HomesCool In My Little Corner

Rainy, Swimmy Saturday

2012-02-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! A bit crazy busy here today, but I wanted to stop in and say hi. It is totally overcast and a bit drizzly here. Phil is out in the back yard building our new outdoor kitchen and the children are at a swim meet. I am trying to get a few things done and wishing the weather was more like Thursday. I took this photo with my phone while enjoying the sun that day.....

The sky was just so incredibly blue. And the my fruitless pear was so pretty in bloom. Anyway, not anything like that today so I am doing a few chores and hoping to get some scrappy play time.

I definitely plan on making a card for the card challenge over at The Sampler. Here is the inspiration photo...

There is some great inspiration on the Sampler blog, so be sure to check it out...and check out this month's great kit, Oh Penelope.

Hugs.

Nancy

It's Wednesday

2012-02-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, today I wanted to share a project I made for Valentines Day. Ainsley is always leaving me sweet little notes and I had this old mailbox from the dollar spot at target lying around so....

I used an older scrap of paper from the Pink Paislee Sweetness collection to cover the mailbox and then added lots of fun little bits. I made the roses from Kraft Core Cardstock. I cut them using the Sizzix Pinecone die from Tim Holtz. I special ordered this die from Kristina at Your Memories Here after watching the 12 tags of Christmas this year. Did you know Kristina can place special orders for you? Just shoot her an email and ask. She has great prices on lots of yummy goodies.

I accented the roses with some diamond stickles and then added some bits of bling that I cut up and a few butterflies.

I tied a bit of seam binding that I dyed with Distress Stain in Tattered Rose and a bauble to the flag for interest.

I hope you like my little mailbox. Thanks for stopping by. And don't forget that there are still a few more Winter 2012 Prima Grab Bags available from Your Memories Here.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Tuesday and a Tutorial

2012-02-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Nancy here today to share with you a project from the new Oh Penelope kit and a quick tutorial on fan fold butterflies.

There are so many soft, pretty colors in this kit and I knew I had the perfect photo for a fun layout. I made quite a few rosettes and then decided to try something new to coordinate with the beautiful brass butterfly in the kit.

I began with two 2 1/2 inch squares

I scored and folded on the diagonal at 1/4 inch

folded each in half and glued the centers together

then added some glue on the underside to keep my folds together.

and I had my butterfly.

I added a little wire for antenae to finish off my butterfly.
Thanks for dropping by, and don't forget to come back and check out all the other great design team inspiration on the blog.
Hugs.
Nancy

Your Memories Saturday

2012-02-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Sorry for the delayed post today, but I forgot that I was going to post today since I had shared the Your Memories Here dt announcement on Wednesday.

I have been having a great time playing with the Ruby Violet collection from Prima. I have found the products to be so versatile. Here I mixed them with some Crate Paper to create a more whimsical look.

There are so many beautiful layers to these products; metal, jewels, resin, chipboard.

I also added some Prima canvas resist pieces that I sprayed with a bit of Glimmer Mist.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

Hugs.

Nancy

It's almost here....

2012-02-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

No, not the Superbowl, a weekend when dh and ds are away with the scouts. So looking forward to some serious girl time with my daughters. Chick flicks, crafty play, pj time! Oh, I can't wait.

Until then, let me share another project I recently made. Another layout with my January kit from Scraptastic. This is Brighton baking and eating cookies. I based this on a sketch from Creative Sketches. Boy pages are always so hard for me. sigh

Well, gotta go run and start dinner before my swim team meeting tonight.

Hugs.

Nancy

Oh Penelope

2012-02-02T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I wanted to stop in real quick and share with you the February release from The Sampler. The kit is so fabulously gorgeous! I have been having so much fun playing and can't wait to share with you all the goodies I am making.....

Anyway, without further ado....

Penelope

Just enough pink and red to make it a little Valentines-ey....but perfect for so many other occasions as well. And be still my heart....look at those fabulous rub ons and hexagons! Oh my!!!!

Be sure and grab your kit and check out the Sampler Blog for inspiration.

Hugs.

Nancy

YMH New DT

2012-02-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Well, I don't have a project today for you from Your Memories Here...instead, of a project, I have the DT announcement! You know how much I love YMH and I am just thrilled to be part of the team. And today we welcome a new member and welcome back an old one!

First off, our newest member, Dana Tartar! You can see her blog here....

And after a break, Kimberly is back with us! You can see her blog here....

Be sure and check out both their blogs.

Since I can't leave without sharing something, how about a project I did using my good friend Heather's sketch for Ideas for Scrapbookers. (she also has a digi template available)

Here is her sketch

And here is my take.

I used my Scraptastic January kit for this one. Such fun colors. The photos were taken with my cell phone, love me some photo apps. hee hee

If you want to see more of the IFS design team takes on the sketch, you can check them out here....

Well, I have to get back to work.

Hugs.

Nancy

Where oh Where

2012-01-31T09:50:00.001-08:00

Can you believe this is the last day of January? Where, oh where, does the time go?

If you are like me, you can't wait to see what the design team has in store for February. But, until then, I have another project using the Ready, Set, Go kit.

I can't believe that this was the sixth project, fifth 12x12 layout, I made with the kit. It was so packed full of yummy goodies. I did throw in a few flowers from my stash this time.

I just loved the wooden alphabet in this kit, and this time I used spray ink to color them.

Well, gotta run!

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Monday

2012-01-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. I know I did. While I didn't get as much done as i had hoped, we had beautiful weather and I spent some great time with family and friends.

I managed to sneak in a little scrappy shopping at Your Memories Here. I couldn't resit the chance to order the new Tim Holtz Distress Markers, and a Prima Grab Bag. I also found a bit of time to play with the February kit from The Sampler. I know you are gonna love this kit!

Well, since I can't show you anything from the Sampler quite yet, I thought I would share some more Christmas layouts. Try and get them all in before Valentine's Day! hee hee

These photos were taken on Christmas. Phil working in the kitchen, the table set for dinner and the Buche de Noel we made for desert. If you look closely at the photo, you can see some fun fondant pieces I made with my new Cricut Cake.

I used lots of older papers from my stash to complete this one, most from an old kit from Inspired to Scrap.

Well, it is just about time to hit the pool, so I guess I should run! Be sure and stop by tomorrow for a project from The Sampler.

Hugs.

Nancy

So Behind

2012-01-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

I don't think I had realized how behind I was on sharing projects until I really stepped back and looked. I guess I was so busy with school and Lili that I totally have been forgetting to share.

So, without further ado...

A little art! One cold day when Lili was here I decided she might enjoy painting with a mixture of shaving cream and food coloring. My children loved it when they were younger....Lili? not so much. She doesn't enjoy messy play much. Oh well. Aisnley did! lol

I used my Sizzix framelitz stamp/die cuts to make the fun paper flowers and butterfly. Mixed with a few scraps of Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe...so cute and so much fun.

Look at that face! She was having the time of her life. I guess 10 isn't too old for messy play. She must take after her mom, hee hee.

Speaking of messy play. I love it! Inks, paints, mod podge, modelling paste! be still my heart.

I really am not much of one for resolutions, but this year I would love to get my pages into albums and get rid of some of the excess scrappy supplies I have. I used this for yesterday's Ideas for Scrapbooker's post.

Well, Back to work. I still need some help deciding which Prima kit I should purchase from Your Memories Here, so if you get a chance to take a look here......

Hugs.

Nancy

Your Memories Here and a Question

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Today I wanted to share with you my latest project made with my Prima grab bag from Your Memories Here. I still can't believe how many wonderful things I received in my box....and how many more I still have.

Here is my sweet niece, Lili. For the last 3 weeks I have been watching her during the day while my sister searched for daycare after her recent move. We have really enjoyed having her in our home. It sure is different having a toddler again. So much fun. And so many great photo ops.

I love all the gorgeous goodies that my box had. Papers, art tiles, butterflies, flowers, resins, trims, bling...oh my!

This box has given me so much to play with these past few months. And yet, there is always more. I am forever digging in to find more treasures.

That said....Winter CHA is upon us and Prima has released its sneaks of the lines. And I can't decide which I must have. So, I am asking you to help me. Kristina is offering complete kits of each of the six new Prima lines in the store as a pre-order. I think I have narrowed my choice down to these two...

What do you think? Am I more an Almanac girl or a Nature Garden? hmmmm, I so wish I could get both! hee hee Be sure to check out both of these as well as the other four collections for pre-order at Your Memories Here.

Well, gotta run! Be sure and leave me a comment with which I should get? Thanks

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Tuesday

2012-01-24T10:22:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Here are a few more fun projects I made with my January kit, Ready, Set, Go!

The little jar was so cute. I still have the second jar that may be perfect to fill with hearts for Valentines.
Be sure to check out this months kit and all the other goodies at the Scrapbooking Supplies r Usstore. And don't forget the sketch and card challenges.
Hugs.
Nancy

The Sampler Sketch Challenge

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Holly made up this super cute sketch for the dt over at The Sampler to play with this month.

Here is my take...

You can hop over to the blog to see the other dt members takes on the sketch.

And, now it's your turn to work with the sketch and there's a prize involved. Simply create a LO following this sketch and upload it to The Sampler FLICKR Group. You have until February 19th at 11:59 PM eastern to enter. No purchase is necessary to play along. A random winner will be selected to win a prize from The Sampler.

Good Luck!!!!

Hugs.

Nancy

Baby...it's Cold Outside

2012-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

It is too...stinkin' freezing here today. I am ready for more beautiful weather. Yesterday we were playing in the sun,...today you couldn't force me out there. We are even supposed to get rain that can be measured in inches over the next few days! Crazy weather!

Well, speaking of cold, and winter..let's talk about Christmas.

Here are Brighton and Mackenzie, cuddled up together on Christmas evening. The were sitting together in a large chair, opening the last few presents and enjoying all the family who had come for Christmas dinner. So sweet, and so fun. I am blessed that my children are so close. They seem to actually like one another! lol

I used more, older papers here (I am trying desperately to reduce the stash). This time Basic Grey. I threw in some coordinating chipboard

and some Prima alphas.

And you know I had to add a few pop dots for extra dimension.

Well, back to work. Headed out for Cirque du Soleil later this afternoon.

Hugs.

Nancy

Mixed Media

2012-01-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope where ever you are today you are warm and dry. I know that many parts of the country are experiencing crazy weather. Here we are having record lows at night and are expecting tons of rain. If only the cold rainy days allowed me more time to play....sigh

I have been finding little bits of time here and there to play and one of my new favorite things to play with is mixed media. I have made a few "She Art" girls, which are tons of fun...but sometimes I just don't have the time to commit to a canvas. That is why I decided to start an art journal as a fun place to play with techniques and textures. I think I will use it as a place to make pretty things, practice my sketching and maybe even get things off my chest. (warning...this is gonna get long, hee hee).

I began with a simple watercolor notebook I picked up at Michaels with my coupon. I covered it with some scraps of older Prima watercolor papers that I colored with my Glimmer Mists and other Prima paper scraps. I added bits of fussy cut butterflies, tons of rub ons, and a few pieces of chipboard. Inks and paints blended it all together. My Claudine Helmuth multi-medium keeps it all together.

The first super fun technique I decided to try was using my Goosebumps Texture Spray from Tsukineko. On the cover I used it as a resist. This was so fun, and easy.

After placing my papers I layered my mask and sprayed the texture spray.

I continued on with different paint mediums until I got the look I liked.

