Falling Leaves

Another month, another Unity challenge. I totally need these, it's the only way I get my rubber inky!! I love that all the challenges get you using different stamps.

For this card, I stamped the leaves in versamark and then coloured them in with chalk. I *love* this technique! The "thankful" is embossed. I just love that stamp!

Have a great week!
~A

Sometimes...the smallest things...

take up the most room in your heart. ~Winnie the Pooh My little DD when she was several months old. It's kind of ironic because she's REALLY tall now.. she is the tallest 3rd grader in her class and she's a foot taller than a lot of the kids!

I used the Unity Sketch to make a layout. It's not easy to turn a card sketch into a layout. :) If you look at the flower I used the little heart pins stamps from the September 2009 kit of the month. Sorry, about the colours, my scanner did not like!! I tried to correct as much as possible but that's the best I could do!

Just need a place to park..

I have these Unity stamps for trade from the recent grab bag:

Unity August Challenge

You know what I love about the Unity challenges?? It gets me using my Unity stamps AND using up scraps! :) Just what I needed to get back into the swing of things!

I *struggled* with this card! This is the first time I did an actual stamped paper piecing. I've stamped on pp before but never really cut out small details. :) My fingers are just too chubby and I have no patience! lol

The theme was *Back to School* I used a schoolhouse and the quote from a previous KOTM. I'll be passing this card on to a friend of mine who is a single mom, 29 years old and going back to University full time for her education degree!!! So proud of her and this quote was PERFECT!

The little branch is from a sizzix die. My kids actually punched it out while they were playing with it and I never thought there'd be a use for an orange branch...but since I never actually used the die myself (blush) I thought it was too cute to throw out! Ahh..there's always a use for something, no?

~A

Banners, Tags & Flags!

Just a quickie! I've been trying to get 10 minutes today to get on upload this car before heading off to the lake..and things never do work out as planned, do they? lol Well.. this didn't turn out quite how I expected, but that's ok.. I still kind of like it! This is for the Ippity Challenge!

August Unity KOTM Sketch Challenge

Wow, I can't believe I've manage to participate in a 2nd monthly challenge! :) It's easy when the stamps you are using are so amazing! This is the sketch:

This is my card. It's not a great image of it, but I actually took it with my cellphone because it was way too thick to scan. I tried to hide the words in a circle with stickles...it's actually less obvious in person, but flash doesn't lie. ;) I didn't want the words to show because I just wanted it to be the number 5 for a 5th anniversary. I'm happy with how it turned out. It's hit and miss with me and cards!! lol

Stamps on this card are from the August Unity kit of the month. I just got them today! Yay! :)

Hello? Is this thing on...?

Just trying to creep back in here...I've been making a few things here and there. Yes, I'm shocked myself. I made this card for a Unity Stamp Co. challenge! Click here to see the challenge!

I made this using up an old Just Cre8 kit that featured the Fancy Pants Splendid line. The stamp is from the July 2010 Unity Kit of the Month. I love it! Next time, I'll have to stamp it on smooth cardstock to see the details a little better!

Also, my Martha Stewart punch seen on this card is on the fritz? How disappointing for something that isn't used very often. It will NOT punch through bazzill at all. It hardly punched through this flimsy white cardstock!

Stay Tuned for some other stuff! ;)

A layout!

My friend from junior high had the wedding of the century. She even had a photo booth service set up...it was such a blast! She is the one on the left in the group photos. The machine printed off 2 sets of each...one for the brides scrapbook, where you sign with your photos and the other you get to keep!

(click to enlarge for details)

I've been trying to really start using my hoarded up goodies...I find that I like my layouts more when I am using stuff I hoard..huh, wonder how that happens! ;) Love the BG and the FP glitter cuts! The flower is Chatterbox.

Friends With Flair

Good morning, Unity peeps! :) I forgot to post last night so this is super fast before I go to work. I am in an ATC Swap...and this is what I came up with... I love these so much I wish I made one for myself! :( This is the Brave Girl kit..which is proving to be one of my faves!

