Not Home alone

Guess what????

2012-02-01T10:19:00.001-05:00

Remember yesterday when I was talking about the kids 100 day shirts?

Well, quickly when they came home I was able to snap a couple of pics of them wearing their blinged up shirts. All they are interested in when coming home from school is a snack, but Samantha didn't disappoint with her first pose. :)

I have noticed it's time to scrub the walls again from these pics too....

ok.. on to fun mommy news

*squeals*

Guess who is the newest designer for Some Odd Girl??

ME!!!!

I am still a little shell shocked I made Kristy's fabulous team.

Her stamps are always a delight and bring such a smile to my face.

I can't wait to share with you over the next 6 months my creations from Some Odd Girl!

It has been so hard keeping my mouth shut on this one, as it is a dream to make this team!

Please check out the blog and see my other new ODD girl teamies over the next 3 days.

Here is sweet Kody.

Will you be mine, Valentine? :)

big BIG hugs,

SIlhouette fun

2012-01-31T11:09:00.000-05:00

Look who's Top Dog this week in school.

Samantha got to work on her All About me Tee this weekend. She got right to work on Friday and had me print photos for her on Saturday. She has been waiting since the beginning of the school year for this week. She says she's lucky she's top dog this week, because the children are actually celebrating their 100th day of School today.

I'm going to eat lunch with her on Thursday... her favorite day of the week to eat at school because of steak n gravy. mmmm (it's ok. truly)

Remember I got the Silhouette Cameo for Christmas?

Well, Cammy and I have been getting acquainted, and I think we're fast friends!!

I kept this baby going non stop yesterday for several house making these guys.

Aren't they adorbs?

I haven't decided if I will use them as bag toppers for Valentine treats for the kids to pass out, or if we'll be sticking a lollypop on there or a twix... hmmm ideas??

I still have another 15-20 to make, but I think I have enough monsters...

I'm thinking about print in cuts now.. like maybe these conversation hearts or that kitty you see off to the side. It says I think you're purrrrfect! :)

Oh yeah.. the 100th day of School.

I finally cracked open my rhinestone kit for Cammy (The Cameo Silhouette) and

upcycled a couple of the kids shirts. In rhinestones it has an apple with 100 days on there.

They thought it was cute. If I want to make anymore, I think I need to buy a heat press.

I forgot to take a photo this morning.. it was either feed them pancakes or take a photo.. pancakes won out because I totally forgot the photo. I'm taking one as soon as the lil cuties get home from school today so I can show you tomorrow. :)

Hope your day is fun n crafty!

Don't forget to link up over at Paper Issues for the Valentine Linky party!

Nuts week #198

2012-01-30T08:47:00.000-05:00

Good Monday Morning!!

I wish I were on the west coast attending CHA!!

I am stuck in VA though.. it's not all bad, I get to share with you today my last layout with the January TallyScrapper Memories in Style kit.

I used Nuts About Sketch #198 for my layout.

Just a reminder, Nuts About Sketches is holding a DT Call.. you have about a day to get your submission in... you should definitely go for it. An excellent team to be apart of, no stress and you get great sketches to work with.

Here is this weeks sketch.

I opted to just use a 4 x 6 photo I already had printed of my mom and her siblings.

I also dug into my "I need to use these bits n baubles up" drawer and pulled out the key, and the diecut bird and vines I cut right after Christmas.

So pretty.

Hope your Monday is off to a great start!

xoxo hugs,

January Tally kit

2012-01-28T15:47:00.000-05:00

Oooh guess who got her January Tallyscrapper kit in the mail yesterday evening?

yep.. me!

I've been looking forward to creating with this beauty.. and I sat down this morning and cranked out 4 layouts in TWO hours.

Seriously? I never do that.

ever.

Until today.

I don't know if it was mojo flowing, magic in the chilly air, or the beautiful january kit.. but it happened folks. :) :) :)

I can only share 3 layouts today, the other will be coming Monday. :)

This kit will preserve your memories with style and flare, it has an artsy feel with usefulness beyond the new year.
Great for those everyday photos or those special memories.
Kit includes 8 sheets of paper, including embossed sandable cardstock,1 card kit (makes 1 full card plus embellishments for more), 1 special round kraft paper clock, 2 feet of May Arts lace, Stickles, 2 FULL alphas, embellishment stickers, Tim Holtz fragments, and more.

On to my layouts. :)

See my tim holtz birdie stamp? love. love.

I love that lace.

The background is coordination cardstock.. its divine. I sanded and inked the background and it picked out the dry embossing beautifully.

Hope your weekend is shaping up nicely!

Come on over to Tallyscrapper and check out two new challenges on the message board, and have fun.

xoxo,

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T08:16:00.002-05:00

Ha. who am I kidding?

I'm not sure I could ever go wordless unless of course I just don't make any new posts at all. ;-)

Confession:

I need to clean my scrap area.

What I would rather be doing...

coloring more cute images like that lil Monkey hanging around there.

Guess you know what I'll be doing today.

See my lazy puggy wuggy, Ooxie?

9 times out of 10, that's where she always is.. right at my feet. :)

Hope your Wednesday is a good one!!

Wish me luck on this disaster area... then maybe I can get back to coloring! :)

Count your blessings

2012-01-24T07:36:00.000-05:00

Good morning my friends, today I'm up on the Clear Scraps Blog again. :) :) :)

Today, I wanted to show you another Send it Clear card debuting this year from Clear Scraps 2012 New Release. This design is called Bellgrave.

Clear Scraps new acrylic cards can be used for more than just creating cards, in this card featuring Belgrave I chose to create a desk décor item with a mini built in monthly calendar.

I started off by using an embossing template to distress the front flaps of the card. I then cut out pattern paper and applied Gesso to it, immediately placing it on the back flap facing the front of the card. This acts as a gluing medium as well as helping to illuminate the embossed impressions on the acrylic.

Since I turned this into a miniature decor item, I used my crop o' dile to create ribbon holes to attach my card together since the inside had more going on that usual.

When you open the card up, it has a motivational message, some stamping, and a sweet calendar on the right inside flap.

I found a free calendar at about.com, printed it off, and cut out the months as uniformly as possible (I am terrible at that!) then adhered them together along the top only using Best Creations Rubber Cement. It took 3 applications of rubber cement, but it will act kind of like a sticky note, allowing my husband to tear away one month at a time.

For the photo on the left flap, I added foam dots behind it to match the thickness of the right flap, so when this is closed, the front of the card matches up nicely.

I wonder what else you could use these gorgeous clear cards for? Could you imagine this on a scrapbook page? Until next time, hope you have a wonderful day.

xoxo,
Leah C

SUPPLIES USED:
Acrylic: Clear Scraps Belgrave Card
Patterned Paper: JilliBean Soup
Stamp: Love, Elsie
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink; Ranger Alcohol Ink
Rub-ons: Hambly Screen Prints; Lasting Impressions
Ribbon: Michael’s
Paint: Bob Ross Gesso
Alpha Stickers: Adorn It
Border Stickers: Crate Paper; Ki Memories; My Minds Eye
Marker: Copics (YR18)
Glue: Beacons 3-in-1; Scotch ATG; Best Test Rubber Cement; Recollections Foam Dots
Tools: Zutter ½” Round it all; We R Memory Keepers Crop O’ Dile; CuttleBug; Provocraft Embossing Template
Other: Free printable 2012 Calendar from about.com

Send it Clear with Clear Scraps

2012-01-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for the Clear Scraps Blog Hop, you can see that HERE. :)

Today I'm up on the Clear Scraps Blog,

showing off the new Send it Clear card, with a closure buckle in the shape of a heart. It is one of 8 new designs this year and they are absolutely phenomenal to create with!

On the front of the card I lined the edges with a frilly ribbon and rhinestones, as well as covered the heart in pattern paper.

When you open the card you have plenty of room to write a message to a friend or sweetheart. I wanted to keep this card simple, so I added in a new Clearly Accent Embellishment flourish. I wanted the flourish to match the heart pattern paper on the front of the card, so I used my Copic marker BG23 to color in the flourish.

I then stamped and colored a simple sentiment and glued it to the top of the flourish inside the card. I love that I can see the sentiment from the front of the card. The beauty of the card being completely clear, is there are numerous possibilites when it comes to designing with it!

And what is really cool are the see through envelopes that come with your card.

If you look closely, you can see the card in the envelope. The only thing waiting to mail this, is the postage!

Come check out all the new releases at CHA, this year we're in booth #1192! Some fabulous make n takes are planned you do not want to miss out on!

Crafty hugs,

xoxo

New Release For Clear Scraps Blog Hop!!

2012-01-19T03:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the New Release For Clear Scraps Blog Hop!!! The blog hop runs from today January 19th thru January 21st at 11pm EST! Check back on the Clear Scraps blog to see if you won on January 23rd! If you are just peeking in on me and would like to hop from the beginning, go here. :)

Its that time again, Clear Scraps proudly introduces the new lines for Spring 2012!
This blog hop shares what our design team has done with the latest and greatest Clear Scraps creations!

Clear Scraps is so excited to announce the newest addition to our designs "Send It Clear" a collection of easy to create cards that have a unique and special flare. They are sure to be treasured and remembered. We also have new "Clearly Accent Embellishments" and new Mini Albums, this year is a must have-must see year!
The Grand Prize today is a set of 4 beautiful Send It Clear Cards (to be shipped in Feb.)
along with a set of Clearly Accent Embellishments!! (your choice)

You do not want to miss the opportunity to win big!

There are FOUR ways to enter!!
1. Hop & comment on all the blogs
2. Follow the Clear Scraps Blog
3. Follow the Clear Scraps Design Team Blogs (all of them)
4. LIKE the Clear Scraps facebook page! (leave a comment on the Facebook page, so we know)

I am soooo excited we have been given the go ahead to start sharing our 2012 Spring release work with you! Anyone who knows me knows I love *LOVE* mixed media canvases. Clear Scraps makes large and small word expressions that I fell in love with. I decided to create an 18 x 24 canvas with four of the new Clear Expressions word titles; Faith, Love, Live, and Laugh.


click photo to see larger view

This has been my largest canvas made to date!

It was such a joy to create.

Here are a few close ups.

For the word Faith, I used this gorgeous liquid acrylic paint called Liquitex in Gold. It's a pigment opaque ink so I actually had to 'bake' it on with my heat gun. I was just patient and heated it up a little at a time, because if you leave the heat directly on the acrylic, it will bend and start to lose its shape. It really took no time at all.

Not only did I mask the canvas, I added photos behind the large acrylic word expressions and masked where the photo left off. If you could see close up, you can see the canvas in areas behind the acrylic words.

Acylic paint has about the same amount of drying time on acrylic as it does on paper... and the Acrylic word expressions handle rubs on beautifully. They go together like peanut butter and jelly!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing four of the new word expressions on my canvas! Below is the hopping order, so be sure to head over to the fabulous and creative Rita's blog next!

Now get to hopping! Here is the complete New Release For The New Year Blog Hop order-
Clear Scraps
Cathy S.
Leah C. (You are here)
Rita B. (next up)<-----
Pinky H.
Tonya D.
Irene T.
Adora C.

Clear Scraps Facebook Page (Bonus entry)

Have a beautiful crafty day my friends.
xoxox

oooh a giveaway!!!

2012-01-18T09:05:00.004-05:00

You are gonna want to head on over to Facebook :)

Clear Scraps and Momenta are partnering for a BIG GIVEAWAY!

You could win this prize package!

or this one!!

Go to BOTH Momenta & Clear Scraps, on facebook - they BOTH have giveaways!!

Tomorrow we have a special

BLOG HOP from Clear Scraps, so come back for sure!
xoxox

PS. I am selling my cricut imagine on ebay.. it ends in two days.. if you'd like to check it out, you can here. It's been used and comes with extras!

