It is Easy Being Green

While I am actually a transplant to Northern California, I think at heart I have always been a California girl.  Years of being a vegetarian, PETA member, recycling, environmentalist.  lol

So, how thrilled am I to find that many of my favorite scrapbooking companies are going green as well.

I posted a few projects today over on the Ideas for Scrapbookers blog on how to use packaging.

I did want to share this with you all tho.

I made this for one of Ainsley's ballet instructors.  She is always amazed at the little projects and cards Ainsley and I make so I thought what a great end of year, Teacher's gift.  A little mini album.  I really love making little projects for friends and family.  I can only fit so much in my house.  lol

I made it totally out of scraps and packaging.  The flower on the front is a rolled flower I made from tulle, with some gems glued in the center.  

There is even a little pocket in the back, where Ainsley put a note she wrote.  Needless to say, her teacher loved it.  And it will be a great reminder of Ainsley's time in her class.

Well, the in laws will be here soon.  So, I may not be around much the next few days.  My desktop computer sits in the guest room/office/scrap space, and we have tons of things planned for the weekend with ballet, swim meet, and Memorial Day.

Don't forget to become a follower for a chance to win an altered frame kit.

Hope you have a fabulous long weekend.

Hugs.

Nancy

Feeling Altered

Today, over on the Ideas for Scrapbooker's blog many of the contributing artists shared altered items they had made.  I shared this photo frame I made to highlight my children on the beach here in Northern California.  The beaches here are not the bright and sunny ones that you see in most photos, that you think of when you picture a beach, but I think they are beautiful nonetheless.

I started with a simple photo frame from Michaels.  The Type you find in the dollar bin.  

I painted the sides with a crackle medium and some white paint.   I stamped some simple patterned paper I had from Teresa Collins with glimmer mist and a script acrylic stamp.  I then attached the paper and added lots of inky goodness.

I had seen this video over on You Tube.  How to do a transfer onto sticky back canvas.  And had to try making flowers to match.

All in all, I had a ton of fun making this frame.  I had so much fun in fact that I decided to share in it.

If you are not already a follower, become one, and you will be in a drawing for this....

You can try some of these fun techniques on the frame I found.  This time, Mackenzie will pick a winner on Wednesday, June 2.  Can you believe it is almost June?  Eeeeek  June is already next week.

Have a fabulous Wednesday.

Hugs.

Nancy

Relax

Well, it is Sunday night and it is finally quiet.  Such a long weekend.  Today was the Farmer's Market, laundry, house work, chasing the dog when she got loose.  lol  And why is it, that just a few short hours ago my house was spotless, but no more?

I did find a little time to play with my paper.

This is from another wonderful sketch and color palette from The Color Room.

And I made a few cards...but they are in the mail, so those of you receiving.....

The boys had a great day river rafting on Cache Creek and I hope to have some photos to share and scrap soon.

Saturday was also a blur with ballet, piano recital, errands, and, the best....We got Brighton's history final back.  He got an A!  Woo Hoo!!!!  We are so excited that in his first year of kinda sorta "real" school he managed to take 39 credits and pull a 3.88 GPA!

Things are really gearing up around here with the Ballet School performance (rehearsals and costume fittings every day this week) and our time trials for cabana this weekend.  Add to that the in-laws visiting, so later this week I may go on radio silence. hee hee

Not to worry tho.  I already have a few projects ready for the Ideas for Scrapbookers blog that I will be detailing here later this week.

Hope to see you soon.

Hugs.

Nancy

So sorry

Well, along with Brighton's finals, swim team swimsuit mishaps, photographer issues, ballet recitals, piano recitals, swim team field day and the regular day to day laundry, house work and school, I just haven't had much time to create.  That and the fact that someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that it isn't winter and that it needs to stop raining.  The pressure changes wreak havoc with my sinuses.  sigh

I did get this one done.  It sat for days, but it is done.

This is based on a Liz Qualman sketch.  If you haven't had a chance, you should check out her blog.

Tomorrow I hope to get a mini album made, and some cards so I can send out these packages that are sitting here.

That is if the air pressure will just make up its mind.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Hugs

Nancy

Wrapping up - Brighton

Well, I have a few projects going, but nothing ready to share yet.  I have been having fun playing with my new UTEE pot.  The girls and I were dunking all kinds of flowers in.  Can't wait to make something with them now.

Until then... how about one I finished the other day for the challenge over at The Color Room.

And, a little about how the school year went.  Today we will start with Brighton.

Brighton - Loved all his Apex courses (Honors Freshman English, Honors World History, Spanish 1) once he got the teachers and their requirements down.  In the beginning it was a bit of a struggle especially since he hadn't been graded in the past, but he persevered and was able to pull the grades he needed.  We are sad that he won't be able to continue there next year as they were unable to get the classes Brighton needs approved as a-g by the state of California. Saxon Advanced Math was quite a bit of work.  He somehow managed to complete the entire 2 year curriculum in 1 year!  Yep, math kid...so not fair!  lol....and his tutor totally rocked.  Stephanie...if you are out there...big hug!  His computer classes were OK.  They would have been great but it is a battle when you are trying to get anything done outside of regular "school" hours.  And having his dad teach him, it has to be in the evenings.  He has written a few game programs now and has been enjoying it.  Blockout anyone? Hangman? lol  PE..well, he is still swimming USA Swim and has managed to get a few "A" times, needless to say we are thrilled!

