All My Scrappin'

YEAH!!!

2012-01-22T17:05:00.006-06:00

So after a week of on and off playing around I was FINALLY able to update the look of the blog!! SO excited to have finally figured it out!

So I am almost done with organizing the new scrap space! I just need to solve the problem of no electric on that side of the room! And I want to get an Ottlite to have next to my desk-I don't mind the overhead lighting, but when hubby is watching TV he is not going to want the overhead lights on. So those pictures will be coming soon! After some searching I am excited to see that the Ottlites have become more fashionable and updated their look! I think this is the one I want to get!

OK I promised I would post some eye candy for you so here it is. :)

These first two are made with Echo Park paper lines. Yes I still have baby pictures that I have to scrap yet! I was SO excited to see that the colors of the Little Boy line worked PERFECTLY with the colors of my pictures and the sailboats were perfect!

For this layout I used the Echo Park lines Sweet Summertime and Playground. Love how it all just went together perfectly! I pop dotted the beautiful sunshine, flowers, arrow and sun and clouds. And to make my letters pop I used my favorite Inkessentials white pen and made faux stitching around my letters.

This is from our trip to Lego land a couple summers ago. This Imaginisce line is SO much fun and I just had to use some of it for this picture with the Lego clown! I had lots of fun cutting out elements from the paper to pop dot and use as embellies! I even used DoodleBug rub-ons on the journaling card to add the year they fit perfectly! Though I just noticed that I didn't write the journaling! OOPS!

Well I am coming down with a cold so I need to go find some Kleenex, my blankie and the couch! and I should grab that layout and a journaling pen!

TFL!

Valerie

New Year New Posts!!!

2012-01-05T09:39:00.003-06:00

Stand back and duck as I blow the dust off this blog! Ok now that the dust and cobwebs seem to be gone onto it! 2011 was CRAZY! SOOO much happened and it seemed life was BEYOND crazy!! 2012 is going to be a productive reorganized year! We moved in August and bought our first house we are still not fully settled and I am working on my new scrap space! I think this weekend we will get some shelves and get it finished! : ) Then I will post some pics of the new set-up! With the new set up I plan on being in my space everyday and creating away! I plan to get back on track with my teaching at Michael's and I am going to get back on some design teams! I REALLY enjoyed being on design teams and miss it! I also plan to do several posts a week. I am saying all of this out loud and putting my plans in writting so I can hold myself accountable! I am also thinking about/throwing around some ideas with additional scrappy plans I have so stayed tuned for that!

Well since the holidays have come and gone SO fast its time to scrap them! ; ) And I found this ADORABLE album at Archiver's and just HAD to have it! LOL!! After some thinking I decided I am going to use this as an album to put the boys picture with Santa at Macy's in every year. I thought it would be cool to have all the years together in one place!

Well I need to go deal with the laundry calling for me! : (

Till Next time!

TFL!

Valerie

!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-23T22:24:00.002-05:00

I am SOOO excited to share the news that a childhood favorite of mine Santa's Village will be reopening this FRIDAY!!!! It is now going to be called Santa's Village AZoosment park but it will be in the same spot and will have a few things brought there from my other childhood fav Kiddie Land!!!! SO excited to be able to share this with my boys this summer!

If you'd like a chance to win a family pass enter here!! I found this cool site Toddling Around Chicago that reviews all kinds of places around the chicago area that are family friendly! She also has a Twitter and Facebook page!

I CAN'T wait to go to Santa's Village with the boys and hopefully ride the fire truck ride!!! : ) I'm sure they'll be some pictures of it soon! ; )

SDU classes for November!

2010-10-19T10:49:00.002-05:00

Want to make personal low cost holiday gifts? Learn to scrapbook and you can frame pages for gifts, make customized 2011 calendars, and many other personalized gifts!

Learn to scrapbook today or learn some new techniques and theories to improve your skills! Scrapbook classes also make GREAT holiday gifts!

My November class scedule is:

Hoffman Estates Michaels Wednesday 6:30-8:30 p.m.

2600 N. Sutton Rd. NEW Kids class Sunday 3:30-5:30 p.m.

847-645-9634

Schaumburg Michaels Friday 6:30-8:30 p.m.

1420 E. Golf Rd.

847-517-2622

Algonquin Michaels Sunday 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m.

742 S. Randall Rd.

847-854-6912

EK Success Scrapbook Design University Classes at Michaels

2010-08-05T11:18:00.003-05:00

I am SO excited to share my class schedule for August! I will be offering classes on two different days Friday nights and Sunday afternoons! The classes will be held at the Michaels store in Algonquin and the address for the store is 742 S. Randall Rd. and the store phone number is 847-854-6912. Just give the store a call and let them know you want to sign up for the class and they can take care of the registration for you. The class will be 2 hours long and will be a 4 week course. The course regularly costs $45.00, but there is an introductory rate of 40% OFF which makes the classes only $27.00! You will also receive a 10% discount for any supplies you buy during the 4 week course!

The dates for the Friday class are August 13, 20, September 3 and 10th. Please note there will be no class on Friday August 27 as that is Michael's FREE crop night so I hope to see you at the crop that night! Friday classes will be 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

The dates for Sunday classes will be August 8, 15, 22 and 29th. Sunday classes will be

What are SDU classes you ask? Each week we will cover an area of scrapbooking and help you learn and/or improve your skills in this area. Week 1 will be Scrapbook Basics-you will learn how to organize yourself and how to get started as well as cover how to use several different tools. Week 2 will be Building Blocks of Design- you will learn about color theory and the building blocks of a great scrapbook page, and at the end of this class we will create our first page! Week 3 will be Power of the Pen- you will learn how to create effective titles, various ways to journal, tips to improve your handwriting and we will use various Zig pens! We will also complete another layout in class. Week 4 will be The Final Touch-learn to create dimension on your page, how to use and care for various punches, and how to enhance your layouts through the use of contrast, variety, rhythm and movement. We will apply those things to create our final page and class will conclude with "graduation" and students will receive a certificate!

