All about me...

Have I ever told you how much I dislike scrapping about me??? I do. I don't have many pictures of me because I'm usually behind the camera (and I like it that way). Scraptique asked each of the DT members to make an altered album all about themselves. UGH!!!

Well, I finally got it done and will be taking it to the store this weekend (so you get the sneak peek before they do). Those of you who know me, know I'm kinda neurotic about how things look...I'll redo a layout and pull things off if they're crooked. This was a tough project because it is going to be hanging in the store...so I felt I had to do the front and the back. My solution was to punch out circles in pattern papers, adhere them around the album, and cover the back. Then I wrote a descriptive word on each "petal" for the various jobs I have: wife, mother, friend, cash machine, maid, etc. The journaling says, "I have lots of jobs in life...and they all make me happy." Well, each job may not make me happy (like being a maid), but they all represent something in my life that makes me happy. I'm very blessed!
BTW...Erica took all those pictures, except the one of me scrapping. The scrapping picture is from a weekend retreat I took with my friend, Kelly a few years ago. Oh, and I should say I used a free collage template from Scrapbooks Etc. I've mentioned this before in other posts and had to make sure to do it again with this. Those templates are AWESOME! I just created it in Photoshop, saved it, and printed it as a 5x7 photo.

Some Christmas Cards

Well, I did it...Christmas Cards went out in the mail today. Jeff dropped them off at the Post Office for me (whew). He called and said he had a hard time finding a mail box that had enough room for them...and there were only 50. I joked and said, "Well, I guess I'm not the last one to send out cards this year...just the last one from THREE YEARS AGO." He had a good laugh over that one. But I've got news for him, one of my co-workers is working on FIFTEEN YEARS (although I think she was exaggerating a bit).

So here are some of the cards I sent out this year. I already posted the digital card...it looks better online than in person, I didn't use good paper for printing (sorry for everyone that gets one of those...I'm still learning).

This first card I *started* making three years ago. I used the Xyron Personal Cutting System to cut the letters and the ornament.

This next card is my favorite. I found it by googling "Handmade Christmas Cards." I'm sorry, I forgot what site it was on. It cracked me up when I saw it and just HAD to make some. I printed the sentiment onto cardstock, cut that out with a circle punch, doodled around the edge, put in an eyelet and small wire to make it look like an ornament (at least I HOPE it looks like an ornament). Hee, hee...I think it's cute. This one uses some We R Memory Keepers papers (I think...I can't remember for sure, sorry). The ribbon isn't tied very nice, sorry. I also made some with some bright Stampin' Up Christmas papers from a few years ago.

This card uses some We R Memory Keepers papers, a Stampin' Up! stamp and a snowflake cut from the Cricut with the Winter Woodland cartridge. I also found this idea from googling "Handmade Christmas Cards." Beautiful and easy! I also used this layout with a bright blue, red, and ivory color scheme...sounds odd, but I think it turned out great (the papers were Scenic Route).

And Erica got into some of the fun. I found this idea on a Family Fun website. These are cards for the teachers at her Day Care.

Digital Christmas Cards

Well, I'm actually gonna send out Christmas cards this year...I hope. I say that because I haven't gotten them out for the past three years. I try, I really do. I just don't know why I never get them out. This year should be different...I hope. Last year I finished making cards I started the year before, but I counted them and I don't have enough. Sooooo...since I've been playing with Photo Shop, I decided to try and make some digitally. Here's what I made (the only recent pix I have of the three of us).The template is another download from Scrapbooks Etc, the papers and tag were free downloads from the Holidays in Hand class I took at jessicasprague.com, the fonts are on my computer, and the swirl is from the Playground Digital Scrapbooking CD available at ACBailey.

If you are interested in learning more about digital scrapbooking (or just in learning how to use your software) you really should check out jessicasprague.com. I've taken a few free classes and am having a blast...that Christmas card is nice, right??? See, that should be proof enough!

Thank you card set

Well, last year I made a card set for Erica's teacher. Guess what I made her teacher this year? Yup, a card set. I found an article I cut out of the Paper Crafts magazine back in 2004 and have made a few of these sets now. This one is NOT the one for Erica's teacher, but it's very similar...OK, now I need to go take a picture of it and post it, don't I? I actually need to decide on a sentiment first, so it's not quite done...

I didn't initially choose these papers for a set, but this week's ACBailey Freaky Friday Challenge is to do a layout or project using red and green. I found some old Stampin Up papers that worked pretty nicely (except the flower looks too red...I'm gonna have to change that!). The set I made for Erica's teacher uses the DCWV Grade School Stack. It's really neat, but the papers were hard to work with cuz they were heavy weight.

That's how I roll

When I first saw the Sassafras Lass Monstrosity paper kit, I thought it was too wild and crazy. Then I saw some cute layouts with it, and thought about my daughter, Erica. I knew I had to use it!!! So you're going to see a few layouts in the next few days with this paper kit (by the way, it includes, (2) sheets each of (6) papers, an alpha sticker sheet, a cardstock sticker sheet, and some journaling tags). This kit is a DEAL!!!

