Paper and Petals

back on the blog wagon

2011-01-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I've been debating whether or not to keep this ol blog up and running and decided why the heck not! So I'm back, hopefully far more regularly than before. I'm trying to keep a layout count for 2011 so I figured if I uploaded them all here I'd have a pretty darn good record. Here are my first 4 layouts of 2011. I'm pretty attached to my Studio Calico kits these days so that is mainly what you'll see from me. I've used the Napa Valley kit and the Back 40 kit in these layouts.

2010-11-28T16:03:00.000-08:00

hello there!

2010-10-26T08:48:00.001-07:00

I realize it's been awhile! I toyed with the idea of quitting the blogging thing but I guess I decided to give it another go! I've been scrapping quite a bit and have things to share but it's just one more step to get it on the 'ol blog so I've been skipping it. I got a few things from a fun scrapping weekend to share this week, I'll try and get something new up every day. We'll see how it goes.

laughter.

2010-09-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

lots of laughter in this one. gosh these guys are so young in these photos! i actually remember taking these pictures in my mom's backyard. i think i was trying to get them to stand still so i could get a portrait of them. ha! i am so happy with what I got though.
{this is another layout from the Kelly Purkey sketchbook 2 class I took last month. still trying to use all of the sketches!}

caught.

2010-09-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

this one started out as a pencil lines sketch, then I messed up the misting and had to pull the main elements off. once I started putting it all back together (with acceptable misting!) i just didn't like it so I changed it up. I used Studio Calico's Documentary line as I not so patiently wait for their new release Elementary.

winner!

2010-08-23T14:47:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much for all the nice comments over the weekend! It was a fun blog hop and I'm so glad you could join me!

The winner of the Merry Moose set is Lori Subosits. Lori, email me your address to julieokada (at) live (dot) com and we'll get your set sent out.

Thanks so much!!

OCL Blog Hop + Blog Candy

2010-08-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there and welcome to the OCL blog hop. Today I'm sharing a peek for the new set Merry Moose. It's full of very cute holiday Moose and this image which has no moose but is equally cute!!

Want a chance to win a set of your very own?? Well, leave a comment on this post (make sure you sign in so we can find you if you win!) and I'll draw a random winner on Aug. 22nd (1 pm eastern). The blog roll is below so you can check out all the other fabulous sneaks!

Here is where you can find all the fabulous OCL products.

Amber Hillman
Beate Johns
Beth Silaika
Bev Gerard
Broni Holcombe
Cambria Turnbow
Charmaine Ikach
Cindy Lawrence
Deb Felts
Debbie Corbari
Deborah Anton
Denise Marzec
Heather McNally
Holly McMillen
Jeanne Streiff
Joy Kennedy
~Julie Okada you are here~
Kendra Wietstock
Kisa Peters
Lori McAree
Maree Truelove
Michelle Fowler
Pam Hooten
Tammy Hershberger
Terri Thill
Vicki Garrett

so much love.

2010-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

So much love. that's what I think when I see this picture. I fell like I've been saying that alot these days. These two kids of mine just keep surprising me with their good attitudes and generosity and kindness. And even though they're older and I don't get tons of cute sayings from them anymore, when I do they are fabulous! Just the other day Jack called me up at work to see if we could go to bed early that night, get up the next morning and get somewhere by 8:15. He wanted to practice for the start of school a day later. So funny. Cute funny. And so mature all at the same time. I'm so proud of them some days I could just burst with a heart full of love. So that's the inspiration behind this page now I need to find a picture of Jack and duplicate it for him. I'm planning on adding some journaling to it but the right words haven't come yet so that will wait until they do. Maybe a letter attached to back or put into an envelope. Have to think on that one.

studio calico grannys cupboard kit which it appears as though there are amazingly some left. I have used up almost every. single. bit of this kit. I may be able to squeeze one more layout out of it before I put the few bits of leftovers in my stash.

Our Craft Lounge + back to school

2010-08-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

I've already scrapped this picture from last years 1st day of school but since I haven't printed this years photos yet I decided to scrap it again! I just had to use this cute school set from OCL that I haven't inked yet so I decided to scrap it for J to put in her album. I'm delighted to say that she has become a scrapbooker too! Yay!! Funny how it was 10 times easier to scrap for her than for myself. I'll have to trick myself into thinking I scrapping for someone else from now on. :)

I went the cardstock route so as to not take away from the cute stamps. I colored the apples with copics and added the apple green sparkly fluff to the leaves. Perfection! I stamped the abc123 in white onto a kraft cardstock strip. I wanted the strip there so it went with my other strips but i also didn't want to mess up the base of my page so it worked out! I used thickers for the title (big surprise) and a sprinkle of buttons for some fun. Hope you liked it!
Come on back Friday for the OCL blog hop. They're releasing a bunch of new stamps and I'll have one set to give away! The sneaks are up starting today so check out the OCL blog if you want to play along.

where did the time go?

2010-08-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

another kelly purkey sketch. so fun to get a pile of layouts done. i say pile it's more like 3 but that's 3 in one week. way more than i usually do anyway. there are so many different ways to spin these sketches that I actually have a ton more pages i could do and it's only day 4!
back soon with more pages. next week it's back to school. i plan on scrapping all week their first week back just for fun!

courage.

2010-08-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

another Kelly Purkey sketch class sketch. So close to finishing up my 2007 photos. Really think I just have Christmas left, but I'm going to try and get my son's school album caught up first! I think I may have kindergarten done and he's starting 4th grade next week. Kinda sad they're going back to school so soon but I do hope to get some major scrapping done...we'll see! :)
totally rambling today must get to work. boo!

Kelly Purkey sketch class

2010-08-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

I started a fun new sketch class with Kelly Purkey and the Studio Calico girls (yes it's all Studio Calico all the time around here these days! I'm loving it over there) I'm caught up until today but haven't been able to share them until now. This is based on the first sketch and I loved it! The great things about her sketches is that they are totally up to you to interpret how you want. I've got the second one done and will share as soon as I can get a photo taken.

sketches.

2010-08-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

These two layouts were based on a couple of different Sunday sketches from the Studio Calico blog. I busted these out in order to get ready for Kelly Purkey's Sketchbook 2
class. It was good practice and for the most part these came together so fast! I always have trouble deciding what font to use and where to put the title on my layouts. I also struggle with leaving room for journaling and then actually getting something decent down! I should probably take a journaling class LOL!!

The first layout uses Continental (which looks like it's still available).
Second one used Granny's Cupboard.

these two are actually a double page spread. haven't done one of those in a while. not my favorite set of pages but it will do! I used the partly sunny kit on this one. they didn't photograph very well for some reason but i'm sharing them anyway!

have a great day.

many thanks.

2010-07-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

I had a birthday last week so I had to get to work on my thank you notes for all the wonderful gifts I received! I used the Our Craft Lounge set Fabulous Florals and my Studio Calico Partly Sunny kit. I used the donut chain punch and my trusty SU scallop punch. I have to say, I'm a little punch happy these days!

If your looking for a fun card sketch, check out the Friday sketch on the Our Craft Lounge blog. It looks like a fun one. In fact I'm going to get right on it as soon as I log off! There is also some CHA fun and some sneak peaks for the new sets.

have a super weekend!

you two.

