Totally Tulip!! (ScrapbookSteals Mid-Week Mojo)

I finally finished a Mid-Week Mojo Series! Tulip to be exact! I have kept the layouts that I've already shared small, and enlarged the ones that I haven't shared at some point. Each is in order, with the sketch link below. I had quite a few that I had created throughout the ten weeks and just hadn't shared, one or two that I think I lost somewhere in my house (or I'm going crazy and imagined creating them!?!?!), and a few that I knocked out during a marathon create-session with the kiddos in my studio. However they happened (or got lost...) I finished! I'm TOTALLY TULIP!

Tulip #1 Sketch - Uses Authentique Playful Collection

Tulip #2 Sketch - Uses Webster's Pages Ocean Melody

Tulip #3 Sketch - Uses My June 2015 Shop Your Stash Kit

Tulip #4 Sketch - Uses a modpodge of Crate Paper, Pebbles, Authentique, My Mind's Eye, Webster's Pages and some other random stuff...

Tulip #5 Sketch - Uses Sassafras Lass Nerdy Bird

Tulip #6 Sketch - Uses My June 2015 Shop Your Stash Kit

Tulip #7 Sketch - Uses My June 2015 Shop Your Stash Kit

 Tulip #8 Sketch - Uses Echo Park Sweet Girl

 

Tulip #9 Sketch - From THIS LINK

 

Tulip #10 Sketch - Uses My June 2015 Shop Your Stash Kit

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Let's Do This (October Shop Your Stash Kit)

Some layouts are just too darn fun to not create. This one used the October Shop Your Stash kit that I had made, plus a fun sheet of Teresa Collins paper (no clue what line... I looked, but couldn't find it). I couldn't resist adding it to my layout.

I mean, if you HAVE to get older and get glasses, you might as well scrap about it, right?!?!?

PS... I'm hitting 400 posts (WHAT?!?!?!) on Friday. Check back in for a Giveaway! I'm going to celebrate! Pin It

Pocket Letters, Sending a Little Bit of Happy Mail

A few of my crafty friends and I have started a chain of Happy Mail called Pocket Letters. Pocket Letters are a fun way to share some crafty goodness, a cup of tea, some fun new embellishments, washi tape, and some details about yourself. Janette Lane created them as a way to send some love, in a way that doesn't cost a whole heck of a lot (most of mine I throw 2 stamps on and be done with it!).I grabbed these pockets from Amazon.

This first two, I created using mainly Authentique's Radiant Collection. I cut down some of the 6x6 Bundle and a few of the Authentic Life Cards to fit each pocket.

I finally found a use for a set of Pebbles Party Mermaid stickers that I grabbed somewhere for $2. Pocket Letters are a great way to use up scraps, and those fantastic deals that you find. My embellishments that I included were all various washi samples, and printables that I hand cut.

My third Pocket Letter was going to a lovely friend who loves orange. I included a bunch of various scraps and pieces from older Studio Calico kits, and some random Sassafras Lass pieces. The embellishments I included were some Elle's Studio tags and My Mind's Eye stickers.

Today's last Pocket Letter is for a lovely lady who packed up her family and moved to a new adventure. I wanted the colors and elements to celebrate her new adventure. I used a few of the October Afternoon Travel Girl stickers, some lovely washi, sequins and other bits and pieces. I HAD to include some Amy Tangerine puffy stickers as well. The cars and houses were just too perfect!

I also used the fantastic Mason Row Pegz stamps in Sorry We're Closed that were featured on HSN a bit ago. Mason Row has some amazing stamps. Want more information on Pocket Letters... Check out Janette's Blog, and her amazing FAQ's. Pin It

#NBCT Bound (AND I PASSED!!)

I've had this layout completed for the longest time. And just like the National Board for Teaching process, it sat. Waiting to be scored. Ready to be complete. Seriously, the endless hours, the countless moments poring over the same video, are all worth it once you see the words "Congratulations! You are a National Board Certified Teacher!"