For Erica's 6th Birthday party she had a Rollerskating Party. This kids were having such a good time that after we ate pizza, ice cream, and cake, they wanted to go skate more instead of open presents...so that's what we did. Erica opened presents later with some neighborhood kids that came to the party. So here's the layout of the actual party...Erica's face was nearly the color of her red/pink tie-dyed shirt...what a hoot!!!

Altered Clipboard for Holidays in Hand...

Wow, it's been almost a week since I last posted, sorry! The good news is I was at a crop on Fri and Sat and got LOTS of stuff done!!!

Today's post is a project for the Jessica Sprague Holidays in Hand class that I took earlier this month. The goal of the class is to end up with an album about Christmas...either memories from the past, today's holiday season, or a combination of the two. There are daily prompts (for journaling, pictures, and activities) that need to be displayed...this clipboard will be the display for my daily prompts. And it was inspired by two people...a gal that sat next to me at this weekend's crop, and one of the Design Team members from ACBailey, Dee. The gal at the crop did a beautiful 8x8 Layout with flowers and a hat pin...I loved it sooooo much I had to use it as my clipboard inspiration. This clipboard is a project for the ACBailey Jingle Bells Blog Hop that was held the weekend before Thanksgiving...and it was Dee's project.I used papers from the ACBailey 2008 Dec Kit of the Month and a hat pin decoration from a Stampin' Up! kit. There are a few kits left and they are on sale, so check them out...and remember, shipping is free on the first of every month with a $35 order.

Back in the groove...

Wow...has it been two weeks since I last blogged? If you're reading this, you haven't given up on me...thank you!!! I'll try to be better.

On the bright side, I went to an all day crop on Saturday and actually ran out of photos. No, I'm not caught up. I have a new computer and haven't moved over my photos from the old computer. So all I have are pictures from after late July. I did have my first day of school pix, but I'm waiting for me new AC Bailey Sep KOTM to scrap those. We did go to the AK State Fair on Wed, but I didn't download those pix, so I didn't have them. I'll post every few days so maybe I'll have a chance to scrap some more and not get behind again.

Of course, I have to post my favorite first. While I'm waiting for the KOTM to do the first day of school, I decided to go ahead and scrap our First Day of School Tradition: The Muffin Man. I take off work in the morning, we drop Jeff off at work, and go to The Muffin Man for breakfast. I'm not sure if she's more excited for the muffin or for the first day of school. I really like how the layout turned out...it reminds me of the chocolate muffin she ate.
The papers, flower, sticker, and glittered cardstock are from the AC Bailey Feb KOTM (Basic Grey). And the fabric tag is from the AC Bailey May KOTM (yes, I'm trying to use up these kits before they sit around and get more dust). And I added some Thickers for the title...you know how much I LOVE Thickers!!!

Some cards...

I wanted to share a few cards I made. One is pretty cool, and the other is pretty basic. I made these for an ACBailey party. I don't usually host parties, but a friend of mine asked and I just couldn't say no (there's a story behind it). Plus, it exposes AC Bailey to more people!!!

This first card uses Craft Plastic, Staz On ink, Core'dination Cardstock, stickles, and In Stitchez. I also used a Stampin' Up stamp. I used a Stitchez template and punched holes from the back of the Core'dinations cardstock, then sanded the holes and edges to show the color. After adhering the cardstock and pattern paper inside the card, I stamped over the pattern paper strip on the outside of the card. Then I added stickles to bling up the stamped image. This was a really fun card and I think it shows up the versatility of our products.















The second card is pretty basic. What I really wanted to show off was the Xyron Sticker Maker. I believe it is a MUST HAVE tool in any crafter's tool box. I used the Xyron 150 (1-1/2") to adhere the ribbon...VERY tacky and the ribbon won't come up. The 150 is great for smaller items...especially for die cut alphas!!! The Xyron 250 (2-1/2") is also a great tool. It's a bit large for ribbon, as you'll waste some adhesive, but it's more flexible for the die cut alphas that won't fit thru the 150. I love both of these!!!

Sneak Peek

Wow...it's been too long since I blogged...sorry. I went to a crop this weekend and was VERY productive, so I have lots to contribute this week...YEAH.

I don't usually participate in swaps, but since I've been fairly active with AC Bailey, I decided to go ahead and join a "Rolodex swap" with some of the other consultants. The idea is that you alter the front of the Rolodex card and put a pix of yourself on it and include your statistics (phone, address, website, etc) on the back of the card. You make "_" number of cards based on the number of participants and each person in the swap gets a card from everyone else...so we all have every one's information and a picture of them. I'm excited to get 16 cards from other consultants...not everyone has their pix on the forum, so I can't put a "face" with the all the names.

So here's a sneak peek of part of my card...I won't post the whole thing until the swap is complete and everyone gets theirs in hand :) I wanted to make it relevant to Alaska, so I used some old Cloud 9 Frost papers I had from last year. I cut the snowflakes out with the Cuttlebug and Sizzix dies from Stampin' Up!, then added Ranger Stickles . I just love these stickles...but I need to use them a bit more to get better at it! Oh, and to make it easy to adhere the papers and card stock to the front of the Rolodex card, I used another Sizzix die from Stampin' Up! on the Cuttlebug (sure was nice not having to trim around those little notches!).