Well, I should probably step away from my computer and try to get some more "work" done around here.


Hugs.

Nancy

Winner, Winner

Chicken Dinner!!!!!

Hee hee...my children have so many sayings about chickens I just couldn't resist.  lol  And we are actually having chicken tonight.

think I might have to scrap this one soon

I can't believe how many of you are now following me!  You really don't know how happy that has made me. All of your love and support totally rocks!

So, without further ado.....

Sandy?  Can you hear me?  You are the winner!!!!!!!!

Please send me your address (nkeslin@yahoo.com) and I will get your goodies in the mail.

Hugs

Nancy

Quick Update

We are trying to finish up our school day and I am making little slips of paper for Ainsley to choose from.


We will draw the winner after lunch.


But, for now...the polls are closed.  lol


Please feel free to follow me tho!  I have had so much fun with this, I think I might just have to do it again.


Hugs.

Nancy

Holding Out

If you are looking for the post about my RAK, please look here.

My good friend Heather  thinks I have been holding out on her, not teaching her some favorite tricks....so I did this layout and tutorial for her.  She is such a sweetie for posting my blog candy over on her blog, how could I deny her.  hee hee  It didn't turn out quite as I had envisioned but.....

I have been doing a lot of these flowers lately.  The are so cute, so fun, use up scraps and work on both masculine and feminine pages.  And my favorite part...they are super simple to make.

I start with a square piece of paper.  A six inch square will make about a two and one-half inch flower.  Smaller squares make smaller flowers.

I start by cutting my paper into a spiral.

I make the spiral about 1/4 inch thick.

Begin by rolling from the outside of the spiral.

Continue rolling until you get almost to the center of the spiral.

When you get to the center of the spiral, apply adhesive to the circle.

Hold for a few minutes while you wait for the glue to set.  (I like to use zip dry or fabri-tac as they hold nicely and spread evenly).

If you like, you can use a sanding block to distress the top of the flower or dry brush some paint.

So, Heather...there ya go.  And for everyone else...have fun!  lol

Hugs.

Nancy

Sweet Saturday

If you are looking for the information on my RAK, check it out here.

It's Saturday, and boy do I have a lot to tell you today.

First up....How about some new scrappiness.....

This one if for a fun class I have been doing over at Big Picture Scrapbooking.  A while back I won Nic Howard's Dimensional Detail class from Prima Marketing.  It has been fun.  This week the focus was on adding stitching.  So, I broke out the sewing machine and.....  Lots of yummy Pink Paislee goodies.  I am loving the swirly flowers.  They feed my flower addiction while still remaining somewhat "masculine.

And here is Amanda and I on the beach in Florida.  So much fun.  Love me some Webster's Pages goodies.  And you know...these days...loving some burlap.  Thinking I am gonna head out in a bit to the new Joann's Fabrics and see about acquiring some canvas.  I am having so much fun adding fabric to my pages.

On the homeschooling front, things are slowing down and wrapping up.  I plan on doing a review of my year, what things did and didn't work.  It has been quite an adventure with the charter school, Brighton's starting high school, Mackenzie's digital arts...and you know everyday is an adventure with Ainsley!  lol

Hope you are having a great weekend.....Chris, Sue and I are gonna head out for some fun girl time.

Hugs.

Nancy

Goodbye......

Well, it is official.  I know that some of you knew, but now...for sure...official.

I am no longer designing for Flamingo Scraps.  It was fun while it lasted, but I feel that it is time for me to move on.  Not to worry tho...I will still be doing lots of reviews, tutorials and techniques right here for you...and who knows...maybe something else will come along.  Anyone looking for a new DT member?  lol

Well, while I wait for the next great thing to come along....How about a little blog candy?  I have been trying to clean and organize lately.  And in honor of my moving on....

Leave me a comment here or become a follower, and on Monday I will have Ainsley pick a winner from all entries.  (if you are already a follower, you of course are already entered...although I love comments.  lol)

Hugs.

Nancy

Baby Love

My little niece is simply adorable.   Every time we get together with my sister I always am sure to bring my camera as, well.....babies are just so dang photogenic.

I must admit that occasionally I miss having a baby around.  They are pretty sweet, they smell good, the are oh so cuddly.....sigh.  But then Phil reminds me of the sleepless nights, the diapers, the lack of "me" time.  And I am glad that mine are a little older.  Besides, he tells me, "I am done with babies."

So, let me ask you...does this look like a man who is done with babies?

Just saying.  lol

Hugs.

Nancy

Bad Mommy

First off, let me confess...I have been a bad Mommy!  Ainsley came with me the other day to meet a friend for coffee at the mall.  We hung out for a while, did a bit of shopping (where Ainsley shared her best fashion advice) and of course Ainsley rambled on quite a bit about how much she loves scrapbooking.  And here is where the bad Mommy comes in.....I said I would post her latest creation to share...and I haven't.  So, without further ado....