I found that the Goosebumps gave my paper a fun, waxy like appearance, so I tried just spraying this little card from my grab bag papers with it directly.

And here my card is with the resist applied.

On the first interior page I once again used the Goosebumps as a resist.

The technique was the same as for the cover.

I found I need to hold the mask down securely and to spray evenly if I want a nice resist.

Lucky for me I wasn't too worried. hee hee

Well, I am sure there will be lots more to share in the coming weeks. For now tho...my niece wants the computer and if you have ever had a two year old in the house...I am sure you understand why I need to go.

Stay warm and safe.

Hugs.

Nancy

The Sampler and Ainsley

2012-01-17T09:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, today I want to share a few recent projects I have made using the Ready, Set, Go!!! kit from the Sampler. I found some older photos of Ainsley and couldn't figure out why I hadn't used them.

Everything on both these pages, except for a little Glimmer Mist on the journal square and the Studio Calico mist I used on the blue polka dot paper came from the kit. The colors in this kit are so warm and inviting and I love the many options the Coredinations card stock offers. This kit is packed full of goodies for you to play with. There are so many alphas, assorted chipboard pieces and extra ephemara you can stay busy for hours.

Be sure and check out this month's kit and all the other goodies in the Scrapbooking Supplies R Us store.
Hugs.

Nancy

Friday the 13th...

2012-01-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

oooohhhh, spooky! lol Luckily for me, I am not superstitious. You want to know what I am instead? I am not exactly sure what the word is, but....

Yep, that is the stack of scrapbook pages that I need to put into albums. I do not like putting them into albums...that is not the fun part! So, I make the pages and then I throw them into a box. sigh

I would much rather scrap. And talking about scrapping.....

I made this with the Button Box kit from Scraptastic.

I love this photo of Mackenzie. She just looks so happy. I think that her hair may be turning red.

Everything but this cute little vinyl piece (from Pink Paislee) and the alpha came from the kit and add on. So super cute, and super fun.

Well, gotta run.

Hugs.

Nancy

Ruby Wednesday

2012-01-11T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...sorry I am a little late with today's post, but my models were being uncooperative. (This project needed to dry overnight).

I don't know about you, but as the mom to two daughters I have hosted my fair share of sleepovers and birthday parties, so I am always looking for fun things for the girls to do as well as party favors. Let me just say that as the children have gotten older the idea of dollar store toys has become less and less popular. So, we have often turned to a fun craft project, something the girls could make and take home, as a double duty purchase.

After making my own Ruby Violet jewelry, from the Your Memories Here store, I thought that the necklace kits might just be the ticket for these teens and tweens. The price is just about perfect and they were super easy to make....

So, I tried it out.

I gave each of the girls a kit and let them go for it. Having suggested designs (2 designs per kit) made it easy for the girls to put together. All they needed was a bit of glue (once again we used my trusty scrapdots) and the included brads.

The girls were able to put them together easily with little assistance from me. I did have to help feed the ribbon through the holes for the final assembly, but other than that and firmly squishing the brads.....
The Your Memories Here store has 6 different necklace kits available, and right now shipping on $45 or more is free! With Mackenzie's birthday coming up in a few months, now will be the perfect time to stock up.

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Ready, Set....

2012-01-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Go! Hi everyone, today I wanted to share a fun project I made with my new Ready, Set, Go kit from The Sampler. This kit is so full of yummy colors and patterns, I couldn't wait to jump in and play.

I love the combination of browns and teal blues that this kit has to offer, the patterns are so fun. My favorite item in the kit though has to be the wooden alphabet. I chose to left mine bare in this layout, but they are easily dyed to match your project using any number of techniques.

When I saw the chipboard piece with the little cut outs I immediately knew I needed to use some of the fun photos I have taken with the Hipstamatic app on my iPhone. I have tons of these fun, little pics just waiting for a home.
Well, be sure and check out this months kit in the Scrapbooking Supplies R Us store, and be sure to check out the awesome card challenge and inspiration here for your chance to win an awesome package of goodies.
Hugs.
Nancy

The Sampler - January

2012-01-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo!!! The full reveal of the Sampler's January kit, Ready Set Go is up and it is just amazing! I have been having a blast playing with all the fun goodies...so much so that I used many of the large pieces of papers before stopping myself to ensure I had plenty to work with for this month's sketch challenge! (You know how much I love to layer papers.) hee hee Lucky for me, the kit is so packed full that I know I can easily get two more layouts and a few cards out of it, maybe even a little mini.....

Anyway....Hope you are having a great weekend...be sure and check out the new kit here.....and all the other goodies as well.

Hugs.

Nancy

Hooray for Friday

2012-01-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

I am so glad it is Friday...words can not begin to express how glad I am that tomorrow is Saturday and I can relax and sleep in....and SCRAP! lol

Lucky for me, last weekend I had plenty of time to do that and so I have things to show you this week. lol

First off we have Mackenzie baking cookies. I used a sketch from Sketchabilities and my Echo Park Holly Jolly papers. And a bit of splattered mist in the background. This time Mr. Huey in Heirloom Blue.

I have been having so much fun lately mixing and matching my alphabets. I love that so many collections are coming with different sizes and types of alphas...just wish they weren't flat stickers. I still love a bit of dimension.

And here is Ainsley in her elf socks. They are so cute with the fur cuff. More Echo Park papers here mixed with a few leftovers from my Sampler kit from December. Chevrons are supposed to be big this year, so I couldn't resist cutting them out of my paper.

And here are more mix and match alphabets. This time mixed with some corrugated alphas from Jillybean Soup.

Well, while I have a few free minutes left of my nieces nap, I guess I should try and get something done.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Thursday

2012-01-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

Oh goodness...I am still trying to get used to the new year. We are off school until the 9th, and I just can't believe how fast the time is going by. Of course, the days are filled as I have had my niece here every day while my sister looks for daycare.

Lucky for me, I still have found time to take a few photos of my projects so that I can share them with you.

I think I mentioned that this year I had set up 5 trees in our house. Yeah, I know it is a lot, some (Mackenzie) even says a bit excessive. But I loved it and all the rooms were so festive. Of course, one of the trees in only 12 inches tall and two of them are only 4 feet.....

anyway. I did a quick and simple layout with a photo from each tree. I used some older Cosmo Cricket papers and a few odds and ends. I even used some older gems that I colored using my Bic Mark-its.

Cosmo Cricket Wonder, Melissa Frances card, Prima and Authentique alphabets, Maya Road lace.

I also did a fun, fast page of the plate Ainsley made this year for Santa. We had quite the assortment of goodies....peppermint bark, spritz cookies, frosted sugar cookies and toffee....I am sure Santa would have gotten some fudge had we not eaten it all before Christmas Eve.

Basic Grey Fruitcake and alphas, Jillibean Soup corrugated alpha, Martha Stewart punch, Seam binding, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

Here I used some older Basic Grey papers with lots of yummy dyed seam binding. I used different colors of green as there were so many beautiful shades in the papers.

Well, I think I hear a two year old calling.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! I am so excited to share with you what is my first layout of the year! That said, I have 6 more ready to go...hopefully I will be able to post somewhat regularly these next few days. hee hee...

Of course I used my summer CHA Prima grab bag from the YMH store to design this layout. That box of goodies is the gift that keeps on giving. There were so many beautiful products in the box I think I will be scrapping with them forever! That said, I am drooling over the two sneaks I have seen from winter CHA and can't wait to see what is in the others and get a new grab bag soon. hee hee

I love all the beautiful papers and they are perfect for a bit of distressing with my distress tool. I mixed lots of layers of Londonerry papers with a few chipboard pieces from the Alla Prima line.

I misted a few canvas resist pieces with my Tattered Angels glimmer mists and added an assortment of flowers, buttons, a mirror piece, lace, resin, an art tile, and vintage trinkets. This projects is filled with Prima goodness.

Thanks for stopping by today and taking a look.

Hugs.

Nancy

Gone but not Forgotten

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I know the Christmas holiday has passed, but before we go too far, I wanted to share with you a quick project Ainsley and I did using a few fun products from the YMH store.

A few weeks ago, I saw Tracy from Helmar glitter the inside of a glass ball using the Hemar V2 Vellum Spray and thought I would give it a try. I had a few clear glass balls lying around, and Ainsley wanted to make a special gift for her cousin. I sprayed the inside of the glass ball with the adhesive (the ball gets cold, be careful) making sure to get good coverage. Then I dumped in some glitter. Handing the ball over, she swirled the glitter around inside until we had good coverage. After dumping out the excess glitter, we got to the fun part....decorating.

A few Prima flourishes, a couple of flowers and my trusty Scrap Dots and we had a beautiful ornament. My youngest was so proud to show off her handiwork.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

So, here we are, Christmas Eve. What a fabulous, fun filled holiday season we have had around here. You may not see me for a few days as my inlaws are camped out in my scraproom and so I haven't had much of an opportunity to scrap.

Before I go though, I wanted to share a few cards I made for Christmas.

Merry Christmas All!

Hugs!

Nancy

A Fun Sketch

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have seen the super cute sketch my friend Heather made for the Ideas for Scrapbookers blog post yesterday.

I promise...this layout is straight in real life...I am just computer challenged right now since my computer is acting up.

I used lots of Crate Paper Farmhouse with a bit of lovely trims. So super simple and so done! I loved the way these papers coordinated with the characters shirt...and you know how much I love Heather's sketches.

Well, back to work.

Hugs.

Nancy

A Small Gift

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope you are having an amazing holiday season. We here are in full swing preparing for Christmas. Two sets of grandparents arrive today, the children have completed their semester's work and there are only a few days left till the big day.

I have been crafting like crazy to try and get all the handmades done. And you know the children always have a few last minute requests for friends and coaches. Eeeek

Here is a request I finished, a gift holder and coordinating card. I used lots of Prima goodies from my Grab Bag from Your Memories Here (can't wait till spring to see what my next box holds. hee hee).

The little posy can be filled with yummy holiday treats, or even a gift card.

For the card I used some Prima Vines and paper from my box and some older letter stickers from My Minds Eye. After inking the Prima Writers Tape with some Distress Inks, I used a bit of Stickles to brighten and add a bit of sparkle. The posy was made by forming a simple cone and then embellishing with lots of flowers and another vine. I used a bit of lace to make a handle for the posy. I even managed to sneak a little more sparkle in by lightly spraying my tissue paper with a bit of Glimmer Mist. (be careful here, too much water and the tissue will start to dissolve.

Well, lots to do, lots to do.....See you soon!

Hugs.

Nancy

A Fun Mini

2011-12-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! Hope you are having a fabulous day! I know I am. Christmas here is in full swing with the grandparents here and the cookies all baked. We are so lucky this year to have two sets of grandparents visiting.

Before the month ends though, I wanted to share with you one last project I made with the kit I received from The Sampler.

This fun little mini album has only a few pages, but there are plenty of pockets to tuck little extras in.

I simply love all the cute patterns and colors in this kit and can't to fill it with fun photos of Christmas day!

With two sets of grandparents and my two year old niece (oh yeah...my sister will be here too), as well as my immediate family; I am sure the day will be filled with fabulous fun.

And speaking of the two year old niece...time to see what she and the girls are up to.

Hugs.

Nancy

Busy, Busy

2011-12-17T13:53:00.002-08:00

Hi everyone! Still busy around here. Lots of baking and housework going on today, but I wanted to pop in and share a few more projects I made with The Sampler's December Kit.

I started with a fun layout using bunches of the beautiful papers and pop dots.