Nuts week 196 and DT call!!

2012-01-16T10:41:00.000-05:00

Shawn over at Nuts About Sketches is having her DT Call. My 6 months is coming to an end and I've had a fabulous time creating with her weekly sketches.

Go -> Apply!!! Deadline is January 31!

Now on to this weeks sketch

and here's my take on it

I switched it up just a tad.. but that's the fun thing about sketches!

Go check out what the rest of the team did here!

Oh. and if you're looking for a fun blog hop, check out Some Odd Girls 2nd birthday blog hop.. runs until tomorrow the 17th!

xoxox

All we need is love

2012-01-15T17:03:00.000-05:00

Love is all we need!

New linky party is up at Paper Issues.

You know the drill.. if it has paper and in anyway resembles Valentines or Love

you are golden and should go link up!!! Tons of inspiration and fun to be had on these linky parties.

Here's what I came up with real quick.

Using the Cameo I cut out Lori Whitlocks file 3d heart box

and paired that with this cutie tobie i colored from some odd girl.

The cute thing about this heart, is the flaps actually close on top.

Go link up!!! Have fun! :)

Paper Child fun

2012-01-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

Over on Facebook, Some odd girl issued a fun challenge for January. Have you ever heard of a Paper Child? If you click that link you can see examples, but basically it's kind of like a flat stanley without mailing him around the globe.
ex 1 & ex 2 <-- that one cracks me up.

I had colored up two images the other night. Crushin Gwen and Lovie Tobie, and next thing you know, love is in the air. But is Gwen crushing on Tobie or the peanut butter tree??

I know if it were me.. it would be the PB tree... I have a man.. kwim? hehe

Let's see if we can clear things up...

Tobie is no fool, he realized he needed to make his intentions clear!
He used that yummy PB tree as a stepping stool to gain the lovely attention of Gwen.
She still looks pretty smitten... I do believe love is in the air. :)

I'm going to color some more and see what Samantha and Cameron can think up in the fun of the paper child. :)
Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!!

Busy times!!

2012-01-09T08:36:00.001-05:00

Good monday morning my friends!!
The Crowe household overslept this morning, what a wonderfully fantastic way to start off the week! Can you hear my sarcasm taking over? ;-)

Seriously, I can't be thankful enough that my school system offers breakfast for our kids in the mornings. They may only get 7 minutes to eat once they get there, but if they pop a couple of bites of food into their tummy's, it makes mama bear feel much better about letting her littles leave the house without any breakfast!

Apparently, they have breakfast for lunch today at school, so how funny would it be if I also made breakfast for dinner? <grins> lol

Today I have sketch 195 to show you from Nuts About Sketches.

It's a two pager.

If you know my style, I tend to stick with solely single page layouts, but once in awhile I will jump in and tackle a two pager. Shawn makes it easy with her fabulous Sketches.

Here's the super fab sketch

Here's my take

What makes her sketches so easy to work with, is you can count on her measurements to work out correctly. I was able to switch out two of the 2x3 photos for two 4x3 photos that just worked better for me.

Did you know I adore stickers??

They are my favorite go to embellishment!

In other news, Katelyns' bedroom walls are now mudded, sanded, and starting to be primed with drywall primer. We'll be painting by the weekend I think. Then it's off to by moulding and carpet! She got a new mario brothers curtain and bedding set for Christmas. I know she can't wait to move into her new room!

I haven't been creating much, but in the evenings I've been coloring.

TallyScrapper is doing LEO (layout every other day) right now, and Michelle's challenges look so good, I'm inspired to sit down and create now.

Hope you have a fantastic Monday my friends.

xoxoxo

Such a fun day!

2012-01-02T16:49:00.001-05:00

Already scrapped some photos from NYE! :)

Here's this week's sketch from Nuts About Sketches.

loved this one

it was fun to pull out the sewing machine again!

I used a Noel Mignon Hudson Valley kit for this layout.

Go check out the sketch and see all the inspiration from the NAS DT!!

LEO Challenges!! YES!!!

2012-01-01T20:58:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I did not get to scrap much in December due to being sick, CHA deadlines, and the general run around with your head cut off madness that is sometimes December. :) :) : )

TallyScrapper will be hosting a layout every other day challenge.. or LEO for short.

The challenges will run from Jan. 2nd through Jan 31st!!

The first full week is posted HERE.

Some quick scoop on Tally.

You get points you can hand out to other items in the gallery (which is FUN!)

You can upload your items to the gallery to WIN points (more FUN!)

Anything you buy in the store, you can save as Tallylove (think of it as a layaway option)

then you can check out at a later date when your box is all full to save on shipping...

The people there are genuinely NICE and look forward to seeing you everyday

Why not stop by, say HI, spread the word on the LEO challenges, make new friends, get some photos scrapped, and get yourself in there for a chance to win multiple prize packs!!!

I'm Leah C on the board, and sooooo hoping some of my friends come join us!!

hugs and HAPPY 2012!!!!

I'll see you next year!

2011-12-31T19:34:00.002-05:00

Happy New Years Eve!!

Today we hung around the house til 1, went to pick Katelyn up from her BFF's moms house.. dashed to Toys R Us for a present for our sweet cousin Gabby. She turned 1 yesterday and we celebrated with family today. My cousin Shannon made the cake, it was gorgeous! I'll have to get some pics from family from the day.

We ran to Sam's real quick for some snacking goodies for the evening.

and on a whim.. we took our last pics of the year before we rush off to play games on the wii.

I can see I need a haircut and some brow work done.. hate having it done.... but the photos were FUN! We kept cutting poor Katelyn off in the back. She looks tired.

Here's wishing you and your family the BEST 2012!!!

love n hugs,

Top 10 in twenty-eleven

2011-12-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

The brilliant and oh so crafty Kellie Winnell has posted a top 10 in '11 on her blog, and has also provided a linky for you to link up too.

Picking a top 10 is going to be difficult.

I truly love most of my off the page creations... and then I took up coloring with Copics this year.. decisions, decisions! :)

#1 - Fairy House

I loved this upcycled prima box.. it still sits upon my mantle.

#2 - Tree hugger canvas
Made with acrylic paint, tissue paper, and moss.. I love how the branches wrap around to hug the heart. Made for the Paper Issues tree hugger linky party.

#3 - My very first canvas, it was made while struggling with direction and how to move forward after losing my mom.

#4 - Cherries canvas
I guess we can tell I like my mixed media work and TallyScrapper kits.

#5 - Coloring with Copics
I love Some Odd Girl images. <3

#6 - The turkey I made using Clear Scraps Acrylic Banner

#7 - Acrylic layout and attached acrylic mini album using Clear Scraps product

#8 - Outplay layout

This was so much fun. I took photos from my son's 5th birthday party at the park and used them to create the word play. the orange ribbon are suppose to be caterpillars. ;)

#9 - *tears*

I miss my mom greatly still to this day.

A tad over a year of her loss, and yet, It's almost been a year since I made this layout

and now I can truly look back 11 months ago and see that I have grown.

I have moved forward, as hard as that is.
I'm thankful I still don't feel the rawness this layout depicts.. but this was part of my past year, and I'm embracing that.

#10 - Paper BOO cubes photo holders
These were so fun to create.. and what better way to end my top 10 of the year with the faces of my sweet children in the image. :)

I'm linking up here

and here

Thanks for reminiscing over the past year with me!!

xoxo,

Copics sorted

2011-12-29T18:48:00.001-05:00

Good evening my friends.

ETA: I totally forgot to mention the other day that I won in the Mens category for the Customer Holiday Hop at some odd girl!!! My lil jingly bell tobie was good luck. :)

Today has been a fun day. For Christmas, Doug helped pick our Copics for my collection. Being the geek he is (God Love him, I know i do!) he created a chart in Excel to keep track of my collection. All he has to do is type in a marker number to see whether I have it or not. :) I love that.

Me.. I like coloring in the chart. :)

I already messed this one up, and need to print another one out. Gives me an excuse to ~~fondle~~ play with all the new colors I got. XD

I also got two new soggies, one of them being Dancing Mae. <3

She is SO fun and happy!

You'll have to excuse the photo.. my lightbox is kind of trapped by old cricut product I plan on selling.

Supplies: Pattern Paper: Echo Park; Twine: The Twinery
Hair: E51, E53, E55, E02 Belt: YR15, YR16, YR18
Skin & cheeks:W0, YR0000, YR00, YR01, RV42, RV91
Shirt:Y17, Y19, Y38 Jeans: BG05, B05, B16
ipod/shoes/wristband: YG21, YG23, YG25, YG63, C1

I stamped her with Black Memento ink on Express It paper and colored her with Copics.
I made her for the latest Love Inspiration challenge on the Some Odd Girl Challenge Blog.

Here's the image inspo

the heart bokeh totally reminded me of disco lights and music which reminded me of my new sweet Dancing Mae!

The sentiment and hearts were cut on my Cameo.

I saved a copy you can use in your Silhouette Studio edition.

If you'd like the sentiment you can download yours here. :)

I am still novice to this file sharing, so until I know how to convert for other format's, .studio file's is what I will be sharing.

Off to grab some pizza with the family!

xoxo,

Day after hangover

2011-12-26T17:39:00.003-05:00

Thank goodness I am not talking alcohol here... I hardly drink the stuff!

Today has been a day filled with lots of rescuing of barbies and action figures trapped in boxes by gazillions of plastic cords, wire ties, staples, and rope! :D It's sad companies have to go to such extremes to help cut down on shop lifting.

We are all kind of lounging around enjoying our goodies Santa brought. I'm the proud new owner of a Silhouette Cameo!! *insert total shocked expression here*
Seriously. My husband must have been watching me watch youtube videos about the Cameo, because I didn't even hint at wanting one... I'm glad he got me one though! Never would have thought learning new software could be so easy. Silhouette Studio is amazing.

I was just playing with the print and cut feature, couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get it to print 12x12 size to my printer as some of my image was being cut off. Just a tip, (I'm using a mac, so I don't know if it makes a difference or not) but I had to click on File->Page Setup and tell it the paper size of 12x12 there, even though I had a 12x12 cutting mat selected in the program.

Is it a bug or mac related or something I did wrong??? I'm just happy I figured it out. :)

I don't know what I'll use these for, but I tell you, no calibration needed like in the Cricut Imagine, and the cutting is spot on for print and cut feature that Cameo offers. I'm smitten!

I am also the proud new owner of some more copics and the copics carry case. *swoooon* Can't wait to fill all those marker compartments up in there. :) :) :)

And if you would like to see part 2 on my Clear Scraps mini deco album you can go here and see it. Leave me some love!!!

I gotta clean up my mess so I can make some more of them!
love n hugs,

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T12:49:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from our home to yours. :)

Hope you're having tons of fun!

hugs,

Wheeee!!!

2011-12-22T11:03:00.000-05:00

I am soo excited, my turn is up on the Clear Scraps blog today!

I would love if you came and checked my post out.

I'm showing this little mini album today, and a super cool twine framing technique.

You don't want to miss it. :)

(aww.. heck.. if you do, I'm sure I'll be posting here soon.. )

Are you all ready for the holidays?

I'm 50% there, and am starting to feel a little better.

I hope my energy and coughing stay under control when I hit the stores here in a little bit.

Wish me luck!!!

2nd Annual ODD Holiday Hop!!

2011-12-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

I'm aliveeee my friends... I've been sick going on a week now.. terribly allergies settled into my chest and has made me feel like I've had asthma or something.. coughing non stop.. ribs hurt.. you get the picture. I'm finally starting to feel more like myself a little bit with more energy every day. Thankfully, in time for the 2nd annual Some Odd Girl Customer Holiday Hop.... ANYONE can participate in the hop.. I love that!!