"Born to Fly" was stamped on acetate and the butterfly was stamped and embossed with AC Zing powder...yummy! :)

Enjoy the hop, I'll be back later to check everything out! Make sure to start at the Unity Blog to get the full list of Friends With Flair!!! Have a great day!

Ippity Hop!!

Just a quick post tonight! It's late and I'm getting used to a new keyboard..much softer keys! For this card I used the Kissmas & Mistletoe stamp set. It was my first time cracking it open! I love these pretty snowflakes...I used white embossing powder. The "Peace" is stamped on a transparency! Plus, I finally allowed myself to use a teensy bit of vintage lace... I'm sure the other thousands of meters laying around won't miss it! lol
Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to visit everyone on the hop! Go to the Ippity blog and make sure not to leave anyone out! XO

Friends With Flair

A quick post today, it's really late! If you're here for FWF make sure to start at the Unity blog so you don't miss any of the fabulous creations!! There is a TON of talent!


This layout is FULL of firsts! :) It was my first time ever, using corrugated cardboard for a background. As you can see, I'm not very good at stripping it..I wanted a little bit more of the paper to stay on. I get either all or nothing when I try it!

The glimmer mist is hard to see, but if you click on the image it may work better...it's homemade glimmer mist using luminarte! It actually turned out really well..and then I added paint to try and thicken it up..nope...not a good idea! ;)

The ribbon flower was SOOO much fun to make... I am so gonna try more of these... I spritzed the ribbon with my homemade glimmer mist before rolling it up!

I have work today, so I'll be back later tonight to check out all your wonderful blogs, can't wait! Enjoy the rest of FWF Hop!

Stamp set used: Where You Should Be by Ippity

{Ippity} Hop time!

Wow, the time sure flys by! This is my 3rd Ippity Hop, I can't believe it! I am so in love with Ippity stamps! I never really thought I would love making cards more than I do scrapbooking! But, quite honestly...it's hard to make time to do everything when you work full time and have a family to raise, try to be healthy and active. Cards are perfect for this because you can use an hour after bedtimes to whip up a card or two and still have time to watch a movie with your SO!

This card was for Unity's challenge of orange/teal/navy blue. What a fuuuun colour combination! You can't really tell but the gingham ribbon is navy blue and so is the c/s!
This card was for the yellow/turquoise and one other colour challenge! The other colour I chose was red! The turq. and the red make the eyes go all googly when you see this in person. I really must try and get some sort of light box going to take better photos of my cards. ;)
Anyhow, this card uses the love in return set by ippity and the garden variety by unity. I used the award ribbon, cut it out to make it a flower..that was fun..I'll have to play with that a little more in depth when I have a chance!

Enjoy the rest of the Ippity Hop everyone! I know everyone did a beautiful job and I look forward to seeing everyone's projects! You can see them all by going HERE!

Friends With Flair Friday!

Hi there blog hoppers! Today, I have a special layout to share with you. It's a layout of my son Nicholas' birthday! I did this layout this past weekend and it didn't even really click...that my son's birthday is approaching yet again! In this photo he was celebrating his 5th birthday...and on Saturday he will be 11! I'm so proud of him yet for those of you who know me, my heart really hurts on July 24. So, I am so proud to share this with you since his birthday is tomorrow!


The papers are WRMK,a lthough I'm not sure if the green swirly one is. I outlined part of the flourish to make it pop a little bit more. The stamp I used was an Ippity stamp from "Love In Return".

I am super duper excited for the release of the new Ippity sets!! It will be a hugeeee order for me coming from Stephanie! It will be the whole Spring AND summer line!!!! *squeee* It was just last month that I got the whole winter line. I *love* Ippity stamps with my whole heart, they bring me joy! *teehee*

I'm also still waiting for my July Unity KOTM, anyone else stalking their mailman? Unity has the greatest product around and I'm so happy to have so much yummy Unity!