I really loved the glitter on the tags so I added a few stickles to the other chipboard.

And, being that I am still working on my Christmas cards....

The deer transparency was just beautiful. I partnered it with one of the gorgeous trims in the kit along with some sparkly paper and one of the sweet tags.

For something a little more whimsical....

I ran my field paper through my sizzix machine so I could highlight the fun color cored paper in the kit. A bit of stickles for sparkle and I was ready to hit the mailbox.

Thanks for stopping by. And be sure to grab this gorgeous kit for your holiday projects.

Hugs.

Nancy

It's Friday, Friday....

2011-12-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hooray, it is almost the weekend...and thank goodness. The mad dash...the last few days before we have family coming in from out of town. I have so many half completed projects that need to be done before everyone arrives. And although I am home every day, and you would think that would give me plenty of time to get things done....schooling the children just gets in the way. hee hee....You think making Christmas Cards can count for math?

Well, I wanted to share this layout I have had sitting on my table for a while. It is one from our time in Alaska. Skagway was simply beautiful, but the day we were there it was cold...and drizzly. Thank goodness the excursion we had booked came with wet weather gear. Since we would be canoeing out to the glacier they plan on people being wet. So extra layers were provided. Of course, once we were all bundled up, we looked a bit puffy.

Basic Grey everything. hee hee

The kids had a great time. We were able to pluck icebergs (baby ones) out of the lake for the children to suck on. The extra layers made for some interesting body shots...and so many seals.

OK, guess I should do something constructive.

Hugs.

Nancy

A Quick Little Mini

2011-12-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

The holidays are in full swing around here and with my sister moving.....well, looks like I am making more excuses. hee hee

I made a quick little mini album to highlight a few of my favorite photos of my niece. (which I still need to add)

The base of my mini is A4 Prima Londonerry papers from my Your Memories Here grab bag. I embellished the front with a gorgeous Prima flower, a super fun canvas resist die cut and a bit of bling. Finally I tied it all together with some seam binding I dyed with Olive Vine glimmer mist.

This cute little album is made from two pieces of paper folded and taped together with Prima canvas tape that I dyed with distress inks.

I can't wait to find some cute photos to add to it. And you know, I will be adding lots more flowers and other embellishments.

Hugs.

Nancy

Great News and a Contest

2011-12-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

So, I shared a few projects I did the other day for The Sampler Kit Club as the December GDT. Well, today I am happy to announce that I am officially on the full team beginning in January! And to top that, The Sampler is having a huge giveaway on the blog! Five bundles of Crate Paper goodies! You have got to go check it out.
And be sure to check out the December Kit!

Hugs

Nancy

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! When my friend Holly asked me if I would like to GDT for The Sampler the month December I jumped at the chance. The All that Glitters kit this month is gorgeous and I couldn't wait to jump in and play right away.

I made tons of goodies with the kit, but thought I would share two of them with you today.

There is such a great variety of alphabets in this kit I really wanted to take advantage of it. I left space for a photo of my family Christmas Stockings and plan on slipping wish lists inside the the cute little envelopes. I put one for each child...how perfect is that. hee hee

I also made a cute little home decor item

The little Santa was just too adorable and I loved the cute Crate Paper word paper. I made a few pinecones with a bit of scrap paper and some stickles. I have been loving pine cones this season. The Coredinations cardstock in the kit worked well for distressing the holly and branches, adding just a bit of texture.

All in all, this kit is just so fun! Be sure and grab one.

Hugs

Nancy

Something is Wrong

2011-12-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

So, the other afternoon, I was sitting at my scrap table, finishing up these two projects. Such a lovely day. Ainsley was singing Christmas Carols at the top of her lungs. So, what was wrong?

Echo Park Apothecary, Pink Paislee alphabet, The Twinery twine.

Thank goodness these Halloween photos are just about done! At the rate I am moving I should be getting around to my Christmas photos somewhere around July 4th! lol. Thanks to Scraptastic for the super fun papers. Back to work.

Hugs.

Nancy

Woopsies

2011-12-07T10:12:00.001-08:00

I would love to share with you all the totally awesome excuses I have for having been neglecting my blog these last few weeks. hee hee....but I am still crazy busy so I just wanted to pop on and share a layout I did for Your Memories Here.

In my grab bag of Summer CHA Prima goodies there was a tube of the Pixie Glen Essentials. The colors were gorgeous and worked beautifully with the Random Collection from Crate Paper for this layout.

Patterned Paper, stickers Crate Paper. Prima florals, bling, resins Prima. Hero Arts/Sizzix stamp and die cut, Cricut Doily

There were so many flowers in this tube I think I hardly made a dent. I used my Cricut to make the doily behind my photo and added a bit of lace I had from the YMH store.

I added in a bit of Ruby Violet flowers. The enameled flowers added such an interesting texture...

And of course I cut up a few Prima flourishes to go with the pearl and jewel centers.

I even added a little resin birdhouse in the corner.

Well, got to run. Hope you are having a great day.

Hugs.

Nancy

Boys....

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling over these many years has had many challenges. Some when the children were younger we had battles over getting work done (well, ok...I still battle with Ainsley). Lately tho there is a new battle, one that was really affecting the children's ability to do well. See, as Brighton has gotten older, I am teaching less and less, and he is doing more online work. This semester he is taking three online AP courses. Well....Does this look like a good study environment to you?

WRMK patterned papers, Basic Grey Felt, chipboard. EK Success border punch, unknown ribbon

We have had to put an end to this. I now check to make sure that he is doing his work at his desk. But....It is kinda funny.

Gotta run!

Hugs.

Nancy

Kissing Ball

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been MIA, but with the holiday...life has just been crazy. Did you know that we put up 4 trees? Yep, I am a bit obsessive. Not totally tho! Phil keeps me in check, and even refused to let me put up a 5th tree this year in the office. Scrooge. hee hee

As I am sure you know that when you step under the mistletoe you are inviting a kiss; but did you ever wonder where the tradition came from? Like many of our current traditions, this one comes from the middle ages, but was updated during the reign of Queen Victoria. I found a detailed story here if you are interested, but here is an excerpt....

People would take a potato or apple and tie a pretty ribbon around it as a hanger. Then they would stick sprigs of evergreen, holly and sweet herbs into the potato or apple until it bristled with them.

The herbs in the sweet ball took on the highly romanticized symbolism common to the Victorian area. Simon and Garfunkel weren't the only ones singing about "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme". Each of those herbs plus dozens and dozens more flowers, herbs and plants spoke a unique and private symbolic language to Victorians. The choice of herbs, flowers and boughs could state love, affection, charity, piety and more.

I decided to create my own version of a kissing ball using some beautiful flowers, Distress Inks, and Glimmer Mist from the Your Memories Here store; a bit of seam binding and a styrofoam ball.

I used Festive Berries from the LE Winter Distress Inks to color each flower from the Prima Wildflowers Pillar. (a handful of flowers was all I needed.)

And then spritzed them with a bit of Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist to give them some sparkle and shine.

I cut a few holly leaves with my Sizzix....

And inked them with the other two colors of Distress Ink that were in the kit, Evergreen Bough and Iced Spruce. (hint, a quick fold down the middle, run the fold directly over the pad, and you get a nice vein)

I attached the flowers to the ball using my Helmar 450.

To finish off my project I ran a bit of seam binding across the Evergreen Bough, and added a Prima Rose. A few Prima pearls in the center of each flower and my kissing ball was ready to hang.

I hope I have inspired you to create a little holiday magic in your home this season.

Hugs.

Nancy

Ruby Wednesday

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Hope you here in the US are enjoying the day before Thanksgiving! I know I am.

I recently received from Your Memories Here some gorgeous, fun products from the new Prima line, Ruby Violet. You know, when the package arrived I couldn't wait to dive right in!

There are so many gorgeous flowers. So fun, so funky.

The necklace kits can be assembled in any way you choose, but for those who are new to making jewelry, there are photos of finished projects you can just copy.

One of my favorite things tho is that you don't need jump rings, pliers and other jewelry making tools.

I used just a bit of Helmar's Scrap Dots to hold everything together. But I would imagine the Gemstone glue would work just as well or better.

I had so much fun making these pieces that I think I may pick up a few more kits for my nieces for Christmas. They are only $8.00 in the Your Memories Here store, but this weekend there is a Black Friday sale and everything is 30% off with the code TURKEY.

Happy Wednesday.

Hugs.

Nancy

It's Tuesday

2011-11-22T12:48:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it is already the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I haven't even made it to the grocery yet, and here I am thinking about cutting a Christmas Tree? eeek!!!

Before I do tho, I wanted to share with you a canvas I made for Ainsley's room. Ainsley has been loving the She Art girls I have made and really wanted one for her newly redecorated room. So, she picked a very large canvas and gave me some direction and said for me to make one. Who knew such a large canvas would be so difficult?

She wanted bird houses, and birds..... so at least I had something to fill the space. hee hee I am not sure I just love the background. Definitely need to work on creating depth and dimension in my painted spaces.

Now, those paper filled spaces....that part I love. hee hee....give me some patterns and I am off.

And I can junk up the simplest patterns with a few stamps and rub ons....no problem.

How about a few flowers in the clouds? A few more in her hair? oh.....and maybe a bit of sparkle?

And I adore creating their clothes. So fun.

Well, I do need to pop over to the grocery and buy a turkey before they are all gone.

Hugs.

Nancy

Time Flies

2011-11-21T16:35:00.001-08:00

You know that old saying....Time flies when you are having fun. I am not sure how much fun I have been having, but I can't believe I haven't had a chance to sit down and blog in almost a week. sigh

I do have projects in the works tho! Lovely things to share. Let's start with a couple of layouts.....

I have been taking great joys these days in using older supplies. Here I have more Scenic Route Paper, which I mixed with some brand new Prima leaves, an older Prima flower and a Maya Road rosette. The layout is simple, but I was happy with it. You wouldn't believe how much chipboard I have stashed away, just waiting to be used. Funny the way we forget about these things once they are packed up. This is based on a sketch from Sketchy Thursdays.

Some photos from Skagway, Alaska. We saw some beautiful scenery and were extremely grateful for the extra layers that were provided for us on the excursion.

And the Halloween photos just keep coming.....Here is Ainsley and a few friends at a Halloween party just a month or so ago. The girls all had a great time and their costumes were so fun. I swear tho....I am never going to finish scrapping Halloween. hee hee Lots of fun, older, Imaginesce papers here....with a few of the coordinating embellishments. And you know I could resist throwing in a bit of Prima, a flower and some bling. hee hee

I also added in a bit of twine from The Twinery. I am just loving playing with twine these days.

Well, I have tons of things to do...so for now....

Hugs.

Nancy

Cricut Addiction?

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

OK, I may not have an addiction...shoot, there are people who own hundreds of cartridges...I own, maybe 50. That isn't at all an addiction, is it? That said, what it is is a big ole pile of boxes that hold those cartridges which I don't have room for in my scrappy space.

So, I took the plunge and purchased a storage system for my supplies. While I love my new Scrap n Tote, it left me with a huge pile of empty boxes...and you know I like to be green. (or in this case, pink) hee hee

So....

With a little help from the Prima grab bag I received from Your Memories Here, I transformed my Cricut storage box into this cute little treasure.

More of my A4 paper pad, beautiful Prima blooms, gorgeous bling, leaves, an adorable resin birdhouse and the cutest little birds nest. I even used a button on the side of my box to help open it.