I'm still reeling on this one.

Products: American Crafts (paper & alpha), Sassafras Lass (papers, flowers, alphas), Neat & Tangled (sequins), Tim Holtz Distress paint, ink Pin It

October's Shop Your Stash Kit...

So, as you may have noticed, I've renamed the kits that I make as Shop Your Stash Kits. There's a few reasons, and if you're a reader of my blog, you've noticed that I've been wrestling with what to call these creations. The short version is, I didn't want to use a name that I was not 100% comfortable with. There are ton of challenge blogs that all create themed kits, based on other companies' kits. I've done them, it's totally fun. But I don't want to imitate the amazing kits that others make, I just want to use up what I have. No challenges, no prizes, (unless you count all of the projects you make!) and no pressure. If you want more information on my process and what exactly I'm doing, I've made a PAGE to better explain how I go about Shopping My Stash!

Now for the pictures, and October's Shop Your Stash Kit!! Reality moment: this kit has been made for almost a month. Seriously... I'm in love with this kit, and the mood board that inspired it. I have SO many plans... But they have to start somewhere, and this is the lovely inspiration picture that started it all:

OMGoodness!! Isn't it just divine! So gorgeous, so Halloweeny without being all cheesy... I was just in love. Vanessa over at lbg studio created this amazing "Mood Board" and I swear, it spoke to me. I loved all of it from the apples (you'll see them!), to the pumpkins, feathers, woodgrain, stars, hot cocoa (which I'm totally translating into coffee...) and the patchwork. And those pocket scrapbook cards... that I may have just purchased because of this board. Look forward to a month of Halloween, Autumn and fun family pics!

Paper Top Row L-R:
Dancette (Spirited) - Authentique
You & Me (Stella & Rose) - My Mind's Eye
Remember (Lime Twist) - My Mind's Eye
Summer Dress (Indian Summer) - WeRMK
Polka Polka (Count Me In) - Sassafras Lass
Teal Large Dot (Dots & Stripes) - Echo Park
Juniper (Into the Woods) - Lawn Fawn
Clove (Nutmeg) - Cosmo Cricket
Tube Socks (Boyfriend) - Cosmo Cricket

Paper Bottom Row L-R:
Hoot of Owl (Witch Hazel) - October Afternoon
Picnic (Kraft Funday) - My Mind's Eye
Stripe (Uncharted Waters) - Glitz
Victorian (Random Collection) - Crate Paper
Big Sky (Open Road) - Crate Paper
Fun & Games (Kraft Funday) - My Mind's Eye
Grove (Countryside) - Studio Calico
Acorn (Nutmeg) - Cosmo Cricket
Fitting In (Boyfriend) - Cosmo Cricket

Shaped Paper
Smile (Lime Twist) - My Mind's Eye

Cardstock
black - American Crafts
Eggshell (Simply Spring) - WeRMK
reddish - American Crafts
light orange - American Crafts  

Embellishments:
Sculpture Flowers - Prima
Layered Stickers (Lost & Found 2) - My Mind's Eye
Circle Garland (Kraft Funday) - My Mind's Eye
Fla!r (Spooky) - American Crafts
Orange Chevron Washi (Amy Tangerine) - American Crafts
Chipboard Alpha - Sassafras Lass
Delights (Spice) - American Crafts
Dimensional Stickers - American Crafts
Word Stickers (Witch Hazel) - October Afternoon
Bingo Card - Pretty Little Studio
Various Die Cut Cards - Elle's Studio & October Afternoon
Mini Market Alpha (Pumpkin) - October Afternoon
Stickers (Hattie) - My Mind's Eye
Tickets (Kraft Funday) - My Mind's Eye
Twine (Kraft Funday) - My Mind's Eye
Kraft Borders - Anna Griffin
Happy Harvest Printable - Life Love Paper
FREE!! Back to School Printable - OneHappyMama.com Pin It

UPDATED: September Shop Your Stash Kit

UPDATE: Check out THIS PAGE on how to "Shop Your Stash"!! 

