used? To see more of Joyce's lovely artwork, be sure to visit her online gallery at Splitcoast Stampers.

Tanya also did a double pager, but she rotated the right hand page so she could use some vertical photos. Her hexagons are super fun! Visit Tanya's blog, Tanya's Stamps & Things, to see what else she's been busy creating.

Please link your completed layout here by 11/30/13 at 11:59pm PST!

Huntington Think of You Card

I'm getting ready for a card workshop featuring the Huntington Level 2 papers, so here is my first card. Although I love the fall theme of these papers, my card workshop gals wanted all-occasion cards, so I'm kicking things off with a Thinking of You card that utilizes a fun sketch from Retro Sketches. Hope you like!

Recipe:
Noted Backgrounds, Take Note, A Typeface, Love Life & Card Chatter - Sympathy stamp sets
Huntington Level 2 papers
Barn Red, Cashmere & Colonial White cardstock
Barn Red, Olive, Slate & Versamark ink
Olive craft button & baker's twine
White embossing powder
Cricut Artbooking cartridge: note paper
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: heart, banner

Stash Busters October Week 4

I am hosting the new Stash Busters challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers for anyone who has tons more scrapbooking supplies than she could use in the next 10 years - LOL! I would love to have you create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

STASH13Oct4
If you are anything like me, you have tons of older product stashed away in corners of your scrapping area, gathering cobwebs while you concentrate on newer items. This month, I am challenging you to use up certain items from your stash. I'll post a new list each Thursday this month (except the 31st), and you have until the last day of the month to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started.

Since this is our final challenge this month, I'm mixing it up by giving you two options from which to chose:

Option 1
• 2 Patterned papers that are older than one year
• Felt or fabric
• 3 Buttons
• 1 Rub-on

Option 2
Find a layout that you completed at least a year previously but never put pictures on, and get some pictures printed and onto the layout!

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

I went with Option 2 for my layout and used an incomplete layout that I've had in my stash for several years. Woohoo!

Recipe:
Chocolate Alphabet Large, Grown with Love, Thoughtful Seasons & Picture Perfect stamp sets
Twitterpated & Magic Moments Level 2 papers
Crystal Blue, Chocolate, Bamboo & Colonial White cardstock
Chocolate, Crystal Blue, Sorbet, Sweet Leaf & Versamark ink
Chocolate marker
White embossing powder
Sorbet brads
Chocolate ribbon
DE In Color - Organic (chipboard)

Stash Busters October Week 2

In case you missed it last week, I am hosting a new challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers! It's called Stash Busters, and it's for anyone who has tons more scrapbooking supplies than she could use in the next 10 years - LOL! I would love to have you create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

STASH13Oct2
If you are anything like me, you have tons of older product stashed away in corners of your scrapping area, gathering cobwebs while you concentrate on newer items. Wouldn't it be nice to bust it out and use it up instead of storing it? Well, Stash Busters to the rescue! This month, I am challenging you to use up certain items from your stash and then link your completed layout here so we can all get excited over it! I'll post a new list each Thursday this month (except the 31st), and you have until the last day of the month to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started.

Please use:
• 3 patterned papers that are older than one year
• 1 Bookplate
• Journaling die-cut
• Fibers

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

Recipe:
Take Note, Blue Ribbon & Tiny Typewriter Alphabet stamp sets
Dotty for You Level 2 papers
Slate, Buttercup, Ruby & Colonial White cardstock
Lagoon, Creme Brulee, Sunset & Ruby ink
DE Signage chipboard
Bookplate (JoAnn Craft Essentials)
Photo corners (Creative Imaginations)
Rub-on (K & Company)
Buttons & chipboard flowers (from my stash)
Boysenberries fibers (Rubby Remembers)
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: title
Pattern: EMS Sketch 49

September Sketch Challenge Winners

Once again, we had some great layouts for the sketch challenge, and I had a hard time picking just one, so here are the winners for the September sketch challenge. First up, give a hand for Tanya, whose digi-page really demonstrated how to keep the focus on her sweet back-to-school photos.

Joyce Ann really wowed me with her lovely color combination and her creativity; can you believe she used an oven rack to create the lines on her pink paper?!

Tanya and Joyce Ann, I would like to invite both of you to be guest designers for next month's sketch, so please contact me to get the details. Thanks to all who participated this month! Don't forget to check out this month's sketch and post a link to your interpretation of it by October 31st for your chance to be featured.

Thank{full} Layout

I'm slowly getting caught up in my scrapping; this layout brings me to Thanksgiving 2011, so hopefully I can finish the rest of 2011 this month and forge ahead to 2012. Wish me luck! I'm still on my quest to use up older products, so I pulled out some old CM stickers and discontinued CTMH papers and combined them with my newer fibers and some shapes cut on my Cricut. One fun thing I discovered while creating this layout is how to trim stickers to look like Washi tape. Now I have two ways to make my own Washi tape!

