Tuesday, August 31, 2010

oh, the new crate paper...


Oh my! The new Crate Paper Restoration line looks great on-screen, doesn't it?! It looks even better in person—I promise! As some of my fellow DT at Scrapbook Circle has even mentioned, these papers are great textures, weights and even smells (lol). Not kidding! If you love paper for all that paper can be, the new Crate Paper Restoration is the paper for you!


And, if you're looking for a great way to get your hands on a great sampling of the new Cosmo Cricket, Crate Paper and Sassafras Lass...look no further than the September kit from Scrapbook Circle!

This page was made using the awesome 8.26 sketch challenge at Design Dollies. Head on over there for great inspiration and fun from some really fun chicas!


Thanks for stopping by today. I'm hard at work on the rest of the pages and projects using the Scrapbook Circle September kit. Don't forget about the great deal...ending very, very soon!

*Reminder: Because of the increase of product in the kits each month, starting September 1, kit prices are increasing to $29.50 for a 2+ month sub and $34.50 for a single kit purchase. All current subscribers keep their price as long as they continue to receive kits. Sign up before Sept. 1 to lock in the lowest kit price.*

Monday, August 30, 2010

cutie birthday bunny

I'm still using my August kit from My Paper Tree House. There is just so much in these kits! Speaking of, have you made a point to play along with the sketch challenge I posted over there? Someone is going to win the August kit!! It could be you! Check out this post here for details.


I made this card with the kit (adding the ribbon, bunny and twine from my stash).

My son went to a birthday party with his grandparents on Sat. while I stayed home and worked on all the projects that have been piling up on me the past few weeks. He took along a gift and this cutie of a card for the lucky birthday girl.

Thanks for stopping by today! I have should have lots to share with you this week. I'm playing catch up with lots of great projects. :)

Saturday, August 28, 2010

halloween anyone?

Happy Saturday! Lately, I've been working on my DT reveals for {embellish*ology}. I can't wait until we can share with you.

These items are so fun, versatile and most importantly cute, cute, cute!!!


Here is a sneak to get you thinking about your shopping list! :) Have a great weekend!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

I am such a slacker!

OK, not really, but I feel like it!

Many of you know I work for NextStepU Magazine as the Print Production Coordinator and the only in-house graphic designer. We are an education publication which mean that Fall is our craziest time. I've been super swamped the past few weeks, and there has been little time even after work hours for the fun stuff.

But I love it! I love my job, and I love that I get to work in the field I set out to work in, doing what I want to do every day—and doing it well! I've been at the magazine for almost 9 years and these publications are my babies. I take pride in each issue and work whatever hours I have to to make sure they are correct and awesome for the readers.

(Sneak peek at the Sept./Oct. cover of NextStepU Magazine)

So, sometimes the fun stuff in my life suffers. Like Sketchy Thursdays. I am so grateful for Heidi because today is the first time since I started the challenge site that I have missed the sketch reveal. I am beyond mortified with myself. OK, not really... everyone needs a break now and again, right?!

Even though I didn't play along, make sure to still stop over and see what the DT girls came up with for you, see the new sketch, and see the AWESOME prize that Kristina from Your Memories Here has supplied for you all to play for. It's a spook-tacular prize!!! :)



And, because I can't leave you without something to drool over, here is an image I saw this week at Blue Moon Scrapbooking. It's the new Jenni Bowlin pearl button sets. O...M...G! If you know me, you know I NEED these! On the must-have list!!

Thanks for stopping by and listening to me ramble today! :)


PS: If you know someone in high school or an adult going back to school, I would love it if you could pass along the NextStepU.com (high school) and BackToLearn.com (adult learners) websites! :)

PPS: We have a scholarship contest for up to $10,000 for college!!!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

great new CHA product in one kit!


The September kit from Scrapbook Circle will feature Crate Restoration, Cosmo Cricket Togetherness, Sassafras Mix & Mend, Lily Bee Domestic Bliss and much more.

Um, can you say, "My shopping list from CHA???!!!!" YAY!!

Here are a few peeks at the kit:



The full kit photo with product list will be posted on Scrapbook Circle this Friday. I am so excited to work with this month's kit, and I hope you are, too!!!

*Reminder: Because of the increase of product in the kits each month, starting September 1, kit prices are increasing to $29.50 for a 2+ month sub and $34.50 for a single kit purchase. All current subscribers keep their price as long as they continue to receive kits. Sign up before Sept. 1 to lock in the lowest kit price.


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

I see snow, do you?


I made this card with the August kit from My Paper Tree House. The kit has papers from Echo Park Paper's Life is Good collection. The yummy pinks, blues and other muted colors are great for any time—but do you see winter in this kit? I did!