I'm on month two... Or at least "Kit Two" of my personal challenge. Nothing official or anything... I just have SO much stuff, and really want to just use it and buy things I really want, or that are multi-use (stamps, tools, etc.) I also have a ton of things that I love... But am hiding away for some obscene reason. No more hoarding pretty things!!

This month's kit was inspired by this picture of the lovely kit from Noel Mignon. (FYI, at this current moment... It's not been released, so this is just a sneak of the Tea for Two Kit). I really loved the colors, the woodgrain (of course!) and the deer. Seriously, the deer. I am going to make a custom deer stamp using some of my Silhouette stamp material, and already have the shape chosen!!

And... This color inspiration. I found the link on Pinterest, but am posting the original link here.

Here's my "kit". Once again, I've not packed a ton of paper into it, but will attempt to use it all... But it is pretty embellishment heavy. My goal, once I've completed quite a few layouts is to use it as a card kit. I love card kits, as all of the pieces go together, and the embellishments are fun.

Paper Top Row L-R:
Parfait (Madeline Collection) - Prima Marketing
Chocolate & Kraft Ribbon Stripe - Canvas Corp.
April Showers (Simply Spring) - WeRMK
Dishes (Nook & Pantry) - Basic Grey
Beaters (Nook & Pantry) - Basic Grey
Living Proof (So Sophie) - My Mind's Eye

Paper Bottom Row L-R:
Lots O' Luck (Hog Heaven) - Sassafras Lass
Beaming (Sunshine Broadcast) - Sassafras Lass
Cinnamon (Nutmeg) - Cosmo Cricket
Lunch Break (Ready Set Go) - American Crafts
Love Letters (Fawnd of You Too) - Sassafras Lass

Cardstock
kraft - American Crafts
darker teal - Bazzill
light teal - American Crafts
butter yellow - American Crafts  

Embellishments:
Some additional scraps of fun wood patterned paper...
Alphabet Stickers (Life of the Party) - Basic Grey
Yellow Tiny Type - Cosmo Cricket
Label Stickers (Lost & Found Two) - My Mind's Eye
Tiny Tags (Serendipity) - Elle's Studio
Chipboard Hearts - Um Wow Studio
Die Cut Kraft Doilies - Maya Road
Rose Ribbon - American Crafts
Stickers (Fawnd of You) - Sassafras Lass
Tickets... ??
Doo-Dads (Woodland Park) - October Afternoon
Vintage Brooch (Soft Pink) - Sassafras Lass
Metal Tabs (Carte Postal) - Basic Grey
Button Market - Bella Blvd
Tags - Martha Stewart
Chipboard Die Cuts - Sassafras Lass
Badges - Studio Calico
Canvas Pieces - Basic Grey
Wood Veneer Butterflies - Studio Calico
Fabric Brads - Basic Grey
Woodgrain Stamp - Hero Arts
Twine - ??

PS. If you're not too big on making everything all matchy-matchy, make sure to check out places like Tuesday Morning, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's, and the clearance racks of places. Quite a few of the items that are here were from those places too! Pin It

Summer Card Camp 2 Cards!

I'm back again with more cards!! These two sets are created using sketches from the Summer Card Camp 2.

I really loved this little card. I still have to send them out, but they are just too cute. The popsicle is a fun Silhouette cut. I used Crate Paper's Pier 6x6 for this card. And some kraft for the "sticks". Some dimensional adhesive makes the Popsicle stand out on this card.

This was just a fun card. I used some older Sassafras Lass and Echo Park's Little Girl, along with some older American Crafts buttons. These will be super fun for a kid's birthday!!

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Happy Birthday ScrapbookSteals! It's a July Blog Hop

First off, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCRAPBOOKSTEALS! I seriously love both the Steals Network, and the community that they have built. I consider many of the ladies that I met through ScrapbookSteals as some of my absolute closest friends. When Melodee asked if I would help to celebrate ScrapbookSteal's 4th birthday, I jumped at the chance.