2010-07-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

Here's another layout with Studio Calico's amazing kits. It seems that I can no longer scrap with out them! I'm sure my other supplies are getting lonely but it's just so easy to pick up a kit and start scrapping, so that's what I've been doing (although not nearly enough!).
I did mix up the kits a bit here and even used a few bits from my stash. I mainly used Partly Sunny and added the flowers from Granny's Cupboard. Of course I had to throw a butterfly in there. It's not complete until a blinged out butterfly is flying onto the page. ha!

Even though summer has barely started, it;s starting to wind down for us. My kids get out of school at the end of May so we only have about 3 weeks of summer vacation left. Kind of a bummer! It's really been fun having them home.

the party.

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

inspired by a layout by jana eubank

Finished up the 4th birthday party with my studio calico partly sunny kit plus some bits and pieces from my stash. Glad to have that one under my belt since she's 7 now LOL!

more to share soon. hope you're all enjoying your summer!

adorable moves.

2010-07-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Last month I was one of the lucky winners of Studio Calico's new line Documentary! I just now got around to scrapping with it and I am in love! The colors are gorgeous and although it's a travel line it can be used for so much more! I was able to scrap a girly birthday picture and a boyish sports page with it. I have also fallen in love with their fab rips. I used up almost the whole pack on 2 projects and definitely need to have more. Here is link to the Anthology fab rips so you can check them out. Seriously one of the best products I have used lately!

finishing up.

2010-07-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

I've had these divided page protectors for a while, been wanting to try them out for the events that I had a ton of pictures for. We took a weekend trip to Vail a couple of years ago and I had already scrapped a few of my favorite pictures. I wanted to include all of these photos but just couldn't scrap them all so I pulled out the divided protectors and went to work.

For this one I used the Studio Calico Partly Sunny Kit and a couple of Our Craft Lounge stamp sets. {fabulous flowers and life is} The strips on the top panel are from Studio Calico's Documentary line. They were actually left overs from a layout I did {look for it tomorrow} and I couldn't bear to throw them away! Good thing too because I happen to think it's perfect for this.

More from my Partly Sunny kit {trying to use some of it before this months kit arrives on friday and not doing such a good job! there is a lot there.}

On another note...I am so close to being done scrapping ALL of my photos from 2007! I have a few summer pics and of course Christmas. I always find those the hardest pictures to scrap, however I am going to bust out the divided page protectors again because not only do I have Christmas but the gift that year was a trip to Disneyland so I have all of those picture too! Now you can see why I don't have them done.

J now and then

2010-07-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

I've been scrapping older photos for a while now so I thought I'd throw a current one in there for once. Kinda makes me want to keep doing some current ones but I'm on a roll and almost done with 2007 so I'm going to keep pluggin through it!
{this one made with the Studio calico kit Granny's cupboard}

This is J right after she turned 4. So cute and chubby and little. I miss the little her sometimes but am still glad she's growing into such an amazing gal!
{made with Studio Calico kit Partly Sunny }

Studio Calico Sunday sketch

2010-06-26T06:48:00.001-07:00

Fun sketch from the Studio Calico blog. Super easy and fast...unless you have to add a bunch of stuff :)!
Have a great weekend.

wonder

2010-06-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

The one good thing about being so behind in my scrapbooking is that I come across gems like thins from time to time. I love this picture and had forgotten all about it. This sweet girl is now 7 and I love who she is becoming but I have to say, I miss the almost 4 year old girl who never questioned her mommy and loved to blow dandelions.

layout made with Studio Calico kit "Granny's Cupboard" with a few bits from my stash.

fun in the sun

2010-06-23T14:07:00.001-07:00

Took a trip to The Bay yesterday for some summer fun. The water was so cold it was hard to get in. Luckily there were slides and I finally talked Jordan into going down by herself. She went up and came back down the stairs 6 times before she decided to brave the waters. Of course she was glad she finally went down and I couldn't keep her off of it.

many thanks

2010-06-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Quick and easy card for my daughters thank you notes. I made them super simple so she could put them together herself...then she decided she didn't want to do it so I ended up finishing them up. Just as well, it would have been another week before we got them out that way!

I used some kraft cardstock (really need to branch out here and use a different color!), the OCL stamp sets Swingin by and Life Is and a little of what's left of my Cosmo Girl Friday kit. I think I may have to call that one done! I've used up almost the entire kit which is rare for me. I usually get sick of it so fast and then it just sits. I used some Copics to color the adorable owl. I'm still not very good at using them but I try!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

sc 285

2010-06-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd try my hand at the SCS sketch challenge today. I used the OCL set Swingin' By and replaced the 3 squares on the right with the fun metal flowers from Making Memories.

OCLDT17 sketch challenge

2010-06-14T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I was finally able to get to one of the Our Craft Lounge Friday sketches and then my computer checked out for the weekend! So here it is a few days late. It's sketch 17 and can be found here. I used the Fabulous Florals set (again I know..I love it!) and the Studio Calico kit Granny's Cupboard.

Sarah Kay Stamps for sale!

2010-06-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! I have a ton of Sarah Kay Stamps for sale. My mom closed her scrapbook/stamping store so we are trying to get rid of some product!
Each stamp will sell for $4.50 instead of the normal $8.50.
Here's a list of what's available and the quantities.

Andre Carrying Watermelon ~4
Lynette Collection Her Vegetables ~4
Adele Enjoying Fresh Apples~5
Bernadette Admiring The Spring Flowers ~3
Isabelle With Puppy Coco~3
Josephine In The Watermelon Patch ~5
Olivia With Her Kittens Kiki And Sugar ~5
Zoe Gazing At The Butterfly~2
Jean-Luc Playing Ball With Claude~3
Noël Faith ~2
Noel Charity~3
Noel Eve ~3
Noel Shepherd~2
Noel Santa ~2
Noel Treats ~3
Noel Stocking~1
A Lollipop For Susan~2
Lucy and Kitty~2
Gardens Need Many Helpers~1
Spring Is Back~4
Can I Tell You A Secret~2
Rosalies Bicycle~5
Country Girl ~1
Puppy Love~1
A Little Help From Margot~4
Time For Apple Pie ~5
Best Friends Forever ~4
Picnic Time ~3
Spring Blossoms ~1
The Joy Of Giving~2

Shipping charges are as follows:

1 or 2 stamps $2.00 per stamp
3-8 stamps $5.15
9+ stamps email for shipping charge

Paypal Only

If you are interested send me an email to julieokada(at) live(dot) com.

thanks so much for stopping by today!

fun news

2010-06-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to keep a secret! That's the reason I've been missing from blog for so long. I didn't want to let the cat out of the bag! LOL! Anyhow ....I've been asked to be a guest designer for Our Craft Lounge! Check out their blog to see the details plus check out the other 2 gals that will be guest designing for the next 3 months right along with me!

Here's my latest page using the Fancy Fringe stamp set and a Studio Calico kit.

more studio calico and some OCL too

2010-05-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Received my May Studio Calico kit and once again am in love! I'm back to scrapping in chronological order so you'll be seeing some older pictures of my kiddos while I try and wrap up 2007. It's really sad how fast kids grow up. This one is Jordan in her first dance class, twirling and spinning and laughing out loud. She has gone back and forth between dance an gymnastics and is currently in gymnastics mode.

