Sunset on the Beach - Scrapbooking

Hello everyone!  Happy Monday.  Today I want to share with you a scrapbook layout I made.  I am desperately trying to work through my never ending supply of paper.  I can't seem to part with it, because it is so pretty...but I always seem to be drawn to what is new instead.  So, making a concerted effort to break into the stash....

Anyway, these are some much older Basic Grey papers I have had for years.  Love them, and they are perfect for our Northern California beach photos.

Basic Grey Periphery and a Recollections from Michaels wooden bird were perfect for these photos of Mackenzie and a couple of friends goofing off at the beach.

Keeping it simple using just a few die cuts from the collection and pop dots....remember when scrapbooking was simple?  lol

Well, hope you have a great day.
Hugs.
 

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze - Simple Stories

Hi everyone!  Today I want to share with you another layout I made from the photos at the Pumpkin Patch.  This is a huge family tradition for us, we have been going every year to the same patch since Brighton was just two years old.  Let me tell you how much he loves going today!  lol  That said, all the children were somewhat cooperative in heading down to take photos.  They know it means a lot to me so....

Anyway....

 Using some older Simple Stories papers, an ancient Karen Foster wood piece, some older woolies from Baisc Grey and finally a resit banner from Heidi Swapp; I came up with this.

I really have been trying to dig through the stash to use up some of the older items I have.  I swear I have enough things to last me the rest of my life.  lol

Hugs.

Nancy

Merry Page Drafts

Hi everyone!  I am just thrilled to share with you a little secret.  As you probably know, I love the sketches over at Page Drafts and have played along a few times.  I was just thrilled when Em asked me to help out with her Christmas Cheer release!  You have got to go over there and take a look at all the talented ladies work...I feel like such a slouch.  sigh

Anyway...there are seven gorgeous sketches to work with, and I am not teasing when I say the talent over there is crazy.

For now tho....here are mine.

Each layout features one of the five Christmas trees we set up this year.  This first project is the big tree in the living room...not the prettiest tree ever, and that is a story unto itself, but it is 12 feet tall and nearly impossible to get a photo of.  This multi photo sketch offered the opportunity to highlight bits and pieces of the tree.

 And here is a smaller tree, this one in my office.  It features lots of penguins.  I think penguins are ever so cute, and the fact that our summer swim team is the penguins...well......

So that's it for me today....I also have posts up over at Hydrangea Hippo and the Sampler today that I will be back to show you soon.

Hugs.

Nancy

Back to Nature

Hi everyone!  I hope that everyone had a great weekend!  Here we were busy with yet another swim meet, holiday shopping...and fortunately time with friends.

Today I want to share with you a project I made for that woman, Heather's, sketch challenge.  I love this sketch...just perfect for the bunches of photos I took of Ainsley when we cut down our tree.

It was such a beautiful day...the sun was shining, the birds were singing...hard to think about winter, and cold winds, and all that ho,ho, ho when it is so lovely outside.

Lots of older Origins papers from Basic Grey with these photos.  Bits of chipboard, tags, and brads.  Feels so good to use up some of my stash.

Well, lots to do today.

Hugs.

Nancy

Taste of Fall - The Sampler

Good morning bloggers! Today I want to share with you another project using the September kit from The Sampler kit club.  This kit is so full of yummy goodies the projects keep coming.  This time some photos of dh and I at a wine tasting at one of our local wineries.  (I know the photo looks crooked....I was having camera issues).

 

I love all the textures in this kit. The super cute felts, the lovely laces, and of course the washi tape.  I couldn't resist using lots of stitching and a sketch from Page Maps.

The October Kit is just as gorgeous (probably my favorite yet) and is available in the store right now.  Grab yours before it's gone.  And don't forget about the sketch and card challenges going on now at The Sampler.  Lots of goodies to be won...no purchase necessary.

Hugs.

Nancy

Testing....1, 2, 3

Hey everyone!  We are right in the middle of a fun, holiday weekend in the US and I don't even know if anyone is checking their blogs....but I wanted to share with you the September kit from the Sampler, "Flying High".

This kit is filled with gorgeous blues and greens, lace, felt, die cuts and tapes.  As well as some gorgeous goodies from Hambly....which I know I miss already.

I have started digging in...and am hoping this long weekend gives me lots of time to play some more.

Hugs.

Nancy

A Two Pager?

When I first started scrapbooking...oh those many years ago, I made single page 12x12 layouts.  After a while...looking at my books...I began to notice that my pages didn't really "match".  So, I started making every layout a two page spread.  It wasn't always easy, but......Then, trends changed and my children got older...there were fewer and fewer event pages and more just photos, I turned back to single spread pages.  Every once and a while tho, it does happen, an event that calls for more photos...that calls for larger photos, or...in this case a sketch comes along that I have to use.

