Shimelle's Starting Point #2 - layout

Here is the layout I finished using Shimelle's 2nd Starting Point as inspiration.  I wasn't happy with this layout at first, so I left it for a while and went back to it.  I decided to add the stitching and am much happier with it now.  Is this not the sweetest smile you have ever seen?  My grandbaby is such a happy girl!  I <3 her!  Can you tell?  LOL!

I used lots of my scrap papers from my January Cocoa Daisy kit.  I am in love with this Amy Tangerine yellow chevron paper.  I only have a couple of little scraps left and I am so sad!  I have been using the heck out of it. I just got a HUGE box of scrappy supplies from Two Peas, with tons of Sassfrass and Amy Tangerine products. I didn't order the yellow chevron, but I did order a black and white fabric chevron pattern, that I am looking forward to using!

Cocoa Daisy January Kit Layout

This is another Shimelle inspired layout.  I used this starting point as inspiration for this layout.  I also used the January kit, (Tea & Cupcakes) from Cocoa Daisy.  This is my first time joining a kit club. I have to say, I wished I would have joined a long time ago!  I love this kit!  I was thrilled that I received my first package just a few days after I joined.  The customer service has been wonderful and the price is great!  So, if you have contemplated joining a kit club, I would highly recommend Cocoa Daisy.

Our Little Blessing- Layout

There is nothing in the world like being a Grandma!  This little angel brings so much joy to my life!  It is indescribable how much I love her! :)  This photo was taken the day after Emery was born.  I love how it captures such a sweet moment.

Purrrfect!

This is my fur-baby, Sugar.  She is sweet &  a little bit feisty!  I love this picture of her playing with my shoes. Of course, I had to scrap it. :)  I used a sketch #192 (pictured below)  from Creative Scrappers.  I tweaked it a little to make it work with my photo.  I also added the title to the top, instead of the bottom.  I am really not into "cutesy" but I love this Max & Whiskers collection from Basic Grey.  It is cute, but not too cute.  Plus, I love the colors!

A Cherry On Top Sketch Challenge & 1 More

Sketch Challenge by happayscrappay (Rachel)

I created this layout for the January Sketch challenge at A Cherry On Top.  I really love how this layout

turned out.  It was my 41st Birthday (Ekkkk) earlier this month.  My sweetie-pie had this beautiful balloon bouquet and scented Teddy Bear to my classroom.  He always knows how to make me feel loved and special.  I am so blessed! :)

This layout was inspired by my favorite scrapbooker, Shimelle.  I loved the little garland she used in this layout.  I broke out my Cricut (George & Basic Shapes Cartridge) and whipped up this simple little garland. The craft tag came from Michaels (the dollar bin).  There were 8 tags with coordinating ribbon, for a dollar! I love a good deal! :)

That's all for today! Have a relaxing Sunday! :)

Lots of Layouts!

This is a layout I created using Shimelle's starting point.  This was a fun challenge! I adore this picture of my daughter, Ericka kissing my grand-baby, Emery on the cheek.  I used papers from Prima's Second Wind collection.

I found these pictures on my camera when I was uploading Christmas pictures.  What a fun surprise!  I love the silly faces and happy smiles.  December 25, 2011  I used Basic Grey & Lily Bee papers, and Making Memories alphabet.

This is one of my favorite pictures taken at Christmas.  One of my student's mom hand-crocheted this girly santa hat for Emery.  She looks precious!  I used some old papers from my Nature's Poetry collection back when Dream Street Papers was still around.  

This layout is of my Pepaw and Emery.  Pepaw is Emery's great, great, grandfather.  It is rare that children get to know their great, great, grandparents!  I feel so blessed to still have him in my life and how cool for Emery to have the opportunity to spend time with him! I used Basic Grey's Sweet Threads collection.

Me and Emery on Christmas.  I used Basic Grey's Sweet Threads collection.

Tristan's 13th Birthday Party.  I think this is Crate Paper.  I can't remember for sure.  I have had it awhile.