You should be here from Cyndee's blog. I love her work.

If you want to start from the beginning:
ScrapbookSteals: http://scrapbook.steals.com/wp/?p=18660
Cathy Caines: www.inthecatcave.com
Cristine Redmond: http://onescrappynovice.blogspot.com
Venetia Holbrook: www.atomicvenetia.blogspot.com
Cyndee Kawa: http://scrappydaylily.blogspot.com
Heather Conklin: http://goldiecar.blogspot.com   (You are HERE!)
Van Nguyen: http://likethecar.blogspot.com
Staci Jones: http://scrapbookingischeaperthantherapy.blogspot.com
Charissa Miller: http://www.akihasmommascraps.com
Brenda Smith: http://theimperfectscrapper.blogspot.com
Erin Colby: http://oursliceofcheese.blogspot.com
Erica Bass: http://stampingstarlette.blogspot.com
Kristy Lee: http://lifescrapped.blogspot.com

Challenge #1: Use 4 types of products
For this challenge, I used patterned paper, stickers, Elle's Studio tags and flair. I LOVE Sanuks, and have too many pairs!! They are super comfy.


Challenge #2: 2009
I found a photo that was taken just a few months after Miss I was born. It was a rough time. Babies are a whole lot of work, and I know that we had idealized what real life with babies was all about. And now she's four and has a little sister. A lot has happened in four years.

Challenge #3: Favorite Vendor
I chose to spotlight this fantastic photo of my oldest with some of my lovely SS purchases. I chose to use the now defunct (BOO!) Sassafras Lass. My first "real" purchase of scrapbook paper was Sass, so I knew that it would be a personal thing for me to include the company that got me out of the Target scrap aisle and using really quality products, alongside the wonderful company that helped me to develop into the crafter I am today. 

Challenge #4: Washi Fever
I had this cute little notebook lying around, that I wanted to spruce up. What's better than to decorate it with a little bit of washi. 

If you leave a comment on how you follow my blog. Email, Twitter, Bloglovin', Feedly, or Google Friend Connect, I will put you in a drawing for a 6x6 card kit that I will be making this weekend. I usually combine 15 or so papers, with stickers, wood veneers, ribbon and other embellishments. All in matching color combos, so it's easy to mix and match. You can even choose the color or color combo that you would like it to be, just make sure you note it on your comment!

Leave a comment by Midnight, Wednesday (July 17th) for the card kit. Check back to see if you are a winner!! And make sure that you link up your projects to the ScrapbookSteals blog by the same time for some great prizes from the Steals Network!!

Now, head onto one of my favorite people ever: Van Nguyen!! Pin It

A Daddy's Love (ScrapbookSteals' MWM Peridot 8)

I love sketches. And I love Elle's Studio. Combining the two was pretty fun. I even broke out part of my Gossamer Blue March kit and one of my sacred (okay... I'm trying to use my Sass stash more!) Sassafras Lass Starters papers as my background paper. There's even a tiny bit of plain paper in there. And slightly hidden journaling behind the Elle's vellum heart paper from the May 2013 kit.

If you would like to play along (and I suggest that you do!!) Here is the linked sketch.

Supplies Used: 
Elle's Studio: Day To Day Paper, Good Morning, Lil' Snippets (Day to Day & Days of the Week), Serendipity Tiny Tags, You and Me Note Tags, June 2013 & May 2013 kits.


Other Supplies: MME enamel dots, Sassafras Lass Starters, Studio Calico heart, Heidi Swapp Gold Color Shine, AC cardstock, MME patterned paper, LillyBee alphabet stickers Pin It

It's a Good Day (GB February)

The only problem (and it really isn't a problem!!) with using a kit service, is you do run out of full 12x12 sheets. My solution, (OH DARN!) is to go into my extensive stash and find something that both works with the kit, and the photo. In this case, I went searching through my Sassafras Lass papers. I found this great sheet of Simply Smitten, and checked the back for the most fantastic matching page. It even has journaling lines!!