It really seems like yesterday that we were at the butterfly pavillion and my kids were getting along. Seriously can't remember what that was like. (Not true they do get along now but not very often.) We brought my sister and nephew with us, well just my nephew since my sister ran from the butterflies completely freaking out because they were flying around her. Ummmm just what did she think was going to happen? :) So it was just me a 3 kiddos. It's funny. I couldn't think of anything to journal about on this page so I didn't...I'm totally going to copy this and add to the layout. Didn't remember the story of this day until I started writing this blog post. See blogs are good for something!

My last share of the day is a card. Haven't seen to any of these around here lately...there will be more soon! I used my new Our Craft Lounge stamps and fell in love with them! Here is a link to all the new sets they just released. The one I used is fabulous florals and it's gorgeous!

That's it for today. I'll catch y'all later! Have a super weekend.

studio calico.

2010-04-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Been thinking (for way too long :>) about subscribing to one of the many kit clubs around. I finally bit the bullet and joined Studio Calico and couldn't be any happier! I love the idea of someone else doing the shopping for me and having alphabets, papers, cardstock and embellies that coordinate. I feel like I've gotten in a rut just purchasing "collections" and while everything coordinates because it was designed to go together I'm getting a little bored with it. I also got out of the habit of using things from different manufactures together. Also boring!

I got my first Studio Calico kit and am in love. I whipped out 2 layouts in one sitting the first time I opened up the package. The Joyland kit is a perfect mix of papers and embellies for all sorts of different layouts and I can't wait to get next months kit. Definitely ordering some add on's as well. I can tell from the sneak peaks I will fall head over heals with the next one too!

on a side note....both layouts above were inspired by sketches. Game On was a sketch by Jana Eubank and Lets Bowl is a Page Maps sketch (kind of :>)

swing time.

2010-04-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

I've had this one done for a bit but couldn't get around to photographing it with all the sports and activities going on at our house. We are running from the time school gets out until after 7 almost every night of the week! I just love to see my kiddos having fun and getting better at the sports they love to play though so all the craziness is totally worth it!

sketches

2010-03-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the Studio Calico blog the other day when I discovered that they do sketches every Sunday! I love a good sketch so I thought I'd play along. I've been in a rut lately and these were just the ones to get me out of it! Next, I'm going to try and get caught up on Jack's school album. Jordan is pretty much caught up but Jack is another story LOL! Boy pages are hard!

Have a great day! :)

a layout.

2010-03-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

I finally have a layout to share, surprised?! I took an unintentional break from scrapping or card making and got the bug again this morning. I dragged all my stuff upstairs so I could keep an eye on my sick kiddo and I'm going to try and bust a few pages out.

This one I actually did last Friday night at the Archiver's crop.
I only got 2 pages done unfortunately but I just wasn't feeling it.
I don't know about you but if I'm not in the mood the ideas just don't come to me.

ETA ...I got my second page photographed so I thought I'd share it too!

new smile

2010-03-09T16:06:00.000-08:00

Jack got his braces off yesterday. Doesn't his new smile look fabulous? :) He also lost a tooth in the process. I wasn't expecting that! Poor guy had to have it plucked out because the ortho couldn't get the brace off! It was however ready to come out and since Jack is NOT a tooth wiggler it would have stayed in for ever. Totally better this way!

2010-03-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by Karen Russell's homework photos so I took some myself.
We finally had a sunny day so I took advantage of it and brought the diorama
making supplies outside. Less mess for me to clean up inside! More sun today so I'm headed out to the deck to get some reading done.

Hunny Bunny/Bear Hugs blog hop

2010-02-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Welcome to the last day of sneak peaks for the new TSG sets. If you are joining me from Jodi's blog you are in the right place...if not head on over to the TSG blog for all the details and to get started hopping.

I just had to use the back of this bunny. I fell in love with it the minute I saw it! You will not believe all of the amazing cards you will be able to make with these cute sets.

I'm so sad to say that this will be my last blog hop with TSG. I have enjoyed every minute of being a Trendsetter will totally miss it and all of the amazingly talented Trendsetters! You will for sure see me around the Friday Night Chats and I'll be hopping along as Jessica continues to release new sets. Thank you Jessica for such a fun opportunity!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Head on over to Maki's blog to continue hopping.

Make a Wish blog hop

2010-02-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Welcome to day 2 of the super fun TSG blog hops. If you are joining me from Jodi's blog you are in the right place...if not head on over to the TSG blog to get started and for details on how you can win this adorable birthday set.

I had a hard time deciding which delicious image to use from this set, there are so many to chose from! I went with a fun cupcake, paper pierced the cupcake wrapper and sparkled up the chocolate frosting.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by today! Head on over to Maki's blog to continue the hopping.

Dance/Beautiful Spring Blog Hop

2010-02-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the Dance/Beautiful Spring blog hop. If you are joining me from Jodi's blog...you are in the right place! If not head on over to the TSG blog for all the details of our fun blog hop.

The set I've used today is called Dance. Jessica created it with her dear friend Linda in mind that lost her battle with Amyloidosis earlier this year. Jessica is donating $4 of each Dance stamp set to the Amyloidosis Support Group in Linda's name.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Now head on over to Maki's blog to continue the hop.

TSG43 birthday sparkles challenge

2010-02-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

Today's challenge at the TSG blog is to make a sparkly birthday card. I used the Dream Big set from There She Goes and paired it with some of the sentiments from Treemendous. The papers are Cosmo Cricket Early Bird. I used these for two reasons. 1 I had it out and two strips perfect for my card just happened to be right there. So I used them! And 2, the yellow makes me happy. It makes me think of spring and not shoveling any.more.snow. Now I know there are folks that have gotten way more snow than I have and I shouldn't complain but I just can't help it!

We would love for you to play along! If you make a sparkly birthday card add it to the Mr. Linky on the TSG blog so we can see what you have created.

I totally bribed her with cupcakes so I could get this photography assignment completed. Two actually. And I would so do it again!

Hello.

2010-02-19T11:27:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I've been knee deep in elementary school yearbook stuff and haven't had time to make anything for a while. I finished up today and decided to pop into the scrap room for a bit. This one was quick and easy! I wanted to use my new Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety so I paired it with one of my favorite butterflies from There She Goes. I was going for a sunny and warm feel because we are so not that right now and I really, really wish we were.

some pages to share.

2010-02-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

I went to Archiver's for a crop on Friday with some friends. We had a great time although I never get as much done as I hope! I got 3 done this time, so not too bad! :) I'm not even going to make you wait to see them all! Aren't I nice? Really I'm afraid I'll forget about them if I don't get them on here right now so here goes.

Don't you love these new American Crafts papers? Oh my goodness the sweetness pouring from AC's Dear Lizzie collection is killing me. Barb will have it in the store soon and she's got free shipping plus a fun ribbon promotion. For every $5 you spend in American Crafts products you will get a small spool of AC ribbon for free! Here is the link to all the AC stuff if you want to take a look and I will let you know the minute she gets Dear Lizzie in stock.