I misted my seam binding with Glimmer Mist in Sugar Maple and Suede and tied it in a huge bow.

I think I will use this box to house an art journal (that I have yet to make...hee hee). I am taking the She Art 2 workshop and am thinking I may need to practice these faces, so a little mini just for them????

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Another Day

2011-11-15T13:16:00.001-08:00

Hey bloggers! It is a lovely Tuesday here and although I am still battling with the children to complete their tasks, I thought I would drop in and share a project I completed for tomorrow's Ideas for Scrapbookers post.

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, we decided to have a post of scrappy goodies we are thankful for. Mine...Scrapbook.com. Over the years the website has offered me a lot of inspiration, great products, scrappy opportunities (including my spot on IFS); but most of all it has given me the chance to meet many wonderful people and travel throughout the country to meet them. I count some of the friends I have made on the site some of my best.

Rusty Pickle papers, American Crafts large alphabet, Jenni Bowlin tiny types, Blue Moon florals, Prima bling and button, Websters Pages journaling tag, The Twinery twine, Unknown lace.

I used a sketch from Pencil Lines to complete this layout, and bunches of older products, many from companies that are no longer around. The paper is from Rusty Pickle and the flowers are from Blue Moon. I added in an older Prima bling bird as well. Super fun.

I have another fun project for you tomorrow, so be sure and stop by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Another Canvas

2011-11-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I finished the three week She Art class. So, so much fun! And just in time being that She Art 2 starts this week!

I made this canvas for a friend of mine who went back to school to become a nurse later in life and is really enjoying it. Since starting this class I knew I wanted to make a nurse, and I knew I wanted her to be in a more vintage style uniform. Something about making a girl in scrubs just didn't do it for me. hee hee

Not sure I really love the way the hospital came out, but....oh well. I love the canvas anyway.

And, I am having a great time using all the rub ons I have been hoarding forever. I don't love using them on my scrapbook pages as they never seem to go on quite right, but on my canvases...no worries. And my scrap paper that is overflowing...it to has a new life. There is no way I could ever paint all the details. hee hee

Well, now that this project is done, Ainsley has conscripted me into making art for her room. She wants birds and girls. We purchased some huge canvases to do them on. eeek! All that white is a bit unnerving. I guess I should get to work.

Hope you are having a productive day.

Hugs.

Nancy

More Sunshine....

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

please! I love living in California, most of the time. But when the rainy season starts..... I guess it could be worse. We could have snow! lol

Well, while I dream of warmer weather I thought I would scrapbook another photo of those warmer beach days. This time Ainsley.

Little Yellow Bicycle papers, border sticker. MAMBI stitched title, Prima flowers and butterfly.

It is so funny looking back and seeing how long Ainsley's hair was. And it is already getting longer. Who knew? Anyway, I used lots of Little Yellow Bicycle for this one with a sketch from Creative Scrappers. I have been hitting those sketch challenge blogs hard I guess. Hee hee

I used a bit of glimmer mist on the yellow flower to make it a little brighter. I love that I can change the colors of my flowers so easily with that spray.

Well, off to get something done.

Hugs.

Nancy

It's Cold...

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

And it's rainy. But I had this adorable photo of Mackenzie that I had been wanting to scrap, so....

I love the beach, and I thought these gorgeous Webster's Pages papers would work perfectly with this photo of Mackenzie digging in the sand.

Webster's Pages Seaside Retreat papers, trims. Prima flowers and bling

I used another sketch from Sketchabilities for this one. Lots of yummy papers and trims, mixed with a few Prima flowers and bling. What could be more cheerful than that. hee hee

I sure do wish today was a beach day. Sigh

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

America's Next Top Chef?

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

This semester I have been working with Brighton and Mackenzie on a Food and Nutrition class in our school. Brighton enjoys eating, so this is a natural extension for him. And of course, he really likes eating well. No chicken nuggets and hot dogs for my boy. No, he likes pork chops with green peppercorn sauce. So, he learned to make it. hee hee. He also made glazed carrots, cajun roasted potatoes and a salad (part of the nutrition part, planning a balanced meal). hee hee. He doesn't love the knife work, but he is getting much better at it.

Basic Grey Boxer Collection, Prima Lace.

I used quite a few items from my Basic Grey Boxer collection. Papers, rub ons, chipboard and buttons all were busted out for this somewhat masculine page. The design is based on a sketch from Sketchablitlies. I had tons of fun with this one. Lots of yummy projects I had totally forgotten about.

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Dress Up

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning bloggers! Hope everyone is having a great day. I am here with a quick and simple project for all the girls in your life. With the holidays rapidly approaching I was thinking my girls could use some dressy headbands. We had a few of the thin, small, plastic headbands lying around the house that no one wears so I went to work. All I needed was my trusty glue, a bit of ribbon (not quite a yard), and a gorgeous flower.

I began by placing a small dollop of Helmar 450 on the inside edge of the headband, then began to wrap the ribbon around the headband, securing with more glue at the top and then again at the end.

I added a gorgeous Prima flower in a coordinating color with more of my glue.

Finally I added a quick little blow underneath the flower.

So quick and easy, and Ainsley just loves it! I can see her wearing it with the black dress she selected for Christmas. I think I will make one for my sweet little niece as well. Maybe in pink? or maybe a whole collection using these?

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Once Upon a Time....

2011-11-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

I was on a roll. I had bunches of scrapbook projects done, I was blogging most every day....and then...low and behold....life came up and smacked me around a bit. lol

Seriously tho, sorry I have been MIA, but things have been a bit crazy. Both girls decided they wanted room makeovers, which is understandable I guess since Mackenzie has had those fairies on her wall since she was 3. hee hee So, before we get the new carpets installed upstairs (week after Thanksgiving), we decided we should paint. Ugggghhhh, I don't really mind the actual painting part, it is the packing and moving everything out of the rooms. sigh. And those girls are pack rats! Well, both rooms are now painted so it is time for the excuses to end.

Tomorrow on Ideas for Scrapbookers our Designer Showcase is metal. Be sure and sneak over there and see everyone's gorgeous projects. Here is mine. I used a metal key from Prima as well as some older photo turns.

Glitz Designs Lady Grace collection, Prima lace, key, flowers, alpha, leaves, Tattered Angels glimmer mist in Sugar Maple and Candlelight, unknown photo turns.

This is the view from our veranda on the Alaskan Cruise we went on in August. Lovely. What a beautiful end to an incredibly wonderful day. I used a sketch from Pencil lines for this project. Beautiful Glitz papers with bits of Prima lace and flowers were perfect for this photo. And I had been wanting to use this paper forever. I used a bit of Glimmer Mist on the larger flower to change the color a bit. It didn't come out quite like I had expected, but, oh well.

Be sure and stop back tomorrow as I for sure have another project ready to share.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Friday

2011-11-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggers! Sorry I was missing yesterday, tons going on around here and just never found the time to sit down and share.

Another busy weekend around here. We are going to paint and redecorate Mackenzie's room and she is swimming 2 events at a meet, trying to get her JO times (junior olympic). I am playing Bunco tonight, Phil and I have a wine dinner Saturday night, and we have been invited to a wine and cheese party for the swim team. Throw in the usual housework, laundry, chores...goodness....my head is swimming.

Anywho....I will find some time this weekend to scrap if means no sleep. hee hee

Before I do tho, how about a fun layout of Phil? Phil is so funny. He doesn't like slimy things...like goo, gunk, gel...you know...the kinds of stuff the children love squishing through their fingers. He can't stand wiggle teeth, or anyone in his personal space. So...you know the children love to taunt him. Here is Mackenzie doing so.

Pink Paislee patterned papers and die cuts, Making Memories florals, Prima felt and alphas, Maya Road trinket pins, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists

I used some super fun "Mistables from Pink Paislee with my Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists. I added in some of the Daily Junque papers as well as a few older embellishments; Making Memories florals, Prima Alphas and felt, and a few of those stick pins I warned you about. hee hee I just love the look on their faces.

Well, back to work and school.

Hugs.

Nancy

Bad Mommy?

2011-11-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Ainsley had a friend over for a sleepover. In the morning, the two decided they needed a spa day. First up on the schedule? Facials....avocado facials. So the two smeared avocado all over their faces. What did I do? Complain? Yell? Grab a bag of chips? Nope, I grabbed my camera and shot these photos. What is better than two tweens with green goo all over their faces. hee hee

I used more of my gorgeous Prima A4 papers (I think this pack is going to last me forever) and lots of other yummy goodies from the Prima Grab Bag I got from Your Memories Here. As you can tell, I distressed the heck out of the papers with my Distressing Tool and some Tim Holtz Distress Ink. I based the design on Pencil Lines sketch 251.

I have been having a ton of fun with the new Canvas Resists. A little Glimmer Mist and I can match them to my project perfectly, and they have a bit of sparkle. Oh, and see that yummy Alencon Lace! It is definitely another favorite of mine! I also snuck in a small Prima button as well as a Jillybean stick pin. I found my stash of stick pins and let me say....um....you may be seeing quite a few of them in the upcoming weeks as I seem to have amassed quite the collection. lol

And look at those yummy Prima flowers and the new Prima butterfly (and of course a few more canvas resist pieces). Love!!! I managed to add a few more pins from my collection, this time from Maya Road.

Kristina still has a few small grab bags available in the store, as well as some of the new Ruby Violet grab bags which should be in soon so hurry over and check them out!

Well, back to work!

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy November 1.....

2011-11-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

and thus begins the death march into the holidays! lol I am feeling a bit overwhelmed today, not from a sugar coma, I managed not to partake in any candy binging last night, but from the fact I just updated my calendar and can see all too quickly how rapidly the holidays are upon us! eeek!

Anyway....enough of the negative. How about a fun layout of my cute puppy, Holly! Oh, and Ainsley is in this one too. hee hee Tomorrow we are having an animal showcase over on Ideas for Scrapbookers and since I haven't done anything of Holly lately....

I used a sketch from Creative Scrappers, some ancient Rusty Pickle papers I had been hoarding, and my Cricut Paper Pups cartridge. Holly is a total hot mess here. Needless to say, after taking these photos I booked her a trip to the groomer. Originally, when we adopted Holly from the breeder, Phil was convinced he was going to do the grooming. Holly, being a Cairn Terrier, requires plucking and stripping (pulling her coat out, don't worry, it doesn't hurt). Groomers won't usually do that as it is seriously time consuming. Well, after almost five years, he has given in and she now gets trimmed. oh well.

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Because it is Halloween....
Because I haven't posted menus or recipes in a while....
Because Ainsley is procrastinating and I don't feel like yelling at her right now...

I thought I would share a quick recipe with you. This is a family favorite. A good friend of mine gave me the recipe a while back, and I have tweaked it a bit over the years.

Italian Sausage Soup

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 med yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 lb Italian Sausage, sliced
1/3 c. dry red wine
14 oz beef broth
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 14 oz can cannelini (white) beans, rinsed
10 oz fresh spinach
1 lg zucchini
grated parmesean for garnish

In a large soup pot heat olive oil over medium high heat. When oil is hot add onion and cook till translucent approximately 3 minutes. Add Italian sausage and garlic and brown another 5 minutes. Add red wine and scrape up all the brown bits from the bottom of the pot, that's the good stuff. Add next 8 ingredients and cook covered for at least 1 hour. You can leave it on the stove as long as you like. The flavors will just blend and marry.

Serve with parmesean cheese on top. (I left it off mine because I am trying to lose weight).

I guess it is time to go fuss....hee hee

Hugs.