Enjoy the rest of the FWF Hop! Don't miss any of the girls, check the Unity blog for the full list!

Have a blessed weekend! (I have to work all of it! *wah*)
xo

{Ippity} Hop!!

Hello!
Thanks for stopping by for this weeks edition of the Ippity Hop! I am heading off to bed, but wanted to post this before I go, since I need to work tomorrow! *wah*


I love making cards with "hello" type sentiments on them, because then I can use them for anything. I usually have so many cards just sitting in a box never to be loved! Does anyone else do this?

This card was a scraplift of Maria (scrapsbym) she is super talented! :) I wish I wasn't too lazy to pull out my machine, because I think machine stitching really adds a lot of nice texture!

Have a wonderful day! I will be back later tonight to leave love for all of you!! :D Don't forget to check out all the wonderful work by starting at the Ippity Blog!

Unity Friends With Flair Blog Hop

Hello!!!


This is my first Unity blog hop! I'm super duper excited!! I have to work, but I'll be back to check out everyone's projects later in the day! :) To make sure you get to see everyone's great work go here: Unity Blog

I made this card this past week for the 8th Unity Challenge, but really wanted to share it here on my blog. I'm actually quite happy with this card this time around, I guess 3rd time's the charm!

I used the Melody Ross Brave Girl set! Who *doesn't* love it...! It is perfect for some ATC's too! Which I plan on doing in the next few days!

Teal/Pink/Orange...I *love* these colours together, don't you? :)

(Click to enlarge)
Here is a closeup of these adorable pins..and the cute button. Interestingly enough, the button is a Chatterbox one! :D Thanks for stopping by today, I'm happy you could make it!!! Don't forget to stop by all the girls' blogs, they are super talented these ladies that use Unity!! :D

~A

{Ippity} Hop Monday!

Good morning! Just a quick post as I'm off to work! I thought this week I would use a different set so I used, Music of my Heart! I love this one it's so pretty. I love swirls and being a musician I love notes! I also love mixed fonts, so the little greeting is perfect! :) Could this set be any sweeter?

Two of my favourite products are stickles and little gems. I love using them on cards! I'm still struggling getting into the swing of card making/scrapbooking... but I hope some regular projects push me along! I had fun with this one!

Enjoy the Ippity Hop and don't forget to check out the other awesome girls creating with {Ippity} here!

Have a happy Monday!

Whew!

It's been awhile since I've scrapbooked, so I am a bit rusty. ;) It's funny how everything just comes easier when you do it often. I really just can't... I don't have time for all the hobbies that I would like to have... but one day, the kids will be older...and I'll be bored! ;)

My friend Mia asked me to join her sketch team over at The Everyday Scrapper. I said, sure...why not! I figured it would get me scrapping a layout at least once a week! ;)

This is the layout I created...try as a may to be all extravagant, I just can't.. my stuff always comes out quite simple looking...I think it's my obsession with perfectionism! It's ok... I'm happy with how it turned out! Even though...I had to redo it, since I was practically done and my darling 2 year old coloured ALL over it! :o


Today, was also a happy mail day, I got me some Unity! :) This is what I got:

SBC-106 Brave Girl

KOM-AUG09 Following my Heart...

UK-313A Growing In Unity

Oh, and I almost forgot, I also got a Unity set from Crafty Steals...man they get some wicked prices! :) I am totally on the lookout for the store kits on that site! (I hate to say it but I think I like the store kits the best from Unity!) Well..that and Ippity..

COSMOGV-001 Garden Variety

I should be good for awhile with all the Unity and Ippity goodness I have! (Although I still have a couple store sets coming from Crafty Steals and the July Kit! :o) I think my husband is going to leave me! *lol*

Now, to actually find time to do some crafty stuff! :) I'll try and do a card a week along with that layout! ;)

{Ippity} Hop Monday!

