eeeek

Well bloggers... I head out for a girls weekend first thing in the morning.  Don't know that I will have time to blog much while in Florida.

I promise while I am gone to try to get lots done to share with you...and I do have some sneaks for things coming next week.

Happy National Scrapbook Day!


Hugs.

Nancy

No Time

Did you ever have one of those days where you just feel there is no time?  I had one of those today...or so I thought. 

I was going to meet a friend for coffee, was running around the house trying to tidy, make the children scones (yeah, that's how I roll) and get everyone started on their school.  Feeling a little...how am I ever going to get it all done.  But then, it didn't work out, she was crazy busy as well.  Oh well, another day.

And then, I was thinking that there wasn't enough time for me to do all the other things I had planned...but there was.  And there was even time to chat with friends.  And work on a layout (nope, not done yet...and even if it was, it is a surprise, no peeking).  And post this mini album I made over on Flamingo Scraps.  So much fun.  I love mini albums.  I wouldn't mind making them every day, but they would really begin to pile up, and I would never get caught up on my other photos...but it sure was fun while it lasted.

Hope you had time today for all you had planned.

Hugs.

Nancy

And They're Off

Yep.  Today was the first day of the cabana swim season for our team!  We started off the week with a new simmer clinic.  This will go on all week.  It is always so heart wrenching to watch the new swimmers in the water.  Some of course are ready today, others will struggle the entire week.  And in the end.....some will not be on the team, either due to their swimming ability or the lack of space.  sigh  I wish we could have everyone, but rules are rules.

Pretty much ready to get on the plane Thursday....bags are packed, scrappy goodies have arrived in Florida, boarding pass has been printed.  Think I will head over for a mani/pedi before I leave...looking like Wednesday.

While I wait to work on those projects I have sent for the weekend, I have kept a few at home.  When I return I have a post due at Ideas For Scrapbookers, so best to get working on that.  And of course, there is the Flamingo Scraps blog.  So, staying plenty busy.  Luckily, I have plenty of supplies to go around.  lol

Here is something I did for my Big Picture Scrapping class....the color palette was week 3 over at The Color Room.

Off to spend some time with hubby.

Hugs,

Nancy

3 Latte Day

As soon as I post this, I am walking into the kitchen to make myself my third latte for the day. 



Last night was a whirlwind of activity with tacos, girls, birthday cake and a craft. 

These cute little mini books that can hang from a zipper or back pack.

Then, trying to get them to go to bed...sometime around 11:30.  Poor Ainsley was so exhausted, and she had to be up bright and early for the LSC 10 and under champs.  Warms ups started at 7:00.  Now, don't get me wrong, I knew good and well that those girls were not going to be sleeping in...but this meet will drag on till 5ish.  That is a full day for an 8 year old to be swimming with only a few hours sleep.  So, guess who had to sleep in her own bed, by herself.  Wrong!!!  lol  We tried, but she ended up in bed with me.  Which meant, that I should have gotten maybe 6 hours, but with her in the bed....ummmmmm...well yeah.  hee hee

The girls all had a great time.  Ainsley is having a great meet.  And I am trying to get a few things done today.

Be back to share more later.

Hugs.

Nancy

Done

So, those of you who have known me for a while know I have a tendency to take on a little too much at times. This time of year swim team really ramps up and tonight was our new parent meeting! eeeeeek!!!!!

One of the few things I hate about being president of the team is talking in front of people. And of course, this meeting is one of those times I have to do it. I just feel as if I am standing at the front of a classroom talking at people.  Oh well....it is over and done!  woo hoo!!!!!!

And, I am done packing for my crop next week!  woo hoo for that too!!!!  I played a little mind game with myself in order to get it done, but it is done, and that is what counts.

I actually got a surprising amount of stuff done today.  Along with it being Earth Day, it was Take Your Kids to Work Day at Google...so the girls were gone!  No teaching for me!!!!!  Which left time to chat with friends, sip lattes, and get a few things done around the house.

And I managed to find time to set aside a few little projects to work on before I leave next week for both the IFS and Flamingo Scraps blogs.  And to finish this.....

...inspired by another gorgeous color pallete from The Color Room.  Amazing how big that site has grown in only two weeks.

Well, tomorrow is a crazy busy day...Mackenzie's sleepover (with a cute little project planned for the girls), shipping boxes, housework...why is there always housework...and school!  Woo hoo for the weekend tho!  Looks like this one might actually be somewhat relaxing.

Hugs.

Nancy

In Stitches

Trying to be a good blogger today. Two posts in two days...that might be a record! lol

Yesterday, as predicted, was crazy busy. I managed to get all the papers cut for Mackenzie's slumber party project, blog over at Flamingo Scraps, begin the new organization of my ribbon stash (yeah, not going so well...don't think it is gonna work...cry), took Mackenzie to the Dr....and everyone finished school! Very productive.