Basic Grey's Recess collection was perfect for these baseball pictures.

Here is some more Basic Grey for this 1st day page. I know it's a valentine
collection but I totally think it works here too!

I've got some cleaning to do and then I'm headed to the scrapbook room to get a few more pages in. It's a perfect snowy day for it too.

I scrapbooked!

2010-02-05T22:37:00.000-08:00

It's my turn to host Stampbook Saturday on the TSG blog.
Stop by the blog to see all the details.

photos to share.

2010-02-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

I spent some time at chess club today.

Who knew it could be so much fun?

I knew it could be serious.

It can also be emotional. (Really don't know what this one is :)...angry, sad. It's just chess!) For the record, she wasn't really upset...just messing around.

I can tell you though that I'm glad my little kiddos think chess is fun.

Chemistry Blog Hop!

2010-01-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hello again and welcome to the Chemistry blog hop. If you are joining me from
Jodi's blog you are in the right place. If not, head on over to the TSG blog and start
hopping. You will also get all the deets on how to win your very own Chemistry set.

I have two cards for you today. I know you will totally fall in love with this set! I know
I did. I definitely could have kept playing with this one but I thought I stick with two so
I would have something to show you the rest of the month.

For my first card I used some pretty Pink Paislee papers and paired it with the tube full of hearts. This is probably my favorite image in this set...until I make something with another one of the many images and then that one will be my favorite LOL!

My second card is simple! I played around with the hearts adding additional layers and
colors of stamped borders. Turns out it looked better just like this so I left it. It really didn't matter what I tried to add to this one I just kept taking things away LOL!

Thank you so much for stopping by again today! Every one of your
comments over the last few days has made me smile, so thank you!

Now head over to Maki's blog to keep on hopping!

ROFL Taglines Blog Hop!

2010-01-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there and welcome to the ROFL Taglines blog hop! If you are joining me from
Jodi's blog then welcome! If not head on over to the TSG blog to start the hopping and
to find out how you can win your very on ROFL Taglines stamp set.

I used just a sentiment on this one because by the time I got the card all sorted out I didn't have any room to include the shoes! So I decided to highlight one of the funny sentiments included in this set. There are so many images and sentiments to choose from I actually had a hard time narrowing down which one to use! If I had had more time I probably could have busted out several more cards..but alas never enough time to do all the stamping I want! I actually had to give myself a pep talk today to get the bathrooms cleaned.

Thanks for all the nice comments on my post yesterday and for stopping by again today!
Head on over to Maki's blog to keep hopping!

TSG Aim For The Clouds Blog hop!

2010-01-26T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome! If you are joining me from Jodi's blog you are in the right
place. If not head on over to the TSG blog to start hopping and to get details on
how you can win your very own Aim For The Clouds set.

Every year at my kiddo's school the kindergarten class hosts the Pony Express. They hop on some stick ponies and deliver happy mail to the students. It's a fun tradition and I usually send my kids more than one love note with a little treat attached. These are the first two that I'll send. I thought these cute hot air balloons would be perfect for both of them!

On a happy note....when I asked my daughter if she wanted to buy her valentines or have me make them, she looked at me like I was crazy and said "I want you to make them, of course...unless you don't want too. Do you want to? I can help." Do I want to make them? HA! like I would have bought them even if she wanted me too. :)

Thanks for stopping by today. Head on over to Maki's blog to keep on hopping!

supplies ~
stamps~ There She Goes Aim For The Clouds
paper~ Basic Grey Sugar Rush, Pink Paislee Cupid
ink ~ palette noir black
accessories~ copic marker

september calendar page {embellish-online}

2010-01-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

September's page featuring Cosmo Cricket Earth Love from Embellish-Online.
I do have the rest of the calendar done but had to get it up on the wall so I could start using it. So I have not photographed them yet but will as soon as I get a chance!

On another note we have a fun new release week planned for There She Goes clear stamps!
The blog hopping and sneak peaks start tomorrow!

july's page.

2010-01-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

Here are my July and August calendar pages.
July's page features American Crafts Letterbox collection and August features Cosmo Crickets The Boyfriend collection. Both are available at my favorite online scrapbooking shop, Embellish-Online. The current special is free shipping with a $50 order and the code to use at checkout is 4SP9HD .

And since I've been sharing photos I can't post with out one. Here is a shot from Jordan's first time on ice skates.

Jack.

2010-01-19T11:57:00.001-08:00

I wish I would have gotten my nephew in this shot. I just love the goofy
look Jack is giving Jayden. He totally had him cracking up!

a new favorite

2010-01-16T19:33:00.000-08:00

I might have mentioned a time or two that I'm taking an online photography class. It's been a while since I had any instruction and I just love the way Karen Russell shoots photos of her family. So I'm taking the class and already getting some good results!

This picture was an attempt at a candid shooting assignment. My dear daughter, however apparently like to pose so this is as good as it got for a candid. It is however one of my new all time favorite photos so I had to share. Which has inspired me to share more. So you'll be seeing some more of my photography on here from time to time.

june's page

2010-01-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

here you go with another calendar page! (hope you're not getting sick of them)
The papers are from Scenic Route (the halloween collection I think?). It came in a box of goodies I got for having a layout published a while back. I haven't scrapped any of Jack's baseball pictures so it was fun to do this one...kind of inspired me to do a few more or at least to want to do a few more.

I'm taking Karen Russell's online photography course and it's sucking up all my time (in a good way!) so I haven't done a ton of scrapping lately! And then I took the day off to have coffee and see a movie with a friend. We saw It's complicated and it was a hoot. I also got carded when I bought my tickets...I'm 35 people and they carded me for an R movie! I get carded ALL THE TIME but this one takes the cake!

march, april and may

2010-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

here are a few more pages for my lovely calendar... lovely meaning it will soon be lovely but it is not so lovely as I spend all my free time doing it!

products used: Pink Paislee and Cosmo Cricket The Boyfriend . Available at Embellish-Online

TSG Treemendous Love!

2010-01-13T11:11:00.000-08:00

I think that this tree in the Treemendous mini set might be one of my favorite trees ever! It's beautiful and makes a statement and paired with Cosmo's Earth Love papers it makes for a fun card! I had been doing a fair amount of scrapbooking (yes I'm still working on that darn calendar!) and decided to play around with my stamps for a bit. I really need to do it more often because this one cardtook me ALL DAY! Not even joking.

I do have most of the calendar done and will start sharing it tomorrow!

garden of friends

2010-01-06T11:16:00.000-08:00

I actually had time today to participate in the Splitcoast sketch challenge. Fun stuff I tell ya! I should have been working on my calendar though. Anyways....I used the new TSG set Garden of Friends. It's so beautiful! Perfect for a last minute birthday card if I do say so myself! I promised more Sugar Rush and I delivered! Isn't it pretty? That's all I've got for you today...not to chatty I guess. Must get to the kiddos school for some volunteering. Have a great day.