Here is the sketch from Heather

and here is my take

Fun, huh!    These are older photos of Brighton (yep, that almost 17 year old that you see all the time).  Here he is 10 or so, at a camping weekend with the scouts...Oh, how young and cute he was....sigh.  They just grow too fast.  I used some of my older Basic Grey, Archaic papers and a few odds and ends.

Well, crazy crazy here....what's new huh!  lol  We went to the beach camping for a couple of days...more about that later.

Hugs.

Nancy

Monday...

Hi everyone, Monday here and I am by to share more projects I recently made.  It has been cold and rainy for the last week which has meant lots of time to play.

I made this one using the new Loyal collection from Authentique and threw in some bits and pieces from other manufacturers to create this Pagemaps design.

I can't believe how big Brighton is getting, so mature, so...well "big"!    I am so proud of him!

And here is Phil and I at the annual Bridge School Benefit!  I love this concert and don't know why we don't try and go every year.  I used a sketch from my good friend Heather who keeps coming up with the most amazing design ideas.  Lots of older Basic Grey papers and a few Prima embellishments.

Well, it is a busy day around here and I really should get a few more things done.

Hugs.

Nancy

Baby...it's Cold Outside

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

Happy Thursday

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

It's Friday, Friday....

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

Boys....

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

America's Next Top Chef?

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

Rub Ons

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

Distress Inks Make me Happy

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

A Great Weekend

Hi everyone!  I hope you are having a great week.  Can you believe it is already August?  Time is going by so fast.  Summer is almost over!  Soon the children will be back to school and there is so much still to do, and not nearly enough days to enjoy!  Where did the beach time, the water park time go?  I guess it was all spent at the pool.

Anywho...one of the things I did find time for was a class at my LSS with Tim Holtz.

This was his Creative Blocks class.  Lots of Tim Holtz papers, distress inks, crackle paints and ideaology. Super fun....we even were able to play with beeswax.  It was amazing how we all started out with the same supplies, and yet each person's project was totally unique.

I have also managed to make a few pages.

This first one is from Mackenzie's dance class.  She has decided not to continue with the ballet, but instead to go back to competitive swimming.  There is hidden journaling talking about the decision.  Originally this was supposed to be for the Glitz Designs challenge, but I didn't get it posted in time.  I used lots of Glitz goodies, some old naked Basic Grey chipboard, and a Pencil Lines sketch.

Glitz Designs Papers and stamps, Prima Marketing flowers and lace, Basic Grey Chipboard, Tim Holtz Distress Ink.

And here are the girls, at the start.  Well, the start of their races...one of many that weekend.  I think they each competed in 9 individual events over the course of the three day meet.  I used some old Little Yellow Bicycle papers for this, a few epoxies made with my Epiphany Crafts tool, as well as a Sassy Lil' Sketch.  Such a different look from the one above.  hee hee

Little Yellow Bicycle papers and border stickers, American Crafts alpha and journaling block,  Epiphany Crafts epoxy, The Twinery twine, unknown buttons, ribbon trim.

Well, I have another project to share tomorrow for Your Memories Here.  Hope you have time to drop by.

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Fourth

For those of you in the US, Happy 4th of July!  I am getting ready to head out for some fireworks, but before I do, I wanted to stop by and show you a few projects I have been working on.


My adorable niece spraying Ainsley with the hose.  The two of them were having a great time playing in the yard.  Lili thought the hose was amazing.  Until she fell in the wet grass.

Crate Paper Emma's Shoppe.  Pink Paislee flourishes, American Crafts Alpha.

 And my darling husband.  This is for the sketch challenge over on the Glitz blog.  I had tons of fun doing this one, A fun mix of Glitz papers and Prima.  I even dyed some seam binding to match.

Glitz Designs Papers, Basic Grey Alpha, Prima flowers, centers, alpha, Maya Road pins.

Well, the girls are yelling that it is time to go!

Hugs.

Nancy

Finally....

I know I promised to be back today, and here I am.  It was a crazy busy day here....but instead of complaining about it...let's just get to the good stuff.

Brighton and Ainsley had a swim meet this weekend which was tons of fun, especially on Saturday when the temps were in the upper 40s and it poured rain.  Well, since it wasn't exactly good viewing weather, I stayed home and managed to get quite a few chores done.  Sunday was beautiful.  So I went to the meet and actually watched my children swim.  So fun!  Chatted a bit with some friends, watched Brighton and Ainsley both get a few new A times, and had a lovely day.

Thanks goodness for the long weekend though.  Monday, with Phil being off work, allowed me some much needed creative time.  I have a post tomorrow over at Your Memories Here using some of the gorgeous trims, glimmer mists, flowers and bling.  So be sure and be back then.  I also have these two layouts over at Ideas for Scrapbookers.  This week's designer showcase is ribbons.  I have been crazy for pleated ribbons lately, so I decided to make these.