If you have any questions please feel free to leave me a comment here on my blog or email me at allmyscrappin (at) rocketmail (dot) com I look forward to sharing this fun, exciting and informative class with you and anyone you think would enjoy this class too! If you are not close to this Michaels location check your nearest Michaels store for a class near you!

TFL!

Valerie

What a day!

2010-07-15T12:03:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was one of those weird days! You know the kind that has good and not so good moments, then just turns pretty good, and then... Well it was an up and down day with the way the boys were behaving yesterday then they just were good as gold and we were having a nice day. So good that while they napped I FINALLY was able to get into the dungeon and get a LO done! I am SOOO proud of myself because every month I say I am going to do the My Mind's Eye sketch and I never get to it or get it finished and uploaded in time! So this month I did it right away and I am happy with how quick it came together and the end result! This month the challenge was to use the sketch the word HOPE and it must be at least 80% MME products! Easy enough I have my precious stash of MME that is calling my name!

For this LO I used the So Sophie and Quite Contrary lines. And that bracket of to the side of the photo-its cut from the bottom of the piece of paper! The So Sophie line has these cute brackets that show the paper that is on the opposite side on the paper. They just beg to be used! Everything is MME except the Thickers-I really want to find the MME version of Thickers they look AWESOME!

So after dinner we finally were able to get outside (the heat and humidity is near 100 here!) and the boys were playing kick ball in the backyard and the ball was kicked under an arborvitae tree and Joseph went to get it, well there must be a yellow jacket hive in there because he started screaming that he got stung by a bee! He said he picked up the ball and the bee was on his finger! My poor baby! : ( Given how allergic everyone in my family is to bee stings I was worried! But thankfully he is doing just fine today! What a way to end our day!

Well off to do the fun household chores of cleaning bathrooms, doing dishes and folding laundry! Someday just maybe I can have a maid! LOL!!!

TFL!

Valerie

Color Combo

2010-07-14T10:10:00.005-05:00

Sorry I am a couple days late here-where has this week gone?! But here is the color combo for the week for Scrapmaster's Paradise Color Combo Blog.

I used the SUPER FUN new Imaginisce Birthday Paper to create this card using the color combo of:

And don't forget you don't have to use these exact Stampin' Up colors or products just use the same shades like I did! And if you are in need of some Stampin' Up supplies make sure to check out the fab deals and place your order with Samantha!

Its my FAVORITE time of the year in the scrapbooking world!! That's right CHA!!! And what's even MORE EXCITING??? Its coming right here to my hometown area!!! And the sneaky peeks are popping up ALL over the place and I am SOOO excited with what I am seeing! Have you seen the Bella Blvd peeks??? Check it out right here!

Well the natives are restless so that is my cue to find something for them to do!

TFL!

Valerie

Some Quick Cards!

2010-07-10T23:52:00.003-05:00

Sorry I have been having some issues with uploading my pics so I haven't posted in a LONG while!

Here are some cards for your viewing pleasure!

These are some thanks you cards I made for the boys' T-Ball coaches as a token of my appreciation for the EXCELLENT work they did! If you head on over to the MOSD blog you can see the gift that I made the head coach to coordinate with these cards. I am SOOO in LOVE with the BoBunny Block Party paper!

This is a card/gift bag combo I made for a Baptism for a friend's little baby. I used a color combo from the Scrapmaster's Paradise Color Combo blog for my color choices. And if you haven't uploaded your entry for this week's color combo you have until 6 pm EST tomorrow (Sunday) to do so! There are AWESOME prizes to be won! And be sure to check back on Monday for my debut card for the blog!

Well I am enjoying a child free weekend courtesy of my parents so I am making this post quick to spend time with the hubby and well I need to get to bed as I have to leave for work at 7:30 am!!! So much for getting to sleep in all weekend! : ( We have to reset the whole floor before the store opens, and then I have to work my regular shift!!! 8 o So I will be exhausted!!

Well TFL!

Valerie

EXCITING News!!!

2010-06-15T09:46:00.002-05:00

So every Monday I get my weekly issue of the Scrapbooking.com newsletter, and in every issue they feature one of the Layouts/artists from that month's issue. So as I was reading through yesterday's issue imagine my SURPRISE when I saw it was ME in this issue!!! It is SO SUPER cool to see yourself in the newsletter and your work featured! If you haven't signed up for their newsletter you should do so today, it contains surveys for awesome prizes, great tips, product information, and they even have contests!

And next on my list of great things that happened yesterday is I have been asked to design for a new color combo challenge blog! It is a new venture for the Scrapmaster's Paradise, she has started a new forum as well as a color challenge blog in addition to the regular blog! Every Monday there will be a color combo posted and you can create a card, layout, 3D or altered item using the colors posted. Now she is a Stampin' Up demonstrator and has also started some super AWESOME Stampin' Up monthly kits that you can purchase as well, so the colors listed are Stampin' Up colors-but you do NOT have to use any Stampin' Up products at all on these challenges! So head on over here today and come play along! And if you are in the market for some great Stampin' Up products be sure to contact Samantha and she will take care of your needs! I hope to "see" everyone come join me there!

And my final piece of EXCITING news is a couple weeks ago I got an e-mail from EK Success looking for people who would like to become certified class instructors so I filled out the form thinking you never know-it can't hurt to try! Well guess what?! YUP! I was selected to become a certified class instructor for them!!! I have been assigned to a Michael's location and I am half way done with my certification! I am SOOO EXCITED!! This is going to be a 2 hour class once a week for 4 weeks, and the training I have completed so far is really packed with LOTS of great information! I CAN'T wait to finish the training and get started on my first class-the ideas are just flowing with how much fun I can make this class! And another cool thing is each week at least one EK Success tool will be highlighted and you will be taught the proper way to use it! How cool is that? How many times have you bought a new tool that has little or no directions with it and you are left scratching your head wondering how to use it? I know I have! So as soon as I have more info I will share I know you will ALL want to take this class!