2010-01-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

Slowly but surely I'm getting these calendar pages done...more slowly than anything though. This is February's page! It does, however feature the oh so lovely Basic Grey Sugar Rush. LOVE IT! Basic Grey was first love....paper love that is LOL and I've sort of been cheating on them for some time now with all the amazing paper companies that are out there! I even hesitated buying this Sugar Rush cause I thought I probably won't use it...I am so glad I did! I have only made this one little page out of it but I was dreaming up valentines cards as I was gluing things down. I seriously {heart} this paper! Maybe I'm going crazy cause my kids haven't gone back to school yet, maybe it's the fact that I haven't scrapped in over a month.

Who knows but I'm glad I bought it and used it! Here is a link if you need to get some for your self. Sugar Rush . There is also a free shipping deal right now with all orders over $50. Don't know about you but I love free shipping. Here's the code too so you don't haveto go looking for it! 4SP9HD

Oh and the name of the store is Embellish-It Scrapbooking.

stampbook saturday

2010-01-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

This is my January calendar page. Unfortunately, it is the only page
I have done so far for my 2010 calendar! I know...I need to get to work. I'm
back in the groove though and will get it done very soon. For details on this page
please visit the TSG blog for my Stampbook Saturday post.

supplies ~
stamps ~ Stick Together There She Goes
paper ~ su kraft, cosmo cricket jolly by golly
embellishments ~ american crafts Regards Thickers, cosmo chip stickers

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T11:04:00.000-08:00

This has to be quick today as I'm headed out the door for some good food and family time! I hope the New Year is off to a fabulous start for all of you out there in blog land.

I used my favorite TSG set for this one...Stick Together. There are just so
many fun things you can do with these snowflakes! Look for them again on
Saturday on my Stampbook Saturday page.

2009-12-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I never shared my Christmas card for this year! I used some Papertrey Inc stamps for the first time. This little snowman is just the cutest and just the type of snowman stamp I've been looking for. It's solid and I can stamp it in white and that makes me happy!

I should be back to posting regularly after the new year. I'm getting the scrapping bug again and just picked up the super cute new Basic Grey Sugar Rush so I'll have to use it soon! Plus I need to get may 2010 calendar done. I haven't even started it yet.

I have a lot of plans for 2010 how about you? I'm taking a photography class and thinking of doing the Picture of the Day everyone started doing last year. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up Becky Higgins Project Life kit to get it done....should of pre-ordered it when i had the chance! I've been seeing all these blog posts with completed 365 albums and am feeling a bit jealous! I wish I had jumped on the band wagon earlier. Better late than never though right?

I have also decided on my Word for 2010..it's patience.
I really need some most days and if I'm living it, it has to happen.

TSG Loads of Fun blog hop

2009-12-24T09:13:00.001-08:00

Ok better late than never right?! I got stuck at my mom's house last night...it was too icy to drive home so I didn't get my post up in time. I'm home now so here it is. You may want to stop at the TSG blog if you haven't already. All of the juicy details are over there! And make sure to hop on over to Maki's blog next!

Isn't this just the most adorable set ever? I used the super sweet Sweet Cakes paper
from Pink Paislee and I think it compliments this image perfectly! After all the
shoveling I've done I'm wishing for a sunny warm day right now.

I have to run...I still have some shopping to do. I know right? Wish me luck!

TSG Garden of Friends Blog Hop

2009-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the TSG Garden of Friends blog hop! If you are joining me
from Jodi's blog you are in the right place. Start at the TSG blog for all the details on
how you can win your very own Garden of Friends set!

I went clean and simple with my card using only a few of the many images in this beautiful set.
If you are a copic user you will fall in love with the beautiful flowers and leaves for sure! I loved this particular sentiment so I chose to highlight it as my focal point. I then added some of the flower images to surround it. I hope you are enjoying you holiday's.

Now head on over to Maki's blog to continue on the hop.

2009-12-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

I finally had a chance to stamp! And it's a good thing too. The kids get out of
school on Friday and I'm still not done with the teacher gifts. I did get one of the
cards made though so I'm getting there!

I used my adorable Penguin Love set from There She Goes. I really don't think
there is a cuter penguin set out there! I can find so many uses for these little cuties.
The paper is some retired Stampin' Up paper that I can't remember the name of and of
course, Kraft cardstock! I should be done with the gifts here very soon and then I can
finish my Christmas card...which I'll share tomorrow. In the meantime have a wonderful day!

camera equipment for sale

2009-12-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

So I've decided after many years to make the switch from Canon to Nikon. As a result I have some really nice Canon Equipment for sale. If you are interested shoot me an email.
julieokada at live dot com

I have a like new Canon 70-200 4.0 L lens $500
a like new Canon 430exII flash $200
Canon 40d body with a 50mm 1.8 lens $650

I do have the boxes and all caps for each piece. The 40d box was originally a kit but I have sold that lens already so I do have the box it's just a kit box without the lens. The body has been used for a little over a year. There is a small scratch in the screen but otherwise it is in perfect condition. I have also just had the sensor professionally cleaned.

hope you all have a great day!

TSG Stampbook Saturday

2009-12-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! This week it's my turn for Stampbook Saturday. Head over
to the TSG blog for more details on my page!

There She Goes - Dollar Find Friday

2009-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there! Today it's my turn to host Dollar Find Friday for the TSG blog. I have
for you a planner from the infamous Target dollar spot! I ripped off the original
cover and replaced it with something much, much better. I used the oh so lovely
American Crafts Letterbox collection and paired it with the amazingly adorable
birdie from TSG's Birdie Wishes. (Can you tell I've been helping my children with their
"juicy" words?:>) Check out the TSG blog for more details on this weeks project.

One last tidbit before I go....I will probably not be posting regularly on the ol blog this month. I work retail and December is a busy month for me as it is for everyone! But I'm usually too exhausted to do much of anything crafty. However, I do have some gift items, my Christmas card and calendars to still complete (wish me luck!) so I will have that to show as well as my DT commitments. So I won't be gone, gone I just won't be here a lot.

Thanks for visiting me and I so enjoy all of your sweet, sweet comments! Happy Holidays.

TSG31 Color challenge

2009-11-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

Today I have a fun color challenge card for you. Monday's over at the TSG blog are challenge days it this time it's my turn to host! The challenge is a color challenge. I picked red, green, blue and neutrals. I'm trying to sort out my Christmas card so I picked colors that would get me in the mood to make one. Head over to the TSG blog to play along.

Craftier Taglines blog hop - There She Goes

2009-11-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the Craftier Taglines blog hop! If you are joining me from
Jodi's blog you are in the right place. If not hop on back to the There She Goes Blog to get started and to find out how you can win your very own Craftier Taglines set!

Now for my card!

I fell in love with each and every sentiment in this set. I actually chuckle
out loud when I think of some of them. I wanted the sentiment to be the star so I
kept the other embellishments and stamping to a minimum. That's all I have today!
I work retail so I have an early morning today and a busy, busy weekend...wish me luck!

Thanks for stopping by today. Now hop on over to Maki's blog to continue the hop!

~supplies~
stamps ~ Craftier Taglines There She Goes
Ink ~ Palette noir black
Paper ~ Letterbox, American Crafts
Ribbon ~ Stampin' Up!
Pearls ~ Basic Grey

Birdie Wishes blog hop - There She Goes

2009-11-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the Birdie Wishes blog hop! If you are joining me from Jodi's blog welcome! If not, head on over to the There She Goes blog to get started and for instructions on how you can win your very own Birdie Wishes set.

now for my card!