So wishing I had picked up some of that paper and those cute embellies.  sigh...She won't even share her scraps.  hee hee

On a more postitive mommy note....

I have fallen in love with this website. Math Worksheets  Ainsley has been struggling with recognizing that she actually does know her math facts and doesn't need to count her fingers and toes...or sing little songs.  These are quick and easy and are helping give her the confidence she needs to continue on with her math.

I can't believe the school year is almost at an end.  The children are all so ready to be done, and I have to admit...I am as well.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Day After Mother's Day

This last weekend was very busy.  I attempted to get all my chores and errands run on Saturday so as to have Sunday available for rest and relaxation.  And it worked...mostly!  I did get up early to head to the market.  And I did get the chance to play with paper and organize my scrappy trims.  But mostly, I got some time to hang out with the children and enjoy the day.

Ainsley was so sweet, she made me some cinnamon bread toast when I got home from shopping.  And Brighton made lunch.  Phil of course handled dinner.  Steamed clams, lobster, and creme brulee for dessert.  yum!  And the children convinced him I needed an iPad!  I think he wanted it too...so Mother's Day was just an excuse to get it in the house.  Yeah, I am onto you honey! (he is reading this over my shoulder and is laughing...cause he knows it is true)

Anyway...here is one of the things I made this weekend.  A layout for The Color Room palette 5.  If you haven't checked out the challenge site yet, you really should.  Some crazy talent, great sketches, and beautiful colors to be found.

That's Amanda and me at CHA with some of the scrap celebrities.  Super fun but exhausting week.

Hugs.

Nancy

Slackin'

Yeah, I know...I still have a bunch of layouts from National Scrapbook Day to share, plus I have the layouts I did yesterday on Mother's Day...but some have to wait until blog reveals...sorry.  Anyway...while you wait...did you see this month's Prima Picks?  I am not usually a purple girl, but I find myself drawn to it lately.

Check these out!

Love, love, love!!!


OK, back to work here.  Have a great day!

Hugs.

Nancy

so much to do, so little time

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.  In celebration of that....I will be doing the same thing I always do on Sunday. LOL  Get up early, hit the farmer's market, Whole Foods and then, hopefully settle in for some paper play.  In order to do that....today...when the mojo is on the rise...I have to do housework.  uggggghhhh

Having driven the children over 300 miles in the last 2 days, housework has been falling behind.  You know the children aren't going to do it.

Anyway...while you wait for some new projects to get loaded here are a few I have already completed.

Hope you have a great day!

Hugs.

Nancy

Cracks and Shine - Scrapbook Pal DT Entry

I posted this a bit ago over on Flamingo Scraps and never got around to sharing it here with you.

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.

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.

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.  I stamped the background with acrylic stamps using glimmer mist as the medium.  I also used glimmer mist to paint the journal block.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Tuesday

Best laid plans and all.....

I did lots of fun things while in Florida last week.  And of course had every intention of posting something yesterday.  But, as fate may have it, life got crazy busy, the blog award took way more time than it should have, and well....it didn't happen.

I do however have a fun blog up over at Ideas For Scrapbookers today.  Two fun layouts and a birthday banner with tutorial. 

So, if you want more details, be sure to stop by.

And, I will get some fun goodies up from my weekend later this week for sure. I got quite a bit done. A total of 21 pages (some still need photos, as they were from kits) and 8 cards.

Till then....

Hugs.

Nancy

Sunshine Award

I received this awesome award by an awesome friend, Heather.  She is such a talented scrapbooker, both digi and paper...she has a great journaling style and gorgeous pages.  If you haven't checked her out, you certainly should!

These are the rules of the Sunshine Award:

1. Put the Sunshine Award on your blog and/or within your post.

2.Pass the award to 12 other Bloggers.

3.Link the nominees within your post.

4. Let them know they received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

I’m supposed to pass it on to 12 other bloggers.  Here goes.....


Theresa has such a fun and funky style.  You should definitely check her out.  Besides...she makes me laugh!  My Organized Mess

Sarah at Paper Tree has such cute layouts, fun ideas and the most gorgeous banner...you should check her out.

Tereza over at The Thrifty Scrapper has great ways to help save money in your scrapbooks.

Kelli has great fun ideas, bright colorful graphics and is just such a sweetie.  Check her out. Paper Dreams

Wendy at Oh Scrapulous has some beautiful goodies to share. 

Dolores is a contributing artist with me over at Ideas for Scrapbookers.  The Joy of Scrapbooking

Alison has some great tutorials and sketches for you over at This Little Scrapper.

Tricia is launching a new blog Behold the Turtle and has a little blog candy.  Gotta love that!

Tracy has the most gorgeous Cards.

Cheryl is so inspiring, and just about the sweetest thing around.  

Michelle is super talented.  It is amazing what she can do with just a small kit.  Happenings on This ...

And, last but not least, my good friend Heather.  Her heartfelt journaling and beautiful work are such an inspiration...and we can chat for hours.  lol  Miracles Momma Designs.