Nancy

Let's Jam

2011-10-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Still working through my photos from our vacation a few months back. Today I have another layout from the EMP in Seattle...did I tell you how much fun we had there?

Anyway....one of the things Mackenzie really enjoyed was the recording studio. You could step into a booth and try your hand with different musical instruments. Mackenzie love music, so this was the perfect activity for her.

Pink Paislee papers and alphas, Prim florals and canvas

I used a mixture of Pink Paislee's Bayberry and 365 papers for this one, with tons of Prima flowers and a few of the new Prima canvas pieces. My favorite thing tho has got to be the seed beads I added to the floral centers. I really struggle with flat flowers and the beads just really helped them pop.

OK, well....gotta run! Did I mention we are painting the girls bedrooms this weekend? Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs.

Nancy

More Pumpkins

2011-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

I am sure you can't possibly be tired of looking at photos from the pumpkin patch yet? lol Oh the joys of trying to complete multiple albums. I am sure each of my children will simply be thrilled to move out someday with an entire bookcase of scrapbook albums devoted to their lives. lol

I have this one layout tho, and one photo still to scrap...so I promise it will all be over soon. hee hee

Here are my three little darlings back in 2004 (oh, how I wish my older photos were digital). And look...I even have Phil in this one. hee hee

And here they are just a week ago.

Scenic Route papers and chipboard alpha, Prima flowers, felt vine, butterflies, American Crafts felt embellishments, WeR tag, EK Success punch, Tim Holtz distress inks

Again, used my stash of older papers, this time from Scenic Route. I have tons of older Halloween papers and as much as I love the new patterns and colors....I really should use some of these up! I added in some Prima flowers and butterflies, some felt embellishments from American Crafts, a tag from WeR and more of those super fun corrugated alphas from Jillybean soup!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Hugs.

Nancy

On a Roll

2011-10-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Maybe I am on a roll....or maybe I am just better at blogging later in the week?

Anyway....here is a fun layout I wanted to share of my lovelies at the EMP in Seattle.

Crate Paper Portrait Collection, Jillybean Soup alpha, Cricut Expression, Rock Princess Cartridge

This one makes me laugh because I used what was supposed to be a wedding line from Crate Paper, the Portrait Collection. Needless to say, some of the embellishments didn't quite work here, but plenty did! lol I added some guitars I cut with my Cricut as well as some super fun alphas from Jillybean Soup. A bit of white paint splattered everywhere really helped grunge it up.

We had a great time hanging out in the Museum and if you ever get a chance to visit I would strongly encourage you to.

Hugs.

Nancy

More Pumpkins

2011-10-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

So, the other day I told you how much my children love going to the pumpkin patch every year. Here are a few more pages from this years trip and a few of the older photos from 2004.

Ainsley was just a baby in 2004, she had just turned 3. sigh....how time flies.

Now she is so grown up. We just had her hair cut for donation and she is still getting used to her shorter 'do.

Fancy Pants True, American Crafts and Pink Paislee alphas, Petaloo floral vine, Prima flowers, Basic Grey epoxies, EK Success Punch, Michaels butterfly

More older Fancy Pants paper here. This time from the True collection.

And here is Mackenzie then.....

And here she is now! Yep, she is taller than me. Just barely, but she is and she likes to make sure everyone knows it! lol

Scenic Route papers, chipboard, alpha, Prima flowers

These are lovely "vintage" Scenic Route papers. sigh....Sometimes I really miss this company, such great bold colors and patterns. I added in a few newer Prima flowers to update the look a bit.

I will leave you today with this lovely photo of my two little darlings in the pumpkin queen chair. You can compare it to the one in the above layout. hee hee

Hugs.

Nancy

Canvas Paper Transfer

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

A while back, I did a tutorial where you could use Sticky Back Canvas and patterned paper to do a transfer. I love the look of the patterns on canvas, but I don't always want to use sticky back canvas. Recently I was watching a Live with Prima episode and found out you can do a similar technique using Multi Medium.

For this technique you will need your canvas (other fabrics will work as well, but I suggest you stick to lighter colors), multi medium, paint brush, patterned paper, and a water bottle.

Begin by placing a layer of multi medium onto the canvas where your paper image will go. Remember, do not use words or numbers. In the end you will have a reverse image, and unless you want to be reading your project in the mirror..... Then adhere your image over the top. Let dry over night.

The next day, spritz the paper with a bit of water and use your finger to rub off the paper. Yep, this step can be a bit messy.

When complete you should have something that looks like this. The image may not be as bright and vibrant as it could be, but don't worry.

If you would like to brighten it up, a quick coating of Mod Podge should do the trick.

Remember I told you I had more ideas for my A4 papers...this is one of them. The papers have the perfect weight for this technique.

I covered my canvas with some beautiful Prima flowers, many of them brand new from my Your Memories Here grab bag! I also used some of the new gorgeous Prima resins, leaves, alphas, and buttons also from my grab bag. A bit of chipboard from 3Tails Craft and some seam binding I dyed with Glimmer Mist finished this project off.

The new Prima florals are so gorgeous! I love the rich fall colors.

sugar maple and suede glimmer mist and hay ride glam dyed the seam binding

love that cute little bird house from Prima

I really like this idea for a wall hanging and am thinking I should make another for Christmas soon.

Hugs.

Nancy

Bad, Bad Blogger

2011-10-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Well, I think I have come to realize that life is just too crazy busy on the weekends and Mondays. So here I am on Tuesday, making my first post in days. Sorry.....

Anyway..... Last week I took my little darlings to the pumpkin patch. This is a yearly even and my children are just about sick of it! lol Luckily for me, they know how much I enjoy going and how important it is to get the photo of them in front of the "Standing Tall" sign. We now have the patch down to a science. The children run around, find the sign, pose...run to the pumpkin king and queen chairs and pose...then into the patch for some fun photos. If they are lucky, they find everything in less than 20 minutes and they can get back to their day. hee hee.....Lucky for us, the sign was easily located this year.

Anyway....I just can't give it up! I have photos of all the children in front of the sign for the last...oh goodness....maybe 14 years?

Well, I only went digital in 2004, so here is Brighton back then.....

And here he is today...

Fancy Pants All Fall Collection, Prima alphabet, American Crafts felt embellishment, unknown trim.

How can I not watch him grow next to that sign every year! I have even informed him that he will be returning from college during the fall so that I can get his photo. hee hee
I used lots of ancient Fancy Pants paper for this with a great sketch from my friend Heather.

Well, time to start dinner.

Hugs.

Nancy

Too Many Photos....

2011-10-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

not enough time. And seriously, anyway. I don't know how to print them all unless I have a plan for what I am going to do. But, I have a friend coming over tomorrow so I went ahead and printed almost 2 dozen photos in what I thought would be good sizes. Cross your fingers. Oh, and cross your fingers that I can find paper to go with my pumpkin patch photos. I know I have got to have something somewhere....should be interesting. hee hee

While I wait to scrap those, here are a few other pages I have done this last week.

This first one is Ainsley on the observation deck of the Space Needle in Seattle. OMG...what an adventure that was. She fussed and kicked and screamed that she didn't want to go. The whole way up the elevator whining and crying that she was scared. And of course, I am the worst mom on the planet because I am telling her to be quiet and suck it up. Of course, once we got to the top she couldn't wait to look over the edge and check everything out. sigh....

Crate Paper Random line, Prima canvas, AC Thickers, The Twinery baker's twine, Prima flowers

I made this for a challenge over at Scraptastic. You had to use different shapes and distress your elements. I inked just about everything here. hee hee I have a couple of rectangles, a square and circles. I used my new Random kit from Crate Paper, which I love and a few smaller Prima flowers.

And these are some photos from sight seeing in the Olympic Village in Vancouver. We had great fun in Vancouver and I would definitely love to go back some day.

Making Memories Passport line, Prima chipboard, MME rub on, AC ribbon

I finally used up the last of my Making Memories Passport line throwing in a Prima chipboard and a MME rub on. Simple but done. hee hee

Well, off to run the children to the pool. Cross your fingers for me that the mojo is strong tomorrow and I get this stack of photos scrapped (or at least make a dent).

Hugs.

Nancy

When it Rains....

2011-10-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know where my head is, but it isn't in posting on a regular basis. It seems to be in fits and starts. Better fits and starts I guess than not at all. hee hee

So here is another project I recently finished. The final one for the Sassy Lil' Send Off over at Sassy Lil' Sketches. There are still a few days left to enter for a chance to win one of the Sassy e-books. I managed to complete all the sketches, so cross your fingers for me. hee hee

Prima paper, rub ons, small alpha. Maya Road banner, chipboard, Basic Grey large chipboard. Distress inks.

Here is Brighton on his 16th Birthday!!! And, as usual...no cake! He loves butterscotch pudding!!! But then, who doesn't? I used one of the Sassy sketches and more of my A4 Prima paper from Your Memories Here. I switched up the sketch by turning it on its side. Lord knows I can't leave well enough alone. hee hee I am working on a tutorial for making the fun little banner (well, the technique anyway). I should have it for you next week. I am loving the Prima pad. So much paper and for such a great price. And, I don't have to feel guilty cutting it to pieces. Thinking I may invest in another pad or two. hee hee

Well, back to work. Don't know what I was thinking but I started a bolognese and am trying to get tons of laundry done today.

Hugs.

Nancy

Where Does Time Go?

2011-10-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

I could have sworn I had blogged early this week/over the weekend....but alas, I was mistaken. So, what I did do was update my blog. hee hee I found a super cute template over at The Cutest Blog on the Block. It made everything so easy...or so you would think. I had to do some adjusting of the template to make the fonts the sizes I wanted, and have the text be justified the way I like...and since I stink at HTML......

Anyway....enough of that! How about some fun projects?

First I have a few more cards from the Sassy Lil' Send off. Sigh....what am I going to do when there are no more sketches......

And a fun canvas from my She Art class....which, I am loving.

This one is for a friend....she knows who she is and I hope she loves it.

Well, Ainsley is calling....back to work.

Hugs.

Nancy

Still Working on the Send Off

2011-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Wanted to drop in really quick and share another layout I made with a sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches send off.

We had such a great time in Vancouver. We spent part of an afternoon checking out all the cool street art. I loved these huge birds in the Olympic Village. I switched it up a bit here by using multiple photo sizes, moving the title up a bit and moving the journal box to the opposite side. Such a great sketch to work with.

I used more of my Prima Londonerry A4 papers for this layout, as well as many other great Prima finds from my Your Memories Here grab bag. A gorgeous flower, fun chipboards, and beautiful metal trinkets. I think those are quickly becoming a favorite here. As a matter of fact, everything on this layout other than the bits of cardstock is from Prima.

Well, back to work for me.

Hugs.

Nancy

Fall Decor

2011-10-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I wanted to pop in and share a fun home decor project I made last week with some gorgeous papers from the Your Memories Here store. I found some cute little grapevine pumpkins online for cheap and couldn't wait to embellish.

I used some of the Earth Love papers from Cosmo Cricket and an assortment of flower dies.

And you know I couldn't go without using my fall Tim Holtz LE Distress Inks to ink up my flowers.

I even used the inks on my seam binding with a bit of glimmer mist for sparkle.

I have two more pumpkins that I just can't wait to play with.

Well, gotta run!

Hugs.