This is my version of a very merry peppermint Christmas! :)


My other WONDERFUL news about this card... I got Copics!! And a big thanks to my girl Kristy who helped me with color decisions. I have to warn anyone considering buying Copics to find a Copics instructor FIRST, before you buy your markers. I was way off on what I thought I should buy before I ran everything by Kristy. So, thanks again, girlie!!!

I really didn't think when I colored this it was going to turn into anything, but I was pleasantly surprised that I really liked it, and I just had to make a card. Next time I'll try to do that thing where Copics users show which markers they used. I doubt I'll remember very often, but you never know! :)

Thanks for stopping in today!

Monday, August 23, 2010

sketchy thursdays wants YOU!


It's time to refresh the Design Team! The 6-month term for our current gals is coming to a close, and we are most definitely sad to see them go, but that means YOU now have a chance to join the team!

DT CALL info:

Sketchy Thursdays Design Team Call
http://www.sketchythursdays.blogspot.com/
Through September 11, submit your entry to join the Sketchy Thursdays Design Team.

WHO:

6 Sketchy Players will be chosen to serve a 6-month term beginning October 1.

WHAT:

Sketchy Thursdays is a weekly sketch challenge. Winners are chosen randomly and given a prize by a sponsor. Sketches are posted on Thursdays.

• The DT will submit their layouts to Diana and Heidi by posting to the Design Team Gallery blog page no later than the Tuesday night before the Thursday posting for the reveal.

• DT members are responsible for at least 2 layout pages per month. DTs will have to submit bi-weekly on their assigned week, but may also provide materials for the off weeks if they choose to.

• Opportunities to submit materials for bonus Second Chance Challenges do occur periodically. Though not required, participation is welcomed and desired.

• Occasionally we do have weeks that are sponsored such that you will have to complete the sketch using the materials provided by the sponsor. We do try to allow for plenty of time for these opportunities.

• DT members are expected to comment regularly on player submissions and to participate in weekly DT Fave and monthly GDT voting.

International entries welcome.

HOW:
• Include 3 layouts, cards or projects that best reflect your design style.
• Include your name, e-mail address, the link to your blog, links to any photo galleries, and links to any other Design Teams you are currently on.
• Also, put in 3 sentences why you think you will be an asset to the Sketchy Thursdays weekly challenge.

WHEN:

Please submit your application to Heidi at artiql8.heidi@gmail.com by 11:59pm EST Saturday, September 11.

Sketchy Players will be contacted by September 14 by e-mail. The DT will be announced on the blog shortly thereafter. Reveals from the new DT will be with the October 7 sketch challenge.

Good luck!! And I'd love to see some of my blog followers join me on ST!

Friday, August 20, 2010

happy news!


I'm one of the newest Guest Design Team members for Flamingo Scraps!!

I met Suzanne and Susan on Scrapbook.com in 2009 (and then their partner in crime, Amanda earlier this year) and just love these ladies! And of course... love their scrappy store!

Who wouldn't love a store that has so much Prima to offer, as well as Pink Paislee and the new Graphic 45 and 7 Gypsies... you know they got my attention! And what's not to love with that cute flamingo in their logo?! *wink!*

I'm thrilled to be joining these other amazing ladies as we share with you all that Flamingo Scraps offers.

Cindy deRosier
Diana Fisher (ME!)
Genie Smith
Janet Zeppa
Jill Sarginson
Jolaine Frias
Tiffany Morgan
Tonya Gibbs

If you're in the mood to shop today (and who isn't), check out their store!! The items move fast! Have a great weekend everyone, and thanks for stopping by today!!



Thursday, August 19, 2010

sketchy thursdays does a card sketch


Happy Thursday! This week at Sketchy Thursdays we are working with digi images from Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps. In the spirit of digital stamps, I've also made this week a card sketch.

Sketchy Thursdays has done this before with Second Chance Challenges, but this may be a first—or at least rare—occasion for the regular weekly challenge.

I hope that you'll stop by ST and make a card with us. If you want to stick with making a page, the DT has shown you how you can also adapt the sketch into a layout. Don't you just love how versatile a sketch can be?!


I made this card using the digital stamp from Robyn's Fetish, the Life is Good paper from Echo Park Paper, and ribbon from the My Paper Tree House August kit. I printed the digital stamp once on a piece of white card stock and then again slightly larger on a piece of the patterned paper.

I really like the end result. Try this sometime with your digital stamps. Maybe try it now... maybe using the ST sketch.... and then maybe linking it to Mr. Linky over on ST... and then maybe you win. You never know!! Just sayin'... (as my friend Jingle likes to say)!