Oh, and I made this.......

Lots to do today...guess I should get started. I really want to find time to work on another layout for the Color Room. I found some great trim last night that has motivated me. And of course...I have a meeting tonight. sigh

Hugs.

Nancy

Busy, Busy, Busy

I so need a focus button as things are moving quickly around here.

First off, I want to announce that I am the newest contributing designer at Ideas for Scrapbookers!

I am so looking forward to working with all these talented ladies and helping to bring great ideas to more people.  So, look for me over there as well.

Of course, I am still working with Susan and Suzanne over at Flamingo Scraps.  And have a blog posting over there this afternoon.

Life is a little hectic as I have school wrapping up for the year, finals for Brighton, finishing up texts with the girls and now the charter we joined needs additional items as they are working on their WASC certifications. Cabana Swim Team is ramping up, kids hit the pool next week and I need to pack for a short vacay.  Did I mention a slumber party for Mackenzie's birthday?  Wait till you see the cute little craft I have planned. 

I have some scrapping to do, and of course the endless housework and driving....so for now....I will leave you with this.  A little peek at my post today over at Flamingo Scraps.

Hugs.

Nancy

Resistance is NOT Futile!

Today, I thought I would share with you a layout of my daughter, and a quick tutorial using Distress Inks.  I have had the new Webster's Pages sitting on my desk, waiting for the perfect photos to use some with.  I came across a new challenge site on Ning, saw the color scheme and new exactly what I wanted to do. 

The colors were perfect with her outfit, and the Prima flowers really helped brighten the soft papers.

Flamingo Scraps products:  Webster's Pages:  Lullaby Collection, Dreamland.  Prima Marketing Flowers: Symphony Blend, Calcutta Blue, Calcutta Mini's Porcelain, Mini Roses, E-line Bling, Pebbles.  Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Mustard Seed, Spun Sugar.

I made the two inky blocks with distress inks, white acrylic paint, and a couple of stamps.

I started with painting my stamps with the acrylic paint.

I then stamped the image onto my cardstock block.

I know, it is hard to see, but trust me, it is there.

I then began layering the distress inks onto the paper.  I started with the lighter colors and worked my way darker, going back to add bits of other colors as needed, till I got the look I wanted.

You can see the the paint resisted the distress ink.  I took a slightly damp paper towel and wiped the surface to remove any excess ink from the stamped image and....

Give it a try.  I know you have some stamps and acrylic paint lying around. 

Have a great weekend!

Hugs.

Nancy

Rainy Sunday

Let me start by saying that the last few days have been quite busy!

Mackenzie's birthday on Friday was fabulous...those of you who are "friends" on Facebook probably know that it was her 12th birthday and for her present she chose a shopping spree at the mall.  She had the best time!  Got tons of new clothes and a few new legos for her animation....but the best part for her day was a guy she met in the shoe store who is a film student.  They started talking animation and she showed him her Youtube channel.  He proceeded to gush all over her... "mad skills" and "sick talent".  How cool is that?!?  She was simply beaming when we left.

Then, for dinner we went to Left Bank to experience French food.  She was dieing to try escargot...which she loved!  And the blue cheese....which she loved!  Not a huge fan of pate, but.......

Here she is after eating the escargot....

Poor thing had such an awesome, exhausting day that she was crying...thinking life just couldn't ever get better than that day had been. 

Saturday was a bit crazy with the boys helping with an Eagle project.  Brighton is also starting to work on his...dang he is growing fast.  lol

Sunday morning, I almost got run over at the farmer's market buy a dude in a hurry to get a bigger parking spot.  Almost hit me pulling into the spot next to me, and then, once he was in the space and I tried once again to walk to the door....tried to hit me pulling out to move to a bigger one.  ugggghhhh

Anyway, Phil and the girls are off to Wicked (more birthday goodies for Mackenzie ...spoiled?  lol) and Brighton and I are hanging out...doing some crafts...Boy craft?  Yep, gonna make a duct tape wallet.  hee hee.  Well, Brighton is.  I am scrapping.

While you wait, here is a little something I made after watching Prima Live on Wednesday.

Hugs.

Nancy

Getting to know...

Well, I would like to get to know you...and I guess in the process you could get to know me.  Although, I am sure, many of you already feel you know more than needed.  lol

Since today was another crazy, busy, driving, testing day...how about a few questions?

