Lake Scrapbook Pictures

I so super duper excited for this Saturday. Some friends and I are going to an all day crop in Loveland. I can't wait. My hubby is staying home with the kids and I get some serious me time!!! The kids have been really big stinkers lately so I definately need a break :)
I'm so behind on my scrapbooking, so I'm hoping to get caught up. I've spent the last few days trying to get everything packed up and couldn't resist doing a layout. This was our last year's trip to the lake and this page is for my daughter Mattea's album. I love the way everything came together. I stitched on this layout which I don't think I've ever done. I used my swiss dots folder to give it some texture and used my new cuttlebug die cut alphabets for the title, which I think might be a little crooked...maybe it's the pictures ;)
Here are the two pages together:
Page 1:

Page 2:

And here are some detail shots:

I accented with one of my favorite Verve flowers. I haven't incorporated a lot of stamping into my albums yet and I'm looking forward to trying it a bit more. Hopefully I'll post again before the weekend is up, I haven't had a lot of productive craft time. If not I'll be back on Monday with my mojo card :)
Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe Challenge 46

Time for another Recipe Challenge at Sketches {by tamara}! My mom asked me to make a card for a lady she works with. She saw some of the cards I've made and wanted me to make one for her granddaughter for graduation. Hum....I have no grad stamps so I had to wing it a bit. Plus, she wanted me to put her granddaughter's name on the front and it was a bit tricky but I got it done. This weeks recipe requirements were:
*Stitching - real or faux
*Rub-ons
*A winged thing (bird, butterfly, fairy, etc.)
Make sure you play along and go have a peek at what the rest of the design team made, everything is fabulous!!!
Thanks for stopping by!!

HUGE blog candy alert!

I normally don't link up blog candy but this one was to stinkin fabulous to resist!! Check this all out!!! Seriously, copics...and nesties...and WOW!!!
You can check out the Debbie's blog {HERE}!!

Created By Courtney Color Challenge

For today's Created By Courtney Challenge I made a birthday card since today is my daughter's 7th birthday!! Happy Birthday Macy, love you!!!!!

My parents were here this weekend and gave her a Wii and I thought I would share a picture of her opening it.

Okay, back to the regularly scheduled programming :) This week's challenge is a color challenge. I rarely touch the SU purples but this week it was required..hehe.

Color Challenge

*Regal Rose

*Certainly Celery

*Almost Ameythist

I had a bunch of new stamps to play with and I came up with this: I LOVE the new Verve and had to use my favorite new flower on this card (yeah I said it, it's officially my new favorite!!!) The background was stamped with my brand new, made just for me (or so I would like to believe) Fine Gingham Backgrounder stamp from CHF. I'm so in love. I may never buy gingham paper again. Okay, I'm not fooling anyone (including myself), I'll still buy it, just hopefully not as much ;)

Now run on over to the other Chicks blogs and check out their gorgeous creations!
Courtney Fowler
Danielle Marcus
Holly Brown
Kim Gruetzmacher
Maria Fiscella
Risa Malieta
Sparkle Smith

Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:

Stamps: Wishful Elegance, Beautiful Kindness (verve), Fine Gingham Backgrounder (CHF)

Paper: Certainly Celery, Almost Ameythist, Regal Rose

Ink: Almost Ameythist, Mellow Moss, Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip

Accesories: Buttons, Purple Embroidery Floss, Pink Gingham Ribbon, Scallop Dot Punch (martha stewart)

Mojo Monday 84

Yikes, I can't believe I haven't posted since last Tuesday. I really don't know where the last week went. It was a crazy week. My parents spent the weekend with us and gave my oldest daughter a Wii for her birthday. WOW, that thing is really fun. My arms hurt today from all the boxing we've been doing. Bowling is my favorite though. I've also been busy getting my house in order because my brother moved in with us this weekend. He was living with a buddy for awhile and they decided it was time to go their seperate ways. The kids have enjoyed having there uncle here, it should be fun!
Anyway, I'm sure you not here to hear about my long week, I'm sure you're here to see my Mojo card. This is probably my favorite April sketch. I love the panels and there are so many fun options with this sketch. I used some Verve stamps and plan on using them A LOT this week too. I ordered the whole new release and just as predicted they showed up last Wednesday. My craft room hasn't seen much action lately so I'm really hoping to ink things up this week.
Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:

