Creative Scrappers Sketch #218 -Reveal!

An awesome new sketch has been unveiled at Creative Scrappers!  Whoot-Whoot!   I love that this sketch takes the guess-work out of layering, but still leaves a wide berth for interpretation.

Here is some good information from the Creative Scrappers blog:

"To win a prize package from our July sponsor My Creative Classroom,complete at least one layout from our sketches # 215-216-217-218 and upload it using our inLinkz at the bottom of our reveals. The deadline to submit your layout(s) is August 1 2012"

And here is my layout using the sketch:

Just an FYI, I started a new teaching position with the local ISD and am in training sessions from now until schools starts in August... so my scrapping and blogging time is going to be minimal. So, if I am quiet for awhile... this is why!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my latest! :)

West Texas Wildflowers

Many people say that West Texas isn't beautiful... some, in fact, say it is ugly.  Well, I disagree.  It may be a little harder to find beauty in this desert landscape, but there is beauty here.  I went on a photo walk around our neighborhood searching for beauty.  This is what I found:

For this layout, I had more photos that I wanted to add, but really only one good spot for a photo.  I had to get creative here and decided to make a simple little flip book.

When I put this in my album, I am going to cut an opening  in the page protector for the photo book to be on the outside. So, I added a transparency to the first photo to give it a little protection from wear and tear.

I like that I was able to include all the photos I wanted to!  I am definitely going to use this mini book concept again!  How do you include lots of pictures on your layouts?  Two-pagers?  Divided page protectors?  I would love to see your ideas!  Link me up, scottie!  :)

Starting Point Layout +

A new Shimelle's Starting Point challenge was posted earlier this week.  I LOVE these challenges and look forward to them every week.  Just saying. :)   

This is my take on the SP.   I used October Afternoon's 9 to 5 collection (mostly).  I have had these wood veneer typewriters in my stash and finally found a way to use them and the OA 9 to 5 collection!  I like that I was able to use an unexpected motif (typewriters) for a baby page.  Although a little cheesy, they go well with my title.  The title was inspired by said  typewriters.  LOL!

Some more layouts:
Another 2-Pager of our mini-vacation.  So proud of myself for using so many pictures!  :)   This layout is going in our Life 2012 album.

This layout of my son and his friend on our mini vacation is going into his 2012 album.

My sweetie-pie, Emery.  She turns 1 year old next month!  OMGosh!  Where has the time gone?  By the way, this little stinker already has 2 & 3/4 albums... and she isn't even a year old yet!  :)

Sable and Emery

A 6X12 Layout, of me and my sweetie, using up some scraps.  I use to create at this size frequently.  It was fun and I like the way the different size pages look together in a 3-ring album.  To me, a little differentiation in page size adds interest to an album and makes the viewer interact a little more with the pages.

Thanks so much for stopping by to see what I have been up to!  I  have "met" so many sweet bloggey-scrappey friends who are so talented and creative and inspiring.   I love to visit your blogs... you know who you are!  I appreciate so much the comments and support you offer.  Thank you!  Okay... gush over.  :)

July 4th Celebration Photos

I posted a few days ago about my preparations for our July 4th celebration, and the recipes I planned on making.  I did it! :)  I made them all, plus some.  I also did lots of decorating.  Fun! Fun! Fun!  We had lots of friends and family over and we all had a GREAT time together.  

Patriotic Cupcake Tower

I made the little star toothpick decorations using my paper punches. 

 (I will post a mini tutorial on how I made these soon!) 

The banner was a free printable I found  HERE on pinterest.  

Fruit Pizza

These were a BIG hit!  They didn't last long and everyone wanted the recipe!  SCORE! :)  I will definitely be making these again!  You can find the recipe HERE.

Fiesta Dip
Also a big hit!  I made two batches of it and all of it was gone except a smidgeon.  :)

Pinwheel Decorations

My sweet and crafty friend, Adrianna, made this adorable tutu dress for my grand-baby!
 Isn't it adorable on her!  

Creative Scrappers Reveal

Sketch #216 was revealed today at Creative Scrappers !  Also, the new Design Team layout inspiration were also revealed!   You MUST go see all the gorgeous interpretations of this sketch!  Talk about some serious eye candy!  

I love this sketch by Janice Daquila-Pardo!  I am usually a 4x6 photo scrapper but I really enjoyed switching things up and scrapping with smaller photos.  I also love the long banner strip that anchors the photos.  A very fun sketch, indeed! 

Here is my take on the sketch.  I used photos from our Cinco De Mayo Fiesta at school.  The wonderful parents really outdid themselves in putting this together.  My students had lots of fun!

Why not give this sketch a try and use up some of those July 4th celebration photos?  If you do, be sure to link up at Creative Scrappers for a chance to win  a prize package from our July sponsor My Creative Classroom!  

July 4th Celebration Preparations

I LOVE Pinterest!  I pinned this lovely Stars & Stripes Bunting project by Kierste and knew I had to give it a try!  We have lots of family & friends coming over to celebrate the 4th, and I really want the house to look festive!  :)    

I decided I wanted to create triangular banners as opposed to the rectangular ones.  I basically followed the directions in Kierste's tutorial.  Instead of  jute, I cut long strips of the burlap to "string" the banners from and instead of hot gluing I sewed the banners to the burlap strips.  It is very rustic looking and goes great with my decor. :)

This is another little project I worked on today:

We are cooking out hamburgers, hot dogs, etc on the grill, but here are a couple of recipes I pinned and plan on making for our July 4th festivities!

Fiesta Dip by Dishing with Leslie

 Loaded Baked Potato Salad by Dishing with Leslie

Mini Deep Dish Fruit Pizzas by Banner Boutique

Oh good... now I am hungry!  LOL!   I have a couple of more projects that I am working on... I will post those another day.   :)