Hello! Welcome to my blog. This is my first time doing the {Ippity} Hop! It's also my very first card made using {Ippity} stamps! I cannot express how much I love these! I've always loved Unity stamps...but when I saw these... the images were just way too cute! :)

This is from the "Sweet Thoughts of Spring" set from the winter 2009 release.


I'm a huge fan of scalloped borders, so I was super excited to stamp with these on patterned paper and cut them out! I just used scraps from my scrapbox for everything. The flowers are super duper old. Do you remember the Paper Bliss embellishment kits? Yep, I pretty much had them all. :)

Anyways, thanks for stopping by! I hope to be able to share more {Ippity} creations in the near future! :D Click Here to see more Ippity hoppers! :)

Hello

It's been awhile since I've posted...we've settled into our new place, things have settled...I go through my moods, but things have been alright. :)

I just wanted to reopen so I can share the things I make. :)

hello!

Officially giving it up

Renewal...

mojo, where for art thou?

I don't know what it is, but I just have this lack of creativity. Everytime, I sit down to try and scrapbook, I can't! I don't know if it's because I'm tired after working all day, because my time is very limited, I don't feel original...I think it's all of these things. Maybe, it's just because I have too much stuff and I don't know what I have anymore! Oh, and a lack of inspirational photographs... grrr

Cards... lately I feel like I've enjoyed making these more than layouts... maybe because they're small and take less time?

Maybe I shouldn't force it...I've taken an 18 month hiatus before. I often wonder if I enjoy shopping for pretty things more than actually scrapbooking!

Anyways, I'll share a layout I did a couple months back, just because I want to share one. ;) It's always an interesting challenge to use a diecut paper made for 12x12 scrappers, when you're an 8 1/2 x 11 scrapper!

Maaaaybe I should challenge myself to do a 12x12 layout and see if that helps? But...I'd have issues of it not conforming with the rest of my books...holy OCD! lol


Here is a card. I think they're fun. I no longer feel like I'm wasting supplies making cards. Maybe, I should tone it down on the sticker alphas though and use my QK or Sizzix alphas. They're replenishable. I rather save my stickers for layouts, if I ever make one again! (K, I've done layouts recently I'm just not ever happy with them anymore!)


Maybe this card needs a greeting... I dunno! I love using regular sewing pins through ribbon!

Wow..

We all know there is so much drama in the scrapbooking world...I guess you get that many women together it's bound to happen. Generally, I don't like to cause ripples...

I left the design team I was on, because basically I was being punished for a having a real job. My tasks were given to someone else...someone who spends hours a day on the computer. Well, I simply can't do that. It's really disappointing when you're trying to do a good job with the time you have. In any case, a design team shouldn't take away from your real life and I wasn't letting that happen. There was hardly enough compensation for all the stress in that situation. I feel good about my decision. Apparently, the store owner does not and has decided to remove me from her site.

It's ok though, there are plenty of places on the internet to be... places where I don't feel like I've done something wrong because I have a job, a family and responsibilities!

Lulu, the reason I left facebook is because I'm trying to minimize how much time I spend on the computer and even though I wasn't getting on facebook often....I just don't even have the option to go on now. ;) For the most part I try to limit my days to 30 minutes of computer time a day. Some days I don't go on and other days a bit longer.

Kir DeVries

So, awhile back Lori had this posted on her blog...and I've been drooling and dreaming since that day. Well, last week I went ahead and treated myself to some goodies and got a few things.

First of all, I want to say that the owner of Kir DeVries, Kristin...is amazing! She was offering free shipping over $40 and she made a coupon code for me so I could receive the same offer! She even gave me a little extra just because I was having a hard time checking out! ^.^ She is just such a wonderful lady to make a transaction with, that for SURE I will be ordering from her again in the future. And, just an FYI...she offers a flat rate of 5.95 shipping to Canada as well. This in itself is an amazing feature, because we all know there are stores that want to charge us $20+ just to send a package of brads. This kind of customer service does not go unnoticed!

