Where's Honey??

The first day of school for her brother started as a normal day, but when we took him to the school after lunch and drove home without him my daughter got so upset. At first I couldn't tell what was bothering her... until she started asking "Where's Honey?" (that was her way of saying Hunter at just under 2). I loved these different faces she made and her sitting under the tree waiting for the bus to drop her Honey off so just had to scrap it. These papers are from the Designer Series called Urban Oasis. Also on this page are a vellum Top Note, some Kiwi ribbon, and some chipboard. I'll list the rest of the supplies in the supply list at the end.

These pictures are not from the same day (or month even) so to help them look good side by side I used the same DSP and color scheme with the exception of some Melon Mambo in there to help highlight the picture of just her. I've noticed this weekend that I went without titles on a few occasions and am just fine with that. It eliminates the pressure of choosing the perfect words, plus helps indirectly state that this is just an ordinary day in the Moore household, not an extraordinary event.

So those are my Scrappin' Tips for today: Not enough pics for a 2-page spread? No worries, just subtly tie them together using a similar color scheme or even coordinating papers. Tip #2: It's OK to leave the title off if you want!

In case you hadn't noticed, this pages utilizes the Beautiful Wings and Big Bold Butterfly embosslit and die respectively. Hope you like it!

~Kristin

PS- The large circle on the top page was done by tracing a plate with pencil then cutting it with the craft knife. Easy! This is my second post for today so scroll down to see another layout!

SUO Supplies:

Paper: Urban Oasis DSP, Melon Mambo, vellum, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Gray, Baha Breeze

Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings embosslit, Big Bold Butterfly die, Top Note die, chipboard, Modern Label punch, Old Olive and Melon Mambo markers, Scallop Circles Die #2.

Cherish

As I promised (warned), here's yet another 12x12 scrapbook spread. The left side was inspired by another magazine layout I found. It is missing the journaling which I'll add one of these days. I used some Razzleberry Lemonade DSP for each of them as well as some dimensional flowers that I've had for a year that just happened to match fairly well. I inked up my chipboard title with the Melon Mambo marker which works great because I was able to get the edges and all the nooks and crannies. Below are close-ups of the individual pages. Hope you like!

Thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

I {Heart} You!

Ever since the Clean & Simple challenge on Monday to make a Valentine's card I've been wanting/meaning to make another one. Not sure why it took me this long, but I've finally put to paper the idea I've had in my head that whole time. Of course it's not the exact idea but it's close.

Calling this Clean & Simple might be a stretch though... it is clean enough I think with a lack of layers, but simple might be debatable considering I embossed the heart, made a Build-a-Brad, used the Big Shot on the card base, not to mention chipboard, ribbon and a fancy Scallop Trim punch. But CAS is up to us, so this is gonna count this time!

I had this all laid out and ready to glue down when I decided I really wanted to use one of my new Real Red Sending Love Epoxy Brads (now available in the Occasions Mini catalog). But the Real Red just wasn't working with my Melon Mambo so I suddenly had a thought that I can make my own! I pulled out my Build-a-Brad kit, stamped the pink heart (from the trio of hearts stamp in Love You Much) then punched it out with my 1/2" circle punch. Voila- my own almost epoxy heart brad in Melon Mambo! Just what I wanted.

The big heart is from that same stamp set, Love You Much. The chipboard letters I liked in their original kraft color since that is the color of the card base, but I wanted to spruce them up a bit so I stamped the "i" with an old set called Beyond the Basics, and the "u" with my Polka Dot background- stamped twice. I also colored in a few of the details on the big heart with my handy-dandy Melon Mambo marker.

The Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions folder (p. 35) and black satin ribbon (p. 27) are now available in the new Occasions Mini Catalog also!

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great day!

Oh, I almost forgot! I have GREAT NEWS! I will be offering my FIRST EVER BLOG CANDY next week. Be sure to check back frequently for a chance to win! I can't wait to show you what it's all about!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Love You Much, Beyond the Basics, Polka Dot background

Colors: Kraft, Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions folder, chipboard, Black Satin ribbon, Build-a-Brad, 1/2" circle punch, clear embossing powder, Scallop Trim Edge punch

Ten Years Ago Today!

Ten years ago today I was in the hospital having our oldest child on New Year's Eve while worrying about Y2K and power outages. Can you believe the Y2K scare was 10 years ago?! I can't believe my baby is TEN! Anyway, this is his birthday card. If you recognize it it's because I made it and posted it back in August! Well, last night I fixed up the inside so wanted to share that with you.

I made this little pop-up with chipboard numbers so he has a fun surprise worthy of a 10th birthday! We're at an indoor waterpark today to celebrate!

Happy New Year's to all! Can't wait to see what 2010 brings!