Nuts About Sketches 191

2011-12-12T11:21:00.000-05:00

Brrrr I'm freezing today. Sitting here with goosebumps running up

and down my arms. My little piggies are cold. Seems like a good time to curl up

under a blanket. :) Too bad winter break isn't here already, or I would be in bed watching a Christmas movie with one of the kids.

This week, Shawn from Nuts About Sketches created a fabulous sketch incorporating 7 photos! I love her sketches, their always brilliant!

Here's the sketch.

and here's my take on it.

I used Noel Mignons December 2011 kit for this layout

Seriously.. go get in on the NAS inspiration!

I've been busy creating things for CHA!!!!

I never thought I would be uttering such lovely words. *grins*

I'm off to clean up my scrapdesk and get ready for my little cousin to hang with us today.

Hope you have a wonderful day my friends.

December is flyin'!

2011-12-09T11:06:00.001-05:00

I hope you're having a great day.

My hands are covered in ink and glue, which makes me happy!

This month is FLYING by... Christmas will be here before I know it.

I have GOT to start Christmas shopping.

*blush* I know.. I have only bought some stocking stuffers.. and that was yesterday. ;)

Take a look at the TallyScrapper Creative Winter kit for December.

This kit is filled with amazing creative product. 9 sheets of paper, 1 is acrylic, and 1 is a Pink Paislee MISTABLE sheet. Also Graphics 45, Fancy Pants, Bo Bunny papers, double sided.

Die cuts from Fancy Pants, journaling cards from Lily Bee, Bronze Pen from American Crafts, beautiful red ribbon from Offray, Gold sequins, Prima CANVAS shapes! Amazing as you color them any way you want. Stamp on them, mist them , just get crazy creative with them!

Tags with envelops from Melissa Frances, 2 sets of alphabets plus Fancy Pants stickers to match the paper line!

You can find many more photos right here
http://www.tallyscrapper.com/board_view_detail.php?message_id=32460

Priced at just $23.00 it's a steal!

Here are 4 of my layouts with the kit, and I still have loads more product to create with.

What you can't see from this photo, is that the background pattern paper is behind the acrylic sheet. I was definitely in a clean and simple mode with this kit. The papers and embellishments add so much without adding so much. kwim? ;)

This is another simple layout. This took only about 15 minutes to create. I fell in love with this paper and knew it would be fun to put photos strung across the paper like the stockings.

This kit also invoked feelings of wanting to scrap my older photos. This mall photo with Santa had a purple border around it, so I took a pink/purple glitter paint and filled in the Saint Nick word on the Fancy Pants pp. I also painted in some crystal stickles around the border and mounted that to a green Bo Bunny PP.

And my absolute favorite layout from this kit was using the mistable paper with the canvas tags. I actually just used distress ink in colors pine needle, brick, mustard, and vintage photo.

These photos were taken in 2006, my little guys first Christmas!

Isn't this deer gorgeous? I also used a Viva Decor pen and dotted the deer (and title below) to give it some dimension. Swooooon.

There you have it, my work with the December kit from Tally.

Only 16 days left until Christmas... I pray I get my tail in gear and get everything done in time!! :) :) :)

NAS Sketch 190

2011-12-05T11:39:00.001-05:00

Good golly it's Monday and only TWENTY days until Christmas.

All I have to say to that is

EEEP

Gotta get started!!

The sketch this week is a double pager #190 from Nuts About Sketches.

I love all the DT ladies different takes on it.

Here's the sketch

and my take on it, choosing the left side

Not one bit of pattern paper on this baby!!

I pulled out the modeling paste, some texture stamps, and Liquitex inks.

I could seriously fall in love with that Clear Scraps acrylic bird.

love him.

Come back tomorrow to see my DT work with the December TallyScrapper kit!!

xoxo

Time flies

2011-12-02T12:31:00.001-05:00

Afternoon my friends!

Time has got away from me again. I've been out making lots of memories with the family and kids.. it's all good. Let's catch up picture style!

On Thanksgiving we went to my cousins house for dinner. We had a BLAST!

The kids ate a little bit

Played a LOT

This pic is not the greatest.. but I *love* it so much!

My cousin in law Marc was busy giving the kids wedgies on Thanksgiving... I told the kids I would give them $10 to tackle Marc and give him some pay back. It didn't take long for 7 kids to bring him down!!! hehehe New tradition?? ;)

On Black friday we got to watch my baby cousin Gabby all day while we decorated the house inside and out. The hat hung almost as tall as she is.. it looked so cute on her!

Then we had sweet visits with my newest baby cousin, Morgan!

She is such a doll.

It seems like everyday after school and snacks we've been having what Cameron calls, 'Fun time' playing on the Wii! We usually play until I start dinner, or sometimes until after dinner is completed. Then Nov. 30th rolled around and I realize one year as gone by since my Mom unexpectedly passed away.

You never now when your time on this world is up.

Make the most of every day.

Laugh

hugs your kids and your cousins

your aunts uncles neices nephews and neighbors

GO to the Parade in the freezing cold.

CHERISH your loved ones, your life, and yourself!!

I miss my mom like crazy and I thank God I had the time with her I did.

Now let's see, oh yes.. Cameron had one loose tooth on the bottom of his mouth, but having 'fun time' with Katelyn and wrestling around resulted in him chin butting her melon (head) and him knocking out TWO teeth on the bottom.

After he realized the tooth fairy was coming, he was down with the fact he lost two at once. Yep.. his first baby teeth are gonzo, and the tooth fairy left him six bucks because of the trauma involved. :) He keeps trying to sneak money to school for snacks. *smh*

Last night, we went to the Vinton Parade.

This is her 4th year playing trumpet and her 1st time Marching in a Parade. The kids were fabulous! The best band there, and I swear I am not being biased. (ok.. just a teeny bit..)

I was going to try and capture them on video with my camera last night, but then decided I wanted to snap some photos first. Major fails.

so I try again like wtheck is going on?

What the?

Then I realize it's on video!!!!

So I switched as fast as I could and got them going away.

I just knew I would mess it up!!

Maybe next year will be better. :)

I loved this bug.. it's so cute!

and these guys on the bikes were cool

and these guy reminded us of Piney from Sons of Anarchy

and this guy.. THIS guy

makes my husband want his own MC! *smh*

It's a pretty cool motorcycle! I just can't imagine my husband on one. ;-)

My favorite part of the night (besides seeing my gorgeous daughter)

Love it!

Sammycake and Camman loaded up on Candy!

They started handing it to us to put in our coat pockets because both of theirs was jam packed full. We got home and unloaded, and it was a huge bowls worth! Halloween all over again. haha

We saw the firetruck coming with Santa Claus on it, so we knew the end was near. Samantha and Cameron were sooo excited to see Santa!!! I wanted to get a cool shot of him waving to the kids, this guy had other plans.

You can juuuust see a smidge of Santa to the left of him. Right as they went passed us, Santa turned back around and waved to the kids... they loved it and so did I!

Have yourself a Merry Happy Day!!

xoxo

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T07:23:00.001-05:00

Good morning!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I'm so excited to let you know my first blog post (and a tutorial) is up over at Clear Scraps blog this morning!! I hope you check it out, my cousin LOVED what I made for her.

Last night my son Cameron and daughter Samantha helped me in the kitchen.

They are seriously the perfect age now to be little assistants! (the teen, Katelyn is sick right now) They follow directions beautifully, and even though we still make a few more messes than normal, it's a LOT of fun, and still productive. We made 3 pumpkin rolls and a chocolate ribbon pie. yummm!

Here are some photos of Samantha and I being little pilgrims the other day. Many thanks to Julie Tucker-Wolek for inspiring me to get IN the frame with my children.

and one of me and little man at school lunch last week :) :)Happy Thanksgiving to you all from my family to yours,

sweet niblets!

2011-11-23T09:07:00.001-05:00

Good morning my friends.

Thanks to YOU, I am only behind by a couple of votes at Some odd girl. The 25th will be here before we know it. You can read more about how to vote, here.

I had the best crafting morning yesterday. I was covered in ink up to my eyeballs, not

a lot better than that when stuff is flowing just right and your project comes out pretty

much as you had imagined it. <3

I can't show you the full reveal, but I can give you a peek!!

shhhhhh

To see more, you'll have to check out the Clear Scraps blog tomorrow!!

It will be my first post as one of the Clear Scraps Design Team members, and I'm very nervous. :)

Speaking of Thanksgiving.. man, I LOVE Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for this year.

I feel that even though my family isn't quite as close as I would like it to be, I'm thankful I get to spend loads of time with them tomorrow.

I'm thankful for my friends. I no longer distinguish my friends as in real life vs online... you are all friends and I'm so very thankful to have you in my life! Without you, this last year would have been so much harder to deal with.

I'm thankful most for my husband and children. Without them, my heart would be empty. They bring joy to my life for which I am so very thankful.

I'm thankful for our men and women who protect us by serving in the armed forces, and to their spouses who sacrifice so much too.

What are you thankful for?

I'm off to hit the grocery store, I have some cooking to do today!!

it just takes 1 vote... or 100

2011-11-22T06:51:00.001-05:00

Good morning my friends!

Remember this card I showed you a couple weeks ago that I entered into a contest for Some Odd Girl Guest DT?

Yesterday she posted her top 10 selections, and I was in that lucky group of 10!

I'm behind in the votes, and could really use yours!

I LOVE SOG images. I love the creator of them and her whole team.

You can only vote once, and I sincerely would like you to choose the card you love the most, even if it isn't mine pictured above!!

Please go vote here. I have something cute to show you tomorrow! :)

xoxo

PS. I heard there is a club out there that ships out in pizza boxes, could you tell me who it is??

New sketch and linky

2011-11-21T09:03:00.001-05:00

Good Morning my friends!

In the Crowe household we have major sickies running rampart.

Doug and I cleaned like crazy and Samantha still came down sick last night.

I really do not like tummy viruses. Pray these children of mine get well quick please.

Nuts About Sketches # 188 is up.

This one is awesome, one of my favs!

Here's my take.

PP: Bo Bunny, American Crafts; CS: Bazzill; Stickers: Jilli Bean Soup, My Minds Eye; Chipboard: Jilli Bean Soup, Bo Bunny; Bling: Bo Bunny; Journal Cards: Elle's Studio; Ink: Ranger

I have some really great action photos from this outdoor play session, so I have more fall photos to scrap. You'll probably be seeing more next week!

I am going to link it up for Thankful for Fall linky party at Paper Issues. You have until Nov. 24th to link up anything made with paper, and anything you feel resembles being thankful for fall. If you don't want to link up, then hop over and check out all the awesome inspiration. I LOVE linky parties!

Until next time, hugs to you!

All caught up

2011-11-20T15:10:00.001-05:00

I spent the morning getting all caught up on the Christmas Card a Day over at TallyScrapper. Since Cameron, Katelyn, and I were sick thursday - saturday morning, it was very nice to sit and create.

For the 15th we were suppose to lift this card from pinterest.

The buttons were great inspiration.

the 16th was a recipe challenge:
Stamped image, bling, lime green, and ribbon

the 17th was to use a die cut

the 18th was to use a pop dot

their little heads and heart are popped and ready to be mailed

the 19th was all about snowflakes

and today was to use a cute animal

not bad for a mornings work while watching Storage Wars.

Doug, Katelyn, and I are totally hooked on this show now. :)

Recipe Challenge

2011-11-17T11:07:00.001-05:00

The last couple of prompts from the Christmas Card a Day at TallyScrapper have left me stumped. Who has come up with those prompts? Yes, Me.

It all started on Nov. 14th with use a photo on your card.

I had great plans to use the children in their scarves and mittens that my mom had made for them before she passed last Christmas. It just didn't come together.

So, I have been left stumped on how to move forward.

Enter today's Recipe challenge from Some Odd Girl.

It's just what I needed to get passed the photo debacle!

Yesterday, I colored in Elf Kaylee.