I even was able to use up almost all of the Amy Tangerine letters that I got earlier! I love when a title makes me use a bunch of otherwise wasted letters.

What isn't shown, is the little kraft envelope behind the photo is actually filled with another photograph taken about seven months after the main image. It's of the two girls laying together on the bed. My hope for the two girls to get along is so far happening. I couldn't be happier! Pin It

Boy or Girl? No One Knows... Yet!

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure to attend a baby shower for a lovely family. They don't know the gender of the baby yet, which is super exciting! It will be such a wonderful surprise when their baby comes. I guessed a girl, but I really have no clue... I thought both the girls were boys until our gender peek.

Since no one knows the gender, I tried really hard to make both the card and part of her present gender neutral. My lovely friend Karen got a smoking deal on some Carta Bella Alphabet Junction papers that I used for this project. I really wanted it for the adorable hedgehog that was on the paper. I'm a sucker for hedgies.

The card itself is a onesie that I cut from my Silhouette. Instead of the emblem that is from the Silhouette file, I used a CB sticker and created a banner from paper. Then used some Sassafras Lass letters that were from my stash. 

The book is ultra cute too! I used a couple of Silhouette files (Little One, Months) and just the CB paper. I lined the inside and outside with some of the 6x6 papers, because they are easier to glue down, and the inside of the book are pieces of cut down 12x12.

Lastly, I have a couple of cards that I used my December Gossamer Blue kits for. I love using all of my scraps and bits for cards. 

I have just a few more thank you cards from Christmas to go out now. I'm getting caught up. Even those this year's Christmas card is going out as a Valentine. Oh well... Can't have everything :) Pin It

Just a Couple of Layouts :)

If you've been reading my blog, you know that I love making my own kits from my personal stash. I did again for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. I took this kit and created this:

Here is the first layout I made from this kit. I just loved using my stash of Sassafras papers. I can't just let them sit where they cannot be seen anymore... Plus, I got to use some of my lovely HeyDay papers!! And a super cute Hipstamatic pic of my lovely Miss R. If you cannot tell... She doesn't sleep much.

 

And this lovely and bright layout with an older pic (one of my favorites!) of Miss I. This is just the most perfect visual for her personality. I loved all of the washi and layers.

 Thanks for looking! I will upload the last of my month of Gratitude. Pin It

Studio Calico Layouts...

With the move, and all of the craziness that we've been going through (sick kids, work, I still cannot find matching clothes)... I forgot to upload a few of my latest Studio Calico Kit layouts. These are both from the Roller Rink kit. Mind you, these were completed BEFORE the move :)

I kind of love both of my girls. <3 br="br">

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Random iPhone Photos of Cards

Just a few cards to brighten your day. These are a combo of cards that I snapped with my iPhone. The pics are okay, but not as great as they could be :)

 

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Attack of the 10-Minute Layout

Yes. Seriously. This layout was designed in 10 minutes. I was bound and determined to actually get all of the Scrapbooksteals.com MWM's done on time. And this one had escaped all that I was working on this week (cards, stuff for the kids, preparing for the start of the school year, etc.) When 10:48 rolled around, I panicked. Kind of.

In reality, I just grabbed my SC Summer of '69 Counterfeit Kit that I made earlier in the month and pulled this baby together. The Sassafras Paper provided a fantastic background that didn't need a ton of embellishments to make it pop. Plus, it played off of the sunny picture that Miss I's school had left for me.

I added the chevron paper strip to ground the photo and embellishments, and it plays off of the chevron banner. Then I added the doilies, the Sass August detail and the chevron bitty bag (it holds the journaling!) There's also a cute banner made from wood!

The title is not as straight as I usually make it, which adds to the charm of this layout. I did sew the button onto the paper, and added a few Sass button flowers.

The best part of this layout is that I couldn't second guess myself. I sprayed a doily, realized I hated it, so just used the other plain one that I had. And because I used my kit, everything went together! I just love when that happens!

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