I used only a few of the many images included in this set. These birdies can do anything from standing on a branch to holding gifts and balloons! There are also multiple sentiments in the set and they are not all for the holidays! That means you can use this set all year long.

Thanks for stopping by! Next up on the hop is Maki.

Holiday Tags Blog Hop - There She Goes Stamps

2009-11-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the Holiday Tags blog hop! If you are joining me from Jodi's blog then you are in the right place, if not hop on over to the TSG blog to get things started!

Want to win a set of your own? Check out each Trendsetters blog and leave a comment. When you are done hit the TSG blog and enter your name into Mr. Linky for a chance to win this set for yourself!

Now for my card!

This set is packed with amazing pieces to make gorgeous holiday gift tags but I
wanted to use the images for a card. I used the tag and extra snowflake for the focal
point on this one. It's a pretty simple card except that stitching....really wish I knew how
to use my sewing machine, it would have made that a lot easier! I also used a sentiment
from last months release Penguin Love. It was the perfect size so I went with it!

Thanks for stopping by! Now head on over to Maki's blog to continue the hop!

Stampbook Saturday There She Goes Clear Stamps

2009-11-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a small peek at my Stampbook page for this week.
Check out the TSG blog for the whole page and more details!

Have a super great weekend. I'll be working and sleeping (as much as I can) cause I
stayed up way too late watching New Moon on Thursday night! I loved it and kinda
want to go see it again already.

back at it

2009-11-18T10:19:00.000-08:00

I am finally back in the mood to stamp! After working twice as much as I usually do and not being able to get anything done it feels good to get a little inky. I even participated in an SCS sketch challenge. I have been having a hard time with sketches lately for some reason so it was fun to be able to be successful today. I also used my previously un-inked Treemendous set from There She Goes. This just might be my favorite tree ever! It is gorgeous and such a bargain too. There are multiple sentiments and embellishments for the tree in the set as well.

And to top it off I used the absolutely beautiful new American Crafts line. I think it's the most subtle line yet and I am so in love with it. I've decided it was made just for me! :) This line will be loaded in to the Embellish-Online store soon and I'll update with a link.

EIO Tusday

2009-11-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! This is one of the gift sets I've been working on for the kids teachers. I used the Imaginesce Polar Expressions collection for almost everything. :) Ok it's updates with separate photos of each piece. Enjoy!

penguins are so cute!

2009-11-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

Quick and simple was my motto today when I made this gift bag card. I haven't
stamped or scrapped all week. No mojo, no time, just off my game! LOL I wanted
to get something new up so I picked up the last paper pack I was working with (last
years October Afternoon holiday paper) and pulled out 3 scraps. Then I went to my
cardstock scrap bin and pulled out the biggest piece of Kraft scrap I had. Not sure really
what size it even is but it's close to 3x3. I had the super adorable TSG Penguin Love set
on my desk so I stamped the cute little guy assembled everything and glued it down. I think
it's perfect to add to a Christmas gift bag and I'm going to make more just for that purpose!

catch ya later!

a card

2009-11-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

Yes that's the best title I could come up with today! I haven't made anything in the last few days but I did find a card I hadn't shared yet. I don't do a lot of card making just for the heck of it. I usually have a specific purpose in mind or design team work but not just for fun. This one is a just-for-fun card. I'm not totally in love with it but I thought I'd share it anyway.

I'm in the process of dreaming up Christmas gift ideas right now. I figure if I
start now (or relatively close to now :>) I'll be done in time for the actual holiday.
Now I just need the ideas to start flowing! LOL If you have any, I'd love to hear them
and as soon as I actually make anything I'll be sharing those projects here.

TSG Penguin Love Blog Hop

2009-10-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome the There She Goes Penguin Love blog hop! If you are joining me
from Jodi's blog you are in the right place, if not head on over to Dawn's blog to get
started! Make sure you also visit the TSG blog for details on how to win this wonderful
stamp set by leaving a comment on each Trendsetter's Penguin Love post.

For my card I used only 3 of the 55 stamps in this set. Yes you heard me right! It
is jam packed with so many images you could seriously make cards for months and
never have to make the same card twice. The other beautiful thing... it can be used
as a Christmas set but also for so much more!I'm planning my kids Christmas thank you's
right now...or at least it's on the list of things to do. :> I also have 2 nephews with Dec/Jan birthdays and they are totally getting penguin cards! I have lots of plans for this set.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Head on over to Maki's blog to continue the hop!

TSG Holiday Mini Set

2009-10-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the TSG New Mini Sets blog Hop! If you are joining me
from Jodi's blog you are in the right place if not head on over to the TSG blog to get
started and see how you can win one of these sets for yourself!

I had a fabulous time with my Stick Together set. I had already made my card but
when I got snowed in today with 16 inches (and still snowing) of snow I decided to
bring it back out and scrap a little.

here's a close up for ya! :>

I made the snowflake tag for the page and was about to stick it down when I decided
it was perfect for a card. I grabbed some scraps that were sitting on the desk and
whipped this card out! Then I made another one to put back on the page.

Whew! Thanks for stopping by today! Next up on the hop is Maki's blog!

I used the super cute American Crafts holiday line for the first card and last years October Afternoon Holiday line for the last 2 projects.

HSH Holiday Additions Blog Hop

2009-10-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the HSH Holiday Additions Blog Hop!
If you are joining my from Jodi's blog you are in the right place, if not head on
over to Dawn's blog and start eying the beautiful creations there. If you would like to win your very own HSH Holiday Additions set then visit all the Trendetter's blogs, leave a comment at each stop and end at the TSG blog where you will enter your name in the Mr. Linky at the bottom of the post.

I have only used a couple of the multitude of images in this set! It is packed full of pieces to add to your Home Sweet Home Set or to use on their own. It's one amazing set! I used some retired SU paper, watercolored the house image with SU inks and added some liquid applique to mimic the snow (which we are supposed to have a ton of by tomorrow!)

Now head to Maki's blog to continue the hop!

TSG Card Bin Blog Hop

2009-10-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Card Bin blog hop. If you have joined me from Jodi's blog you are in the right place, if not head on over to Dawn's blog and start there. Leave a comment on each of the Trendsetter's blog then return to the TSG blog and add you name to the Mr. Linky at the bottom of the post to be entered in a drawing to win your very own card bin!

Today we are showing the super cute card bin's. They are the perfect storage solution to all those cards hanging around waiting to be organized plus you get to alter it to your liking. They will hold about 40 cards (even bulky ones!) more if the cards have less layers.
This one is going to be a gift for one of my kiddo's teacher's...that is if I can part with it!

I'm so glad you stopped by today! Now head on over to Maki's blog to see what she created!

Stampbook Saturday

2009-10-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak at my Stampbook Page featured on the TSG blog.
Hop on over and take a look! Have a great weekend!

almost here...