Well after this weekend that felt like it was NEVER going to end I am planning on getting some LONG OVERDUE scrapping in today! So hopefully I can get my chores done quickly and get some LONG OVERDUE play time in!! : ) I can't believe I ever survived this weekend-Friday shopping and dinner with friends; Saturday T-Ball, (which got rained out in the bottom of the 1st inning) birthday party, work for me, and then I was suppose to go out for my future SIL's b-day after work, but I had to work late and was too tired then to go out (Sorry Stacey!); Sunday was a Baptism for a friend's baby, home to eat a QUICK sandwich and then to my grandparent's house for a BIG family gathering to meet a relative in from California, and then FINALLY off to my friend's house for her son's birthday party! YIKES!!! No wonder I spent the day on the couch with a BAD headache yesterday!

Well off to the rat race of today!
TFL!
Valerie

SO SAD!!!

2010-06-07T20:40:00.004-05:00

I just have to get on my soapbox for a minute here, so please bear with me. It is SO SAD when grown adults have to act like juveniles and do EXTREMELY childish things! In an industry that you see companies/stores closing ALL the time you would think people would be supportive and NOT do things to destroy one another! I will not make any mention of who has angered me, as I think its this person's way of getting exposure for them self and I will NOT be part of that! I hate to see good HONEST people get slammed and treated the way they did! So all I have to say is I KNOW the karma train eventually catches up with people, and I hope it catches this person sooner rather than later! I hope the effected people can find a way to continue on with what they love and heal from the damages of this childish person! And now I am done!

That said I will just say Paper Posicles/Cheeky Radish is taking a break right now so I wil not have any new creations for them to show. So intead today I thought I would show you some of my favorite DT creations for them!

I'll be back later this week with soome new creations!
TFL!
Valerie

2010-06-02T10:27:00.003-05:00

So today is Dippin' Dots Digital Day at Paper Popsicles, and the designers rocked out this fabulous image!

Be sure to head on over and check out what the designers did!

Next up is my EXCITING news!!! I have 3 layouts published in the June issue of Scrapbooking.com!!!! It is SO EXCITING to see your work published! And its even cooler to look at the bottom of your article and see multiple links to your past articles! I feel famous! LOL!!

OK on to other and better things! I spent this past weekend up north with my parents and Np trip up north is complete without at trip to Hannah's!!! I have been in COMPLETE Hannah's withdrawal as I have not been able to make a trip up since October! I must say my trip did not disappoint either! I used their FABULOUS 40% off My Mind's Eye coupon and got LOTS of new My Mind's Eye goodies! I picked Quite Contrary, So Sophie and lill Robots! So I CAN'T wait to get into my scrap space and just create! I also picked some of the new Jill Bean Soup paper and I FINALLY was able to get some Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety! I also found in their .99 table Studio G glitter glue so I picked up some of those as well to see how they compare to Stickles! I may need to get some more! It was SO nice to go and have such a BIG selection of papers and embellies-OH and speaking of embellies I picked up some new Prima flowers to play with as well!

Well I am off to get some errands and chores done hopefully with enough time left to play with my new toys! ; )

TFL!
Valerie

YIKES!!!

2010-05-29T11:01:00.008-05:00

I can't believe how QUICKLY this week flew by!! Talk about busy I guess!

The boy's had their last day of school, class picnic and graduation this week! Today we have a birthday party, and the rest of the weekend is still up for grabs with what we are going to do! But any who here are a couple pics from the school stuff!

Here is the first day of school-they look SO little!

And here is the last day of school!Here they are signing the ABC's in their closing programThe boys and Ms. LisaThe boys and Ms CharleneMy Preschool graduates!And the funny thing is Nicholas is already talking about getting his backpack for Kindergarten and hoping that they put his name up on a hook for him!

Here are my cards for Paper Popsicles last week! The first is made the the pets digital image which can be found right here! I used some of the new Basic Grey Max and Whiskers paper, Bazzill cardstock, Cosmo Cricket letters and I colored the images with my Copic markers!

Next up I got to work with the elephant shaped card. I knew I needed to use Cordinations whitewash cardstock for this guy! The cardstock just reminds me of the skin of an elephant! I used my favorite Basic Grey sanding tools to sand the edges of the BIG guy and make his toenails, and do you know where his ear came from??? Well its the pieces of paper that was cut away from under his trunk and above his leg! To finish the look I added a wiggly eye and I used the reverse side of the cardstock and cut a tusk for him as well! He was SO quick and easy to do! And you can get yours right here! I have worked with this card before, so make sure to check out this post here to get some more fun ideas for this card!Next up is my card for Paper Popsicles this week! I used this sketch and created a thank you card for the boys to give to their teachers.

Here is my card it is made with a combo of Cosmo Cricket and October Afternoon products.And here is the present I made for their teachers to coordinate with the card. I bought this cute box with a chalkboard looking top at Michaels and used Cosmo Cricket and October Afternoon papers to cover the box and then I used the October Afternoon stickers to embellish the box with. I forgot to take a picture of the inside of the box; but on the top of the cover I wrote a saying about teachers, and I filled the box with Hershey Hugs and Kisses and added a Starbucks gift certificate and a little book of inspirational sayings for teachers! I just thought it was SO cute to give a box of Hugs and Kisses! I hope they like these!
Well be sure to head on over to Paper Popsicles and play along with us, as well as check back on Wednesday for some more fun stuff! Also did you know Paper Popsicles now has a facebook page!? Be sure to find them and become a follower today!

TFL!
Valerie

TODAY is the day!!!

2010-05-20T12:40:00.002-05:00

It is Digi Day for Cheeky Radish on SNR Card Universe!!! The theme is Puddle jumping and there is a cute freebie on the site that you can use! Its starts at 6pm CST till 8 pm CST! So don't be late and jump on over for some fun!

I HATE...

2010-05-19T10:55:00.003-05:00

THESE!!!!They make me SOOO MISERABLE this time of the year! For as pretty as they are and as much as people say they smell so good I suffer SO BAD! Monday I spent the ENTIRE day in the WORST allergy headache EVER! Yesterday I was smart and we spent the day by my mom's house! And today it is SOOO nice out and I am afraid to open the windows as I feel the pain in my head building! My house is surrounded with them! If I wasn't afraid of being hit with a HUGE bill to replace them by the homeowners association I would dig these bad boys out! So needless to say I will be suffering for a while till the pretties go bye bye! (and yes I have thought of cutting the blooms off right away, but my grandma says that will make more come back the next year!)

