Summer Sillies!

We didn't do a whole lot this summer. Most of our time was spent in our own backyard. I suppose that's because with just putting in our yard in the spring we wanted to actually enjoy it (plus that sucked up a whole lot of change).

We did go through two swimming pools this year. I guess that says something. It made me laugh how much fun the kids would have in those tiny little pools. Even my almost-as-tall-as-her-mother 13 year old cooled off quite a bit back there.

This layout is about how she put her inner tube inside the pool. I kid you not--it took up the ENTIRE pool to do so. So while little brother was running around on the slip n' slide, she would sneak the tube into the pool and lounge. What a teenager! :)

You can see additional photos of this layout here in the 2Peas gallery:

Supplies:

* Teal cardstock: Core'dinations Cardstock

* Cork paper: Quickutz

* Photo corners: Heid Swapp (shaded with brown stamping ink)

* Font: 2Peas Tasklist

* Scallop scissors: Provo Craft

* Boardwalk Clear Cut Shapes: Little Yellow Bicycle

* 6X6 Boardwalk Decorative Edge Paper: Little Yellow Bicycle

* South Beach/Hibiscus patterned pattern: Little Yellow Bicycle
* Twister/Red Tonal patterned paper: Little Yellow Bicycle

* Boardwalk Chipboard Embellishment Stickers: Little Yellow Bicycle

* Boardwalk Fresh Verse Cardstock stickers: Little Yellow Bicycle

* Boardwalk Epoxy Raindot Stickers: Little Yellow Bicycle

Well, I'm off to work on something for 2Peas. What are you working on today?

Back to School

And we've survived the first week of school. Already waking up is more difficult, doing homework has less appeal, and lunches seem boring. It's going to be a long year. LOL! Still they are happy and content when they come home each day, which makes me happy and content. I've been walking with Jimmy to school each morning. I love the cool, crisp air in the desert here. Yesterday it was actually chilly! We wrapped our jackets around us as tightly as we could. Today it should be more normal temperatures, but I could definitely feel fall in the air yesterday. Makes think of soup and sweaters.

I have a layout to share with you today. Lots of happy stamping on this.

This layout has a "school" theme. These pictures are from Jimmy's preschool graduation two years ago, but at the time they were the only school pictures I wanted to use in this design. I love Primary colors. They make me happy.

You can find the supply list, additional photos, and some background details here at 2Peas.

Looking for some weekly inspiration? Then be sure to check out Monday's 2Peas Gallery! Each Monday several GG projects will be released. Yesterday a whole bunch of lovely projects were uploaded. I've bookmarked several already.

PB Teen Backpack Contest

Hey, readers! My daughter has entered the PB Teen Backpack Contest. I thought I would share her entry here. She's got art skills galore, and I'm super proud of her idea.

Would you go and vote for ANY of the designs that you like? I don't think it's right to ask you to vote for Kate's unless it's your favorite; but I will encourage you to vote!! These kids are creative!!

In order to vote, become a fan of PB Teen on Facebook. Then just look for their "Contest" and vote. Voting ends tomorrow so go VOTE!

Thank Goodness for "Tri-day"

Ok, total play on "Friday" and trying things. :) I got some lovely scrapbook supplies in the mail from Hero Arts and so I spent some time last night coloring. I sat at the kitchen table and played while my daughter did her Junior High homework and my son hovered. I felt like part of the gang!

Here is the card that I made:

For this card you will need this stamp set for the girl, flowers, and watering can:

This stamp set for the sunshine:

And this stamp set for the "with a friend" sentiment:

To color the card you will need the following Copic Markers to color her skin and hair:

You will need the following to color her dress, the flowers, and the sun:

And you will need BG15 to color the watering can.

The clouds were created with my Silhouette machine and this downloadable die cut from the Silhouette shape store (5_clouds_C00679_20509):

Here are the supplies needed to complete this card:

* Solar white Seenah Paper

* Tuxedo Black Memento Ink

* Friend Stamp (Hero Arts)

* Sending Smiles Stamp (Hero Arts)

* Kiss For the Sun Stamp (Hero Arts)

* Copic Markers: Y15, Y21, YG03, YG17, E29, E000, E00, E21, BG15, R24, R29

* Silhouette Machine

* Brown dot paper (Pebbles, Inc.)