So, wanna see what I got?

This awesome lunch tote. This has got to be one of my favourite colours to wear...because it makes my eyes super green...so why not have a lunch bag in this colour. Not that I will be carrying it around my neck...but you never know, it's just that cute! ;)

Now, I already have a stainless water bottle...but WHO could resist this one?!?? The other one,I'll keep in my gym bag, it's bigger and I die of thirst when I'm working out. This will be perfect for my water at lunch! Plus, it's green!

Ok...now I *love* all things vintage...and these lunch boxes are NO exception! They are just toooo cute. Since I'm visiting in between clients all day, read: in my car all day...I need to have food with me all the time...so I don't get an urge to pull into some grease joint! These just make me happy, and happy enough to pack my yummy healthy lunches! Now I just need some little condiment/sauce containers so I can bring my natural PB for rice cakes!

Elephants are my all time fave animal. They're so cute! I was so excited there was an elephant lunch box. I snagged it yup. Could that saying be ANY cuter! Even if grammatically it should say "an elephant." It just makes it that much more charming! Oh *swoon*

There are 3 or 4 other lunch boxes still on her site...and if they're still there when I order next, I'm snagging them all. Happy lunches!! Happy lunches!!

I plan on getting several of these next time as well. They're much cuter than the walmart bags I have. ;) I doubt I would forget to take these into the store with me! lol

Anyways, there you have it! If you want to check out this store, check out Kir DeVries!

ooopssy!

It appears that I've been an awful blogger! Well, I haven't been scrapbooking too much as of late. But there was an online crop, so I had a chance to get some stuff done as well as complete some pages for my Savvy N' Sassy DT. All the ribbon used on the layouts is from there!

Here are 4 of my favourite layouts that I've created this month. They're all quite different, I think. But, I am really pleased with them all. Do you find that you make layouts that you are too embarrased to share, because you're just not happy with them? That's about half my layouts.

You can click on these to see them larger. :) I took pics this time, so hopefully you can see more detail.

This one is of my 4 beautiful children taken last August.

My cute little muffin top. This CC paper was perfect for this FP tunnel he had, and loved!

This new Kraft line by FP is HEAVENLY. Granted, I only have this one sheet (more is coming!) I was terrified to work with it, because as you know all diecut papers are designed for 12x12 scrappers. Well, I am quite pleased with how the cutting wound up on this layout. Will give me some kahones to try it again with different shapes. ;) Isn't baby so cute? Last Canada Day... *wah*

This one is of my DD, the day after she was born. You can tell by the background it's a hospital photo..man they have a limited supply of corny backgrounds! ;) I think this is my favourite layout. I got brave and used my prima papers...and my fave alphas, by doodlebug! I NEED a diecut of these letters! Please someone, make them into a diecut!

There you have it!

Tomorrow I will share with you a tale of EXCELLENT customer service. I am awaiting a few non scrappy goodies, and I can't be more excited!!

~Aleks

Blech

I joined Curves on Tuesday...I am SO ready to quit being fat! I've done this before..then I done did get pregnant and now it's time to focus on ME again. My turn! Tomorrow I am going to Curves to go through the circuit with a staff member and then I'll be good to go 4x a week after work and maybe even Thursday mornings when I drop Kara off at school.

I pledge to myself to get healthy and happy. I remember what that felt like when I lost 50 pounds before! For sure, I'll be spending less time on the computer..I already have. Somethings in life are just more important. Instead of being parked here for hours on end, I can use that time wisely instead of moping about how I look.

I'm in the process of starting a weight loss blog as well. Today I worked out on the elipitcal for the first time in YEARS. I thought I would die after 30 seconds...but I managed 20 minutes! I also had the pleasure of doing yoga with Bob from the Biggest Loser! ;) He's kind of cute! lol

Wish me the best! I want happiness!