On to better things that don't make my allergies go into HIGH GEAR! Fake flowers! : )

This week my digi image from Cheeky Radish is this spring flowers one that can be bought here. I colored my image with Copic markers and the centers of the flowers are Prima crystals that I cut off of a larger piece, the cardstock is Bazzill and Coordinations that I embossed using my CuttleBug, and I finished it off with some Maya Road ribbon.Next up is the Paper Popsicles shaped card for this week. This is a yummy cake slice shape that I got to work with, and you can get yours right here! This week's theme is cardstock so I used white Bazzill that I embossed with the Cuttle Bug, Coordinations that I also embossed with the CuttleBug Swiss Dots, and the blue piece is also Cordinations that I embossed. I'm not sure if you can really call it carsdtock, but its close enough to me I used DoodleBug flocked cardstock for the brown frosting around the edge and then I cut some with my EK Success border punch to make the middle icing. To finish off my card I used some May Arts mini ric rac and DoodleBug letters.

So go and grab your cardstock and show us what you can do! Don't forget to link your entry right here to have a chance to win those SUPER FAB Martha Stewart glitters!

And last on my list today is my sneak peek of the Digi Day on SNR Card Universe tomorrow night!

I used the Its raining Its Poring image which you can buy right here and had fun creating this card using the sketch from Serendipity Scrapbooks. Be sure to head on over to the fun tomorrow night at SNR Card Universe!

Well I have to run and get the little monsters from school!

TFL!

Valerie

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

2010-05-11T11:49:00.006-05:00

Well after spending ALL of Mother's Day and part of yesterday recovering from a migraine I am back to show you the creations I have created!

First up is a card I made for a friend to give her mom for Mother's Day. It is made with the GORGEOUS BoBunny Jazmyn papers and icandy! It was SO much fun to just go to town and create this card! I used a Martha Stewart Eyelet border punch, Making memories Flutter letters as well as Bazzill and Cordination cardstock to make this.

Next up I tried my hand at making some canvas creations as gifts for my mom and grandmother. My mom's is first and it was a learning process with it as to what works and doesn't, but overall I am happy with the end result excecpt for the picture-I wish I would have "antiqued" it. To make this I sprayed the canvas with Glimmer Mist and Shimmerz Spritz to give the background a warmer feel and give it some shimmer. The pattern paper and die cut is My Mind's Eye Andrea Victoria, Thickers, Lace from Hobby Lobby, and some Prima bling!

Next is the canvas I made for my grandmother. I again sprayed hers with Glimmer Mist and Shimmerz Spritz. For this picture when I printed it at home my ink was running low and I was not happy with the quality of the black and white photo. So I decided to get creative and try something new. I grabbed my Caramel Alcohol ink and cut a piece of felt, I squirted some ink on the felt and began gently rubbing the ink over the photo. I was nervous but quickly relieved to see the results I was hoping for. My photo looked like it was a very old picture. The color of the ink worked great with the colors of the My Mind's Eye Andrea Victoria paper! I added some Prima Bling, flowers, and leaves that I sanded slightly and added some of the Caramel alcohol ink too as well to help them coordinate with the paper as well. To finish off the page I used Basic Grey chipboard letters and colored them with Butterscotch alcohol ink. I just wish I wasn't in such a hurry and took a better picture of these! I guess I will need to go over to their house and steal some better pics!

Next up are the cards for Paper Popsicles this week! The theme is flowers this week, so be sure to head on over and check out everyone's creations! And don't forget for each new creation you make during the month you will be entered into the drawing for that YUMMY Martha Stewart glitter!

For this watering can shaped card (which is the FREEBIE this week!) I used Basic Grey Kioshi paper and sanded the edges to get the white outline, Maya Road flower ribbon, Making Memories glitter letter stickers and Prima flowers which I sprayed with Shimmerz Spritz in Bubblegum. I just LOVE the shimmer that was added to the flowers!

I think this card is just so pretty and everytime I look at it I think Wedding Shower invite! Well with both of my brothers engaged I have to start planning these things in my head! I just think the postage with those flowers on it would be crazy!

Next is my digi image card. I colored the image with the good old Copic markers, the pattern paper is Pink Paislee, Maya Road flower ribbon, Zva creative crystals, and cardstock from DCWV and Cordinations.

Well I hope all the mommies had a good Mother's Day and everyone enjoyed today's eye candy! I will be back with more soon!

TFL!

Valerie

PROUD Mama!!!

2010-05-05T19:51:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday night the boys had their very first T-Ball game, and I just had to share some of the special moments of the game!

Here is Joseph in the Pitcher position, and well he was doing it at his own pace and at one point that stinker picked up dirt and pitched dirt!

Here is Nicholas at the end of the game-he played right field the last inning and he was all ready to be part of the action.Well there was NO action for him! He was patient at first waiting and waiting, but eventually when the ball was hit and not coming in that direction he would pout, stomp his feet, cross his arms,"humph!", and finally turned around in disgust. Poor guy he just wanted to be in on the action!

Here he is in the second inning playing short stop and SO happy to be in on the action! It was funny he would run all over the infield to get to the ball! And when Joseph played in the field he found playing in the dirt to be more fun than paying attention to the action!

Here Joseph is posing for pictures before the game. I think he likes being the model best! LOL!

And here is Nicholas ready for the game to start!

After the game was over the coach brought all the kids in the dug out and they talked about the game and the things the kids did right during the game. The coach mention good plays that kids made and then he said that every game he is going to give a game ball to the player who hustled the hardest, paid attention and gave it his all. He then said this player was hustling hard in the field, backed up other players and had the position of last batter for the day (at this point I realized who it was and was trying to pull the camera out of my purse again) Nicholas! At this he was jumping up and down with a smile from ear to ear on his face-it was PRICELESS, and I missed getting a picture! : ( But here he is afterward with his game ball. I don't think the smile has left his face yet! His coach said that he gave the best reaction ever to receiving the game ball! My little guys are growing up SO quick! I can't believe we are playing baseball! I am SOOO happy that their coach is AWESOME! He really gives it his all and works hard with these kids to teach them the proper things as well as keep it fun and positive for them! Thanks coach Graves!