She was SOOO cute up until I decided on brown eyes and

highlighting with my gel white pen.

Sometimes, I need to learn when to say enough is enough.

I'm trying to teach myself how to color in the cute noses the gals do over at Some Odd Girl, but I have loads more practicing to do.

The recipe:

2 pattern papers + colored cardstock base (NO KRAFT OR WHITE BASE) + buttons + punch/die cut = your card.

Hair: RV10, RV21, RV23; Skin: E00, E02, YR00; Light green colors: YG11, YG03, YG06; Dark green colors: G02, G05, G17;

Oh, yes.. and I am trying to learn how to color in my own backgrounds too.

How do they make it look so easy?

Elf Kaylee is still cute, and I have another Christmas Card completed!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is just 7 days away?

I have got to buy a Turkey tomorrow, have you bought yours yet? :)

My exciting news

2011-11-15T15:54:00.001-05:00

I am thrilled and honored to be a part of such an amazing family.
I will be joining alongside the talented ladies over at Clear Scraps!

Please check out this post here on Clear Scraps and Like them on Facebook!!!
I believe there is a giveaway when they get to 1200 likes!
Tell them Leah sent you! :)

Pinch me, because I am walking on cloud nine!!!

Maybe it's just me

2011-11-14T08:47:00.001-05:00

Good morning!!!

I'm sitting here drinking my coffee hoping the mailman brings my pumpkin pie spice coffee today. I've never tried it from Green Mountain Coffee before and ordered two boxes in the hopes I will LOVE it! If not, I'm gonna have a problem... lol

Maybe it's just me, but I just realized how stinkin' close Thanksgiving is!!!

Do you know it is TEN days away.

I haven't even started shopping for it yet.. but will do so this weekend.. me along with the other 120,000 peeps in my neck of the woods.

Today is reveal day over at Nuts About Sketches!

The Sketch:

cute huh?

What I adore about Shawn's sketches is that their all drawn by hand.. and oh so fabulous!

We've got Sassafrass, Bo Bunny, American Crafts, Websters Pages, Jenni Bowlin, all super fun to craft with. This is using the July 2011 Vintage kit from TallyScrapper.

(shhh... it's on clearance and I hear there's only a couple left!)

Aren't those gems amazing? Those are from Websters Pages. I've been picking them up a lot lately while creating my Holiday Cards.

See what I mean?

This card was for the theme Vanilla, Cranberry, and Chocolate.

and here's one I made for I Love Snowmen!!

(which i dooooooo!!!!)

Stamped image from Some Odd Girl. You'd think I was on their DT or something.. sadly, no.. I just really really love their stamps!

Creating all these Christmas cards, I'm having a hard time restraining myself from pulling out the Christmas decorations and going to town. :)

How was your weekend?

Take note

2011-11-12T12:23:00.001-05:00

Afternoon my friends, hope you're having a great day.

I slept in til almost 10am this morning.. I love days I get to sleep in.

I just saw the mailman go by, was really hoping he would drop off my Pumpkin Pie Spice flavored coffee. I picked up the perfect creamer for it yesterday.

You know the dollar bins at Michael's? Well, a couple years ago, when I first started getting into altering, I picked up a cute stationary set with a pen. I wanted to create something to house the cuteness, but wasn't sure what, until I saw this project on Split Coast Stampers to make a pizza box.

Perfect!
Only one problem.
The dimensions were too small for the stationary set I had.
So with the help of my super sweet husband, Doug, he helped me scale up the pizza box into something that would work for my project. I love that I can get his help when needed. What a good guy, yeah?

I used the TallyScrapper clearance kit from July called Sassy Vintage Dreams.

I love the Crystal Trim!

and here it is opened up.

I think this will make a great gift for a friend.
I'm linking up here:

Have a great weekend!!

All bundled up

2011-11-10T19:33:00.001-05:00

Good day my friends!

My cute little snow fella is all bundled up ready for snow.

I've never really considered myself a card maker until the end of this year when I started coloring with Copic Markers, and decided learning to make cards was needed.

I have some more practicing to do. :)

Especially with this style, but I sure had fun trying, and I think whoever receives this one will think it's cute as well.


Stay warm out there!

I can explain

2011-11-09T08:20:00.001-05:00

Some Odd Girl is at it again, and I'm hopeful... ever so hopeful.

Why do you ask?

Because *squeals* she's holding a GDT challenge again.

If you are interested in putting your name in the ring, check out all the details here.

I love Kristy's stamps and digi's.. their ever so cute, I love to color them!!

I really love the Deer Mae.

She looks so sweet and innocent, there is just NO way she would

be getting into her Christmas packages early.

Nope.

She was just rearranging underneath the tree is all.

Don't you do that too??? *innocent*

Pattern Paper is October Afternoon, Sentiment sticker is from Bo Bunny.

Wish me luck! I may submit once more before deadline. It would be so fun working with Kristy and the DT for two whole months!! *swoon*

raindrops on roses

2011-11-08T23:19:00.002-05:00

and whiskers on kittens.
I've been thinking a lot about my mom this month.. I mean, she's been thought of at least once every day since her passing last Nov... but, since it will be one year, she's on my mind a lot more frequently. She raised me on some of the classic musicals. The Sound of Music, Annie, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.. swoon. Love them!

I think I'm going to have a movie weekend with the kids with these classics more frequently to try and instill them with the love of these movies too. :)

Christmas Cards at Tally is in full swing... it brings SO much joy to my heart just to make them. I don't even know if I know enough people to send them out to, so I guess my excess cards could be given away as Christmas present?? I dunno. How funny would it be to get one of the cards you made back one Christmas?? hehe

Nov 7th's card was to use a sticker.. mine is the seasons greetings one.. way old from my stash. Along with some Bo Bunny PP.

My bows are getting better!!!

Today's challenge was to either create a tag or place a tag on your card. I decided to create some tags with the children today since they were out of School. Wish I had photographed Samantha & Camerons.

I used all Websters Pages PP, and the pink tree is a WRMK brad. The diecut santa, tree, and snowflakes are SEI.

I can't wait to show you tomorrow's card.. I cheated and completed it tonight. shhhhh :)

Nuts About Sketches

2011-11-07T10:03:00.002-05:00

Good Morning my friends.

Week 186 is up at Nuts About Sketches!

Here's a look at Shawn's awesome sketch which features 7 photos on a double page spread.

Me being the rebel *hahaha* I decided to scrap the left side of the sketch, and rotate it to the right.

The cutie in this photo is my super peace sign loving cousin. She's such a happy girl and so totally into the 70's era right now. :)

The shadowing on this paper is so good, you almost can't tell that the only thing I added to this cluster was the peace sticker and the Sass flower.

I am working with a clearance kit from TallyScrapper on this layout. It's the July 2011 Sassy Vintage Dreams marked down to an incredible $19.99!

Here's another I created using the same kit using Sketch 150 from Nuts About Sketches.

The kit features a lot of Sassafras Lass in it.

The papers are soooo dreamy.

I love all the combinations you can get from the package of flower blossoms.

That's it for me today. I'm going to clean up my desk and get working on my Christmas Card for today.

Here's my daily card from yesterday featuring Websters Pages.

Sketchy Thursdays 11.3

2011-11-06T15:42:00.001-05:00

Paper Issues is hosting the giveaway over at Sketchy Thursdays this week!

Not only that, but Cassie has generously given Sketchy Thursdays fans an extra 20% off in the Etsy shop. Just use code: HAPPY20

Thanks Cassie!!

The sketch this week is this beauty

It works beautifully with the prize up for grabs from Paper Issues and ST.... you'll just have to go over there and play along this week if you want in it to win it!!

I'm pretty sure I'm the world's messiest embosser! I embossed the little Pink Paislee wood hat, heart, and mittens elements. They look sooo sweet up close.

I embossed the little heart with red embossing powder

A rainbow embossing powder was added here. I think next time I may paint the wood elements and emboss again.. I still love the look.

A gorgeous blue embossing powder for the hat here. In the background, I misted with Adirondack Color Wash and Studio Calico's White Mr. Huey's. The Silver drops are from Viva Decor.

Oooh don't you just love the trim?

The Pink Paislee wood title was covered with a generous amount of stickles, and I edges the heart with the Viva Decor Pearls.

In the photo Cameron was wearing the hat, mittens, and scarf set my mom made for him. I think I will have to drown myself in scrap projects this month so I don't think too much. The 30th is going to be difficult.

I'll be linking up here

and at Paper Issues

I hope you enjoyed seeing my layout, it sure was SO easy to create using that awesome sketch and those lovely papers from Pink Paislee!! Now I'm ready for some hot cocoa. :)

xoxo

And we're off!!

2011-11-06T08:54:00.000-05:00

I started a day early with the Christmas Card prompts at TallyScrapper.
I broke out my Pink Paislee Snow Day Papers for this and a Pagemaps card sketch.

Until it's all gone, I'm pretty sure you'll be seeing a lot of it those papers this month. :)

My Nov. 5th card.

I'm linking this cutie up at:

I'm pretty sure a giveaway is coming up soon too here, so keep checking back. Hope your Sunday is full of wonderful!

Happy Busy

2011-11-05T16:02:00.001-04:00

Photo overload coming up. :)

This littlest cutie in this photo keeps me busy three days a week

She will be walking soon. Samantha was reading to her brother and baby cousin after school one day. :)

Halloween was wonderful!!!

My mojo is returning :)

and here's my survivor layout using old Collage Press, Scenic Route, and Crate goodies

this is using a pagemaps November 2011 sketch

Ooooh. And I would be thrilled and honored if you would consider coming and playing with me at Tallyscrapper! Over the next 4 weeks I'm hosting a Winter/Holiday/Christmas card a day prompt. You can follow the prompt or not, but this is to help make sure I have Christmas cards to mail out beginning next month! I'm SUPER excited!!!

Won't you join me??

I can't take it

2011-10-20T19:43:00.001-04:00

I can't take it any longer... I've not had time in weeks to peek..

unfortunately... it must be done.

Here's to trying to keep up better.. :/

Halloween cuties!!

2011-10-19T21:26:00.002-04:00

Fall hasn't exactly been kind to us this year. The leaves this week are just finally starting to change, which means we can finally get out and get some photo opportunities soon! That is, if the rain goes away. :)

Here's a fun layout I created using the October kit from TallyScrapper, "Artfully Wicked!"

Katelyn was 9 and Samantha was just seven months old.

So totally cute!!

The hexagons here on my layout house the title, provide movement on the page,

and just look totally cute doodled around the edges.

To amp up the title even more, I used bakers twine and just glued down the word 'cuties'.

Shhhh... it's crooked, but truthfully, that's how I write. lol

I may be adding more bakers twine titles to projects, I love the look of it.

fun fun fun!!

I had no hexagon shapes here to trace around, so I just printed one out from Photoshop, then used that as a template for my pattern paper hexagons.

I'll be linking this layout over at Paper Issues 31 days of Halloween linky!

Happy Birthday Katelyn!!!

2011-10-18T09:26:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe that 15 years have gone by. I remember your birthing day

as if it just happened yesterday.

I remember taking you home and being so exhausted because the first 4 days you would sleep during the day and be up all night.

The first time Grandma fed you mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving.

I remember your first steps at 8.5 months.

Your first day of School.

Now look at you, you are beautiful.

You are smart.

You love the Trumpet.

You are now 15!!!

I am proud of the young woman you are becoming.

Happy Birthday Katelyn!!!!!

xoxo

MOM

CDAC cards

2011-10-15T15:08:00.000-04:00

I've been playing with the images from the latest round of progressive challenges from Crafters Digital Art Center.
I am so bummed.. I had these cards made for about 5 days now, but between me and the hubs being sick, me taking care of the hubs and the kids, and the taking on watching my baby cousin, Gabbi, I totally forgot to link these up. Yesterday was the deadline. *drats*
I think I may have to buy back in for $1. I just love working on those challenges.