2nd birthday of the year...

already. Mine. *wah* Birthdays are a time for joy and celebration. But, you know...I always feel sad and lonely on mine...I reflect on things that haven't turned out, and wonder how much time I have to do what I need to do etc etc. I KNOW!!! I'm such a downer. I guess, even growing up I didn't have birthdays, usually my mom would just say happy birthday and that was that...so maybe I grew up with a negative attitude towards my own birthday?

I'm 28 today. That's just 2 short years from 30. *sniffle* For breakfast I had a nice big slice of leftover cake from Jamie's birthday. I even stuck a candle in it and blew it out, much to my own amusement..since no one else was looking!! It made TOTAL sense to me why I had done it.

We're not having another cake today...there's really no point when we still have some in the fridge, and I've already indulged. *blush*

Happy Birthday!!

Our first birthday of the year! To my loving and caring partner, Jamie, Happy 31st! You're so wonderful, generous, loving and attentive! You're the best kind of father there is! I am truly blessed to have you in my life! xoxox

Does it need a title?

I always struggle to find titles for posts, do they really need them? I guess it's a good way to break them up. Maybe I'll start posting random titles. :o

I made this layout using mostly February kit from Just Cre8. I still have 2 more months to go with the kit, as much as I love it...it's getting to costly with the shipping. I'm really focusing on spending less money. I don't really buy much of anything anymore. As for scrapbooking, I have SOO much stuff, I'm trying to use stuff up.

Not everyone would get this layout, but it's an Austin Powers quote. I thought it would be funny to do this layout like this because of Kara's pose! I love the flourish rubon (MME) tucked into the corner above the strips...and it's one of those layouts that turned out I'm quite happy with!

Also, it's hard to see, but on the right side, there's some pompom trim tucked underneath one of the strips! It's so cute! That was from the Chocolate Kisses kit at Savvy N' Sassy!

When I get on a roll with layouts, they get better and better for me! I haven't scrapbooked in 2 weeks though, and no idea when I will...but I fear I will hate that layout! lol

I was supposed to go yesterday to crop all day, but I hurt my shoulder/neck...in bed. It wasn't THAT exciting LOL, it was the way I slept or something. It was so bad that I couldn't turn my neck... it's still pretty sore today, but no need to take anything stronger than a couple tylenol with codeine for now...

Anyways, that's it for now. I need to go bra shopping, and this is something I dread.

Adore

On Valentine's Day there was a crop over at LIITD. But, the night before I had started getting sick...and by Saturday morning I was crashed on the sofa..and there I remained for most of the day. I did manage to do a few layouts over the course of the weekend...but nowhere near what I had wanted to! I had been looking forward to spending the day scrapbooking, afterall...it was my deserved weekend off! (I only get every other weekend off)

Out of 4 layouts I made, I really like 3. I *think* this one is my favourite:


Here is the card I made with the leftovers. I am just horrible at making cards...but I think using scraps, they turn out nicer than me trying to make one from scratch...NO idea why!

I just *adore* the background stamp I used here. It's from JustCre8. It was in the February kit which featured the Fancy Pants line I used here.

I don't have a piece of acrylic big enough...so I kept the stamp on the plastic, inked it up, placed it on my paper and THEN pressed with the largest acrylic block I had, covering all the surfaces. Well almost, you can see where I didn't press too hard! ;) I think it still worked out rather well!

Anyways, there's some of my work to share, which I haven't in awhile! :)

Fiskars Punches

There are 4 new fiskars border punches I must have!

Here are 2 of them:

And they will be here in about a month or so, when I get my next Ribbon Kit! The best part...? They were only $15 each!!!

Check them out here:

Savvy N' Sassy

I *had* to jump on them, because the threading water ones were SOOO hard to get!!! Plus Michael's is where I found them...at $25!!! So yeh wow!! for $5 more I got 2!! I hope I can still get the other 2 border punches!!!