TFL!

Valerie

How about some more cards?

2010-05-04T11:54:00.004-05:00

First up I have some super fun projects I made using some Prima products.

I just LOVE the way this card turned out! The cardstock is Coordinations, pattern paper My Mind's Eye, the packaging card from the Prima flowers, Prima flowers and leaves-which I used Alcohol ink on to tint with some brown, Maya Road lace and the sentimanet is from My Mind's Eye.

Next is this fun tag I made using the cardboard packaging I saved, I inked that with Distress inks to bring out the colors in the pattern paper. The pattern paper is from Prima, and I cut the edges off of another Prima package to embellish with and I used Prima flowers and a leaf. The pom pom trim is Maya Road and of course Thickers!

This last card is made with Making Memories and My Mind's Eye pattern paper, Rusty Pickle stickers, jute and Prima say it with crystals bat.Next up its all about buttons at Paper Popsicles this week so here is my card I made with the new Basic Grey Kioshi paper and Coordinations and Bazzill Blingz cardstock.And the shape card I used this week is the layer cake. I used the new Basc grey Max and whiskers pattern paper, Prima flowers which I inked with alcohol ink to pick up the colors in the paper, buttons from my stash and DoodleBug rub-ons. The Max and whiskers line is really not just for pet pages and you can see this pretty flower paper is not pet at all!

Don't forget to play along this month at Paper Popsicles as the prize this month is a Martha Stewart Glitter multi pack!!! Check it out here!

TFL!

Valerie

EYE CANDY!!

2010-04-29T09:25:00.008-05:00

OK so I have been BUSY creating and haven't been blogging! OOPS!! Sorry! So here are my latest creations for your viewing pleasure! : )

First up its ALL about MOM this week at Paper Popsicles! I worked with the super cute High Heel Shaped card that you can get right here. The first thing I thought when I saw this shoe was Carrie Bradshaw and Sex in The City, so I decided it needed to look super cool and blingy! I to make the shoe out of glitter paper, so I grabbed some Die Cuts With A View Glitter paper and traced the shoe onto it and cut it out. (I will say DCWV glitter paper is nice as the glitter is sealed and is not messy, but I do prefer the blingy shine of the DoodleBug sugarcoated paper better) I then made the heel of the shoe out of some DoodleBug Flocked black paper and glued that onto the shoe. At this point the shoe seemed to be missing something so I decided to sand the edges of the shoe and reveal the white core of the glitter paper. (TIP do this step BEFORE adding the flocked heel! I had to clean all the dust off the heel) Next I used a SEI gem and Making Memories glitter letters to add the sentiment.

Just think of all the fun cards you can create with this shape! I am thinking of making cards for my girlfriends as an invite to go see the new Sex and the City movie!

Next up is the digi image I got to work with -this cute mom and her "babies"! This image can be purchased right here! The image is colored with Copic markers, and I used Cordinations cardstock, Pink Paislee pattern paper, and I used my Martha Stewart loopy loop border punch. The ribbon is Making Memories with a ribbon charm from Maya Road. The sentiment is written with DoodleBug rub-ons, and both the sentiment and image are raised with Helmar zap dots.

Next up is a layout I made for the BoBunny sketch last week. I forgot to upload in time for the contest, but here is my layout. I used the new BoBunny Paradise line and created this from one of the ads they had posted to create from. Everything is BoBunny.

And YES I even made my own "flower" with BoBunny Double Dot ribbon! I created the flower and then for the center I decided to use a sea shell I cut from the BoBunny paper. This was SO quick and easy to make! I am sure you will be seeing more of these! ; )This is a layout I created for the My Mind's Eye challenge, and well I forgot one part of the challenge and therefore couldn't enter it! : ( Oh well! But I had fun creating it, and that is one more layout done! LOL! It didn't photograph well, but on the Basic Grey chipboard letters(which I used alcohol inks to color) I used a stamp with the same circles as the pattern paper and Versamarked the image onto the letters to bring the circles to the letters as well. I used My Mind's Eye paper and journaling card, Basic Grey chipboard letters, Ranger lettuce alcohol ink, Making Memories sticker letters and a Martha Stewart border punch.

With Mother's Day fast approaching I decided to get started on some more cards to give to the "moms"! I was excited to play with the new Basic Grey Kioshi paper so I made this card with the paper as well as a Basic Grey Opaline flower embellishment. I used Cordinations cardstock, My Mind's Eye ink, Kaiser pearls and Sheer Creations ribbon to finish off this card.

You know you have gotten into a creating groove when you lay in bed at night and think of ways you could have improved what you did! That's what happened to me last night! LOL! I was laying bed and thought of some more things I want to add to this card, so I am sure you will be seeing a similar version of this card with modifications! LOL!

And for my last creation today another card! I found these gorgeous Prima flowers and knew I wanted to make a card with them, then as I was walking around the LSS looking for paper to use with them I happened to look down and see them against this piece of the Basic Grey Kioshi and found my paper! LOVE when that happens! LOL! So I used Basic Grey paper, Cordinations cardstock, Prima flowers, My Mind's Eye ink (I must say that the 2 color wheels I have of this ink is FABULOUS and I ALWAYS find the color I need!) Basic Grey Opaline embellishments (I cut the green swirls off of flowers) and Kaiser pearls.I decided that the flowers could use a little something, so I grabbed my good old Stickles and added a little bit of Stickles on the edges of some of the flower petals. I just love the little extra shine to grab your eyes! (Sorry this picture is kind of blurry I just realized I didn't change the setting on the camera! Maybe if the sun comes out I can retake this one!)

So there you have my recent eye candy! : ) I hope you enjoyed it!