ETA: I found where to credit the artists. *happy smile*
The girl with the dragon is from Delicious Doodles and the Witchy lady below is from Simply Betty.
~~I didn't write down the artists to credit them back.. I normally blog and check the CDAC website as I go. If you know the artist, could you please let me know so I can credit them.?~~

She was going to be turned into a birthday card for my oldest, Katelyn.. but the lil sneak went and saw before I finished making it. ;)

I remember she was called McGonagal (sp?) from like Harry Potter.. totally cute. I used the letter stickers and tulle from the Artfully Wicked kit from TallyScrapper.

Speaking of TallyScrapper kits.. Pinky marked several down by 35% in the store.. It's an amazing deal. Hope you pick one up for yourself.. they're packed!

Boo!!!

2011-10-08T15:08:00.001-04:00

I just adore Halloween!!

One of these years I'm going to have a yard full of spooctacular goodies!

For now, inside home decor made by me is what I can afford. :)

Created with the "Artfully Wicked" kit from TallyScrapper.

I think these cuties are going on my mantle.. just not sure if it will be in the front or sunroom.

I loveeeee the glittery edges around the cubes!

Thanks for popping in!!

I'll be linking these cuties to the Paper Issues Month long Halloween Link Party!

Treats for you

2011-10-07T20:47:00.000-04:00

Wheeeee my TallyScrapper kit came in the mail today!

I knew right away that I wanted to play with the bubble candy holder

that was included in the kit.

Isn't it sweet?

Cute little girl stamp from Some Odd Girl.

So, it's basically an easle card, but instead of attaching a 6x6 face to the front, I created a 6x6 card, and attached the whole thing to the base.

That way, I can flip open the card and leave a nice little message.

I probably could have decorated the area near the candy better, but I didn't want the whole card to be torn up when the candy craving hits. :)

Hope your weekend is off to a good one!

You can get your Artfully Wicked kit for just $21.00 HERE. :)
I'm linking up to the monthly Paper Issues party for Halloween.

Happy Birthday!!

2011-10-01T15:25:00.003-04:00

Paper Issues turns ONE today!!

Happy birthday!! In honor of PI turning 1, Cassie is offering 20% off in the paper store.. you'll have to go to Paper Issues to get the code. ;)

That cute little card I made for Katelyn's friend for a party she's attending tonight.

Here's the inside.

I used images from Some Odd Girl and old scenic route paper for this cutie.

Doug and I watched all of Season 1 of Switched at Birth. Great show.

Today, he's working on Katelyn's room, and I think we're going to curl up in bed with some Chinese take out and watch Season 1 of Pretty Little Liars.

Hope your weekend is off to a great one!

It REALLY is a great Friday!!!

2011-09-30T13:58:00.005-04:00

Cristal aka Pinky has released the peeks of October's new kit, called "Artfully Wicked" from TallyScrapper.

Here's the kit photo

The luscious Autumn and Halloween papers are double sided and from Lily Bee and Pink Paislee. Side 1

Side 2

Tim Holtz pins and Kaisercraft Pearls

Pink Paislee glitter, Tulle, and a super cool candy holder

8 whole alphabets on one 12x12 sheet from Lily Bee + some cool embroidery floss and harvest banner stickers

You can purchase one for YOU starting tomorrow morning.
The subscribers only kit is just $21.00 so you can imagine the price will be right around in that ballpark. <3
I can't wait til this hits my doorstep!!

Happy Friday

2011-09-30T13:45:00.000-04:00

Woohoo the weekend is here!!

Well, close enough anyways.

My gang will all be home in 2 hours.

I love the NHS Band, but let me tell you, I am happy there is no game tonight.

No late night picking my child up.

I get to see her on a Friday night.

saweeet.

My friend Lizzie is sooooo sweet...

and she knows it. ;)

She's all that and a bagga chips.

Look at what I got in my mail yesterday.

OMG.. do you see that gorgeous card??
I loves her soooo much.. and on top of that, she sent me a sweet bag of goods.
I'm so going to use some of those fabbies tonight.

This is what I'm working on this morning.

Katelyn is going to a birthday party sleepover tomorrow and requested something cute. You can't go wrong with Some Odd Girl digital stamps.
Hope your weekend is filled with all things rainbow~y with lots of sprinkles.

Printing on Pattern Paper

2011-09-29T15:42:00.001-04:00

For our Project Runway challenge at TallyScrapper this week, we had to design a layout based off of this Rolling Stones Cover album.

Which inspired this layout from me

Have you ever tried printing your photos out on Pattern Paper?

To make this layout, I selected several photos and re-sized them in Photoshop to 2x3 and 3x2 inches, with the exception of the upper right photo which is 4x6. When resizing, make sure your resolution is at 300.

After you have re-sized all of your photos, open a new canvas 12 x 12, transparent background, resolution 300.

Drag all your photos onto the new blank canvas. Whenever you drag a new photo over, it puts the photo on its own layer, so you can arrange them however you wish.

Once I had all my photos on the new canvas, I merged all visible, then turned them all black and white.

I then inserted my pattern paper into my printer, and printed the photo collage from Photoshop.

Here's the original Pink Paislee Pattern Paper I placed in the printer.

and here is my layout again.

I then decided I wanted a couple of the photos in color, so I printed the photos out in color and popped them up with pop dots.

I love the look, don't you?

This layout came together in about 30 minutes start to finish.. the hard part was deciding which pictures to print. :)

2 days left

2011-09-28T18:47:00.000-04:00

Time is flying people!

I'm pretty sure it sprouted wings.

You have just 2 days left to get in your DT submissions

for TallyScrapper. You can check out the

details and requirements here.

Do you watch Survivor?

Ever since 2008, TallyScrapper has hosted Survivor challenges.

It's a much loved tradition for us... and week one is almost up.

Our challenge this week is posted here, but basically we had to create

a layout based off of Kelly Purkey's map layout. Have you seen it?

Pretty cool... and we had to use at least 3 pattern papers.

there the close up of my map

The red photographed a little darker than what it really is IRL.. but I loved how it came out. We would love to see you stop by TallyScrapper, say hi, and even join in on the Survivor FUN. OUR challenge for week 2 is one from October Afternoon!! I'm stoked. :)

sketch 180 is up

2011-09-27T08:08:00.002-04:00

Nuts About Sketches new sketch is up.. and it's a treat for all you double page fans out there. I'm not a fan of double pagers.. I can hardly balance the pages right.. but with the help of NAS sketch 180 it this layout came out much better than it would have all on my own. :)

And my version

Papers are from Pink Paislee... that large butterfly was pulled off one of my daughters shirts before I recycled it. Keep an eye on your clothes before you toss/donate them.. sometimes you can find embellishments there.

Left side

and the Right

Have a thrilling and happy Tuesday!

Blog Hop with Some Odd Girl!!!

2011-09-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Remember back in August Some Odd Girl had their first Facebook challenge, and I had made it to the top 10? No? Ok, you can refresh your memory here (about halfway down.)

Well, Kristy is so darn sweet, she wanted to let the top 10 do a sneak peek at some of the new Autumn, Halloween, Winter, and Christmas releases she has coming out on Monday.
Isn't that just so kind of her??

I was tickled tickled pink, blue, and lime green to be asked to help do a reveal. :) :) :)
So without further ado.... the hop list looks like this.

Some Odd Girl Blog
Carley
Brenda
Sally
Linda H
Camilla
Rene
Corinne
Linda A
Leah<------- You are HERE
Kristy <---fab owner and designer

If you came directly to my blog, you may wish to start at the beginning of the hop at Some Odd Girl Blog. (I highly recommend it!!)

I was selected to work with Pumpkin Kody.
This Kody I imagined more harvest-y.. like for autumn.

I thought he would look super sweet adorning a Gable Box, I need to make one more so my littles can fill them with treats and hand out to their teachers.

...and the next Kody.. well, he's ready to go scare up some treats for Halloween. :)

Thanks so much for hopping by, next is our fabulously talented --->Kristy!

I would love it if you took a moment to follow me or comment on my post.

Don't forget Monday, Some Odd Girl will be having a sale and more reveals from the Uber scraptabular Design Team!

xoxo

TGIT?

2011-09-22T12:15:00.002-04:00

Yes. Thank goodness it's THURSDAY.. it means there is only one more day until FRIDAY!! hehe

I love pay weeks.. I'm making the hubs go get a hair cut this weekend! ;)

Also means he'll start the framing on Katelyn's room.. hoping that goes by quickly.

Katelyn has a football game friday night, so far the Vikings are undefeated this season, but a nail-biter will be on for tomorrow. They play the Spartans. So glad it's a HOME game and that K and company get the half time performance. Saturday she'll be OOT for an all day Marching Band competition. Good stuff.

Today I'm sharing with you this little sweet oak elf I got for free because I'm playing in the CDAC progressive challenges. This week, the sponsor's digi I chose comes from Guru Kitty Designs.

I loved this image.. wish I would have done the card justice!! ;)

Thanks for peeking in with me today.

Oh yeah.. one more reason I'm glad it's thursday..

tomorrow is PAYDAY!! hehe

I'll be mailing out your package tomorrow Lori.

TallyScrapper DT CALL!!

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Tallyscrapper is looking for 3 Creative & Fun designers for our NEXT Design Team!! Running from September 16th and ends on September 30, 2011.

You will need to Submit 3 never before seen projects for this call. Please email them to Cristal aka Pinky at andrewcristalhobbs@yahoo.com with Tally DT CALL in subject line.

This is a three-month term (October - December), so PLEASE be sure you will be able to commit to this term 100%!!!

Design team members will receive one FREE Kit and 40% off the other 2 kits during their term and will receive 10% discount in the store. Each designer will be showcased on our Tallyscrapper Blog with a personal interview.

DT members will be required to create a minimum of 4 projects with the Monthly Kit (Layouts, cards or altered Projects), create atleast 1 challenge per month and promote Tallyscrapper on personal Blogs and other websites.

Designers will also be responsible for normal DT duties, such as being active on the Message Boards, posting in the galleries and creating a monthly Blog Post.
At this time, we are unable to accept International Applications.If you have any questions, email me @ leahr_crowe(at)hotmail.com

We look forward to seeing your applications!!

Winner from the weekend blog hop

2011-09-19T08:41:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun this weekend with the Paper Issues blog hop, and I hope you did too. Thank you so much for the great comments on my Tree Hugger Canvas, and for hopping along with me and the creative ladies from Paper Issues.

Now on to the winner of this prize pack is.....

LORI from Creative Paper my Way...

Congrats Lori! Please email me so I can get this prize pack in the mail to you.

Don't forget, you too can link up your paper projects at Paper Issues.. the theme for the rest of this month is Tree Hugger... any way you interpret that, it's up to you!

Have a great day friends!

Hop along with Paper Issues

2011-09-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning!!

What a fantastic day. It's Friday the start of the weekend and The Paper Issues team is having a blog hop.

WELCOME my friends, old and new.
Hopefully, you found your way here from Amy's blog, if not please go ahead and start from the beginning go here to Paper Issues blog post.

This weeks new theme is Tree Hugger.

I love taking a blank canvas and altering it to achieve something new.

I read a quote online by Minnie Aumonier that I re-worded slightly to say, "There is always Music amongst the trees, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it."

Which inspired this 11x14 canvas. You can click on it to see a larger version.

I had this vision of tree limbs reaching down to tenderly embrace a heart.

The tree trunk and limbs are made of tissue paper and walnut stain distress paint, and the bushy leaves is made from Moss I bought at Michael's.

The picture doesn't do it justice. The piece is full of depth, texture, and rich colors.

~~I am offering up my own Prize today as well, take a look.~~
This giveaway is now closed.