Kit inpsirations

I've posted before about the AC Bailey Kits of the Month. I wanted to give you a little more inspiration on these...If you are already a subscriber to the kits, you'll want this file. This was put together by one of the AC Bailey instructors from the projects posted by the Consultant Design Team. And there are more inspirations in the gallery filed under the Feb KOTM. A few of my projects are out there, too...and they're also posted on prior posts in my blog. Enjoy the inspiration and come back to get the March inspiration. Oh, I have the March flyer, but I can't post it as a pix...so email me if you want a copy early.

Altered Projects

Have you ever done one? I *finally* did my first altered project. I like the way it turned out, but I sure need more practice. This started out as a Creative Imaginations "CREATE" wood block. I rearranged the letters, cut off the top of the T to make an I and made "ERICA." I used mod podge to adhere the papers (probably should've done an extra coat...oh, well). The papers are My Minds Eye and there are too many left over accessories for me to figure out what they are (sorry). Thanks for looking.

Online Crops???

Have you ever participated in an online crop? Have you ever heard of them? They are a ton of fun!!! Someone hosts the crop and posts challenges throughout the crop period. Participants log in from time to time to get the "homework" assignments and play games. Then you work on your projects and post the results. The hosts will draw prizes from the list of participants on a particular challenge or the first to complete wins (depending on the challenge). The goal is to be productive and have fun!!!

AC Bailey is hosting an online crop Jan 2-4...anyone can participate, but you need a login account with the community forum as well as the gallery (to post your projects). I hope to "see" you at this online crop...it's gonna be a blast!!!

I just participated in a different crop today. I was unable to spend the entire day cropping, but I did get a few projects completed. Here they are...these all had complete instructions available. If you're interested in any of the instructions, let me know.

This is a mini book. I saw this project and immediately knew I HAD to make one using Creative Imagination's Memories kit (plus a few embellies from another Disney kit I had). We're going to Disneyland on Sunday...in THREE DAYS!!! I can't wait to take this with me to document out vacation.








And this is a box in a bag project. The instructions came from here. It was VERY EASY and quick. I did not add any additional embellishments, but depending on the pattern paper you select, you may want to do that.

Hand-made gifts (follow up)

ACK...I can't believe it's taken a MONTH for me to post MY version of the card set...I'm sorry for the delay. Here it is:



To make the card holder, I used an 8-1/2 x 11 piece of cardstock and cut it to 8" x 11". I scored it at 3", 3-1/2", and 8". Then I scored it at 1/2", 1", 7", and 7-1/2". Looking at the template from the Nov post, cut the box and adhere as noted. This will fit 5 cards and 5 invitation size envelopes. As I put the box together, I use button magnets to hold the flap closed.

Stay tuned for a one sheet wonder (OSW) template plus a bag to hold the cards...this is a Stampin' Up! idea that was shared with me. It's a GREAT little gift at this time of year, too. A few years ago I created my own OSW template, so if you're looking for additional ideas, let me know and I'll share that one.

Hand-made Gifts

Are you craft around the holidays? I am!!! I make my Christmas cards, scrapbooking calendars for family (since they're soooo far away and don't get to see Erica very often), and little goodies for others here and there.

I just saw this GREAT idea for a teacher's gift. Erica's teacher is AWESOME and I want her to know how much we appreciate all she does. So I will be making this cute set for her...sort of. This site has two sets of instructions

1. The first is a HUGE file that is already in color...print it on heavy cardstock, cut, fold, adhere as instructed and you're done. Don't forget to include four invitation size envelopes for the cards.
2. The second set of downloads (two) are templates if you want to use your own supplies.

I plan on using this as a guideline and making my own....can I do anything simply? NO!!! I have a problem with that, sorry. So come back this weekend and I'll have a picture of the finished project. But don't wait for me...go check out the website and get those gifts cranked out for the teachers (or others) in your life.

Halloween Fun Treats

Are you a nut for holidays and crafting around the holidays? I am!!! When Erica first started day care YEARS ago, I made cute little goodie treats for her friends in the class (they were 2-yrs old). I will never forget a mother of another child telling me, "Oh, you're one of THOSE moms." I didn't think the treats weren't that big of a deal, but they were home-made...to this day, it cracks me up to think about that.

So this is what I'm doing for this year. This is not a picture of my work and I'm still trying to find the creator to give credit...but you use a scalloped circle punch and a photo corner punch and the treat in the middle is a peppermint pattie. I'm thinking the creator is a Stampin' Up! demonstrator because I have both those punches. Anyway, it's a great idea...and I'll give credit as soon as I find out who it's from. Enjoy!

Oh, and check out this cute idea...Pumpkin Poop I've seen a similar thing around Christmas with Snowman Poop, but this is new to me. Enjoy!!!