I also have to tell you that I used my new Martha Stewart Scoring Score Board, and I love it!!! I really don't know how I ever lived without it. A huge recommend from me!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Sketchy Thursdays bonus at MPTH


I'm here today with more from the My Paper Tree House August kit... and an announcement! Sketchy Thursdays (a lá me) is going to be providing a sketch each month for everyone over at MPTH to work with.

It will come with the kit and also have an online inspiration component as well. Hope to see you over there!


My page today is about Nate's black eye. I showed off his scrabooking work last week, and a few of you commented that there better be a page in the works about the actual black eye. And here it is! I feel so bad for him, but he's been such a trooper about it.


This is the sketch available at MPTH. Stop on over there for the details. If you play along, you have to share your work over there so we can all visit and comment on your work. You have a whole month to make a page using the sketch.


Thanks for stopping by today!

Monday, August 16, 2010

my paper tree house reveal and some dollies


It's reveal day for My Paper Tree House! The August kit is overflowing with wonderful colors and patterns courtesy of the Echo Paper Paper line, Life is Good.


And the extras in this kit are just as fabulous. There are great flowers from Prima, buttons from Jenni Bowlin, book paper, lace, ribbon and handmade paper-clipped yo-yo's from Amy. They are amazing!


I made this page using the sketch at Design Dollies. Kristy and the rest of the Dollies do a great job with the weekly sketch challenge. Anytime I can play along, I end up loving the page I made. I'm sure you'll feel the same.

Click on over here to see the current sketch and play along!

And I hope some of you are able to snag a August kit from My Paper Tree House. This one is so fun! Hurry...they tend to sell out really fast!!

Friday, August 13, 2010

life is good...

Time to get excited about the August kit for My Paper Tree House! Rumor has it that the Echo Park Paper line, Life is Good, and its embellishments are a main part of this kit. As are May Arts, Prima, Jenni Bowlin and vintage elements like fabric and book pages. I can't wait to share my creations with you!


I'll also be posting sketch inspiration each month at My Paper Tree House to help you get started with your kits.

I hope I got you thinking about getting this kit and playing along with us. Follow MPTH on Facebook, too!! We love to see what you make with the kits, so share with us on Facebook.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

fishy fun


It's Sketchy Thursdays and we have another double-page layout for you all. Here is what I created to get you in the scrappin' mood! Hope you like it!

I am starting to really like these double pages, but I feel like they look the same. Is that common for double pages? The collage-style photos with sweeping colors from one page to the next? Mmmm... I'll have to really think outta-the-box for my next one.


These pictures are from 2 different fishing trips on Papa's boat. One on the canal and the other on Canandaigua Lake this past weekend. Both times were fun, and Nate really enjoys the boat rides. The men like the quick burst of fishing they get in.


Hope to see you all playing along with Sketchy Thursdays this week. The prize is from Lucky Girl Crafts, and if you link up your entry by 10 p.m. (EST) next Wednesday you have a shot at winning a $30 gift certificate!

And remember, you don't have to make a double-page. Adapting the sketch to a single page is perfectly fine. Some of the DT did that, too. Head on over and see what they made!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

just gunnin' for a manly card


One of my dearest friends has a son in the U.S. Army. He is stationed in the U.S., thank goodness, but does not live nearby. He came home for a friend's wedding, and he celebrated his birthday with his mom while he was back in town.

This is the card that I made for him. I've known Jimmy since he was in high school, so I knew his love for music and, of course, his patriotic side. I just know he's gonna love this. His mom did! :)


Thanks for stopping by today! I've been hard at work on my first wholesale order from my Etsy shop, as well as having been commissioned to make flowers for a wedding. I've been busy, busy crafting each night.

What all are you up to this week?

Monday, August 9, 2010

so dang proud!


This weekend my son became a real scrapper! If you've read my blog for awhile, you may remember THIS POST where I showed the book of Super Heroes that we started for him. Well, he's been bugging me to finish it.

While he was talking to me, I began to realize he had ideas for it. Nate knew what he wanted it to look like, and what he wanted to include.


So, I let him make the next four pages all by himself. This was so much fun for me, more so I think than it might have been for him! Nate's art table is in my craft room, so I set him up in there and he got busy creating. (Sorry there are so many pictures, but he was so dang cute!)


Here, he's gluing down his photo mat and photos. He had very specific ideas about what papers went with which pictures.


He added epoxy stickers, letters and die cuts. Then he posed for a picture with each page before we added them to his book.

(See Nate's wonderful black eye? He fell off of a jungle gym/plastic climber at daycare on Thursday. It was quite scary for everyone, but all he has is this nice shiner to show for it. Other than some swelling, he bounced right back, even taking the time to get a sympathy pick from the prize box for his accident. Oh, did I mention he was pretending to be a cop when he fell?! Yeah, that doesn't make me feel too good about his career choice!)