1. Scrapper/cardmaker/both?
2. How long have you been scrapping/cardmaking ? How did you get into it?
3. Do you prefer to work alone, or get together with friends/go to crops/classes etc?
4. Favorite embellishments?
5. Favorite paper brands?
6. Favorite tool?
7. Favorite kind of ink?
8. Whose your scrap idol?
9. Something you bought that you wish you hadn't or have never used?
10. Do you have your own scraproom or do you work in a shared area?
11. Are you a chronological, reverse chronological, or random scrapper?
12. What is your scrapping style if you have one?
13. Whats on your workarea right now?
14. Favorite adhesive?
15. Technique you have never tried that you would like to?
16. Are you on or have you ever been on a design team or been a guest designer?
17. Have you ever had your work published?
18. Are you a consultant for a company such as Close to my heart, stampin up, creative memories, etc?
19. Do you subscribe to any kit clubs, if so which ones?
20. Do you have a minimal stash of supplies or are you a shopper/collecter?
21. Are you a sketch user, scraplifter, or do you come up with it all on your own?
22. Do you participate in any online challenges, if so which ones?
23. Do you own any diecutting machines (manual or electric) and if so which ones?
24. If you have a manual diecutting machine what kind of does do you use?
25. Are you a Stickleser (is that even a word?)



1.  I am a scrapper.  I do not make cards...I stink at it.
2.  I have been scrapping for about 14 years...since my son was born.
3.  I usually work alone, in my scrappy space.  I like to have other's opinions, but I hate to pack my stuff up.
4.  My favorite embellishment...can you guess?  ummmmm, flowers?  lol
5.  Favorite Papers...I bet you can guess that too.  Prima, Pink Paislee, Webster's Pages.
6.  Favorite Tool?  paper trimmer...I can't cut a straight line.
7.  I love, love, love Distress Inks.
8.  Scrap Idol?  wow...that is hard.  I have been loving watching Marion Smith's Ustream shows both Prima and A Piece of Craft.  If you haven't had a chance, you should definitely check it out.
9.  Something I bought?  A regret?  hmmmmmmm, I love all my scrappy toys.
10.  I share my scrappy space with our home office. 
11.  I am a random scrapper who places her pages into books chronologically.  Go figure that one out.  lol
12.  I would say my style tends toward shabby chic.
13.  On my table right now is all the new goodies from Webster's Pages.  4 new lines and all the embellies.  Shipped to me from Flamingo Scraps!
14.  My favorite adhesive was my Kokuyo, but since I can't get it anymore I am using Tombow dot rollers.  I do find myself using more Zip Dry and FabriTac these days tho.
15.  Technique I have never tried is alcohol ink.  Just seems....hard?
16.  I have been on the DT for Flamingo Scraps for over a year now.  I love them!  I have also had a guest dt on Ideas For Scrapbookers. (Thanks Pammy)
17.  I have never been published.  Of course, I have never submitted.  I am afraid of rejection.  lol
18.  I do not consult for anyone.
19.  I don't subscribe to any kit clubs although I used to subscribe to Scarlet Lime and have been tempted by Swirlydoos and My Creative Scrapbook
20.  My stash is, while not huge, bigger than many. 
21.  I do a lot of sketches, some lifts, and some ideas are my own.  I guess all three.
22.  I occasionally participate in challenges at scrapbook.com
23.  I have a Sizzix, Cricut Expression and a Wishblade. 
24.  For the Sizzix Big Shot, I love my new Tim Holtz flower die and some of the large shapes.
25.  I love my Stickles.  Right now my favorite color is platinum.

Well, can't wait to learn more about you.

Hugs,

Nancy

Ugggghhhh

I hate standardized testing.  What a waste of time...and for it to be given 1/2 hour away...that meant 2 hours driving today.  Too long of a day to sit and wait....but quite a drive there and back.  Oh well.  Tomorrow however, Ainsley and I will be hitting the Starbucks and then the park once we drop the older two off.  Mackenzie is only supposed to be there for an hour...really?  why only and hour?  can't we take two tests and not have to come back for an hour on Friday?  ugggghhhhh

Well, between driving, and ustream nightmares (maybe I will share another time) and my obsession with Facebook, not much time for blogging. sorry!  So, how about I share with you a comparison I wrote for the Flamingo Scraps blog? 

You can get all the different mediums at Flamingo Scraps right now too!  lol  I know, I am a terrible enabler.  hee hee

I have had a number of people ask me what the difference is between the Crackle Glossy Accents, the Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint, and the Rock Candy Distress Stickles.

First off, let me say that the Distress Stickles, are that....Stickles.  They are a type of glitter glue.  Distress Stickles are different from the regular Stickles in that they are made to cover larger areas, not to do fine work. 

I hope these photos can help you determine the differences.

I started with three flowers cut from patterned paper.

I covered each with a different medium.  I do not like to use the tip of my applicator to spread the glues as I find it clogs the tip. For the Stickles, I use my finger, for the Crackle Glossy Accents, I used a brush.  The Crackle Paint has a brush inside.

I let each dry.  The Distress Crackle Paint dries the fastest.  Followed by the Crackle Glossy Accents, and finally the Stickles.