2009-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I totally realize that I shouldn't even be speaking the words Christmas yet, but it had to be done! I mean I got a Christmas page done and I wouldn't want to keep anything from you now would I? Plus I'm getting inspired by all the fabulous Christmas lines out there and really need to scrap some of my Christmas photos! I promise I won't show them too early...

thankful

2009-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

The little ones in this picture are now 3 and almost 4 and there are 3 more siblings (2 different families :>) for a total of 7 grandchildren for my mom! This Thanksgiving it is my mission to get a photo of all of them. Wish me luck!

~ Supplies ~
Paper ~ Pink Paislee Amber Road, bazzil brown
accessories ~ Paislee cut outs, ac thickers, unknown flower

EIO Tuesday + a TSG sketch challenge!

2009-10-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

Here is my take on this fun sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches.
There She Goes is the sponsor for this week and we would love for you to play along.
Visit the TSG blog for details on how to win a fun TSG stamp set!

I picked up the Basic Grey Eerie Collection from Embellish-Online this weekend
and paired it with the There She Goes HSH Halloween Additions stamp set.
You would think I don't own any other Halloween sets since this is the only one
I use these days! I tried to make this card a spooky one...not sure if I actually
succeeded or not :). I'm still learning how to use these darn Copics! I definitely need some lessons...and a few ( read ALOT!) more colors would be nice as well.

EIO Tuesday

2009-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am featuring the Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend collection for this weeks post. It's got great colors and patterns for lots of boy themed pages! It's hard to find I tell ya and this collection works fabulously!

I am slowly catching up on the millions of birthday pictures! These are the 6 year old pictures of Jack. Good golly how they change. That's one of the great things about not being caught up on the scrapbooking...you get to revisit special memories every time you pull out a stack of pictures. I can not believe how much this one has changed in just 2 1/2 years. Scary really how fast this growing up thing is. Just the other day I saw a mom get out of her car with her toddler and new baby and while I'm happy (most of the time) to be done with the baby stages...it did make me a little sad! I do miss the constant compainions that you get when your kids are small and the fact that you are their whole world. As they get older school, friends, extra activities take center stage. I know they have to grow up and be independant but it doesn't make it any easier!

TSG25 Dry Embossing

2009-10-19T06:00:00.002-07:00

Are you ready for a challenge? This weeks TSG challenge is Dry Embossing brought to us by Maki! I used the Branching Out set and a cuttlebug embossing folder. I don't know the name of it but it isn't the swiss dots, it is a small polka dot strip which I love cause it gives just the right amount of embossing....for me any ways! :)

If you want to play along here are the details. Make a card featuring Dry Embossing and link it up on the TSG blog for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate to the store.

monkey girl

2009-10-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

I am happy to say that with the completion of this page I have officially scrapped all of 2006! While this may not seem a hug feat to some....it certainly is for me! I love finishing something. I can now organize the whole year which also makes me happy. Plus it's a whole year of photos out of the binders that I keep them in, so that also means I can move pictures up and make room for this years pictures. It's the little things, people, that keep me going. :)

hello fun!

2009-10-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Although I purchased this paper for one single use in mind I was so happy that it worked for this set of pictures as well. I've had these on the desk for months now just waiting for the inspiration to scrap them. I wanted something fun and young and I got it! I used a Got Sketch? sketch for this layout and I actually stayed true to the sketch, which I can't seem to accomplish these days for some reason. I try to bust out some pages using sketches just to save on time and it rarely works for me....it doesn't stop me from collection sketches though!

2 down

2009-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love when a paper collection matches your photos perfectly! I totally bought this paper with only this photo in mind. I love, love, love the blues here and it's a perfect match for her shirt. I wanted to make this one fun and sassy just like her...I think I succeeded!

~ supplies~
paper ~ kraft, ac blue skies
accessories ~ AC blue skies felt, remarks and flair AC thickers

grateful

2009-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I found one more patch layout and since it's one of my favorite pictures, I just had to share it! It's very rare that I can get Jack to sit still for a picture so when this one came out I was so happy because it's also rare that I'm even in a picture at all!

~ supplies ~
paper ~ kraft, pink paislee twilight
accessories ~ basic grey buttons, ac thickers, ac felt flower, imaginisce brads

patch adventures

2009-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of the next pumpkin patch trip we're taking today I thought I share last years trip. We've gone to the same patch since Jordan was like 5 months old. It's a cute little pumpkin farm that has goats, cows, chickens and the brand new kittens that are a major hit with Jordan. There is a fun hay bale maze for the little kids and a corn maze for the big ones. I have to admit that I do have a tiny panic attack entering the corn maze! I totally put on a brave face for the kids but I do not love the corn maze. Of course they do so we trek on through regardless!

~ supplies ~
Paper ~ Kraft, pink paislee twilight
accessories ~ paislee glitter letters, basic grey buttons, su oval punch,
safrass flower, ac felt flower, prima canvas, maya road chipboard tree

scary!

2009-10-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't made a card in a while with all the scrapping I've been doing, so I whipped one out today. I used the oh so fun HSH Halloween Additions set from There She Goes. I seriously can't get enough of this one! This glass of eyeballs makes me chuckle every time I look at it.

I tried to not use any pattern paper and just stamp but the pretty paper won out in the end and of course it's Pink Paislee's Twilight collection. I promise I'll try and make something without it very, very soon!

~ supplies ~
stamps ~ TSG HSH Halloween Additions
Ink ~ Palette Noir Black, PTI fresh snow
Paper ~ Kraft, black, twilight (pink paislee)
Accessories ~ Mary scalloped ovals, su scalloped edge, PTI twine, rhinestones

EIO Tuesday

2009-10-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Holy cow! Is it Tuesday again??!! I can't believe I haven't posted anything for a week...and I was doing so well. That won't happen again this week. I spent the entire weekend away with my girl friends and got 9 pages done while I there. I know it doesn't seem like much, but as slow as I work...it was!

This week I've used the Cosmo Cricket Earth Love collection. It's such a fun line to work with and it was perfect for these birthday pictures of my daughter. I used the collection pack along with both sets of chipboard , my scalloped punch (which I apparently use on everything!) and a Kraft background (which I also can't stop using :>)

I hope it's a great day for all of you and I will be back tomorrow (as soon as I can get all these pages photographed) to share what I got done over the weekend!

EIO Tuesday + Free Thickers!

2009-10-06T06:03:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! Today I have 4 Embellish-Online projects to share with you. Every Tuesday I'll feature products from the EIO store. This week it's Twilight from Pink Paislee and of course American Crafts Thickers. If you've been following my blog for any amount of time,you may have realized that I use Thickers on EVERY thing! I love them. There are so many different fonts and textures and they are so easy to use.

In honor of my LOVE for Thickers Barb is having a special~ Buy 3 packs of American Crafts Thickers get 1 pack free. This special is good from Oct. 6th ~ Oct. 13. There are no codes this time. Simply order 3 of your favorite sets of Thickers and in the comments section of the order process put which one you would like for free. For the icing on the cake.....free shipping on orders over $50 before any discounts. There is a code for that one 4SP9HD. Then check out Christine's blog next Wednesday for a new special!

supplies ~
Paper ~ Kraft, Twilight (Pink Paislee)
Stamps ~ There She Goes Spooktacular Silhouttes
Ink ~ Palette Noir Black
Accessories ~ Basic Grey Buttons, American Crafts Thickers, scalloped edge punch, Twilight embellies.

up to my eyeballs & a sketch challenge!