~Kristin

Top Note Chipboard Boxes

Have you seen these done before? I've done one back in February maybe, but don't think I posted many details about it or even an individual picture. There is a tutorial on Splitcoast to make these- they are fun and fairly easy! This time I made the Top Note pieces out of chipboard sheets that I had laying around. TIP: save all chipboard packaging from 12x12 paper packs and other products for using in your Big Shot! So cool! Especially with these bigger dies.

I made these boxes while coming up with teacher gift ideas. I like to make things for a number of reasons... because that's what I do first of all. But it also saves money and I hope to only give gifts that can be used or eventually discarded without causing any guilt. I know teachers get a ton of crap they don't really need. I hope you don't feel that these fall into that category.

I think tonight me and the kiddos will make some yummy chocolate treats to go inside. Maybe I'll even take some pictures and post a recipe tomorrow... we'll see, lots to do this time of year!

So what do you think? I made them non-holiday colors so they could be used on a desk or throughout the year if preferred.

Do you own a Big Shot? Make sure to check out the 12 days of Christmas sale at SU! Lots of good deals on Big Shot dies and accessories!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies:

Big Shot, Top Note die, Daisies #2 die, print pattern papers from old retired 6x6 hostess packs, corduroy buttons (Basic Gray and Summer Sun)

ETA: Tutorial linked HERE... sorry I forgot that the first time.

Lattice Votive

I am so excited to share this with you today! Yesterday while trying to come up with some teacher type gifts I made this. The lattice is cut with chipboard sheets that come in paper packs etc. It went through the Big Shot with this die just fine- although to make punching them out easiest I did go back and forth 2-3 times through the machine. Worked like a charm! I used three Lattice pieces for each votive holder- tying them together at the corners with the Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon. Rolled up a piece of vellum cardstock (about 3.25x6 inches I believe it was- will have to double check), taped it shut on one end and slid it in. Put one of those little battery powered tea lights inside and voila! Oh boy, I love it when I can make things that are pretty and useful.

Here is a picture of the three I've made so far. They are actually very fast to make too. You could make this with various shades of cardstock too and change up the ribbon to any color. Can you imagine these in black? I think they'd look like wrought iron. Ooh, I'm gonna try that next!

Anyway, I've made a few ornaments and some little boxes too. I'll post those in the coming days.

Hope your holiday preparations are going smoothly!

Stampin' Hugs,

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Lattice Die, Big Shot, Chipboard remnants, Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon, Vellum Carstock

Whoo {hearts} You?

As I fell asleep last night my last thoughts were of this Close to Cocoa scrap that I had embossed my new Woodgrain background on and the little owl from Forest Friends but just couldn't muster up anything creative with it. I realized recently that I don't do "FUN" cards very often... my style tends to lean towards soft, subtle, serene, classic maybe but not much FUN. That just doesn't reflect my personality so first thing this morning when I woke, I kid you not, Melon Mambo and Pumpkin Pie polka dots were on my mind! I couldn't even sleep in because of the urge to get up and make this card.

Well, my daughter's birthday is coming up soon so I thought this would be a great birthday card for her- although it doesn't say Happy Birthday anywhere on it (I'll write that in my message inside). She was sitting here beside me while I tried to make it but didn't pay much attention due to a computer game. However, while I tried to photograph it I kept asking her to stay out but her curiosity was killing her. I bet she's been in here 10 times "looking for something"! Geez, it's just a card!

Anyway, this is fairly otu of the box for me as I used chipboard and letters to spell something out instead of a sentiment stamp. I think there is a recent challenge somewhere to do something out of your normal style so this might fit! The Woodgrain and owl are both embossed and the chipboard U is embossed with Glassy Glaze (a really thick clear powder) on Pumpkin Pie craft ink. The color turned out darker than I'd hoped but it still works for me.

I've been itching to use up some of the FIVE colors of corduroy buttons I had to have so snuck a pumpkin one on there in the corner!

Here is the inside. The letters on this are all from SU's Billboard Decorative Strip alpha and the Big Shot. I'm so glad I got this! I'd better run- we've got a very full day today! If you have any questions feel free to let me know. Thanks for stopping in to see me today!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Woodgrain, Forest Friends

Colors: Close to Cocoa, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Big Shot, Billboard Decorative Strip sizzlit alpha, circle punches, Heart to Heart punch, chipboard (SU's!), pumpkin corduroy button, Melon Mambo dotted grosgrain ribbon, scallop punch, clear EP.