These pictures are from this past July.  It was Keith's 51st Birthday/July 4th Barbeque/Pool Party Celebration. I love these pictures of Keith with his nieces, Alyssa and Madison.

Last but not least is a Christmas layout of Emery.  I used Fancy Pants papers/overlay.

JYC2011 - Day 4: Christmas Dream

This is my entry for Day 4 of Journal Your Christmas 2011.  The first thing I thought of when I received the prompt, was how happy and thankful I am to be spending my first Christmas with Keith and how it is a dream  come true.  

Also....just have to say that today is a SNOW DAY!  No school!!!  Yahhhooooo!  More time for scrapping!

JYC2011 - Day 3: Christmas Cards

Photo Card

Merry Bright Greeting Holiday

Click here to browse Shutterfly's holiday card collection.

View the entire collection of cards.

Merry Layout - Shimelle's Sketch of the Week

The journaling says:  "Keith's nephews and Colby came into town for Thanksgiving.  What was supposed to be a nice group photo by the tree, ended up with Keith "de-pantsing" Tristan.  Lucky for Tristan, I only caught the before and after shots.  I love that I caught the laughter and Keith being his awnry self." 

Oh, I had a "helper" while I was working on this page:

Yep.  Sugar was all up in my business!  LOL! :)

Journal Your Christmas - Day 1 & 2

This year I decided to put my creative energies into documenting/scrapbooking the Holiday Season!  I have always been a huge fan of Shimelle and decided to take part in her "Journal Your Christmas 2011" class.  It seems like every year I rush through the Holidays trying to get everything done... I want this year to be different. I want to relish the magic of Christmas and time spent with the ones I love.  This is the first Christmas I get to spend with my one true love (Keith) and my first grand daughter (Emery).  Plus, my girls are coming from Oklahoma to spend Christmas with me.  There is so much to be thankful for and so much to celebrate!  I want to hang on to every little memory! 

So, with that being said here is my first journal entry:

Christmas Manifesto

This page opens into a little mine book.  Which has my journaling and my Christmas statement of intent:

Day 2 Documents the weather:

Now I am off to go work on Day 3.  It's all about Christmas Cards.  Guess that means it's time to start working on creating my Christmas cards too! :)

Have a blessed day!

Once Upon A...Sketch - Challenge Layout

I created this layout using the November challenge sketch from the Once Upon a...Sketch blog.  This month's challenge was to create a layout and journal about the joys of being a woman.  First, I have to say that it is always challenging for me to scrap a layout about myself.  I don't know why? It is just hard for me.  However, I know someday my children will appreciate having at least a couple of layouts of ole' mom.  :) 

My journaling says:  "The older I get, I am finding that my insecurities are fading.  I am less self-focused and more outward focused.  I know who I am and have accepted myself.  I am happy to be in this place and enjoy being a woman."    

This was a fun challenge and I really like how my layout turned out!  It was very therapeutic! :)  I am already looking forward to the next sketch challenge! :)

And here is the November sketch I used:

Once Upon A..Sketch Giveaway!!!

Once Upon a...Sketch is giving away this gorgeous album kit featuring Melissa Frances 5th Avenue collection...

"Limited Edition Melissa Frances" Kit Contents 
(kit by Scrap That! - Canada's best kit club! ) 

Envelopes and Tags Book

5th Avenue 6 X 6 Paper Pad

5th Avenue Sticker Book

5th Avenue Diecuts

2 Mini Envelopes and Tags

Trinkets & Baubles

Diamond Chandelier Drops

“Mom” Expressive Transfer

Vintage Architectural Molding Appliques

Crepe Paper - Light Blue, Pale Pink, Cream, Pastel Green

4 ZVA Pink Transition Mini Roses

6 ZVA Cream Mini Roses

Vintage Seam Binding

Be sure and check it out today!  The contest ends on November 25th, 2011!

My favorite way to stay cool....