Nancy

I'm Late, I'm Late

2011-10-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that yesterday was Monday...but Mondays are crazy! That is one of the reasons I had stopped doing the menu thing. But....since so many of you asked...I will keep posting, but sometimes....Menu Monday may be Tuesday, or even Wednesday. hee hee

Monday we had Butternut Squash with Tortellini. Phil liked it, I liked it, Brighton thought the squash was a little too soft..but he liked it. The girls....not so much. I may try again and just cook the squash less. It was super easy to make and you know I love my meatless Monday. The recipe comes from Real Simple magazine and you can find it here.

Tuesday we had Pioneer Woman's Cajun chicken pasta. Yummo!!!!! I left the veg nice and crisp because we like our veg crisp. Also, I didn't add nearly the same amount of cajun seasoning because someone here doesn't like spicey food, darn it.. hee hee Recipe is here.

Wednesday was Chicken Waldorf Salad because that is Brighton's favorite and with apples coming back in season....how can I say no?

Thursday I tried something new. Not totally new mind you, but a little new. Crazy day ahead so I took my usual lasagna recipe and made it in the crock pot. I didn't get any of the crispy brown bits which I enjoy, but it was really soft and gooey. Kids like it that way. hee hee

Friday we had yummy quesadillas. Vegetarian....with salsa rice and salad. So tasty and cheesy.

Well, gotta run. I will be back tomorrow with a fun home decor project!

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Thanksgiving...

2011-10-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

A quick Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends! I have been having a crazy busy weekend since there is a swim meet. And it is a huge one! Over 1000 swimmers yesterday, but I wanted to pop in and share this layout.

Crate Paper Farmhouse Collection, EK success punch, Jillybean Soup Alpha, Glimmer Mist

A layout of Ainsley from our Disney Cruise Character Breakfast. I love the way they put napkins on your head to dress you up for the occasion...hee hee. I used a super cute sketch from Creative Scrappers for this one. And some of the fun corrugated cardboard I have been hoarding. (don't worry, there are like three layers between it and my photo)

Well, off to get a few things done.

Hugs.

Nancy

Still Getting Sassy!

2011-10-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

The sketches over at Sassy Lil' Sketches just keep coming. And today I had time to turn this....

into this...

Crate Paper Farmhouse, Prima Marketing flowers, alphabet

Mackenzie at our Character breakfast on our trip to Alaska. I switched it up a bit, changing the orientation of the photo and moving the journaling down to the lower circle and replacing the original journaling spot with a chipboard banner. What am I going to do once Cherie's sketches are gone? sigh

I have also been busy creating mixed media art. I decided to jump on the She Art wagon and just finished my first canvas.....

Ainsley has already claimed it as hers. This was so fun to make, but now I realize all the fun mixed media products I need to get my hands on. hee hee....This was made mostly with patterned paper, mists, paints, rub ons...all the usual things I use in scrapbooking. But now I know I need inks and gels, and mediums....oh my!

Well, back to work.

Hugs.

Nancy

Sassy Cards

2011-10-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Well, the Sassy send of is still going with more sketches still coming. Today I made two cards using this weeks sketches.

Here I turned the sketch on its side...mixing it up and all!

Echo Park patterned paper, Imaginisce chipboard, Prima flower, Daisy D's Ribon, Vintage image vintageholidaycrafts.com

And here is my other....

Echo Park patterned paper, alphas, Daisy D's ribbon, Prima flowers, Vintage Image vintageholidaycrafts.com

I used Ranger crackle accents on the vintage images to add more deth. I am very pleased with how they turned out. I am really going to miss Cherie's sketches. She makes card making so easy!

Be sure and pop over to the Sassy Lil' Sketches blog for your chance to win one of 8 ebooks and snag a few more sketches for your portfolio.

Hugs.

Nancy

A4 Paper, A Confession

2011-10-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Hope you are having a great day. Here it is rainy and cold, perfect crafting weather.

I have a confession to make. I truly didn't know how I felt about the new A4 paper size that Prima has been releasing. I am a 12x12 scrapper. I need my paper to be 12x12...right? But then I got to thinking, I have to cut my papers to pieces because it isn't like I am going to layer all the full sheets one on top of the other. And what about the back sides? I love those as well. So, for me, I decided the A4 pads are the perfect way to go. There are so many sheets in the pad, 48 sheets/3 per design. I get the fronts and the backs, the price is great (about $10 per pad) and, not so much guilt for cutting into a page because, well, I still have two sheets of the pattern left! As well as the 3 "backsides".

Yep, I am a convert. The paper is a great weight, a little lighter than the double sided sheets, but that offers up so many additional possibilities. One of which I will be back to share soon. I am a convert!

So, What did I make with my first A4 pad?

I love this photo of Brighton and Ainsley. You can just see the caring in Brighton's face. Obviously Ainsley knows I am taking the photo, but I am not sure that Brighton did. You can't fake that kind of affection.

Prima Marketing, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Webster's Pages journaling tag, Unknown Ribbon

I used tons of goodies from the Prima Grab Bag I purchased at Your Memories Here. The Londonerry A4 paper stack, beautiful Prima blooms, the fabulous new Prima resins, some of the new Prima resist canvas, and a few Prima jewels!

I must say that this grab bag is brimming with fun! I seriously couldn't wait to jump in and play.

I stitched on all my papers after some serious distressing with my new Tim Holtz LE ink in Gathered Twig (from the fall collection).

Well, off to get a few things done.

Hugs.

Nancy

The Last One...

2011-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Well, today is the last DT layout I have for Sassy Lil' Sketches. After 16 months....well...so sad to see this end.

This probably won't be my last Sassy layout tho, because I am playing along with this weeks huge send off! Afterall....there are 8 ebooks to be won! And tons of time to play!

Here is Cherie's great sketch....

And my take...

Fancy Pants Designs It's the Little Things

You can see I took quite a few liberties with the sketch. After flipping it on its side, I divided the large photo into 3 parts. I used two for the photos and the third for embellishments and journaling. These photos are of my family hanging out in Vancouver with some super kewl street art. I want street art now where we live. hee hee

The deadline for participants will be midnight October 23rd & we will be announcing prize winners on the 24th. For each sketch we will be giving away one prize of the Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook.

So 8 total!

If you chose to Switch It Up! with any of Sassy Lil' Send Off layout sketches, you will earn an extra entry in the prize drawing. Just be sure to note in your blog post how you Switched It Up!

Link up your layout on the Sassy Lil' Sketches blog and you could be a winner! And be sure to hop over there to see all the other designer's takes!

Hugs.

Nancy

Sad News

2011-10-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. As I am sure you have heard by now Sassy Lil' Sketches will be closing. Katie and Cherie just don't have the time to commit right now to keeping this amazing challenge blog going. *cry* I have really enjoyed working for/with them over the last year plus; and am going to miss Cherie's sketches like crazy!

So, instead of closing up shop quietly.....We have decided to go out with a bang! Every day this week, they will be posting sketches on the blog where you have a chance to win one of the fabulous Sassy Lil' Sketches ebooks.

Here is the first sketch.....

The deadline for participants will be midnight October 23rd & we will be announcing prize winners on the 24th. For each sketch we will be giving away one prize of the Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook.

So 8 total!

If you chose to Switch It Up! with any of Sassy Lil' Send Off layout sketches (like me), you will earn an extra entry in the prize drawing. Just be sure to note in your blog post how you Switched It Up!

We are hoping you will all join us for this final event.

I know that I am going to be playing along!

Hugs.

Nancy

Horray for the Weekend!

2011-10-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Hope you are having a great weekend! Here we are, first day of October, and the weather is already cooperating! Not only that, but we didn't have a totally booked, over scheduled weekend. No scouts, no swim....just relaxing, errands, and chores. Which is better than trying to squeeze in all of that and scouts or swim. lol Anyway....we have some friends coming over later this afternoon for fun and dinner, but until then I am trying to squeeze in a few projects.

I wanted to share this layout with you, before I forgot. I did this for Ideas for Scrapbookers designer challenge on twine. I love my baker's twine and have accumulated quite a number of colors...mostly from The Twinery. They have tons of beautiful colors and great "starter" kits. Ainsley eating a lollipop

Crate Paper Random papers and chipboard, The Twinery twine, Prima flowers, American Crafts Thickers

I used a sketch from The Color Room, but not the required colors...so no entry there. I think I love the Random Line from Crate Paper. I feel it going the way my Emma's Shoppe did. sigh....

Well, if I am going to get this layout finished before our guests arrive....best get busy.

Hugs.

Nancy

Rub Ons

2011-09-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Now, I don't know about you, but I have tons of rub ons. I always buy (or used to...starting to learn that lesson. hee hee) the rub ons that coordinate with my papers. So, over the years they have really started to pile up. So, I was grateful to find this challenge on the Burlap & Buttercups blog. I dug out some Basic Grey rub ons and went to work.

Crate Paper patterned paper, stickers, chipboard. Prima butterfly, alpha, Basic Grey rub ons.

It has been a while since I have used rub ons...and although I had a look I was trying to create, I just didn't have quite what I was looking for. So I cut the rub ons into pieces to make them fit better. I find that to be a great way to stretch my supplies.

Well, off I go...the girls are ready to read some science.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Wednesday

2011-09-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone....Just popping in really quick to share a fun little tag I made using my new Tim Holtz Limited Edition Distress Inks.

As I am sure you know, there has been a lot of drama with these inks....could you get them? where could you get them? does anyone have them still? I have mine, and you can still get yours at Your Memories Here. And they are a great price, only $14.99.Once I had these gorgeous inks in my hands, you know I could not resist jumping right in. And for me that meant a fun tag.

Tattered Angels tag, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, stamps, tissue tape, ink embossing powder, Prima Marketing flowers, Ranger stickles, Recollection chipboard

I used all three colors on this tag, making an ombre design on both the tag itself and the tissue tape. I blended the ripe persimmon into the seedless preserves and accented the edge of the tag with the gathered twig.I added a bit of Black Diamond stickles along the bottom edge design.....

threw in a few layered Prima flowers that I accented with more stickles; and stamped and embossed a few spooky designs.

Finally, I ran my seam binding across the seedless preserves ink to dye it the perfect matching shade.

I am working on some fall home decor projects and know exactly where this tag will be fitting in.

Well, got to run!

Hugs.

Nancy

Today is Monday

2011-09-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was good with plenty of time with family and a bit to play with paper. hee hee

Today I have another installment of Menu Monday. Last week, it was hot! So stinking hot! Lots of salad....let's get started.

Monday was burrito bowls

Tuesday we had a mexican cobb salad. One of my faves!

Wednesday was something brand new for me.....Hungarian Beef Stew. I enjoyed it, not sure about the children tho. Ainsley thought it was a bit spicy.

Thursday we had herb and citrus grilled chicken tacos...which I turned into a salad.

Friday the boys were out of town, so the girls and I had cheese, crackers and some veg for dinner...nothing exciting there, definitely nothing to show.

So, since I don't have much to share in the way of menus...How about I share a layout?

Scenic Route papers, 3tailscraft chipboard, Maya Road, Prima flowers, AC felt and alphabet, Martha Stewart and EK punches.

I made this using some old, old, old Scenic Route papers and some super cute chippie I got from 3tailscraft. There is a challenge every month on scrapbook.com to use 3tailscraft chippies and I always have the best time playing. This month we had to emboss. I started with a dry emboss, but didn't really get the look I wanted, so I did a heat emboss.

Thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy First Day of Fall

2011-09-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

I feel like I should have something very autumnal to share today, but unfortunately this has been the hottest week so far this year...go figure. lol

I would very much like to thank my friend and fellow Sassy, Cher for highlighting me on her blog today. If you are looking for the photo she posted and what I did with that blob.... it is here.