In order to be in the running, please become a follower of my blog. If you're already a follower, leave a comment. That's it. :) I'll be back on Monday to announce the Prize winner!!

Next in the Altered hop line is Sabrina Alery, Just know she has something gorgeous in store for your viewing pleasure!

The PI shop is also having a sale.. 25% off for all blog hoppers this weekend, just enter coupon code HOP25 at check out.

Have a great weekend and Thanks SO much for stopping by for the hop.

Sneak Peeks!!

2011-09-15T15:39:00.001-04:00

The Paper Issues girls are having a blog hop tomorrow AND a NEW theme!!

Take a peeky at what you will be seeing on the hop.

Come back tomorrow to HOP, see the new PI theme, and get a chance at winning some prizes. Yep. Prizes. Good stuff too!!

What up Wednesday?!

2011-09-14T10:24:00.002-04:00

:)
My children get out of school two hours early today.. we'll be headed out to do some baby shopping for my cousin. She's due next month... hard to believe we'll be welcoming a new little into the family. This year has flown by!

Bella Blvd announced their amazing new Design Team this morning. Happily I know at least two of the ladies on the DT. Congrats to you all!!

Here were my entries I threw in the ring.

These photos were taken by WDBJ7 our local news channel the day before our kids first game August 26th. I grabbed all of the ones with Katelyn in the photo and printed them out. They were super duper small, but I used them anyway. :)

She's the lovely lady in the blue shorts.

I know it wasn't my best work. This next one wasn't either, but I still love it.If I could redo anything on this layout, it would be the subtitle Hamburger, and I think I would go with a different CS color as well.

The photo seriously cracks me up though. This was taken at Easter this year. We were all outback hunting easter eggs, and Hamburger was going crazy wanting to come outside... if you look closely, you can see his kitty fangs. :)

The banner spells out friend

Now onto my two favorite layouts

This photo is of my son Cameron and my cousin Amy (The one we'll be baby shopping for today) at my cousin Shelly's wedding reception. Cameron is a super shy, quiet little guy... so when he walked out onto the dance floor and asked Amy to dance, it shocked a lot of us... and besides, how could anyone resist? :)

I only had the two photographs of them that turned out, so I just used the same photograph for the top and bottom.

This one is my overall fav, I love the photo of the children on the porch.. the little guy in the middle is my cousin Zach, Amy's boy, and the two on the end are mine, Samantha and Cameron.

I spritzed and scrunched up that blue pp with some Studio Calico Mr Huey's in white. <3 that stuff.

I hope you're having a wonderful day!
Til next time,

Nuts about Sketches week 178

2011-09-12T13:26:00.001-04:00

For all you double page layout fans, this is a great one from Shawn at Nuts about Sketches!

Here's the sketch

I chose just to do the right side of the sketch.
I flipped the 3 1/4 photos with the 5x7 and went from there.

This one is about Samantha's teacher from kinder last year. She took her camera into school so she could get a photo with her favorite teacher.
Don't you just love that bo bunny paper? *swoon*

Head over to NAS and give the gals some lovin.. just love their creativity!

another CDAC

2011-09-11T16:55:00.000-04:00

Here's my other CDAC card for week 2 progressive challenges. You should really check it out.. if you participate each week, you continue to get free digital images and, in the end can be entered into a drawing to win some new copics. Fun fun fun!!

This little guy comes from Jens Digi Stamps.

I could pinch his lil cheeks he's just so cute.
Thanks to CDAC and the artists that design the digital stamps for allowing us to use these cuties for free!!

I'm linking this up at CDAC and for Paper Issues.
I'm off to shower the young ones and make dinner.
See you tomorrow!!
xoxo

SI, PI, and CDAC

2011-09-11T16:45:00.001-04:00

Sketch Inspiration and Paper Issues teamed up this week.
Us girls at Paper Issues got to play with the sketch and we're all debuted on the ning site for SI!! How fun. You should check them out if you have a minute, really fab sketches to work with.
Here's the sketch

And here's my take on it.

I had a blast pulling out old papers such as Around the Block, Ki Memories, Sass and Bella. a fun mix for the first day of school.

I also have created two new cards for the CDAC progressive challenges... these are for challenge 2, one will be in this post, and the other in another post all by it's lonesome. ;)

This lil girl was created by Tortagialla she has some really awesome digi stamps over there.

Aren't her glasses sooo cute? I love her pigtails too.

Paper used is Crate Toybox collection.

Hope your Sunday has been beautiful!!

I'm linking this card up at CDAC and the layout at Paper Issues. :)

Finishing up the Sept. Tally kit

2011-09-08T14:25:00.004-04:00

Afternoon my friends,

I've been sitting here the last two days listening to the guys install our egress window in the basement. Let me tell you, cutting through 8" of cement block is LOUD. I have had a constant headache the last two days, I am so ready for them to be done!!!! I'm not sure I could take building a home from scratch.. I guess the upside there is you don't have to stay there all day on the build site.

I found out today I did not make the team for Bella Blvd. I can't imagine how many submissions they receive. I figure I just gotta keep my chin up, and keep trying. Maybe one day I will land a manufacturer gig for a company I love.

I finished up my September Tallyscrapper kit. I have like one sheet of paper left and some brads.. i love that i still have the stamps and dabber that can be used over and over again.

Baby Love

some close ups

This layout and the canvas posted the other day are definitely my favorites from the kit.

Self Portrait was so fun, I got to dig through my lil Samantha's photos from her camera to make this one.
just love the tulle and those alphas
snuck a prima flower on there ;)

more sculpey goodies.

I think I'm going to give this card to my aunt next year for her birthday.
i love the extinguisher on there!
The sentiments are from Fiskars clear stamps.For my friends getting all the rain and flooding, I hope the sun comes out soon and dries everything up for you.Until next time,

NAS Sketch week 177

2011-09-05T18:38:00.000-04:00

My debut as a new DT member for Nuts About Sketches blog is now live.

Here's the sketch Week 177

and here's my interpretation of it

This was one of my DD's last concerts in middle school. I printed the journaling on cardstock, then trimmed it banner style for the circle. I also used the iRock from Imaginsce to set the black and diamond gems on the layout. They add such a nice touch. I'm using some old Crate paper here, I just love how it turned out.

Head on over to Nuts About Sketches and give the new team some love. :) <3
We would love to see your take on the sketch too! So go ahead and upload it.

Happy Labor Day

2011-09-05T06:02:00.000-04:00

Good morning my friends,

I love Holidays.. it means my man is home with me, no school for the children, and we can all kick back and hang and do our own thing. We have no plans other than watching a movie or two, and me getting my scrap on... plus reading with Samantha. She LOVES that she can read now, and so do I. It's fun helping/watching her sound out new words in a book.

I uploaded the Tallyscrapper September kit video reveal yesterday, you can see it below.

And I can't wait to show you the canvas I created with the kit. As soon as I saw the Cherries Ripe paper with the music notes and fruit, I knew I wanted to turn it into a canvas for my kitchen.This is photo heavy, and you can view these images larger just by clicking on the image, it will open a new window showing you the photo at my flickr account.

I started this canvas off by loosely cutting out the cherry graphic from the JB paper. Then I cut out various sizes of pattern paper and added some course gel paste to a few of the pattern paper blocks. Once dried, it gives the paper a sandy finish, and adds so much texture, it's awesome. I inked the edges of my pp blocks, then mod podged them down to the canvas.Then it was a matter of adding more color and layers by stamping, doodling, and painting.. adding rub ons and more stamping.
Couldn't have done it without the gorgeous September Tally kit. Oh, and the Chili Powder red paint dabber.. the paint comes out wonderfully from the tip.. you can get heavy or light applications depending on if you squeeze the bottle lightly or harder. <3 it. the color is amazing.

The two cherries beneath the quote, were made by just making a large paint dot with the JB Dabber.. then I outlined it and gave it pen stems.
Quote by Mother Theresa reads, "Love is a Fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand."

I hope I've inspired you to get in your crafty space to use some paint.. or just to get creative in your own way. I believe this canvas is going in my kitchen, but if I don't like the look of it in there, I've promised my friend Mel I would be sending it to her. :)

Have a great day my friends,

Sept. 2011 Tally Kit is LIVE

2011-09-02T03:00:00.000-04:00

This gorgeous beauty is in route to my house.. I'm really hoping the mailman brings it to my doorstep today. Take a peek.

This is a divine kit that retails for over $27.00 and is brought to you at a price of $24.00! That's pretty awesome right there.

6 amazing thick patterned paper (Jenni Bowlin changed to thick card stock paper), 2 stamps, one paint dabber, and much more! 1 yard EACH of the tulle, 2 feet pearl strand, and more!

Here are the backsides of the paper.
I plan on doing a video reveal with this baby.. I can't wait!!
If YOU can't wait, hop over real quick and grab one up, there aren't that many left, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Did I mention all new CHA goodies too? ;)

What's the dill?

2011-09-01T10:28:00.001-04:00

Do you know I have NEVER been to a real in person crop. Really.
I do however love love love online crops.
The next best thing to an online crop is chatting or skyping with a good friend while you scrap. Michelles and I chatted on facebook last night while we scrapped our Project Runway challenge.

We must have been on the same wavelength, because we both used mists, AND the exact same Sassfrass flowers on our layouts. You can see our layouts side by side by clicking the link above.

I was playing around with my copics, and realize they are super fun to color on alphabet stickers as well. The original sticker is a sparkly lime green, I then used copic marker blue and colored in on some of the sticker, then while it was wet I pulled off some of the color with my finger.. it creates a lovely subtle dimension.

Best part is the sparkle is still there.
It was also fun to break away from the norm of a 12x12 layout.

Remember this layout from last week?

Well, Bree from TallyScrapper issued another challenge.To 'Tizz' it up. According to Bree, Tizz is a popular saying in Australia, meaning to add more to, or to jazz it up.So we jazzed up our PR week 4 layouts.

Here's my Tizz'd up version. :)

ahhh lovely ink. <3
I used various papers from Bella Blvd on here.
Happy September first!! I have a birthday card to make. :)

Happy Friday!!

2011-08-26T10:43:00.001-04:00

Imagine my surprise when I ran across THIS POST on the Echo Park Blog.

Totally surprised!!! and completely HAPPY about being spotlighted there.
Thank you Echo Park!!

Tonight is Northside HS's first football game of the season, which means it's also Katelyn's first performance in the Marching Band. I'm looking forward to watching/listening to the band perform. Is it bad I'm only attending to support the band?? Who knows.. maybe I'll end up liking football again! lol

Any fun plans this weekend?

VOTE Leah for Guest ODD girl

2011-08-24T10:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday friends. The week is flying by. Little did I know I would actually umm kinda like my time home alone. I still miss my children, but this is mental health time for me.. and I needed it. I'm happy. I have more energy when they get home. It's a good thing having the littlest one school with his big sisters. I get even MORE hugs and love and kisses now.. so it's all good.

Cameron is doing well. On his first day of school he colored a picture that said Welcome to Kindergarten. He also packed that day and left his mario lunch bag at school. lol

Look what I received in my email this morning. Archivers now has an online store!!! Yippie. Here's a link to the coupon I received.

Tuesday, I scrapped all day. I was productive. I got three layouts finished up and I have one left to go. I'm throwing my hat in the Bella Blvd DT Call. You'll never know unless you try.. so check the call out!!! I love all their lines!!

You have to create 4 never before seen projects in the call you are applying for. I'm going to try for layouts.. it's just what I do. They said nothing about showing sneak peeks.. so I'm going to post a couple sneakies.

On to one more piece of exciting NEWS.Remember this tag?

I had entered into a contest to be a guest designer for Some Odd Girl Stamps on their Facebook group. Surprising to me, my tag is in the top 10 running for the Guest DT.

It is based off votes though, and I am really behind. Any support you could lend me would be fabulous.