* Green dot paper (Pebbles, Inc.)

* Corner Rounder punch

* Metal bookplate

* Fringe Scissors (Martha Stewart)

* Sewing Machine

* Latte Folding Card (Hero Arts)

And now I am off to help my daughter curl her hair for school picture day. :) Enjoy your lovely weekend!

Thrilled Thursday

Today I have one layout to share with you. This is a challenging color scheme for me as I can be "pink challenged" sometimes. Neither my daughter or I can really where pink. In fact, even though she is blonde and blue-eyed and I am brunette and hazel-eyed, we can where the same colors. Aren't genetics funny? But I really love how the colors pop against her and the cat. You can see additional photos and find the supply list here at 2Peas:

On another note, I have been filling my 2Peas cart with lots of goodies. If I share, you'd better leave some for me. I had the most darling Pilgrim stamps in my cart and POOF they're already sold out. :( ARG!! Here are some beautiful items that have caught my eye recently:

Blackbird Glittered Adhesive Chipboard:

Pixie-Licious 6X6 Paper Deck:

Wander Collection Chip Stickers:

School Spirit 6X6 Paper Pad:

Decorated Tree Wood Block Stamp:

Want to see everything new? Just look under the "new products" in the "Shopping" section. (And be prepared to empty your pocketbook!)

First Day of School

Well it's come and gone . . . the first day of school. And both kids were VERY excited, which of course made me VERY happy.

Kate was up by 5:30 a.m. to get her hair curled and ready. She looked lovely.




Jimmy wanted to know why he had to be up so early, but he looked handsome as well.






Kate had a great day and already lots of homework (that concerns me). Jimmy was sad because he struggled to find good friends to play with at recess (that concerns me too). Hopefully we'll get all those first part of school bugs worked out.


On the Create blog today, there is a "Work It Out Wednesday" featuring chalk. Remember chalk? I still have a few sets from my scrapbooking early days. It's a great tool to add dimension and shading to matte embellishments--I used die cuts for the tutorial. Here's the layout:






You can find additional photos, the supply list, and instructions here on the blog.

I'm working on a Little Yellow Bicycle project today. I can't decide if I want to dig into my new Halloween products or if I want to do a layout with the Teen line. Decisions, decisions. But fun ones for sure. LOL!

School Open Houses

I feel a little better about today being the first day of school because yesterday's Open Houses went so well for both of the kids.

Jimmy has been somewhat apathetic about his return to school--typicaly boy response I think. But yesterday when we went and had the opportunity to meet his teachers he was in his glory. He ran around the classroom checking out everything. After about an half hour, I told we really should leave. His teachers teased him that he could just sleep under the desk until school today. He really wanted to hang out for a while longer. I'm so grateful for teachers that make the connection with kids. It will be a good year for him I think.

A few hours later we were off to the Junior High for Katelyn's Open House. First she set up her locker (she plans this for days):

And then we were off to meet her seven teachers. She has taken on a big load this year: four honors classes, a technology class, yearbook, and then of course, art. She is so thrilled and super excited!! I just can't believe how quickly the time has passed. I took a few parting shots in a secret part of the school (so no one would know I was photographing her--although she didn't seem to mind that her embarassing Mom brought the camera).

And then later that evening, we took the kids for shaved ice for our Family Home Evening (every Monday we spend time together as a family doing an activity or discussing faith-based topics). I think it was a great way to end the summer.

And in just a few hours from now I will be watching them head off for the year. Amazing!

Happy Packages

I must say that I love it when the post-CHA products start rolling in. And I just recently received my LAST goodie box from Karen Foster Design. Once again, I just have to thank them for their generosity and kindness. What a fabulous company to work for!!

I thought I would share a few things that made me most happy. First is this fabulous "Scrapper's Floss" which is now stored on these great spools (are you drooling over the colors yet):

And then these darling little beaker bottles which hold brads!! Oh the cutness of it all:

And if you haven't seen the Manhattan Scrap-N-Style tote, then wowsers!! Here you go:

I'm recovering from a weekend cold but feeling MUCH better today. The kids meet their teachers today and then start school tomorrow. They are happy. I am depressed. :( First year I've EVER felt this way. But they don't know. I want them to go and enjoy!!