This first project I did for my daughter's swim coach who resigned his position so that he can go to work coaching a college team. A quick thank you for his being such a great coach. We will really miss him.

Scenic Route Patterned papers, Cricut Just Because Cards cartridge

The inside has a pocket that contains a chocolate bar, gift card, and letters from both girls thanking him for being such a wonderful coach.

And here is a layout I made using my friend Heather's sketch over at Scraptastic.

Crate Paper Portrait collection, Prima Flowers

My whole family...and Mickey! on formal night on our Disney Cruise. Where else can you get dressed for dinner and hang with Mickey! lol I love me a Disney Cruise.

Well, back to running around!

Hugs.

Nancy

Dimension

2011-09-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

As you know, I love playing with my supplies and finding cool new ways to use them. One of my favorite supplies is Glimmer Mist and since I have a new love in Ranger's Multi Medium I thought...hmmm, how would these work together? I have seen people mix gesso and mist...what about these?

For this project I used Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Scarlett, Ranger's Multi Medium in matte, a Crafter's Workshop stencil, an old gift card and some craft sticks.

I began by placing a dollop of the multi medium on my mat.

I sprayed a bit (1 pump) of the Glimmer Mist onto my medium and

stirred with the craft stick

Placed my stencil over my cardstock...

and used the old gift card to pull the medium across.

I ended up with some great dimensional texture that I left to dry overnight. The matte Multi Medium has a great, wax-like appearance once dry.

With a quick sentiment stamp and a piece of older Prima Marketing paper, it became a cute card.

These cards are a little more simple than I usually make, but I just loved the detail and dimension that this technique offered.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Menu Monday

2011-09-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

It's Monday again, albeit late for many of you I am sure. Life has gotten crazy here. Did I mention that all three children are back to swimming? Fortunately, they are all swimming on the same team! woo hoo!!!! Unfortunately not only do they all swim at different times, they swim at different pools! lol The pools are very close together (within 10 minutes) but I have to stop every 10 minutes to drop people off. lol So, that is my excuse today for being late.

Can't remember exactly what was which days, so please bare with me. Here is what we had for meals last week.

Bar-b-que shrimp and cheesy grits! Yummo!!! Mackenzie has decided she likes shrimp again, not so much the grits...but it is a start. hee hee

Yummy Asian Beef Noodle salad. Lots of tasty vegetables, cucumbers, peppers, scallions plus rommaine and yummy mint. I had some Asian wheat noodles in the pantry that I needed to use but I don't know why you couldn't just use thin spaghetti.

Beef and Chipotle chili. Also way yummy! Ainsley of course thought it was too spicy...but she thinks everything is too spicy. lol

Macaroni and Cheese from the crock pot with a side of broccoli. eh...but it works. And Ainsley doesn't think it is spicey. lol

And finally....A Beef and Ginger Stir Fry.

This one was so tasty and so easy I think I will share.

Beef and Ginger Stir Fry
1 lb tenderized round steak cut thin
1 bunch broccoli broken into florettes
4 carrots sliced
2 red bell peppers sliced
1 lb snap peas
3 scallions, sliced
1/2 lb mushrooms (I used crimini)
1 tsp fresh ginger grated
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp vegetable oil

Place oil into hot pan, you are going to want the pan good and hot to stir fry. When oil begins to shimmer add beef, cooking in two batches so as not to steam the meat. Set meat aside. Add carrots, peppers, and broccoli to hot pan and toss till the vegetables begin to brighten (2 minutes). Add in snap peas and scallions and toss for another minute. Finally add mushrooms and toss for maybe one minute more. I like my vegetables crisp tender, so I don't want them to cook too long. Add in the ginger, garlic and chicken broth and cover for just a minute or two. Then add the meat back in to reheat. I served this over rice and everyone really enjoyed it.

I love that other than the prep of the ingredients it only takes a few minutes to cook. Definitely something I will make again, although Mackenzie has requested chicken next time.

OK, well...gotta run again!

Hugs.

Nancy

Switch it Up

2011-09-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Switch it Up Saturday over at Sassy Lil' Sketches and as usual we had an amazing sketch to work with.

I turned it on its side and added a third photo to get...

Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe papers, trims, chipboard, American Crafts and Prima Alphas, Pink Paislee dress form

My girls and a friend being all kinds of goofy. I replaced the banner with the fun dress form and added lots of other fun embellishments.

So, pop over to the Sassy blog and check out what the other designers have done and link your design for a chance to win a fabulous prize from this month's sponsor,

September Sponsor:

Hugs.

Nancy

Inspired by My Trash

2011-09-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, as promised I am here today with a mini album I was inspired to make for the Your Memories Here blog. I became inspired when I came across some corrugated cardboard while unwrapping some sheets for Ainsley's room redo. Guess it is a good thing the sheets had extra packaging. hee hee Funny the things that inspire us sometimes.

Prima Flights of Fancy, Fairytale roses, mini roses, Sweet Taffy , Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist.

I stripped some of the paper off the cardboard, painted it white and then spritzed on a bit of Glimmer Mist to color the base. I added some beautiful Prima butterflies from a piece of the Flights of Fancy paper, stickers from the same collection, some lovely Prima flowers, gorgeous lace, and a bit of a flourish and a Tattered Angels tag that I also colored with Glimmer Mist.

Prima Flights of Fancy and Pastiche papers, journaling card

I filled my mini with more beautiful Prima papers from both the Flights of Fancy and Pastiche collections, fussy cutting many butterflies from the Miss Pretty butterfly sheet.

Prima Pastiche and Flights of Fancy papers, flower, pearl, Tattered Angels tag, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

I used a few different colors of Glimmer Mist and a paint brush to color my tag to coordinate with my mini album as well as color my seam binding.

Prima Flights of Fancy and Pastiche papers, Sweet Taffy flower

Just because you only have a small sheet of paper, don't not use it. This scrap was just large enough to be a 1/2 page in my book. I think different sized pages help keep things interesting.

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Prima Stamps, Sweet Taffy Flower, Mni Rose

One of my new favorite things to do is to mist old book pages with a cream glimmer mist and then use some stamps to accent the page. Since the paper is a little thin to bind, I added a strip of paper to the edge to increase the weight.

As usual, I have no idea what I am going to use the album for, but I loved making it and sharing it with you.

Hugs.

nancy

Sharing

2011-09-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to drop in real quick and share a couple of layouts I recently finished....

These are my three darlings all set to ride in Stanley Park, Vancouver. As you can see I am still working through my huge stash of papers. These are from Fancy Pants, the Happy Together collection. I managed to use one of the beautiful transparencies as well as a few glitter cuts. This one will be on Ideas for Scrapbookers as my example of a monochromatic layout. The huge transparency really made this come together quickly. Not much need for further embellishment. hee hee

Fancy Pants Happy Together, American Crafts Thickers.

And here are Phil and Ainsley checking out the glacier from our verandah on the Disney Wonder. Such a great trip. Are you tired of looking at my photos yet? hee hee.....Anyway, Phil was teaching her to use the binoculars. This was based on a sketch from Once Upon a Sketch. I didn't use the journaling criteria, and I moved my title, but.....

Cosmo Cricket 1934 Collection, Prima lace, flowers.

Well, tomorrow I am back with a project I made for Your Memories Here. I am waiting on my Prima grab bag, and I think there is still time for you to grab one too. I so can't wait to get my hands on the new collections. Oh and now she has grab bags of the new Ruby Violet! You know I can't wait to get my hands on that! hee hee

See you tomorrow.

Hugs.

Nancy

Menu Mondays are Back

2011-09-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...guess what? It is Monday and I am back to share some food ideas from our past week. I know I am a little late, but life is crazy busy today.

Let's jump right in....

This year Brighton needed an extra course on his transcript to stay in the charter program. With three AP courses and 2 courses at the JC I decided I would teach the elective. Guess what he is taking....Food and Nutrition! I am teaching him to cook (and Mackenzie). Don't you love a man who cooks.....Anyway. He decided to make fettuccine alfredo, sauteed zucchini, and a caprese salad. Yum! But I think we need to work on the nutrition portion as I am pretty sure this meal is high in fat. hee hee.

Tuesday we had chicken piccatta, sauteed spinach with cannelini beans and a caesar salad. I guess it was Italian week. hee hee

Wednesday night was quick and easy. Wednesday is usually salads...BLT! So super easy. Lettuce, lots of crispy bacon, and tons of fresh tomatoes from a friends garden. A few croutons on top. Delicious and so easy.

Thursday was another easy dinner. Grilled shrimp and vegetables with a side of rice pilaf.

And finally, one of my faves, homemade paparadelle with a duck ragu.

This one was totally yummy and since it was my absolute fave (only 200 calories for all that ragu), here is the link for the recipe at Fine Cooking. Now, if you don't care for duck, I am sure you could make a very similar dish with chicken thighs and legs. Super easy too!

OK, well....time to get back to work. Did I mention it is crazy here?

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Friday

2011-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hooray for Fridays! And today is a special one...it is my baby boys birthday! woo hoo!!!! 16 years ago I became a mom! Anyway, before continuing with the days work and festivities I thought I would drop by and share this......

A shot of all my lovelies in Seattle just a few weeks ago. Brighton is getting so big, the top of his head is always getting cut out of the photos. hee hee He is just about 6 feet tall now, a good 9 inches taller than me and 4 more than Phil.

Pink Paislee Daily Junque, Prima Marketing flowers, Unknown ribbon.

And on the topic of things I enjoy.....Last weekend we purchased an outdoor fire pit. We have been looking to get something since our old one broke a few years ago...but could never quite decide. Well, we finally did....And it has been great! We went with a propane fire, which, while not being quite the same as a wood, is much easier to deal with. Which means...just about every night this week we have been out in the yard enjoying a fire. I don't think the tv has been turned on once! And if a few marshmallows and some propane is all it takes to make for some quality family time....I am all for it. hee hee

Well, anyway...back to work here. Hope you have a great Friday!

Hugs.

Nancy

Ranger Craft Scrubbie

2011-09-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Sorry I have been MIA...and even after promising a menu Monday. It was a holiday, and that is my excuse...I am sticking to it.

I wanted to share with you a new love of mine. As you know, I recently attended a class with Tim Holtz and learned all about this new(to me anyway) fabulous tool from Ranger Products, called the Craft Scrubbie. Like many of you, I love my mists and inks and while it doesn't bother me to have hands covered in ink at the end of the day most of the time....sometimes...well, if I am headed out for the night, it just isn't pretty.

Pretty, huh. That is even after a hand wash. And that is nothing next to some nights.

After a quick second wash and scrub with this nifty tool which you can find at the Your Memories Here store...

My hands looked like this.

Pretty good, huh? And it only took an extra minute or two.

So, what did I make that got my hands so dirty?

Bazzil Basics cardstock, Queen and Co. felt ribbon, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Prima Marketing flowers, Ruby Rocket chipboard, misc. alphabets.

Just feeling the need to play with some mists and bright flowers. I misted my paper using a mask made from some old Queen and Co. felt ribbon and a rainbow of Glimmer Mist colors. I decided to clean the stash the other day and found tons of the stuff. I added a photo mat of sorts with some gesso and then just went to town with the Prima flowers from Your Memories Here. It is a different look for me, but I think I like it.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Hooray for Long Weekends

2011-09-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Lots planned here today, not all fun...totally need to tidy my office/scraproom. With all the scrapbooking, school starting, and the end of swim season...goodness...the mess! But, there is some fun in store and I plan on doing a little mess making today and tomorrow as well.