OH! I almost forgot! Did you get your FREEBIE from Paper Popsicles this week???? If not be sure to head on over here to get it today! Don't forget this FREEBIE is only till Friday! And DON'T FORGET to enter your projects by Friday to be entered into the April drawing for ALL those letter stickers!!!

Well off to create my new version of that pink card! ; )

Have a GREAT Day!

TFL!

Valerie

CARDS!

2010-04-20T10:57:00.008-05:00

I have a few cards to share with you today!

Here is a card I made for the BoBunny card sketch challenge. I used my the new Paradise line and added BoBunny Double dot ribbon and cardstock along with my trusty Helmar adhesives and created this card.

Just makes me wish I was sitting on the beach at sunset!

And here is my Cheecky Radish card for this week's Ice Cream theme at Paper Popsicles. I used the new DoodleBug summer paper for this. When I saw this paper I just knew I had to use it with this image! The cardstock is Bazzill, Pattern paper DoodleBug, Adhesive Helmar, and rub-ons DoodleBug. I also cut a few of the images from the pattern paper and attached them to the card with Helmar Zap Dots, and then used some Diamond Glaze on the ice cream scoop and popsicles!

Stayed tuned for next week when Paper Popsicles presents Mother's Day!

TFL!

Valerie

I Scream You Scream We All Scream...

2010-04-19T09:56:00.006-05:00

...for ICE CREAM!!!

There is LOTS of ICE CREAM over at Paper Popsicles this week! Kind of appropriate huh? LOL! This week the theme is Ice Cream and we want to see what you can create to win this week's prize! And of course the week just wouldn't be complete without a FREEBIE!!! I just love this one! Here is a card I have made it with it a while ago. I used Pink Paislee pattern paper, DCWV cardstock and May Arts ribbon.There are SO many AWESOME digital images available you should be able to find just what you need to create that perfect something for this week's theme! Go check out the digital images here and see the shaped cards here.

And speaking of shaped cards here is my shaped card project for this week. I used the ice cream sundae card and created this yummy card!To create this card I found a nice and heavy weight piece of Bazzill cardstock in white-you will find out later why its SO important to use a SUPER HEAVY piece of white cardstock. So I cut my card out of the white, and next traced the front side of the card onto a piece of pink cardstock and then cut out my strawberry ice cream to go inside the glass. I again used the front side of the card template and this time used the top part to trace some chocolate sauce for the top. Next I traced the very top on the white cardstock again to create the whip cream layer and traced the cherry on a piece of DoodleBug red flocked paper. I assembled my sundae using my Helmar adhesive. I used a 1/8" hole punch and created nuts for the top, and to give the nuts some dimension I used Distressed Stickles in Straw. For my "whip cream" I used Scribble Scrabble white puff paint and applied it in a back and forth motion to create the piled on look of the whip cream. Next I used my Copic markers and outlined the ice cream and the glass as well as adding some lines to the bottom of the glass. and to finish off my project and make it really look like it was in a glass dish I used Judykins Diamond Glaze and gave the glass a "glass" look!

Be sure to head on over to the blog and see what the other designers did with their shapes!

TFL!

Valerie

Have you...

2010-04-18T09:47:00.004-05:00

...gone over to SNR Card Universe and played along with Cheeky Radish and the Alice in Digi Land party???? Just look at the fun I had with the images!

There is still time to play along and grab some AWESOME FREEBIES as well! ALL entries need to be posted in the appropriate challenge by Monday at midnight! So hurry on over and join in on the fun! The more challenges you complete the more times your name is added to win the grand prize of a 214 piece Sassafrass Apple Jack set!!!! Also there will be a prize for the most creative card! So get your MAD thinking hats on and create some cards!

And here are my cards from last week's sewing week! I attached the shaped card to a post card to make the first one and finished it off with s stitch that reminds me of the stitching on a baseball!

And this one I had fun pairing up these guys with some Sassafrass Monstrosity paper!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next DELICIOUS scoop!! (wink wink!)

Go Create!

TFL!

Valerie

UGH!!

2010-04-13T11:18:00.002-05:00

I have NO voice today, did not want to crawl out from under the covers, nor wake up this morning, but I had to...UGH! One of those things that as a mom you miss about being a carefree non-mom...UGH! I don't know where this ickiness came from, but I hope it goes away just as quick as it came! Of course its a beautiful day today and the boys are driving me nuts to go play outside...again I say UGH! They know I can't yell at them so they are acting up and pushing the limits this morning...UGH!!! I guess I should go and try to take a shower so I can take them out for a little bit...UGH!!

But before I go and drag myself to go and do those things I thought I would remind you to head on over to Paper Popsicles and check out the FREEBIE and to check out the AWESOME DT creations with the Jersey shaped card! LOTS of GREAT ideas! And don't forget to enter your sewing creation for a chance to win the weekly prize as well as be entered for that AWESOME monthly prize of alphabet stickers!

Well off to go referee AGAIN! But be sure to check back tomorrow as I reveal my digi creation for this week!

TFL!
Valerie

What a weekend!

2010-04-11T18:58:00.005-05:00

I'm not even sure I know what happened to it! Amazing how sometimes you blink and then think WOW where did the last couple days go? That is what I am thinking today!

First is it was my week to post at Midnight Oil and with opening day of baseball this past Monday I decided to break out some of the yummy baseball products they have and make a fun layout for some T-Ball pictures of the boys! Be sure to head on over here and check out my project!

Well I had these ready to post on Thursday and just never made it to posting them!