Stamps: Abundant Blessings, Flowers of Tomorrow (verve)

Paper: Pale Plum, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Polka Dot Paper (unknown)

Ink: Close To Cocoa, Apricot Appeal

Accesories: Brads, Blue Gingham Ribbon

Recipe Challenge 45

As I sit here typing this post my hubby is out mowing the lawn. I love the smell of fresh cut grass. The weather here today is beautiful and I'm so ready for spring. My flowers are all starting to grow and I can't wait to be able to spend more time outside.
This weeks Sketches {by tamara} Recipe Challenge has a bit of nature to it.
*ribbon
*patterned paper
*include an image of something that flies I used the uninked dragonfly from SU's Bugs and Kisses and some polka dot My Minds' Eye papers to make this card cute card. I had intended it to be for my nephew's birthday party last weekend but then decided the bow was a little to girly.
Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:

Stamps: Bugs and Kisses, Family Phrases (SU)

Paper: Green Galore, Basic Black, White (DMC), Polka Dots (My Minds Eye)

Ink: Old Olive, Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Accesories: Black Gingham Ribbon, Buttons, Machine Stitching

Created By Courtney Technique Challenge

This week's Created by Courtney Challenge is to use your brayer. Well, I don't have a brayer :( I tried to borrow one but none of the stampers I know have one either, so I'm cardless today. Make sure you check out all the other chicks creations though because they ROCK!!!
Danielle Marcus
Holly Brown
Kim Gruetzmacher
Maria Fiscella
Risa Malieta W.
Sparkle Smith
Thanks for stopping by! I'll have a card tomorrow :)

Mojo Monday 83

Some of you may have already seen just these pictures. I forgot I loaded this weeks Mojo Monday card card to auto post but forgot to type anything...oops! I came home last night from my nephews birthday party with a headache. I've gotten one every night for TWO WEEKS now and it's killing me. I took a tylenol PM and went to bed. I don't wake up to an alarm so I over slept. I didn't roll out of bed until 7:30 and I leave with the girls at 7:40. AHHHHHH!! So now I'm sipping coffee trying to shake off this groggy feeling this morning.
I used my new Verve stamps from the last release for this card. Did you place your order after the release party last Friday? I did and can't wait for them to come. I just got an email this morning that they shipped (thanks Julee). Verve's shipping seriously rocks. I'll probably have my those babies in my paws by Wednesday!!!
Thanks for stopping by today. I'm going to go try and drink a whole pot of coffee and see if I can't get this brain moving! I have to help out at Macy's school book fair today so I really need to get moving.
Recipe:
Stamps:
Miracles Blossom, Floral Whimsy (verve)
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Bella Rose DP (SU), White Lined Paper
Ink: Tuxedo Black (memento), Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette
Accesories: Red Brads, Medium Wavy Scissors

Courtney's "Gingham" Closet

I've been using my Purple Onion Stamps a lot more lately since I FINALLY got them all organized. I use to have them all in a plastic tote but it was hard to see what I had. Plus, I was using double stick tape to adhere them to my stamp blocks and it was a pain. I've had Aleen's Tack Over Glue for awhile and just hadn't taken the time to use it. I spent one morning spreading the glue on the back of all the stamps and now they all stick wonderfully to my blocks. They also stay put on the plastic dividers I bought from Creative Memories when I was a consultant. I punched holes in the dividers and into a notebook they went. It's much handier to have them ready to go and out where I can see them.

Libby lured me into this weeks From Courtney's Closet Challenge by putting her adorable daughter in gingham. I had to play!!! This flower stamp was one I got from Michelle when I was in the final stages of applying to be a designer for here. I love this stamp!!! I inked it up with my SU Real Red and Basic Black markers and stamped it twice on Very Vanilla cardstock. I cut them out and attached them to the card front with jumbo black brads. I love the effect. Both of the flowers stick up from the card. Here's a side angle so you can see the dimension. My hubby thought it looked weird but what does he know ;) Thanks for stopping by!!