Before I am off to do some errands tho, I wanted to pop in and share a few recent projects.

This first one is Ainsley playing in the beaver pond in Stanley Park (Vancouver). They had a few docents with lots of little goodies including a telescope, nets, and microscopes so that the children could explore the environment. Ainsley of course jumped right in and was ready to play. She didn't catch much in her net, mostly bugs...but it was very scenic and there were pretty flowers, turtles, and the beaver dam to look at.

Pink Paislee Daily Junque collection, Prima flowers, Maya road flowers, American Crafts alphabet, Misc. lace.

And you have seen this photo before. This is the South Sawyer Glacier in the Tracy Arm, Alaska. Stunning. Simply amazing how massive these glaciers are. Such a shame that many will never have a chance to see them as they are rapidly receding. To give you some perspective, the crevasses are 300 feet deep and the seracs are also a few hundred feet tall. Needless to say, the idea of walking on these glaciers is not smart. You need some serious ice climbing equipment. I promise, it is straight in real life. I wish I could get my scanner stitching again, but alas, for now I must deal with photos and keystone distortion. sigh

Authentique papers, Pink Paislee alphabet, vinyl.

Anyway...off to run a few errands.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

Hugs.

Nancy

Another Favorite Photo

2011-09-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, I admit it...I took almost 1000 photos on our vacation and I have too many favorites to count. So, slowly but surely I will be working my way through them and sharing them with you in their scrapbooked form.

This one was taken of the two girls after we had canoed out to the Davidson Glacier. It was an incredibly beautiful trip. A catamaran through the fjord, a bus to camp where we geared up, a quick hike to the canoes and then off we went. We paddled so close to the glacier that we could see individual rocks falling out. The girls ate glacier ice the whole way and the rugged wilderness was gorgeous.....It was cold and wet, and this photo was taken in the catamaran on the way back to town. Did I mention we saw dozens of bald eagles, humpback whales, and seals on the way? anyway...... That is the back story, here is the finished project.

Crate Paper Emma's Shoppepapers, die cuts, chipboard, buttons, Prima Marketing flowers, Pink Paislee alpha, The Twinery Twine

I think I will be heartbroken when I finish the Emma's Shoppe collection from Crate Paper. It has become one of my faves. Of course, there is always something new, right? hee hee

Well, off to get the children doing some school.

Hugs.

Nancy

Missing Magnets

2011-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Well, I told you I would be back today with a fun home decor project, and here I am.

As you know, I recently remodeled my kitchen. And, as is the style, I went with stainless steel appliances. Unfortunately, magnets don't stick to stainless steel, so I needed to come up with a place to hang my grocery pad and other bits of paper.

I popped into my local hardware store and found a piece of sheet metal for the great price of $6.00 and spray painted it black.

I added a few sheets of patterned paper. Helpful hint: be sure and use thin papers as you want your magnets to stick and hold down other paper items.

Jenni Bowlin patterned papers

Next, I added a few fun embellishments. I didn't use too many and kept them to the corners as I did want this item to be functional as well as pretty. These beautiful flowers and leaves came from the Your Memories Here store. I also used a piece of Prima Marketing lace that I spritzed with a bit of Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist to set off the different patterned papers.

Prima Marketing flowers and leaves. Jenni Bowlin and Maya Road stick pins.

And here is the final project....

I mounted it to the cabinet that holds my refrigerator with Command Adhesive so as not to mar the surface. The clock and the "white board" are also mounted this way.

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs,

Nancy

And so it begins....

2011-08-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we are back full force, into school/swim mode. This year, Mackenzie has chosen not to continue with the ballet, but instead to go back to competitive swimming...which is fine. Of course, with the teams growth I am now at three pools at three different times. Sigh...menu planning is a going to get interesting. hee hee Speaking of menu planning, I will be back next week with Menu Mondays. I know so many of you were asking, and how can I say no?

Anywho....just wanted to pop in and share a layout I did this weekend. Still trying to work through my paper stash. I can't believe I ordered more! It is a disease I tell you! lol

Crate Paper Portrait Collection, Webster's Pages Bloomers, Prima Marketing flourish, American Crafts Thickers, Jenni Bowling mini alpha

My three darlings dressed up for formal night. I can't believe how big they are getting. They look so grown all dressed up for dinner. sigh Where does the time go. And the Alaska wilderness makes such an awesome back drop. This has got to be one of my favorite photos from our trip. This is based on an old Pencil Lines sketch. Not sure which number, I just had the sketch lying around. It was for two vertical photos, but I just used one large one.

Tomorrow I will be back with a fun home decor project I just finished. One for my kitchen! Remodeled kitchen means new ideas. hee hee

See you then.

Hugs.

Nancy

I Have a Secret

2011-08-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

I don't like to tell when I am going to be out of town. Even though I have a house sitter...someone who lives in my house while I am gone...I don't like to tell. So, I set up my blogs to post ahead of time, and not mention a thing on Facebook, and then I go. This time, I was gone for almost 2 weeks! I bet you didn't even notice. hee hee

Where did I go? Seattle, Vancouver, and then a week long cruise to Alaska.

I just finished unpacking and downloading all my photos. And of course, school had to start, so I have begun that. No time to edit photos yet, but here are a few straight out of the camera.

Vancouver from our hotel suite

My little darlings, not so little anymore.

South Sawyer Glacier in the Tracy Arm Fjord. We were about 700 yards from it. Amazing!

The port of Ketchican

Sailing through the most beautiful rainbow

Well, I have almost 1000 photos to scrap so I guess I should get busy. hee hee Be back soon with some scrapiness, hopefully.

Hugs.

Nancy

Distress Inks Make me Happy

2011-08-24T12:32:00.000-07:00

I know, I use distress inks a lot...they are really one of my favorite products. I seem to use them almost daily. Why? because I feel they add so much to my projects.

I was recently working on this layout of my son. The papers are beautiful, but they don't have much depth and in my option, and for my scrappy style, they don't blend together. They are beautiful, but......

Tim Holtz Kraft Resist paper, Authentique patterned papers

So, I used my foam inking tool and a few different colors of distress ink in blues and browns and came up with this.

Tim Holtz Kraft Resist paper, Authentique patterned papers, Basic Grey alphabet, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and Tag. Custom dyed seam binding

Now the colors blend seamlessly. I was also able to add a quick swipe of ink over some naked chipboard to blend it into the layout. I also added a bit of ink, as well as some Tattered Angels Glimmer mist to my tag to blend it in as well.

I really like the inked layout so much better. That said, my dh...he likes the one without the ink. I guess it takes all kinds. So....which do you like better?

Hugs.

Nancy

Look at Me Go

2011-08-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

I said I was going to try to be a better blogger and I think I have been doing quite well. hee hee...I think I have posted more in the past week than I did the month of July. In my defense...July is just crazy around here.

And speaking of crazy....here is part of the reason. July means cabana champs! And with the end of the season it means that as president of the team, league rep, and treasurer for the league...I am crazy busy. Here are a few photos of the children with their cabana coaches at our awards banquet. We are so blessed every year to have great coaches all of whom swam for the team in their younger days.

Making Memories 5th Avenue Collection, The Twinery baker's twine

In my quest to make room for new goodies I have been working hard to use the old goodies. For these layouts I used some beautiful papers and embellishments from the 5th Avenue line from Making Memories. The colors worked great with these outdoor shots. And I was lucky to have some beautiful sketches to play with from my good friend Heather. Did you know, if you use one of her designs or templates, you can be featured on her blog?

Well, thanks for dropping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

This Summer

2011-08-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have been really lax this summer about blogging. It isn't that I haven't been scrapping, or that I don't still love you all, it is just that finding the time to sit down and type is difficult some days. I am hoping with school getting ready to start that I will get back in the habit soon. Anywho....

I found this layout I did of Brighton that I hadn't shared yet. I am not sure that I just love the way the title came out, but since I struggle with boy pages I am calling it done. Sorry for the bad photo...don't know what happened there. hee hee

Echo Park Everything. hee hee

Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Birthday to ....

2011-08-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I am not going to say because i have yet to mail this card and I want the recipeint to be surprised. hee hee
I made this card with some beautiful Annalee papers from Prima Marketing and a sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches.

This card is actually a pop up, with a bouquet of flowers that I fussy cut on the inside.

I also added in bits of beautiful trims and a few gorgeous flowers from the Your Memories Here store as well as a piece of Prima packaging. You know we all have to be green. hee hee

Anyway, I hope the recipient enjoys her card. Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs

Nancy

buddies

2011-08-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I hope you are having a great day wherever you are. I wanted to just drop in today to share a layout I made of Ainsley and one of her little buddies at the pool. Ainsley, being the baby of the family, always tries to find younger children to baby so she can be the big girl. Fortunately, there is never a shortage in our neighborhood.

Echo Park Patterned Papers, Prima Marketing flowers, alphabet, bling, Melissa Frances resin, Bic Mark-its.

I decided to use some of my new Echo Park Victoria Garden collection as well as a few Prima flowers, bits of bling and alphabet. I couldn't resist throwing in a doily and a Melissa Frances resin piece. I even took the time to hand color the resin to make it match using my Bic Mark-its.

Well, back to the grind.

Hugs.

Nancy

Switch it Up

2011-08-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Are you getting into the groove of the new schedule at Sassy Lil' Sketches? Tuesdays we reveal layout sketches.

Here is this week's sketch:

And on Saturdays we switch it up.

I decided to go with three photos instead of the two shown. These are some photos I recently took of Mackenzie. I used lots of distressing and inking on my page, as well as some fun little embellies.

Prima Marketing patterned papers, florals, stickers, lace, pink alpha, Pink Paislee chipboard, The Twinery twine

So, be sure to head over to the Sassy Lil' Sketches blog and check out what the other Switch it up Sassies have done, and try your hand at the sketch for a chance to win a prize from one of our sponsors.

Our August Sponsors

Paper Sponsor:

Digi Sponsor:

Layouts must be uploaded below by September 5th, 11:59 P.M. EST to be eligible for the August random prize drawing*.

Hugs.

Nancy

bloggity, blog, blog, bloggin

2011-08-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I hope things are going well for everyone. I can't believe that summer is almost over. Soon the children will be back in the pool. Until then, the children are growing like weeds! I swear, I measured...Mackenzie has grown an inch in the last 48 hours. Crazy, huh!

Speaking of growing, my little niece Lili is growing so fast. Last spring, we went to see Mackenzie perform in the Ballet San Jose School performance of Silly Simon. Since then, Lili has been addicted to ballet. The other day Lili came over and the girls all decided to play dress up. Well, you know that Lili had to be a ballerina. And I had to take photos. I used lots of older Prima Papers from the Your Memories Here store, as well as beautiful Prima flowers, butterflies, trims and a few Melissa Frances resin pieces.

Prima Papers, flowers, butterflies, trims, Melissa Frances resins

I tried a new technique on this layout. You know I have used my masks to stamp before....today I decided to try embossing at the same time. I began by spraying my mask with a bit of mist.

I formed my sandwich, this step took a while....trying to figure out the right thickness to get a good embossing. I ended up with the cutting platform tab 1, my mask, the paper, the rubber mat and then finally, the purple plate. I didn't get quite as deep an emboss as I would have liked, but.....

And, after a quick trip through my machine.....

Hugs.

Nancy