Some Randoms

Just a few things to share and point out to you today. :)

The first is a layout using a bunch of Bella Blvd. Bella Blvd is a newer company (ok, not super new--but kinda new). I love their beautiful color schemes and their fun elements. I did this layout about my niece, Zadie using mostly Bella Blvd's products.


You can find the supply list and additional photos here.

Want a chance to win a darling yellow bike from Little Yellow Bicycle? Then be sure to check out the details of their contest hosted at 2Peas here!! (You could also win a prize package!)

And finally, be sure to check out the Create Blog for our Friday Giveaway, which is a Everyday Stories Album by Xyron! Just leave a comment here for your chance to win!






Wishing you a lovely, prized filled weekend!

Summer Envelope Album Class at 2Peas!

Be sure to check out the video and download the pdf here at 2Peas to help make this darling Summer Envelope Album!



If you play along, you have the chance of winning a 2Peas GC!! :)

(Make sure to use this link to download the pdf!)

Working with Pushpins

Today I have a new tutorial for the "Work It Out Wednesday" post on the Create blog. I thought I would share the layout here.

You can see that I added pushpins to the butterfly and to the fabric flower. I have fallen in love with adding pins. It's just one more fun embellishment to put on your projects.

You can find the instructions, additional photos, and the supply list here.

Guess What?

I'm filming again. :)

You can find the video here or watch below:



You can find more videos on our YouTube channel! Or you will find a new video each week on the Create blog.

Come Join In on This Week's Challenge!

I'm hosting a challenge on the Scrapbook Trends Create blog this week. I'd love to see you work with the diagonal on your pages. Visit the blog for more details about how to be included in the challenge.

Here's my layout. I used several strips of paper and ribbon on the diagonal to make the layout a lot more interesting than just designing horizontally or vertically.

My Freaky Friday Moment

Ok, so it was actually a Silly Saturday moment; but last night my husband was coming to bed after working on some computer stuff and I looked over at the clock. 4:44 a.m. AGAIN!! What are the chances. Weird huh? But so totally cool.

I'm glad I'm not the only person that loves Friday the 13th. Weddings and birthdays make the day extra special.

So do any of you film yourselves scrapbooking? Would you like to win a Flip video camera?

Be sure to check out this post on the Create Blog. My daughter wants to win it, but I had to explain to her that as a daughter of someone that works for Northridge Publishing she can't even enter. But wouldn't that be fun:

So if you have something fun on camera or want to start. Now's the time to do it!! I can't wait to see you on film.

Friday the 13th!!

I love the number 13. I was born on a 13. I turned 13 on a Friday the 13th, and today is another Friday the 13th. I love funny things like that--like my husband making noise and waking me up at 4:44 a.m. (I did actually try to go back to bed, but it didn't work.)

I figured out one reason why I was in a schlump . . .

I REALLY needed to clean out my office. After months and months of design crunch time, my office was a total wreck. So I purged and purged and cleaned and cleaned and (gasp) even vacuumed in there. Of course, now I can't get into my walk-in closet for all the scrapbook goodies I plan on selling for the garage sale. But hey!! I felt like designing yesterday, which made me happy.

I worked on a two page layout for 2Peas that I can't yet show you, but I do have a layout using "Little Yellow Bicycle" products to share.

Here is a close-up of the banner:

Here is a close-up photo of the title:



I was inspired recently at a Pebbles store that had a banner just like one on my page. They had folded paper circles in half to form the the paper part of the banner. Quick and easy and a delightful take on the typical banner. Most of the products here are from LYB's Snugglebug line. I did cut the title using my Silhouette Machine.


I love that my little man loves to come and "work" with me when I'm in my office. Sometimes he swaggers into my office announcing that he's here at work for the day. Makes me giggle every time. He and Kate are the best co-workers in the world. :) I love that my children actually like hanging out with me.


Finished up the school clothes shopping today (at least I hope so). I reached the saturation point today. Came home and crashed (but that could be because of the 4:44 a.m. awakening), but either way I feel a bit better.


Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Scrapbook Trends Calls!!

Ok, this one is so much fun . . . how about an idea book all about the Cricut machine?

Here are the details:

Create: Cricut Idea Book Call

Please share your ideas for our upcoming idea book featuring the Cricut by Provo Craft. All items submitted must contain elements created with the Cricut.