To help, go to the album HERE, then beneath the tag of your liking, write the word "VOTE" in the comments. (You may have to 'like' the group first before you can vote) I would LOVE it if you chose my tag to vote for, but honestly, vote for the one you LOVE the mostest!!!! I still have to vote, and I am not voting for myself.. all the tags are gorgeous.

Thank you so much, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Home Alone

2011-08-22T08:43:00.000-04:00

Good morning my friends!

I realized over the summer that this day was coming.

What started out as a place I would call my own on the web, now needs a new name.
Today is the first day of School... and my baby, my little man Cameron starts Kindergarten.
Samantha hit 1st grade, and Katelyn is now a High School Freshman.

All I can hear is the hum of the children's computer and the pug snoring at my feet.

I am ~~not~~ home alone.

I didn't cry like everyone thought I would.
I'm nervous for Cameron today though... he's the baby, we never were quite as strict with him. He's also my only boy. He's so different than the girls are. I'm pretty sure I didn't get a hug goodbye this morning. He was sooo excited, he could barely sit still for a photo.

I have several to share too.

Come on guys, smile!Cameron, look at the camera son.
Everyone all talking at once. lol

I love this one, it's like their all leaning to the left.

Cameron decided he had enough, and was going to wait for the bus.
cute.

As per Hamburger tradition, he must wait with the kids at the bus stop.
I had told Cameron to hop on the bus first, so he could speak with Mrs. Dot the bus driver. He decided he didn't wanna go first...

so big sis lead the way.

He didn't look back at all.

He's spreading his wings, and beginning his journey...
which means, I too, must find some way to fill all this time on my hands.

More exciting news to share

2011-08-20T23:31:00.001-04:00

I was asked to step up alongside my dear friend Michelle to be Creative Director over at TallyScrapper!!!! Thanks so much to Cristal for the opportunity, and to Michelle for the vote of confidence.

I am beyond thrilled to be working closely with TallyScrapper again.
It is just a warm loving community, I would love it if you stopped by!

We have crazy fun challenges over there. We're finishing up the cyber crop challenges from last week. We are following along with Project Runway and creating some great challenges based off what the designers have to do on the show.

This week is all about clean and simple and a Pencil Lines sketch.
I try.. but it's not my forte.

and here's the journaling.. I noticed I goofed on the date (2007? why was I thinking that year.. ? lol) so I covered it up with a October Afternoon 5 & dime date sticker, which I did not bother to re-photograph.

This was so out of my comfort zone, but I tried to make it work!!

And for the very last Tally Treasure Hunt Challenge #12, we had to use gold/yellow, use the word treasure in your title or journaling, photograph someone/something you treasure, and use a cloud/rainbow on your layout.

I used some sass and lily bee pattern paper, Echo Park chip cloud, Liquitex Ink.. yum.

I think the stars popped up are so sweet

some tissue paper and star pins

some liquitex ink layered overtop ranger butterscotch i painted on.

pretty My Minds eye sticker

twine and stitching, so much fun!!

Have you had a chance to get creative this weekend?
I'd love to hear from you!

Scrappy news

2011-08-18T10:18:00.001-04:00

Good morning my lovelies!

I found out Tuesday that I made the newest Design Team at Nuts About Sketches!! I am super excited, I know several of the ladies on the DT and am happy to be working with them, and Shawn's awesome Sketches.

The past few days have been a blur of activity.
Last minute shopping for school. K got new chucks with skull laces. supa cool.
Doug finally has some cool shoes.. thank goodness he listened to K's input on a new shoe. ;)
School orientation tonight for the littles. (Samantha & Cameron)
Next thing you know, School will be starting Monday.

Here's a few more layouts I created from the crop last weekend. Don't forget, you have until the 20th and 21st to upload your project for the various challenges from the crop!

I haven't made a 6x12 in forever. This was based on a choose your own bingo. Elements I had to use were:
12 buttons
6x12 layout
ruffles
Stamps on flowers
journaling spots

My crazy dogs are always under foot... sometimes they trip me as i go through the house, and most times, my feet are tucked up under me so I don't accidentally kick them under my desk.

Stamping on my flower was so fun!
and you can hardly see in the photo, but where the arrow is pointing is the tip of Domino's paw.. she sleeps up under the draw area beneath my desk.

And my title work.. i love the banner down here.

I've been having so much fun using Echo Park's Summer Days collection.

and some various cards based on challenges... these will be nice to have on hand. :)

I could use about another 100 of these bicycles... I think I need a digi stamp.

I just love the balloon here

And my first easel card.

Don't forget to link up your work to the newest theme from Paper Issues
"Let's Ride".. anything that fits in the theme.. and as long as it involves paper.. you're in. It's a FUN way to check out what others are doing and make some new friends too.
Wishing you a happy scrappy day!

good times

2011-08-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

Good afternoon my talented friends. I am in scrappy heaven this weekend. I scrapped a lot of the day yesterday evening and into the wee early hours of the morn.. say 2am. Hubs and I then watched Big Brother and went to sleep. The CROP going on at TallyScrapper right now is off and running full steam ahead. We're playing games like It's MINE!!! and some other pass the time games.. there are tons of challenges in the galleries, and we're meeting some wonderful new ladies as well.

Having some good times. I've used up most all of my August Tallyscrapper kit, it was so fun to combine all the funky wild goodness in that kit. Wanna see what I created yesterday?

This challenge is to lift a member of the DT. I chose my evil freaky twin (EFT) MichelleS' layout she made for an old LEO (layout every other day) challenge. You can see Michelle's HERE. I made some scrappy flowers, and hand-cut my title. Simple little details like that can really make a layout pop. One of my favorite things about the kit this month were the blooms and the gorgeous zebra and rainbow ribbon. It is sadly all gone, but I would order more again in a heart beat.

This next layout is based off a fun challenge where you choose your own scrappy supplies from a list, and then add in more so the list keeps going and going. My three items from the list were: Fish, Paper Clip, and distressing.Fish kinda threw us when it was put in the list, so I went ahead and used a photo of Katelyn catching her first fish with Grandma at the lake.Can't believe how little she was in this photo.I'm also using the August TallyScrapper kit for this layout. See the zebra trim?loves it.
I did some distressing on the papers and on the corners of the photos using Imaginisce D-Stress tool, as well as on the Cosmo Cricket chipboard alpha. I then colored over the distressing with a copic marker YR23.

Lastly I finished up a challenge that's been going on the last 11 weeks called Tally Treasure Hunt. Our challenge this week was to grab a photo of leaves from beneath look upwards, and to use a POP of purple on the layout.
I think today I'd like to complete two more layouts, maybe even three. Or some cards.heck, I don't know.. there is so much that can be done this weekend at the crop. Of course, we have until Sat the 20th and Sun the 21st to complete and upload our projects.Hope you're able to pop in and enjoy the weekend with us!

Til next time, xoxo

Coloring is FUN!

2011-08-11T19:08:00.000-04:00

Goodness, why ever did I resist Copics for soooo soooooo sooo long???
Ok.. initially the price is an issue... but boy, do I love them!!!
Is it bad I want every single color made?
and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna need some refill colors soon... especially with enticing challenges/contests such as posted by Some Odd Girl.

Here's my second entry into the Facebook Guest DT Contest.

I used Big Pressie Tia from Some Odd Girl.

I thought she was so bright n sassy, I just love her expression... so I created another Tia and mirrored her in Photoshop. Sweet isn't it?

I've been doing some back to school shopping at Kmart, and I have to tell ya, Route 66 has THE best clothing tags. Their perfect for upcycling.

I've been covering these cutie in Paper. Today's tag is using Echo Park's Summer Days Collection. All the bright happy colors is perfect for a Birthday Tag.

Another perfect way to use all you can in your collection kits.. check out the front sheet of packaging.

In that little section I cut away had the cloud that is on the front of my Birthday Tag, and also a mini banner that I put on the back of the tag.

Another fun thing to note with these papers, is on the manufacturer strip, there's some nice patterns going on there too.. check it.

I cut one of those out and accordion folded it on the front of my tag as well. I'm doing all I can to use it all up and let none go to waste. :)
Psst... here's the backside of the card.

Cuteeeee!!!!
Wanna see something else cute?
Actually, it's quite rotten.. and involves my handsome hubs and extremely cute pug.

I guess she felt like she wasn't getting all the attention she deserved from mom (me), so she went over to daddy begging to let her up. Normally, she's content to sleep in his lap while gaming.. not today.

and not until she had his complete attention

What I didn't capture is hubs leaning over scratching the puggy ears and giving her a kiss. ;)

PS. Don't forget about the TallyScrapper Crop posted HERE for Aug 12-14. Challenges are due by the 21st. Spread the word!!

Save the date!!

2011-08-08T21:28:00.000-04:00

Kristy from Some Odd Girl has a contest running on Facebook for a chance to win a 2 months Guest DT Spot on her digital stamp team!!!

You can read all about that HERE.

Basically, you take one of the odd girl images and create a Birthday tag. Me and tags are not good friends... kinda how me and cards are not friendly either. Kristy's images are too dang cute not to try though. I love her chibi images, and she just released some Back to School digi's and stamps. Their all lovely!!

Here's my first entry using Kaylee Cheerleader.

I also made the tag using Tallyscrapper's August kit. (It's a steal for $21.00 and comes pretty packed!)

This was my first ever Odd girl purchase, and of course, first time coloring the little cutie in. I kinda really like how she came out. :)

Now, on to save the date news!!

Tallyscrapper is having a crop this weekend August 13 & 14th!! Some of us usually get a little antsy, so some things may be kicked off as early as the 12th. :) I know the site is a little different than the norm, but once you learn where your home is, where the galleries are, and where the MB is, it's really fun. When you upload layouts to Tallyscrapper, you are able to earn points for your uploads, up to 35 points from each person who points you. Win you earn points, you are also able to give points away to others... as well as give/receive awesome comments on your projects.

I've been a member of Tallyscrapper now for 4 years. It's been my home on the net and my safe place on the web. All the ladies there are true gems and the artisty and inspiration are top notch! Do you have a layout you feel like you can't upload anywhere because it's not the normal happy happy layout? Feel safe and comfortable in the arms of Tally. We welcome diverse, unique projects and individuals with heart.

I hope you spread the word about Tally and save the date for Aug. 13th and 14th! (like i said, things may start a little early come friday) Challenges, games, and Prizes are up for grabs. Hope you stop by!!

I'm linking up my cute Kaylee tag to the Craft Link Party Today's Creative Blog.

CDAC Progressive Challenges

2011-08-04T15:12:00.000-04:00

I joined CDAC (Crafters Digital Art Center) a few months back... around the time I was really getting the itch to jump on the band wagon and buy my first copics. I never did anything there basically because I get confused on the ning sites... and here I thought I was a web geek. ha!

I ordered and received my copics about a month ago now, right before my birthday and Ihave dabbled learning to color a bit from free digi images from the web. I think I have colored 5 images in all. Anyways, I received an email yesterday from Priscilla announcing this progressive challenge.

Basically, you get free images from amazing digi artists just for signing up to join the challenge. If you submit something during the first 4 weeks, you are automatically set up to get the 2nd free set of images for the progressive part 2 challenge... and so on, and so forth, until we get to challenge 6. At the end of all the challenges, you have a chance to win this

Now, that's pretty dang fabulous if you ask me.
I'm pretty sure you can color with any medium you like.. so please, come on over and JUMP in. The people there are friendly, you get to meet and use amazing artists images.. what's not to like about that?

So, we all know I'm not a card maker. Oui.
I chose this cute little dancer by Whoopsi Daisy

I have several noticeable mistakes, but all in all, I like her.. AND my bright card. :P

My August 3 and 4 photos for TallyScrappers photo shoot are taken.