thank YOU

Today's Clean & Simple challenge is to use Black and White with one Bold Bright. Well, my Bold Bright is Tempting Turquoise and the patterned paper is from Pink Flamingo DSP. My chipboard letters are inked and embossed with basic black. The "thank" is from a stamp in Full Of Life stamp set- inked with a marker and placed using the Stamp-a-Majig. It is supposed to be clean and simple, but let me tell you I had a heck of a time keeping that white cardbase clean! I had black embossing powder, stray adhesive every where and smudges of ink- geesh! I do like this card though- I think I'll use it to write a note to one of my kiddos' teachers for their last day of school tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!
~Kristin

PS- Dodgers won again! ;)

Simple Bunny

Here is a clean & simple, fairly quick card that we'll be doing at my stamp camp tonight! I just adore the sweetness of the images in this Forest Friends set (availab e now in the Occasions Mini Catalog) and love how the chipboard frame helps with the scale of the bunny with the rest of the card (KWIM?). Some sets with multiple small images need a little extra "umph" to help with that scale issue.

I LOVED the color combo of this Basic Gray and the Saffron print from Parisian Summer DSP (Designer Series Paper). However, I really wanted to add that one extra color for a touch of bold and whimsy. Naturally I looked at the color wheel to see what I like with Saffron and that led me to Old Olive which I handily switched out for Kiwi Kiss- a favorite! The chipboard frame has a dabbing of Going Gray ink on it and a bit of Kiwi ribbon attached with a new 5/16" brad. The sentiment is the level one Hostess set called Sweet Little Sentiments which are all a nice size for a CAS card!

Thanks for looking! I've got 2 more cards we are doing tonight that I'll share over the next few days. One I designed especially for one of my dearest customers, Nancy who is coming over tonight! She requested an accordion-fold card, or as I've now learned they are called "Stair step" card so that's what I'll show you tomorrow.

Glad you were here!

~Kristin

SUO Supplies

Stamps: Forest Friends, Sweet Little Sentiments

Paper: Basic Gray, Very Vanilla, Kiwi Kiss, Parisian Summer DSP

Accessories: Word Window Punch, Chipboard, Kiwi Kiss grosgrain, 5/16" jumbo brad, Crafter's Tool Kit

MOJO77 is HERE!

Here I am again with today's Mojo Monday sketch! You really can't go wrong with a Mojo sketch- they are so unique and not just basic, typical layouts.

Remember a little while ago I posted a THIS beaded flower card (scroll down to 2nd card in that post)? Well, I really wanted to try it again but hadn't because the fine green beads were the only SU beads I have... well, today I dug through my non-SU stash and found a tiny hex-nut bottle with a tiny amount of misc. beads in it. Obviously someone shared these with me so I have no idea what brand they are but I can say for sure they are old!

Anyway, I used Fifth Avenue Floral again, but a different flower this time. I watercolored a tiny bit around the outside so it would stand out more. The chipboard ring framing the flower was inked with Rose Red craft and clear embossed. No my brads are not supposed to be in a straight line, I decided to try curving them with the chipboard just for a fun and unexpected something. I wish they looked more Basic Gray than they do- they are from the vintage variety pack of brads and looked a little more gray in the container (unless I grabbed the wrong ones).

I had a lot of fun with this! I hope you'll try this technique- 'stamping with beads' we'll call it! You'll need some craft ink (or Versamark) and some heat & stick powder and of course some fine beads. If mishandled they can come off, but if you can resist touching too much they will stay on just fine. Oh, and here's a closeup of the beads for your viewing pleasure.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the Mojo sketch! BTW, I am not affiliated in anyway with Mojo- I just am loving their sketches!

Stop by tomorrow for something I put together for the CAS challenge today! Have a great day!

~Kristin

PS- To Jeannette my most loyal poster: do you have a blog? I want to see and comment on all your lovely works of art! I feel bad not being able to reciprocate your sweet comments! You can email me at stamp_for_smiles at embarqmail dot com!

SUO Supplies (unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, sentiment from Stem Silhouettes (retired)

Paper: Basic Gray, Rose Red, Whisper White, Summer Picnic DSP

Ink: Silver, Rose REd Craft, Basic Black

Accessories: Chipboard, clear EP, Rose Red grosgrain, Vintage Brads, Non-SU: fine beads.

Time To Scrap!

So it's January, holidays are behind me, now it's time to scrap! Of course I will still do cards- probably more than pages- but this is the best time of year to crank out those memories on paper! Besides, I've already set my 2009 goals (see Scrapbooking Goals in sidebar) and since I failed miserably in 2008 I am trying to get going now.

I loved THIS layout by Lisa Henke and knew as soon as I saw it I wanted to "borrow" it... well, mine didn't turn out quite as cute as hers, but you get the idea.

I had these pictures of my kids that I really wanted to scrap. Even though these were taken in July 04 I could've taken them yesterday. They still do this!