This is Ainsley, posing with her new Christmas ornament, before we put it on the tree.  See that big, red rose?  It was made with some Maya Road pleated ribbon.  So quick and easy to make, and the texture is fabulous.

Basic Grey papers, My Minds Eye alphabet, Prima mini roses

And here is another layout of Ainsley.  These photos are from a few years back.  I was doing something in the office, and she came in a mess.  So, I told her to go into the bathroom and get cleaned up.  Well, she did.  She filled the pedestal sink with water and bubbles, and climbed right in.  What a goof!  lol  She thought she was so clever sitting in her 3 inches of water.

Pink Paislee paper, pleated trim, gem, Prima flowers, pearls, leaves.  Martha Stewart border punch, Tim Holtz distress inks. Webster's Pages journaling card, Wilson cake doily, Unkown lace

I am so hoping that tomorrow is a better day.  I will be back to share the project I made for Your Memories Here.  Until then.......

Hugs.

Nancy

Happy Hump Day

It is another gorgeous day today.  Do you think the weather has anything to do with the children not wanting to do their school work?  Spring Fever in January perhaps?

Well, that's ok, I will make it work.  We did manage to get everything and then some done yesterday, it is just slow going.  sigh

Enough about me....How about some projects?

I recently was cruising through my photos and came across this one of Mackenzie when she was 5.  She still shoots me that look occasionally.  hee hee....My fellow IFS artist Cathy designed the sketch...it was so cute.  I busted out the Cricut for the mushrooms and some ancient Prima flowers.  The Cosmo Cricket paper usually isn't my style, but I just loved the colors...and I think the style may be changing...becoming a bit more simple perhaps?  hmmmmmm

Cosmo Cricket patterned papers, Bazzil Basics cardstock, American Crafts Thickers, Prima Marketing flowers.

Brighton was one of the ones who was just to die to make holiday cookies.  Of course, when the time came, he really couldn't be bothered to focus on the task at hand.  lol  He is watching TV and listening to his iPod.   I used a Pagemaps sketch for this one.  I love sketches....have I mentioned that before?  hee hee

Bazzil Basics cardstock, Echo Park patterned papers and stickers, Paper Bliss layered embellishments.

And finally, Mackenzie working on cookies.  This is another Pagemaps sketch and a layout I really struggled with.  I love the colors from the Catch the Moments kit.  And I really liked the sketch.  The problem was...so much white space.  I still just can't get used to it.  I guess it is an acquired taste?

Bazzil Basics cardstock, Basic Grey patterned paper and flowers, American Crafts Thickers, Prima small resin rose, Unknown trim.

I have a few more things done or in the works...but nothing to share yet since it is DT work.  Speaking of DT work, guess I should go get busy!  Reveal day at Sassy Lil' Sketches on Friday...Catch the Moments post from me next Thursday.

Oh, and don't forget to guess who didn't like the sweet potato fries last week for your chance to win some fun  goodies.  You can see him here.

Hugs.

Nancy

So....

I started to blog last night, but then we had another Earthquake (3 now in 5 days) and I just wasn't up to it.  Well, really, just wasn't up to many things yesterday.  The dreary, cold weather is getting to me I guess.

Well, I wanted to stop by for a few minutes with a more layouts using some fabulous sketches I have found. The first one is from my good friend, Heather, over at Ideas for Scrapbookers.  She has a digital template as well as the sketch if you are into that type of thing, which I am not....  lol  I just can't get past the love of paper.

I am trying to work my way through some of my older papers to make room for new.  lol  And the colors in the Basic Grey Fruitcake line were great with the tint of these photos.

Basic Grey Fruitcake, Making Memories sheer embellishments and flower, Maya Road trims

And this time I even managed to stick pretty close to her sketch and not junk it up with all kinds of flowers and embellishments.  hee hee

This one I did with the Catch the Moments Love Kit that has been laying on my desk (well, was laying, it is gone now...cry) and a sketch from Ally Scraps.

Catch the Moments Kits - Love Kit, American Crafts...everything!  lol

Ainsley loves opening presents, Christmas is the best in her book!  She can't wait to dig in.  hee hee  And she was thrilled with all the pink Barbie goodies.  shhh, don't tell, she still loves Barbie!    Probably should have gone with something more pink...but I love these papers.

Lots of fun cool things going on over at the Catch the Moments forums!  Sneaks, sales, chatting, fun! maybe even a challenge or two!

Well, gotta run!  Tomorrow is the end of the semester for Brighton's online classes and this weekend is our huge Zones swim meet (1800 swimmers).  We are busy, busy, busy!

Hugs

Nancy