In the end, you can see that they all have a nice shine.

The Stickles has much more glitter than the other two.

The Crackle Glossy Accents have larger cracks, and while being quite shiny doesn't have the glitter of the Stickle.

And finally, the Distress Crackle Paint

It has small cracks, and not quite as much sparkle as the Stickles.  Looks like old, glazed jewelery, don't you think?

They all work great on your projects and each can be used for different things.  When the Crackle Glossy Accents dry, they become fairly stiff, while the Distress Crackle paint reminds fairly pliable.  So that, or the size of the crack may help you make the determination as to which of those products to use.  I usually only use the Stickles on smaller pieces as you could quickly go through an entire bottle if you coated large areas.

And finally, these aren't the flowers I showed above, but I did cover the large raised flowers with the Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paints on this Prima Pastiche layout of my daughter.

Flamingo Scraps Products Used:  Prima Pastiche Patterned Flower and Glitter Cardstock Stickers, Prima Mini Roses,Fairytale Roses,Eline Pearls,  Maya Road Olivia Chipboard Alphabet, Maya Road Deep Brown Ink, Maya Mist Cotton Candy, Rock Candy Distress Crackle Paint, 

Hugs.

Nancy

Inky Dirty...a Tutorial

I love, love, love, Tim Holtz Distress Inks! So was I ever thrilled when Suzanne called to tell me they were thinking of adding Ranger Products to the Flamingo Scraps store. It really is a rare day that I do a project without something on it getting inked up. The Distress Inks can be used in so many different ways. In this layout, I used them for many different things.

I used Walnut Stain, Mustard Seed, Tumbled Glass and Spun Sugar to color a plain sheet of kraft paper. They gave the background a beautiful, suede like texture.

The key here is to layer the colors.  Start with the lightest colors and add on.  I always find I don't add near enough color at first.  One of the best things about these inks is how well they blend.  Just keep adding and blending till you get the desired look.  (I like to use the Tim Holtz blending tool with foam pads, but you can use a make up sponge, pieces of cut up foam, whatever works best for you.)

On the petals, you can see how I blended the same colors to make the rose. Remember, one of the great things about Distress Inks is that you can just keep blending and adding colors until you get the result you want.

And finally, did you know that you can use the inks to color metal and pearls? I have found that if you heat the item first, getting it really nice and hot, the ink will stick. Those pearls and flowers you see....they were the white Prima Say it in Pearls and Roses.

On this project I also used the Distress Inks. I went much more heavy handed and darker with the colors. And I inked just about everything in site. Don't worry that when you ink brown ink over brown paper or blue ink over blue paper that you won't be able to see it. You can! It gives the color much more depth.

The sheet of die cut paper was the back side of a bright, red orange. I just flipped it over to get white and then started inking away. I then inked all the other pieces of paper with the color of the paper. So the brown paper got brown ink, the blue paper got blue ink and the green photo mat....you guessed it, green ink. Lots of tearing and curling as well. Boy layouts can be such a struggle for me, I just need texture. hee hee I also inked the embossed chipboard and grungeboard to make it, more grungy.

Well, I hope I have encouraged you to get your hands dirty with some ink. I would love to see what you do with yours. Leave me a link and I will for sure come by to check it out.

Hugs.

Nancy

Paper Roses

Dang...now that Marie Osmond song is gonna be stuck in my head the rest of the afternoon...and yes, I know I have just dated myself.  For those of you unfamiliar....



A few friends have asked me how I made the paper rose on my "date nite" layout.  So, a quick tutorial....


You start with 3 six petal flowers.  These were a SCAL file I found on the internet.  You can find it here .  You don't have to use your Cricut though.  You can use a Sizzix die (which is what Tim Holtz used in his tutorial), a punch, flowers you already have, hand cut, etc.

If you are starting with 3 full six petal flowers you will need to cut them.  The first flower you will cut a slit to the middle.  On the second flower you will remove one petal.  For the third flower, remove two flowers. 

I inked them up quite a bit and then began the process of gluing.  Basically you are just going to glue the flowers back together with the missing petals.

After that, curl the ends under.  Stack the layers making sure to alternate where the petals line up.  And....done.

It may take a bit of practice, and I have found it helpful to paint the backside of my cardstock with some Mod Podge to give it some depth and flexibility.

Hope you have fun with it.

Hugs.

Nancy

Inky Dirty part 2

Lots more inky, dirty posting over on the Flamingo Scraps blog today.  Don't think I will bore you with all the details, but here is another layout I did....I am digging the inks.  lol

If you want all the dirty details, you can head over to Flamingo Scraps.

Other than that....getting ready to get my hands dirty with swim team.  I can't believe it is April.  Kids are in the water soon.  How time flies.

Hugs.

Nancy