The journaling reads: "P.M. doesn't always stand for night, bedtime or post-meridiem... sometimes it also means Pillow Monsters! Very often I find that you two have gathered every pillow from the entire house and made a fortress somewhere! Fun for hours!"
If you enjoy scrapbooking I challenge you to join me and set some goals for 2009. Then have fun watching which months you succeeded or exceded your goals (and those you might not have)! This just might get you filling up those albums!

In case you are interested here are the SUO supplies:

Cardstock: Ruby Red, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Wanted DSP

Ink: Chocolate Chip and Ruby Red craft ink

Accessories: Top Note Die, Big Shot, Large Star punch, chipboard (is SU but I'm not sure which retired collection), 1 1/4" circle punch, Chocolate chip marker, Chocolate felt ribbon.

PS- Oops, meant to post this tomorrow and uh, messed up now can't get it off without deleting. Well, happy Tuesday early!

CD holder picture frame!

I couldn't stand it. I saw this idea on Lisa's blog (yes, Lisa again!) and had to try it out! I love the idea of using an empty CD case for a picture frame! They are cheap so I can alter as much as I want (ie. rub-ons etc.) and they protect the picture inside, plus they actually stand up on their own and the little tabs hold the paper in place so you can change it out whenever you like! How cool is that??

Do any of you hoard rub-ons?? Well, I use them but sparingly because I'm so afraid I'll run out (as if there aren't new ones coming out all the time!). Anyway, these are left over from the Happiness rub-ons which were a freebie during Sale-a-Bration in Feb! Man do I love how they look on the front of this CD case!

I'm thinking these would be a neat craft idea from my DD's birthday party in October! I don't know... do you think I can stand watching 6 & 7 year olds playing with my rub-ons?!? Ooh, and I'll have to actually share my DSP... OK, so maybe not! LOL! Anyway, hope you like it. The paper is all from the new pack called Parisian Summer. I will do one for my son as well as soon as I figure out which of my rub-ons is the least girly. Girly isn't good for an 8 year old boy you know.

This next project was inspired by THIS beautiful idea! The base is just a chipboard coaster (from Max & Erma's if you must know) covered with the new Urban Garden DSP. Then the post-it note pad is just held on by the office clip which I disguised a bit with the scallop of DSP and topped off with the beautiful button from Button Bouquet. Of course the pen is clipped on as well.

I'm starting to get lots of ideas swirling around for chipboard coasters and am seriously considering an entire class devoted to these babies!

Thanks for stopping by, as always!

Featured Swapper: Denise Hinton!

Since I was sitting down to browse Denise's gallery yesterday to find something of hers to CASE due to her being the GSG Featured Swapper this week, I decided to combine a card of hers I LOVE with yesterday's Ways to Use it Challenge (WT165). The only stipulation of the challenge was to use chipboard somewhere- No Problem! My good friend Nicky gave me a big supply of chipboard that she had extras of a few months ago and I've been thinking about this bird ever since. The set also included lots of neat frame thingys too!

Here is Denise's (aka Geekgirl415) card I chose and I decided right away I wanted to use my chipboard bird with it to mimic hers. My layout ended up almost upside down from hers which I didn't plan, but it just worked better that way once I did the stamping. I used her colors, general theme and her layout to an extent! Thanks Denise for the excellent inspiration!

Also, be sure to check out Denise's Blog, Geekgirl's Random Ramblings, she is so fun and very talented! Thanks for stopping by!

ETA: Fixed the link to Denise's card (I hope!).

Stampin' Supplies (All SU unless otherwise indicated)
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Carte Postale
Paper: Soft Sky, Soft Sky textured, Always Artichoke, Wintergreen
Ink: Whisper White, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Non-SU: Dew drops, chipboard, white satin ribbon

Warning, I am TWO!

OK, well those of you who know me in person know that DD is actually 6 now and that I'm obviously 4 years behind in scrapbooking.... well, I'm OK with that. Slow and steady wins the race, right? I plan to pursue this hobby well into my nursing home years (yeah right?!) so I've got plenty of time and am thoroughly enjoying the journey!

Anyway, I completed this page over the weekend. The sketch was provided by Splitcoast as part of their frequent VSBN (Virtual ScrapBook night). Actually it's an entire weekend full of provided challenges to get your pages complete (and there is a lot of virtual "chatting" going on as well). Despite my best intentions this is the only page I got done this weekend.

Supplies: this is entirely SUO (Stampin' Up Only) except the stickers which make the title (not sure what they are) and the circle cutting system. It's the first time I've really played around with the new stamp set called It's a Sign. This page is Brocade Blue with accents in More Mustard and Night of Navy. I've also used a chipboard 2 which is stamped on with the road sign stamps, more mustard brads, the new My Way punch (for the mustard arrows) and I used the large square punch to make the navy arrow head (cut in half). Thanks for looking!