Recipe:

Stamps: Single Stem Flower, Happy Birthday, Rouge Et Noir Music Clip (Purple Onion Designs)

Paper: Real Red, Very Vanilla, Script Paper (unknown)

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Close to Cocoa

Accesories: Red Gingham Ribbon, Black Gingham Ribbon, Machine Stitching, Buttons, Brads

Verve April Sketch Challenges 2

I'm back today with the two other cards I made for the Verve April Release. The release party is tonight and I'm definately not missing this one. The sneak peeks over on the Verve blog are already killing me.
I goofed a little on the sketch of the one. The square was suppose to be a little higher. I drew the sketches out myself and apparently missed this little detail.
This is the card I made for the color combo. I used it for the sketch card too, since I already had everything out.

Make sure you come join in on the fun tonight. There are lots of great prizes to give away and LOTS of new Verve stamps to buy!!!!
Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:

Stamps: Feeling Groovy (verve)

Paper: Kraft, Bordering Blue, My Minds Eye, Close to Cocoa DP

Ink: Bordering Blue, Chocolate Chip

Accesories: Brads, Brown Gingham Ribbon, Machine Stitching

Stamps: Beautiful Kindness (verve)

Paper: Barely Banana, Close to Cocoa, Bordering Blue, My Minds Eye Journaling Block

Ink: Close to Cocoa

Accesories: Brown Gingham Ribbon, Staple, Lace Border Punch, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Verve April Sketch Challenges

I spent yesterday morning working on Julee's sketches for the new Verve Release happening on Friday. I managed to get all four done and I am super excited for this release (surprise, surprise).
I used the same papers and colors for both cards because I really liked them together. For the first card I used Little Star, which has quickly become my all time fave for baby cards!!
The second card was made with the "help" of my son. I had the pink gingham paper on my desk ready for this card and he decided to rip it in half....ahhhhhhhhhhh!! I couldn't bare to waste gingham paper so I used it anyway and love it. Thanks Miller :)
I'll be posting the 3rd and 4th cards tomorrow. Make sure you come to the Verve Release Party on Friday night. I already told my hubby he has the kids. I missed the last two :(

Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:

Stamps: Little Star (verve)

Paper: Kraft, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Polka Dots (my minds eye), Pink Gingham (the paper studio)

Ink: Close to Cocoa

Accesories: Paper Piercer, Machine Stitching, Star Punch (su), Buttons, Embroidery Floss, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Stickles

Stamps: Psalm 46:10

Paper: Very Vanilla, Kraft, Pink Pirouette, Polka Dots (my minds eye), Pink Gingham (the paper studio)

Ink: Close to Cocoa

Accesories: Machine Stitching, Lace, Staples, Buttons, Embroidery Floss, Rectangle Nesties

to Cocoa

Accesories: Machine Stitching, Star Punch (su), Button, Embroidery Floss, Lace, CM Cutting System, Paper

Recipe Challenge 44

I goofed a little on this weeks Recipe Challenge but I love this card so here it is anyway. This weeks recipe is:
* a repeating pattern
* numerals
* a one word title or sentiment
I dug into my very neglected Purple Onion stamps to make this card. I planned on using the sentiment thanks (one word) but then I came across {THIS} thank you stamp and decide to use it instead. I like the font and it fit the journaling box better. Well it wasn't until the card was done that I realized my goof. I was going to make a new one but decided to let myself slide.
Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:
Stamps: Thank You, Vintage Blank Ticket, Rouge Et Noir Music Clip, Doodle Flower Set (Purple Onion)
Paper: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Polka Dots (my minds eye), Red Gingham (the paper studio), Word Print (target), Journaling Card (my minds eye)
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Accesories: Red Grosgrain Ribbon (su), Red Gingham Ribbon (ribbon fx), Dew Drops, Scallop Dot Punch (martha stewart), Staples

Created By Courtney Challenge Inspiration Station

Toys!!!! They are all over my house. I'm always tripping over them and usually I'm the one picking them up too :( This weeks Created By Courtney Challenge was to make a card or project inspired by one of your childrens (nieces, nephews, neighbors) toys.
Well, I picked a toy that fit perfectly with one of my new Verve sets. I love that adorable bunny from Practically Perfect and knew that last years easter bunny would be a great inspiration. I wanted to give my bunny some texture to match the fur on the stuffed bunny so I stamped my image on some patterned paper. All the colors were inspired by the paper I choose and the card came together easily. I added some beads to Mrs. Bunny's necklace and you'll never guess where they came from?!? I had a lamp shade that had beads around and it but my kids where always pulling them all off. I finally just took them all off to save myself the hassle of picking them up from all over the house and decided to save them, just in case. I've had them for over a year and finally found a use for them. :)
Make sure you check out all the other Chicks creations!!
Courtney Fowler
Danielle Marcus
Holly Brown
Kim Gruetzmacher
Maria Fiscella
Risa Malieta
Sparkle Smith
Thanks for stopping by!!