Aug. 3 - Bird

Yesterday and today I sat outside for like 2 hours trying to find a bird to photograph.. I gave up on finding the real deal and went with Jewel from Rio. I'd keep her if I found her in a tree.

Aug. 4 - Circle

Found this while waiting to pick Katelyn up today.
Have a good one my friends,

Tally Photo Shoot

2011-08-02T21:25:00.000-04:00

Over at Tallyscrapper this month, MichelleS is hosting a tally photo shoot a day. So for August 1, the theme was yellow.

I couldn't choose just one yellow item

It's the excitement of a new month. :)

The theme for today was Sign(s)... Between Katelyn and myself, we took close to 20 different sign photos, this one is my fav.

Then Bree issued a challenge at Tally to use nothing but upcycling items to create a layout.
I started off with a 12x12 chipboard piece I got in a package from scrapbook.com
added loads of inky goodness

some prima packaging, a chopstick package, a tissue paper bow, and some PC World Magazine art for the title and embellies... the unique item we needed to add I chose the sentences we had our DD write one time. o.O lol

I've had a blast today creating, hope you've found something to make you happy today too.
xoxoxo

Eye spy layouts

2011-08-01T21:31:00.000-04:00

Wheeee it's MONDAY.
It has been so nice having Katelyn back home from band camp.
It's been nice having the mojo flowing for scrapping.

Over at TallyScrapper, we're on week ten of our tally treasure hunt. I'm going to post the last couple of layouts I hadn't posted on here.

Ooooh a new weekly challenge is going on over @ Tallyscrapper.. you should check it out. 1 is taking a photo a day with prompts by MichelleS and the other is Project Runway challenges.
This layout was based off a challenge by Nancy. We could use any paper we wanted, as long as it started out white to begin with. I used a Heidi Swapp invisibles I was hoarding, and painted it, then mounted it on white cardstock.

This was last weeks Treasure Hunt challenge @ TallyScrapper. What would you tell your loved one that's passed on? I wrote quite the letter to my mom... really hard layout to push out, but I'm glad I did it.

A little card I made using twine and coloring in a digital stamp using my copics. I really need some more colors closer together. lol

This was another Treasure Hunt challenge.. you had to use one black n white and one color photo, and use at least two different fonts in your title. This one is about my DD's cat Hamburger. he's twisted because he loves to run in front of the driveway as we pull into it. I'm usually afraid I'll end up hitting him. lil punk kitty!

Eye Spy... a colorful layout. I can't remember what challenge this was based on.. but i love it. :)

This was created for layout tag over at The Scrapping Spot. Such a fun game. :)

For this weeks Tally Treasure Hunt challenge based off a sketch (unknown sorry)

I'm linking up this last layout to Paper Issues make a splash theme party.

Make a super splash!

2011-07-31T19:34:00.002-04:00

Holy moly.. it's been three weeks since I've blogged, and they go and change things on me... funny how I think about blogging, but I don't get my rear over here to do it. Time to make me a priority again. I can easily get lost in the space of other things, and forget to do what makes me happy.

Speaking of happy.. Paper Issues has a new blog prompt up. It's SUPER perfect for the record high temps we've been experiencing lately.. goes great with water, lemonade, and picnics by the pool... called, Make a Splash. Head over there and link up your creations and get inspired by others too... it's a win-win for everyone.

Here's what I created. I used some iphone pics and this cute Noel Mignon kit she sold back in June. The paper is from We R Memory Keepers.. I thought it was just adorable.

I photographed this in my lightbox... so I left the shape by itself and let the photos fall of the edges a bit, i think it's playful.

Love the glittery alpha and pink paisley tape.

And Might I add, I'm a HUGE sucker for these little paper umbrellas. I lurve them so much!!!!!

I have scrapped three layouts in 24 hours.. holy cow, new record for me as of late. I'll share tomorrow, right now it's time for dinner and Bingo on facebook.

Red white n Blue

2011-07-05T18:44:00.001-04:00

Wowee, we have a new PI creative team and a red, white, and blue challenge going on right now. Go on over and link up your creation.. as long as there is paper involved, we would love to see your work!

Here's mine. I created this for the tallyscrapper challenge, treasure hunt week 6.

My little democrat is colored with copics on xpress it paper. oh my, that stuff is so smooth. I'm a novice copics user, and can't wait to fill in some of my missing colors. The blues are particularly hard to deal with right now, but it came out ok. :)

And here are some of my favorite tv shows, created for tallyscrapper challenge treasure hunt week 5.

I see red white n blue here too, so I'm linking both these babies up to Paper Issues.
I celebrated my 35th birthday on the 3rd, and on the 2nd we hosted a Mexican pool party, it was a lot of fun... so in honor of those things, I have a goody coming up this week. :) Just got to get it together. :)

Insta-happiness

2011-06-02T17:26:00.001-04:00

The pool feels like a hot tub. In the process of taking a break from the steaminess of our pool, I've discovered Instagram, Camera+ and sharing those photos to Flickr. Total fun. I realize I'm late to the ballgame with this discovery, but I'm ok with that. :)

Doggone hot

2011-06-01T14:53:00.001-04:00

The dog days of summer have come early. Katelyn had her 8th grade field trip this morning. I had to have her there by 6:45 am. There were like 5 or 6 Abbott buses to transport all the kids. About 10 miles from Kings Dominion she texts me to say her bus broke down. She and her fellow bus-mates finally made it to KD about an hour after everyone else. Hope she still has a blast!

Sent from my iPhone ~ Leah

Paper Issues new link party

2011-05-29T12:07:00.000-04:00

I just completed and showcased this layout last week.. but I couldn't help link it up to the Paper Issues new theme party showcasing your guys in your life.
My man happens to be uber fabulous...

If you missed the cute story of this layout the first time around, you can catch it here on this post. Head on over to Paper Issues and get your link on!!

A big shout out to my cousin Amy.. today is her BIRTHDAY!!!
We're headed over there this evening for a cookout and birthday celebration.
Hope your weekend is wonderful dear bloggers!

2011-05-27T15:10:00.001-04:00

I had sent a message via SMS to update my blog.. only the good Lord above knows where that message is now, because it didn't pop up here.

So yeah, 25 minutes after I wake for the day.. internet goes out. I reset the router as I've been taught by my techie husband. It comes back and no signal. I text Doug at work.. "*pout pout* no internet here." he texts back, "HAHAHAHAHA us either." LOL

Evidently, a vital piece of equipment got damaged with the bad storm rolling through last night. After about 5 hours, they got us up and running again. In that time I learned how to use iMovie.

Dun dunna dunnnnn
Presenting my uber talented Trumpet player, Katelyn.
(applause and encouraging comments left for said talented daughter to see later welcomed)

She and her BFF are off at the Skating Rink enjoying their 4 day weekend.
Me.. I'm about ready to tear it up in Zuma Blitz on FB. ;)

I didn't have to get muddy

2011-05-26T18:27:00.001-04:00

I got my garden planted over the weekend last week.. so excited thinking about the fresh beans and tomatoes that will be harvested this year. Every greenhouse I went to said we were in fact not late planting yet, especially since "the oldtimers" say not to plant before May 15th. *grins*

I have been wanting to get on here and update the ol' blog the last three days, but before I did so, I wanted to have Katelyn's Adlib solo Trumpet performance edited and ready to show, BUT I have been having technical difficulties. (This Mac is gonna be the end of me if I don't learn everything in a hot minute) I hope to have that up this weekend. Her Band Concert was amazing. We have such good teachers here in the County, I'm so thankful for all her wonderful teachers.

I got my Sassafras Lass goodie box from their sale, omg... such cool stuff in there!! Stuff I didn't even realize they had. Could only imagine the DT goodie boxes those lucky ladies get. *daydreaming*

I bought the May kit from The Scrapping Spot (they have a DT call going on right now) and created a couple of layouts with it. I'm gonna go ahead and share them here, because I've already submitted my application, and they were the first ones to see it. ;)

When I sit down to scrap, my mom is on my mind a lot.. so I'm starting to scrap her and my feelings about not having her here with me.

I just adore the papers from Bella Blvd's Family Dynamix line.

I'm a sucker for cute stick pins. (remind me to show you how I store mine)

Journaling says, "Before I lost you, I would have made fun of our clothes, hairstyles, and glasses. Now when I look at these photos, all I can see is Love."

The glasses and poofy hair are pretty dang funny tho!

And here's Samantha's classroom photo. Some of her classmates crack me up. The Tim Holtz clock arm is pointing to her. In the kit we got Rummikub game pieces. I just covered up the number with a cute flower.

I know the bubbles aren't suppose to be in the glue, but I swear it adds character. I like the look. Maybe I'll drop a drop or two of alcohol ink in while the glue is still wet next time.

I love twine! It's a good thing because it's so hot right now. I used it to accent a lot on this layout. For the loopy flower here, I just made figure eights with the twine, then stuck it to the back of the pop dot on the flower center, then added liquid glue to adhere it down.

We were given a lot of those dew drops, their the perfect small accent. I think the blue flower looks like he's smiling. :)

More twine detail

Kindergarten:

We have three sick ones in the house right now, so I'll keep my hugs and kisses to myself... stinks we couldn't make the free Vally Splash day today. Hope your day is a happy one.

Rain rain go away..

2011-05-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

at least long enough to dry up the garden a bit so I can plant. eeps. We're getting such a late start on planting this year. All this rain we've been getting in Virginia has put a big dent on my plans for fresh tomatoes, beans, and squash. Our backyard is a muddy mess. If we don't get a break soon, I'm gonna have to just go get muddy. I can't wait too much longer. lol

I'm dropping off some layouts I created last weekend. :)
These next two use May's Tallyscrapper kit "That's How We Roll" For $29 you get a TON of product.
This one is my favorite

some close ups - love the lace and pom pom trim.. and the game piece.. loveeee it.

Tim Holtz hanger and kaisercraft doilies..

That's how I roll.. how funny the title of the kit just kinda stuck in my head while scrapping this layout. There's a funny story behind it.

haha. I love my husband so much. We were outside with the kids while they were riding bikes. Katelyn said she bet Doug didn't remember how to ride a bike, and he was like yeah right! So, she dared him to get on hers and ride around. So he did. When he first got on the bike, he was all hunched up like in the photo.. I laughed my a$s off... to me it was the funniest thing in a month. I laughed til I cried, then I remembered my camera... I wanted a photo in case I needed another chuckle on a rainy day. Sweet man that he is, said he would lower the seat and ride it again, if I promised to scrap it in a week. Promise fulfilled. :) So. the photo is blurry, but it makes me giggle like a mad person. :)

love the whole package of flowers we got in the kit

I forgot about the card I made for a challenge hosted over @ Tallyscrapper. We had to make a card in the style of Mary Engelbreit. Here's my take on that

front:

back:

Samantha just loved it. :)

Cutie Pie

I loved this photo of Cameron... he's growing up too quickly.. have I mentioned that?

i love stickers. grins

I need top finish up my coffee and grab a shower, then some lunch and we're off to Wally world. *groan* ;)

My summer house

2011-05-16T14:08:00.000-04:00

I've always wanted a summer house. You know, somewhere you can go to during the Summer. Some where fun, on the beach, or in a meadow with a big lake on the backside of the house. Fishing. Sunnin'. Grilling. Cloud watching. Dreaming Big.

I was catching up on my google feeds and came across this weeks Scrapping the Music's new prompt - Challenge 172.

Something in the words made me dream of this summer getaway I would like to take the kids to one day.. maybe their grandkids when my children are all grown. It also made me realize I want them to have huge dreams. Live it large. No regrets. Live in happiness.

This one's for you Cameron. With much love my sweet man, mommy.

One thing I love about painting canvas... extending all that glorious color to the outside edges. :) It just makes me happy!!

I'm linking up here at Scrapping the Music
and here @ Paper Issues for the summertime Party.