2009-09-30T20:32:00.001-07:00

These stamps just keep getting better and better I tell ya! I finally decided to do a challenge today on SCS. The newest one was Sketch Challenge 248 and it was perfect for these little stamps in the HSH Halloween Additions set from There She Goes. I seriously can not get enough of the eyeball sentiment! It cracks me up every time I look at it. And I had to hop on over to the EIO store and pick up some more Twilight paper because I didn't have enough left for the scrapbook pages I wanted to use it for. I haven't done that with a paper line for ages, but this is definitley my favorite Halloween paper of ALL time!

This is another one of those cards that took me all day! It totally doesn't look like it should but I apparently have commitment problems. I get the card the way I like it, move things around on it for hours and finally glue it down in the original format after looking at it the WHOLE day! Seriously.

Cardstock ~ Kraft, Pink Paislee Twilight
Stamps ~ There She Goes HSH Halloween Additions
Ink ~ Palette Noir Black
Accessories ~ SU scallop edge punck, PTI twine, Copics, Imaginesce Brads

butterfly happiness

2009-09-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

I am falling more and more in love with these stamps each time use them! This one is TSG's Butterfly Happiness and I can't wait to scrapbook with it. The butterflies are gorgeous (the whole set is!) and I can see many embellishment possibilities with it.

supplies ~ cardstock ~ kiwi kiss, whisper white
ink ~ palette noir,
ribbon ~ su kiwi/vanilla silk
tools ~ paper piercer, scalloped punch, paper distresser

HSH Halloween Additions Blog hop!

2009-09-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the HSH Halloween Additions Blog Hop. If you are joining me from Jodi's blog then welcome! If not hop on back to the TSG blog and get started. Leave a comment on each Trendsetter's blog and head back to the TSG blog for a chance to win one of these fabulous sets!

Today we are showcasing the new HSH Halloween additions stamp set. I chose to use one of the images as a focal point rather than in a scene. That's the beautiful thing about this set! There are so many options for it I couldn't even begin to list them all!

For my card I had to cut into my brand new Twilight collection by Pink Paislee. It may be my favorite Halloween collection yet! I paired it with some Kraft cardstock (I know BIG surprise), black glitter brads, some twine and the use of several punches.

I hope you enjoyed my card! The next stop on the HSH Halloween Additions hop is Maki!

ps....thanks so, so much for all the nice comments yesterday! Each and every one made me smile!

September EIO Blog Hop~ Tricks and Treats

2009-09-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the EIO Blog hop! Hop along to each DT members blog to learn some stamping and scrapping tip and tricks. If you are coming from Dani's blog than you are in the right place. If not start back at Christine's blog and start hopping!

You will have 2 chances to be entered in a random drawing for a super fun prize package! Here's what you do....

1~ Copy and Paste a blurb and our cute blog hop banner about this Trick or Treat Blog Hop on your blog and leave us a direct link to your blog post with your name in Mr. Linky.

2~ Play along with us, create a project and leave your name & direct link with Mr. Linky HERE .

My scrapbooking tip is to keep it simple! I have had these birthday pictures for almost 3 years. I finally decided to get them scrapped! In the past I would pick papers and embellishments for each different layout. Now I grab something that corrdinates and I go with it for the whole event. For this 6 year old boy birthday I cut into my Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend collection and went to town. I made it even more simple by using a Got Sketch scrapbooking sketch for one of the layouts (the Crazy For Legos layout). It took me one night and I was able to scrap the whole birthday. I think the hardest part was thinking up the titles that fast! Cosmo Cricket makes this so easy with the collections they put together. I love that there are stickers and cardstock strips and journaling spots all included in one collection. It really does make it super easy to scrap with.

Thanks for stopping by! Next up is KIM!

Home Sweet Home Blog Hop!

2009-09-23T21:09:00.001-07:00

Hello and welcome to the TSG Home Sweet Home blog hop. If you are joining me from Jodi's blog you are in the right place! If not you'll want to hop back to the TSG blog to get started and for a chance to win these fabulous stamps!

Want to know how to win? Just hop along to each Trendsetters blog, leave a comment on the Home Sweet Home blog hop post of each Trendsetter and end at the TSG blog where you'll enter your name in Mr. Linky for a chance to win the Home Sweet Home stamp set.

The next stop on the hop is Maki.

Card Details~ Home Sweet Home Stamp set, basic grey half pearls, Pebbles pattern paper, kraft cardstock, chocolate brown cardstock marvy circle/scalloped circle punches, su scalloped edge punch, copics, glitter.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

There She Goes

2009-09-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I have some fun and exciting news to share today. Recently I was asked by Jessica at There She Goes clear stamps to be a part of her Trendsetters design team. To say I was elated is an understatement! I am so excited to be working along some fabulous stampers. You can see the official announcement on the TSG blog.

There is lots happening this week including a fun changing of the seasons sale. These prices are good until Friday the 25th. Here are the details for the sale~

Earth Love

2009-09-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with this Cosmo Cricket Earth Love collection, although this is the first time I've used it! I keep looking at it and admiring it though. This cute little snail just makes me smile! If you are going to have this collection, the coordinating chipboard is a must have. I also threw in some American Crafts Thickers to finish it off.

And cause I love a good deal...Barb over at Embellish-Online has some amazing specials going on right now. You can get free shipping on orders over $50 (I seriously love free shipping!) and she has started a Frequent Buyer program. You get 1 point for every $5.00 you purchase. When you receive 30 points you'll get $15 off your next purchase.

Stay tuned this week for some exciting news!!

a little of this and a little of that

2009-09-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

I finally started getting Jack's 6 year old birthday pics scrapped (he's 8 1/2). I have this need to "catch up" on all the annual events like the first day of school, birthdays, halloween etc. Not sure where it's coming from but I'll go with it! I completed Jordan's kindergarten year now I'm on to these birthday pics of Jack's. I plan to finish those off and try to get caught up on Jack's school pictures.

These are the rest of Jordan's kindergarten pictures. It does feel good to get them done! I also have almost completely used up my Girl Friday collection by Cosmo Cricket.

that's it for today! Have a wonderful day!

love to read

2009-09-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here I go again with the Cosmo Cricket! This one is Lil' Man (I think!), I paired it up with a bunch of different products. Which I am so proud of because I have been just concentrating on "collections" lately and a lot of my goodies are going unused. I've got Prima, Jenni Bowlin, Sassafrass, American Crafts, Basic Grey and Pink Paislee all accounted for here. Sweet!!
I'm off to Archivers tonight again...here's hoping to completing more than 2 stinkin' pages this time!

2009-09-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

Here a a couple more of J's kindergarten pages I finished up. I try not to have to make too many school pages for each year. I fell like these are probably the books they'll want to take with them when they leave home and I don't want then to be too big! I do, however, have 2 maybe 3 more pages to do for this year. I'll have to cut down on the picture taking this year!

I hope you don't get tired of the Girl Friday collection! I have a bit more to do with it and then I'll pack it away! It's just so cute I can't stop using it! :>