Mojo Monday 82

Did everyone have a great Easter? Ours was a little soggy. We went to my parents house and it ended up drizzling all day on Saturday and Sunday. The easter egg hunt was a little wet but the kids didn't seem to mind. I on the other hand, froze!!!!
I hope you got your entries in for the Mojo contest last week! 411 entries, WOW!! The mojo makers got to help with the judging again and there were some fabulous cards!! The winners will be announced on Wednesday so make sure you check them out.
My card this week has very minimal stamping. I really wanted to use this floral paper and now I'm not sure I'm liking it. It's pretty bold. Make sure you check out all the Mojo Makers Creation on the {MOJO BLOG}. They all totally rocked it this week. My card is missing this week, I had issues getting it to load. It was late and apparently that thing doesn't like me :)Here's a pic of my kiddos during the easter egg hunt!!! Yes, I'm a proud mama :)
Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:

Stamps: Happy Birthday (Stampablilities)

Paper: Kraft, Bravo Burgandy, Floral Print (target)

Ink: Close to Cocoa

Accesories: Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Pearls, Scallop Dot Punch (martha stewart)

Funky or Shabby??

I loved this weeks 2 Sketches 4 You sketch so I made two cards and I can't decide which I like better. The first one was inspired by Courtney's Closet well acutally Courtney's adorable play date. The second one is for Kristina Werner's Color Challenge and WOW are these colors bright!!!

Which is better???
Thanks for stopping by!

Verve Sketch

Another week with not a lot of craft time...UGH!!!!!! I'm really missing some of my favorite challenges Courtney's Closet, Color Throwdown and all the Viva la Verve Sketches. The card I'm showing you today was for last months Viva la Verve sketch 4. The colors were a very odd color combo for me. I don't usually use Ballet Blue unless I have too but voluntarily added A LOT of it to this card. I colored the Verve flowers with my copics and wanted to stay with the color scheme. Ballet Blue was the closet match. Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:
Stamps: Floral Symphony, Circular Sayings (verve)
Paper: Ballet Blue, Black, Whisper White, Red Gingham (the paper studio)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (memento), copics
Accessories: scallop dot punch (martha stewart), brads, swiss dots embossing folder, word window punch, curly label punch, scalloped circle punch

Recipe Challenge 43

Okay, so I lied :) I thought last weeks Recipe Challenge card was my favorite but this week's is my new favorite...lol! Edleen chose this weeks recipe of:
*Stitching
*Brads
*Cut out flower from Patterned Paper I don't ever think to use my patterned paper for embellishments. I've had this paper for so long and I have LOTS of it. I don't use it enough though because the pattern is pretty big and I usually end up covering up most of it on a card. Now I can't wait to make more of this card :)
Thanks for stopping by!

Recipe:

Stamps: All In The Family Sentiments (su)

Paper: Barely Banana, Pink Passion, Kraft Ruled Paper, Green Gingham (the paper studio), Floral print (unknown)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (memento)

Accesories: Brads, Machine Stitching, Pink Polka Dot Ribbon (the paper studio)

Created By Courtney Challenge - Coke Tabs

This weeks Created By Courtney Challenge is to use Coke Tabs. I had my hubby saving them all week because I had no idea what I was going to do with them and wanted to make sure I was going to have enough. Well I only ended up using one and I don't think it was a very original idea. I decided just to use it as a ribbon slide. I was actually going to use three on one ribbon and it looked really neat but then I decided on this new Verve stamp and the look didn't really fit for a baby card. Make sure you check out the other chicks creations!
Courtney Fowler
Danielle Marcus
Holly Brown
Kim Gruetzmacher
Maria Fiscella
Risa Malieta
Sparkle Smith
Thanks for stopping by!


Recipe:
Stamps: Little Star (verve)
Paper: Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Creamy Caramel, Ruby Red, Ballet Blue, Polka Dots (target)
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Copics
Accesories: Coke Tab, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Lace Border Punch, Buttons, Cream Embroidery Floss, Machine Stitching