So next is a layout I made for the Paper Popsicles Birthday layout challenge using a sketch from Scrap That!. I had this pattern paper for a while now and never used it so I pulled it out along with the Jenni Bowlin Bingo cards! I used Bazzill cardstock, DoodleBug letters & numbers, various Thickers, Pink Paislee chipboard and some of the fun new Helmar adhesives I just got-Zapdots, Premium Craft glue and Quickfix adhesive runner! LOVE adhesive that works and is high quality! Next I made a card and welcome sign for my Brother and his fiance's new house. I used this super cute house shaped card template from Paper Popsicles and cut the card out of Kaiser Kraft paper, outlined the roof with Maya Road ric rac and the chimney with Maya Road pom pom ribbon. The flowers along the bottom are also Maya Road. I stamped a sentiment on a piece of My Mind's Eye paper and inked it with Distress ink. Again I had fun using the Helmar adhesives for this project-I am LOVING how well the Craft Glue works with the ribbon!For the welcome sign I used a wooden sign I had bought at the $1.00 store and I used Making Memories Acrylic paint in Manilla to paint the sides and covered the front of the sign with My Mind's Eye Bella Bella French Flea Market paper. I used Crackle paint to cover Basic Grey chipboard letters and then rubbed Distress ink over the letters. I added Prima flowers and bling and tied a BoBunny ribbon to hang it with. I hope that they will enjoy this and that it welcomes happiness into their new home!

Well that's it for tonight! Stayed tuned for some fun projects at Paper Popsicles this week-our theme is sewing! Maybe that's why its so hard to type tonight! LOL!!

TFL!

Valerie

Have you...

2010-04-07T19:54:00.003-05:00

...checked out the challenges at Paper Popsicles this week? Its birthday week and there are some fun challenges and AWESOME work by our designers! And of course there's the FREEBIE!!! So head on over to Paper Popsicles and join the fun! Here are my cards for this week!
This first card it is made with the Strawberry shaped card template (which is the FREEBIE till Friday!) I cut the shape out of BoBunny Double Dot Paper in red, and then traced the strawberry top on another sheet of green BoBunny Double Dot paper. I filed the edges of the paper to give a white outline to the card, and used Stickles to "dip" the strawberry in "choclate" - a yummy birthday treat! To finish the card I used Making Memories mini letters to add my sentiment.

For this next card I used the Cheeky Radish pie slice image which you can get right here and I colored the image with Copic markers (have I told you how much I LOVE those?! LOL!!) I used K I Memories Pop Culture (talk about using up your stash!) paper. To finish off the card I used letter stickers by My Little Shoebox.

And don't forget about the Helmar challenge either! Check out all the details here! You can win some AWESOME Helmar adhesive products!!

On Thursday April 22nd Cheeky Radish will be having Digi Day on SNR so be sure to head on over for ALL the fun that day! It is going to be called Alice in Digi Land!! Also we are close to getting 100 members on SNR so head on over and sign up because when we hit 100 members ALL members will receive a special digi image!!

Well now that this post has taken me 3 days to complete (no thanks to the storm the other night) I will let you create! Can't wait to see your entries for the contests!

TFL!
Valerie

I am giving up Scrapping!!

2010-04-01T10:03:00.007-05:00

April Fools!!

LOL!!!! I could NEVER do that!! I think even if I broke my arms I would still find a way to scrap!

So I am LOVING our weather right now! Yesterday we had a high of 77 degrees!!! And today we are expected to hit 80!!! I even got some sun! We are going to get some rain and cool down a bit for this weekend (of course) but the weather is AWESOME!! I am listening to the Cardinals and some other birds sing as I type right now. The birds are all back and it is SO soothing to listen to them sing their songs. Yesterday I watched as 3 hawks circled around in the sky for the longest time, the trees have buds, the neighbors tulips are coming up, the grass is getting green-it is SOOO nice to see the world come back to life! I hope that this is the end of old man winter, and that we are heading full steam ahead to summer!

Ok onto all things scrappy! This week at Paper Popsicles we are having ribbon week, so show us all your projects using ribbon! And here are my projects for the week. When I saw my items to work with this week I knew right away what I wanted to do!

First up is the tea kettle shape card which you can get here.

I traced it onto Basic Grey Lemonade pp and onto Cordinations cs. I cut the pieces of the tea kettle from cs to use on the front. I inked the edges of the pieces with My Mind's Eye ink. On the top of the tea kettle I used DoodleBug rub-ons and wrote "Happy Birthday!" I used this string type ribbon that was on a Making Memories purple ribbons card and used it as the string on the "tea bag" and the tag of the the "tea bag" is cut from a piece of Basic Grey Lemonade lace paper. And while I had my Basic Grey Lemonade paper out I decided to use another piece of the lace paper to cut out a "lace doily" to place my tea pot onto. I cut thin strips of the edge of pop dots to stand the tea kettle onto the doily and used a piece of lace to hide the pop dots.

For the back of the I used remaining cs and stamped a sentiment on it, I used some Maya Road ric rac along the top, and some Making Memories flowers on the top. I needed a little support on the back to help the tea kettle stand up straight so I stacked some pop dots up for support and used a Prima flower to cover the pop dots!

Next I got to work with this adorable image of Elizabeth in a raincoat which you can get here.

I had this Spring Fling pp from Pink Paislee which I thought would be perfect for this card so I used that as well as Cordinations cs. I colored Elizabeth with my Copic markers, and then used Judykins Diamond Glaze to cover her raincoat, hat, umbrella and boots. I love the shiny look it gives just like a real raincoat.

So make sure to make some ribbon creations and play along with us at Paper Popsicles! And don't forget to link your creation here to be entered for the April prize which is 18 sheets of alpha stickers!!!!

There is just SO much going on at Paper Popsicles right now as we have a challenge to use this week's theme and digi image and create a gift bag using the Monday Freebie and ribbon. You can post your project right here!

Also Helmar is sponsoring a Spring/Easter challenge!! All you need to do is create a springtime layout with at least 3 pictures and the word Spring in the title. You have till Wed April 21 at midnight to link your project here! They have this wonderful prize package that you can win!!

And on one final note for today I have joined the nice people over at SCRAP That and they have a LOT of fun stuff going over there as well! There is a cute Paper Popsicles basket shaped card contest going on-you have until tomorrow to make a card and enter it in a contest to win a great prize, there are sketches and so much more! So come on over have some fun!

Well I am off to go enjoy this GORGEOUS day!! Have a good one!

TFL!
Valerie

FREEBIE!