Baby - share your adorable layouts all about baby, along with card ideas for baby showers, announcements, and to welcome baby
Cards & Tags
Disney
Embossing
Gifts
Home Décor
Just for Kids - from layouts to crafts, Cricut makes it easy to create for and with kids!
Layouts
Party Invitations
Quick & Easy - showcase both layouts and cards that were created easily with the Cricut
Vinyl Lettering
Wedding - share your ideas for announcements, shower invitations, layouts, and wedding décor
Your Party: Start to Finish - Invitations, decorations, favors, gift wrap, and thank yous

***PLEASE SEND A SEPARATE EMAIL FOR EACH SUBMISSION YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.***

Deadline: 11:59pm (Mountain Time) on Sunday September 5th, 2010.

And here is one for the February issue specifically for my new "How To" column:

How To: Ink - This new article focuses on techniques. Show us how you incorporate paint, stamps, ink, or mist to add color and interest to a layout. You may be requested to provide some items for "how to" photography or to star in your own "how to" video.

I really hope that you submit! It's so much fun to see your work in print! For more details on submitting, visit the Scrapbook Trends Magazine submission page here.

Seriously, I Love You Guys!

I am so grateful to you, readers, especially for those that responded to my post about feeling down. It's so nice to hear that I'm not the only one who struggles with feeling that way and also with feeling guilty about needing to get away. After reading through your ideas, I realized that I have packed my daily schedule pretty tight. It wasn't intentional, but sometimes things unexpectedly overlap and suddenly the day is just crazy.

I think I will take Friday off and step away for a bit. Maybe I'll take a trip up to Ikea just to look around (that place is like a field trip for grown-ups). Or maybe I'll head into Salt Lake and hit Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware for some visual eye candy. And maybe I'll drag a friend or two out for lunch with me so I can have some grown-up conversation. But I'm DEFINETLY accepting a friend's invitation to hang out and chat later that night. I was feeling like I should do other things, but I realize that I need to have that time with some great girls.So thank you for making me realize that it's ok to take that time! You guys are the BEST!

On a work note, I have a "Work It Out Wednesday" tutorial up on the Create Blog (for Scrapbook Trends Magazine). I was thinking of doing something else, but when I saw that cute bee border strip paper from Carolee's Creations and realized some of my Hero Arts stamps would fit inside the strip I knew what I wanted to do.

Today's tutorial shows you how to use stamps to dress up a pattern within patterned paper. Easy to do, but it really makes patterned paper POP! I hope you'll check it out!

For the supply list and additional photos, you can check on the Create Blog here.

And thank you again for both listening and really understanding. I do love you guys!

Just One of the Reasons Why I Can't Do Pets

I hate to say good-bye. You can understand why I feel that way. I just hate the pain of losing people and things I love. And when my son's lizard passed away after just a few short weeks, it reminded me of one of the reasons why I just don't like having pets. I'm just not brave enough knowing that someday I'll have to let them go. :(

You can see more photos of the this layout, along with the supplies here at 2Peas:

On another note, anyone have an antidote for a life schlump? Just feeling in a funk and can't seem to shake it. I think I need some time away. Some time to myself, but that feels so selfish sometimes. But I think I need to shake off the cobwebs and feel energized again.

So . . .

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What do you do when you're in a funk?

So I'm Pleased to Announce . . .

That I made the American Crafts Design Team. I'm very happy about this and fretted and worried about my entry. I admire American Craft's straightforward clean designs, and I love their color choices. I've been wanting to work for them for years, and just can't tell you how very EXCITED I am. :)

What an honor to be serving with such great talent!

I haven't shared my entry yet, but I thought you might like to see the card that I submitted for the call:



I think this is a great way to start the weekend, right?! :)

I Have a Secret!!

And I can't wait to spill . . . and NO I am NOT pregnant. LOL! :)

Introducing the New Northridge Media Blog: create!!

I'm so excited to be a part of this exciting new venture by the magazines of Northridge Publishing. We have combined our Cards, Scrapbook Trends, and Simply Handmade blogs into one fabulous blog. This week we have several prizes to giveaway so make sure to check it out!

What will you receive with our new format? How about one place to check in all your favorite magazines? How about regular prize giveaways? And what about multiple postings per day? All of these new changes are sure to make your experience rich and exciting!

I hope you'll check in with us, leave a comment, enter a challenge, win a prize, and just have some fun!

Can't wait to see you there!