Nate meeting Buzz and Woody


Iron Man at the Strong Museum of Play


The Hulk at the Strong Museum of Play


Nate and Daddy meet Spider Man at the Strong Museum of Play


Well, that's all for Nate's first scrapbooking experience. I'm so dang proud of him! If you lasted this long, thank you so much for sharing this with me. In case you couldn't tell, I'm so excited about this. :)

Have a great Monday!

Friday, August 6, 2010

wanna win a kit?

My fellow DT girlie, Audrey, from Scrapbook Circle has a kit to giveaway! You can see all of her details HERE.


I know a few of you that read my blog have said how much you like the August kit from Scrapbook Circle. Here's your chance to win one!

And Audrey is super nice, so I promise you'll love her blog! :)

Have a great weekend everyone! What are you all up to? I'd love to hear!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

sketchy thursdays and library fun


Hi, and happy Thursday! Today I'm sharing my Sketchy Thursdays page with you. These pictures are from Nate's first trip to our local library.

Nate's been known to love his books a bit too much—to the point that they tear, rip and crumble. I don't mind that with his books, but I waited to introduce him to the library once I thought he'd understand the idea that he had to be extra careful with the borrowed books.


When we got there on a hot Friday night, we found lots of other kids and parents escaping the heat, browsing the stacks and playing in the play area. There was a dress-up area, a play kitchen, and a dinosaur display. It was so cool!

I immediately wished we'd stopped by earlier—but was glad I had my camera!

(Pssstt: Hey Mom, do you see the book Nate borrowed? It's by Beatrix Potter, and it's the Jeremy Fisher book! I thought of you!!!)


The new sketch challenge for Sketchy Thursdays is ready for you on the blog, so stop on by and play along with us. The winner this week will get a fab kit from Scrapbookdeals4u.com. Check it out!!! There is even a coupon code for Scrapbookdeals4u.com if you're in the mood for shopping (who isn't?!).

Thanks for stopping by today! :)

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

I love Etsy crafters!

Did you see the new call for Etsy shops on Sketchy Thursdays? I just couldn't help but do this.

When I first started Sketchy Thursdays, here on my tiny little blog, I contacted Etsy shop owners offering them advertising on my blog in exchange for a prize for the players.

That was a year ago, and now I want to get back to that great feeling of helping promote crafters. Have you seen some of the wonderful things being made on Etsy lately? There is some wonderful talent out there!!

***********

Beginning Sept. 9., Sketchy Thursdays wants to help you show off YOUR Etsy shop! Do you have a crafty store? Do you know someone who does?

We're looking to help promote Etsy sellers with a month of Etsy prizes!! Each Etsy shop sponsor will get this badge for their blog.


If you're interested in being a part of our Etsy sponsorship month, send an e-mail to dianadesigns [at] rochester.rr.com with a link to your Etsy shop, a short bio about you/your shop, and the prize you'd like to offer up for Sketchy Thursday players.

Pass this on!
I'm offering up a prize for one lucky commenter on the Sketchy Thursdays site. Check out the details HERE.

Monday, August 2, 2010

a card for monday

Hello! I've been swamped at work and about to get going on some really big scrappy projects. But in the meantime, I've been making some cards for my friends, and thought I'd share them with you!


I was so happy to make this card. I've been hanging onto this lace Hambly transparency, and a wedding card was the perfect excuse to cut into it! :)

Thanks for stopping by today! What have you all been trying to squeeze into your busy summer?

PS: Did you see I added some new items to my Etsy shop? I am really excited about them, so check 'em out!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

who's that girl #14 and {embellish*ology}


Hello! Today I'm sharing with you my page for Who's That Girl challenge #14: Dream Job. I'm so lucky to already be working my dream job.

I graduated college hoping to work in magazine publishing, and here I am—Print Production Coordinator for NextStepU Magazine. I am the only on-staff graphic designer there, and I love what I do. I've been there for more than 8 years.


So, we want to know what your dream job is! Link up your page HERE at Who's That Girl.

Do you see those wonderful letters framing the image on this page? (Which, by the way, the image is a graphic representation of the Adobe Creative Suite 4 icons. See the purple ID one? That's my favorite—InDesign—I LOVE that program! Like, LOVE it! Sigh, I'm such a design geek, LOL!)

Anyway... the letters are from {embellish*ology}. Heather, from A Scrappy Design, has started a new venture, and these letters are a part of that.


I got my hands on a digi file from Heather and printed the letters out on Jillibean Soup paper, but you can get your very own alphas from her shop, {embellish*ology}. Click on over there today and check it out! You may recognize the bike tags I posted last Wednesday. :)

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope to see some of your Dream Jobs over on WTG!