Recipe:
Noted Backgrounds stamp set
Felicity Level 2 papers
Barn Red, Olive, Buttercup, Cocoa & Bamboo cardstock
Barn Red, Olive, Buttercup, Cocoa & Autumn Terracotta ink
Cocoa marker
Colonial White ric-rac
Olive & Autumn Terracotta baker's twine
Plaid & Pumpkins Great Lengths Stickers (CM)
Holiday Gatherings stickers (CM)
Gazebo Titles stickers (CM)
Copper eyelets (Making Memories)
Cricut Art Philosoph cartridge: all die-cuts
Pattern: Let's Scrap 10-2-13
Challenges: 4 Crafty Chicks Fall Colors; Clear It Out Thanksgiving and left over sentiment (the stamped tag came out of my box of left-over shapes)

SDBG Layout

In case you are wondering but can't read the journaling on my layout, the title stands for San Diego Botanic Gardens. I wanted to use my cork letter stickers but the whole name would not fit, so I took the easy way out! Anyway, here is a second layout for the new Stash Busters challenge for Splitcoast Stampers, and I combined it with the Color Dare from Color My Heart. The challenge this week is to use 2 patterned papers that are over a year old, picture or letter stickers, wire or metal, and vellum. I'm having a great time getting rid of stuff from my stash. If you want to play, visit the Stash Busters challenge at SCS.

Recipe:
Mayberry & Emporium Level 2 papers
Sweet Leaf, Olive & Bamboo cardstock
Sweet Leaf & Olive ink
Cork Color Ready Alphabet
Olive craft buttons & brads
Sweet Leaf fabric brad
White Daisy & Spring Blossom Just Blooms
Black wire (Artistic Wire, Ltd.)
Pattern: EMS Sketch 24
Challenges: Splitcoast Stampers Stash Busters October Week 1, Color My Heart Sweet Leaf & Olive Color Dare, Heart 2 Heart Au Naturale challenge (I used flowers)

New Stash Busters Challenge

Today, I am so excited to share with you a new challenge I am hosting over at Splitcoast Stampers! It's called Stash Busters, and it's for anyone who has tons more scrapbooking supplies than she could use in the next 10 years - LOL! I would love to have you create a layout using the listed items and then link up at SCS using the link below.

STASH13Oct1
If you are anything like me, you have tons of older product stashed away in corners of your scrapping area, gathering cobwebs while you concentrate on newer items. Wouldn't it be nice to bust it out and use it up instead of storing it? Well, Stash Busters to the rescue! This month, I'll post a new list of stash items each Thursday (except the 31st), and you have until the last day of the month to scrap your layouts using the products. If you complete all four layouts, you will get an honorable mention for the month! Sound fun? Let's get started.

Please use:
• 2 patterned papers that are older than one year
• Letter stickers
• Wire or metal
• Vellum

You can use additional products, but you must use at least one of each of the items listed. If you don't have an item in your stash, please don't rush out and buy it! Just substitute a similar item from your stash. Happy hunting!

I had fun diving into my stash, and I was fortunate enough to find an old SEI kit that worked well with my layout, and then I added some vellum that's been in my stash since 2001, the stone stickers and CM quote, and chocolate brads.

Recipe:
Granny's Kitchen papers (SEI)
Twilight & Chocolate cardstock
Vellum (Hot off the Press)
Stone Wisdom Stickers (All My Memories)
Mod Titles (CM)
White Daisy Just Blooms
Chocolate brads & Bigger Brads
Pattern: EMS Sketch 4

EMS Sketch Challenge 49 with Guest Designers Marg & Michelle

It's time for another sketch challenge, and today we have guest designers Marg and Michelle, our featured scrappers for August, providing layouts for the sketch! This month's sketch is a double pager with some heart elements and lots of smaller photos. Get creative with it, change what you need, and please share what you come up with. You have until October 31st to post your version and link it to this post. I will choose one scrapper's layout to be featured on my blog on November 5th, and that person will be invited to be a guest designer for the following month's sketch.

Marg replaced the hearts with some stars and created this "full of fun" layout! You can be inspired by Marg's creative genius at her blog, I Didn't Have Potatoes.

Michelle's digital take on the sketch features clean lines and minimal embellishments that keep the focus on her adorable photos. Visit Michelle's blog, The Paper Vine, to be inspired by her layouts and awesome DIY crafts.

Please link your completed layout here by 10/31/13 at 11:59 pm PST!

Our Vacation Layout

Just finished another challenge for VSBN over at Splitcoast Stampers. Lela wanted us to use lots of layers on our layouts, so I tried to comply! I probably needed more embellishments to really go with the theme of her challenge, but I couldn't figure out where to put them so I stopped.

Recipe:
Zippidee Level 2 papers & My Stickease
Indian Corn Blue, Cranberry & Honey cardstock
Indian Corn Blue, Cranberry & Honey ink
Black marker
Cranberry grosgrain ribbon
Cranberry spiral clip & brads
3-D foam tape
Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge: stars
Pattern: Stuck Sketches 9-1-13

Chilling at the Beach Layout

I still have many challenges to play over at Splitcoast Stampers Virtual Scrapbook Night, but I posted one that will let me play even more challenges! This one involves going back and doing any of the incomplete challenges from the mini-VSBN that was held in August as a prelude to this weekend. I was really busy at the time of the Mini-VSBN, so I only completed my own challenge, so now I am going to try to go back and do them all! For my first one, I loved Wendy's Washi What??? challenge. She included several links for making faux washi tape, and I picked the one featuring a Xyron, since I own a Xyron! It wasn't quite as easy as the tutorial made it sound, but I liked being able to stamp on the tape and match it to the theme of my layout. I paired it up with the only roll of Washi tape I own, and I really like the result.

Recipe:
A Typeface & Surf's Up stamp sets
Surf's Up Level 2 papers
Kraft & Slate cardstock
Slate, Crystal Blue & Desert Sand ink
DE Monograms "B", "E", "A". "C" & "H"
Foundry Pin Clips
3-D foam tape
White tissue paper
Cricut Artbooking cartridge: banner
Pattern: EMS Sketch Challenge 48