Today's In the Sun prompt  is "My favorite way to stay cool..."   Here in West Texas we have been averaging about 105 degrees.  It has been HOT outside!  However, Keith keeps the house and office like an icebox, so  usually I am looking for ways to stay warm... so I go outside alot to thaw out.  :)  However, when I have to be out and about on these blistering hot summer days, this is how I like to cool off:

Take a Vacation & This summer I feel ....

I finally got started on some of the prompts from the In the Sun online course offered by the very talented and creative Natalie Malik. I was starting to feel stressed out about not following along with the course, which really puts a strain on my muse. So, I decided to just do what I can, when I can.  Stressing is not fun! Art journaling is supposed to be relaxing and fun! 

So, these are the two prompts that I have completed so far. 

The prompt for this one was to be inspired by the music video "Take a Vacation" by the Young Veins.  I was inspired by the long rectangular photos and circles in the video.  I also like the globe/maps in the video, which I used in my layout but they kind of got covered up in all the layers.  Which is A-OK with me!  My favorite vacation spot has been in my backyard laying out by the pool.

Here is an older prompt that I finished as well.  This summer I feel... Creative, In Love, Adventurous, Happy, Easy Going, A Little Lazy, Renewed.

Until next time... Have a great summer! :)

Inchies - Things with Wings

I found a new group dedicated to Inchies, via the new ZNE network and I couldn't wait to join! I heard about making inchies last year and made a ton of them. They are so fun to make, but the tiny palette size is a challenge! I always love a challenge though! :) Anyway, this weeks prompt was to create inchies with wings. Here is what I came up with.

Quotable Quote:

“I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.” - Oscar Wilde

I love this! Reminds me of myself! He! He! :)

What does your Birthday mean?

Your Birthdate: January 16

You're incredibly introverted and introspective. You live inside your head. You spend a lot of alone time meditating and thinking. People see you as withdrawn, and at times they are right. You are caring and deep, but it may be difficult for you to show this side of yourself. Your strength: Your original approach to thinking Your weakness: You tend to shy away from others Your power color: Pale blue Your power symbol: Wavy line Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Funny Kid Story

It is raining ice and is bitterly cold outside, and has been all day. My poor dh is helping his brother move to a new apartment despite the weather. He stopped by the house to change into dry clothes and Tristan decided he wanted to go. Chris called a few hours later and said he was dropping Tristan off. When Tristan came in the house, I asked him if he wanted to go take a warm bath? He said 'no... I am going to bed' and that is exactly what he did. No hugs, no smiles, no "mommy tuck me in", just pure exhaustion and sweet sleep. A few minutes later Chris calls, to tell me what Tristan told him. He said and I quote: " I am going to sleep as soon as I get home and I am probably going to drool alot, too." LOL! Where does he come up with this stuff?

Curves... and Renewal... and such.

Life throws curves... that is always a certainty. I am in one of those places where the curve can head up to higher ground or the curve can head down to places I don't want to be... it is up to me to decide which way it will be. The attitude I decide to carry will make or break me . I choose not to let resentment, fear, or bitterness live in my heart or head. I choose to forgive, heal, and grow. It is time for renewal and I welcome it with open arms.

Father God, it is my prayer you will: Renew, Heal, Restore, and Grow me up.

Art Journal spreads I created with the word "Renewal" in mind. I have really been drawn to the color red lately. Lots of symbology in these spreads for me. My favorite is the crying baby in the bottom spread. That is how I feel sometimes...like throwing a big screaming fit, just like the baby in the photo! :) Hence my prayer, that God will grow me up! LOL!

----------------------------------------------------------------- This song speaks volumes and is true to my decision of how to handle this curve. It is called Strong Tower by an awesome band called Kutless: When I wander through the desert And I'm longing for my home All my dreams have gone astray When I'm stranded in the valley And I'm tired and all alone It seems like I've lost my way I go running to Your moutain Where your mercy sets me free (chorus) You are my strong tower Shelter over me Beautiful and mighty Everlasting King You are my strong tower Fortress when I'm weak Your name is true and holy And Your face is all I seek In the middle of my darkness In the midst of all my fear You're my refuge and my hope When the storm of life is raging And the thunder's all I hear You speak softly to my soul