2010-03-24T10:55:00.007-05:00

So have you grabbed your FREEBIE at Paper Popsicles yet? If not what are you waiting for?!! TODAY is the LAST day to get the FREEBIE! Just look what I did with mine. I copied the freebie into my Print Shop program and then added a rounded rectangle outline around the image and then added lines and and made my own vacation journaling card! I colored the image with Copic markers and inked the edges. You could also print on pattern paper, colored cardstock or use one of the mists available and mist the background of the card as well. For my LO I used my favorite My Mind's Eye Abbey Road Beep Beep pp, perfectly matching Co'rdinations cs, die cuts and brads. I also used the good old Thickers- LOVE the new smaller ones!

Today on the Paper Popsicles blog there are several of the DT projects featured and yup one of my cards is up there today! : ) Click here to go check it and all the others out!

Well I suppose I should get going we need to do groceries and the boys have some duplicate toys they got for their birthday they want to exchange. But I hate to disturb them right now-they are playing school! Nicholas is the teacher and Joseph is the teacher-it is HILARIOUS listening to them right now! So sad they are growing up SO FAST!

Well TFL!
Valerie

VACATION!!

2010-03-22T10:29:00.004-05:00

Who doesn't LOVE the that word?!

This week the word vacation takes on many forms. First off is the boys are on Spring "vacation" from school-so that means a WHOLE week of them home and trying to keep them busy! They just had their birthday party with their friends on Saturday and got new toys so I hope that will keep them busy, and I am hoping we get nice weather again so we can play outside!

Next is it is vacation week at Paper Popsicles! This week is going to filled with ALL kinds of great and inspiring vacation projects! Make sure you check out the FREEBIE today! Just click here and you will be able to get the cutest freebie till Wednesday ONLY!! And while you're there be sure to check out the great design team projects as well as enter a vacation themed project of your own to be entered into the monthly drawing!

Next up is my project for the House of Serendipity contest last week. I am happy to say that my team managed to be 1 point less than the other team and we won!!! Yes so I moved on to week 6 the final week! This week we had to choose a door and behind each door was a number from 2-6 and that number represents the number of LO's you have to do this week. I am SOOO happy to say I only have to do 2 LO's this week! : ) I was SO afraid I was going to have to do 6! So here is my 2 page Lo for last week.

I used Bazzill cs, Bo Bunny Kitchen Spice pp and journaling cards, Martha Stewart border punch, My Mind's Eye ink, Thickers and Jill Bean Soup letter stickers.

Well that's it for today, and DON'T forget to head on over to Paper Popsicles and get your FREEBIE today!

TFL!

Valerie

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2010-03-17T20:09:00.004-05:00

Well I am not Irish, but my hubby is a little and that makes my kids a little, so I guess I can be a little for today too! To celebrate today we continued our tradition of Shamrock shakes for lunch and fries, and I made corned beef, boiled potatoes, carrots, rye bread, green river soda, and sauerkraut for dh. Such a YUMMY dinner~! I even splurged and bought dh some Guinness for his Irish meal! It was the perfect meal to make today as it was 60 degrees and the boys wanted to play outside so dinner simmered and we played outside! I am SO loving this GORGEOUS spring weather!! I only wish it was staying! Someone said there's a NASTY rumor of the S word coming back this weekend! : (
Here's our yummy shakes and the boys enjoying them!

Have you done the "Animal House" challenge at SNR yet??? If not you have till midnight tomorrow to get it done! Melissa has an AWESOME RAK for the winner! Here is my card I used the house template and a combination of Sassafrass Jungle Bungle and Me Likey papers. For the windows and door I used Sassafrass chipboard letters, and then I used the frame that is left on the sheet after you remove the letters and cut the thin strips to use a piece for the top of the chimney, window ledges, as well as a piece for the door handle. The triangle above the door is a photo corner from the Sassafrass sticker sheet, the roof is made by cutting the decorative edge off one of the sheets of paper and cutting between each circle and then layering them on the roof, the plant is cut from a piece of paper, and the edge of the roof is one of the decorative edges from a sheet of paper as well. This was really fun to make ! I haven't decided what theme this card is going to be, but I am thinking it may be a birthday or moving card. I hope you create one and play along with us!
Well I am going to take advantage of the fresh air pooping the boys out early tonight, and hubby being gone for the night and go and have some fun creating!

TFL!
Valerie

Where to start???

2010-03-16T14:12:00.005-05:00

I have SO much to share today I am unsure where to begin!!!

So I guess I will start with my babies! The boys turned 5 this past Sunday! I can't believe how fast time is going! It seems like not that long ago we were sharing our good news with everyone! Hard to believe that they went from this:

Joseph

Nicholas
to this!

I am SO thankful EVERYDAY for their health and happiness!

So next on my list is the news I have to share! First up I have 2 cards that were picked up by SNR for their next issue! So make sure to check that out!

Next is I made the new Paper Popsicles design team working with the Cheeky Radish digital images and the Paper Popsicles shaped card templates! It is SO exciting to be working with Melissa, Lynda and Tricia again! So make sure you come on over and grab this week's ADORABLE bunny image FREEBIE and participate in this week's theme Easter! And one more fun and exciting thing to do- grab the house shaped template and make an animal house and join in on the challenge for a fun RAK on the SNR card universe site! I can't wait to see what you create!

And lastly for today is some eye candy! I made this LO for the week 4 challenge at the House of Serendipity contest. I made it again last week! YEAH!! But I must admit this week is a scary week as it is a team event and we have to guess the correct # to make it on to the next week or we will ALL be eliminated!!!

I used some of my favorite My Mind's Eye Abbey Road Beep Beep for this LO and added some Tim Holtz tickets, Thickers and MM mini letters.

Oh! I almost forgot have you been to the MOSD blog lately? I did my post last week so make sure to head on over and check it out!

Well I better start to get ready I have to go into work early today!

TFL! And go play along with the fun Paper Popsicle challenges!

Valerie

It's March...

2010-03-06T21:32:00.006-06:00

...6th already!!!! YIKES!! Time sure does fly sometimes!

1 week from today my house will be filled with lots of family celebrating the boys' 5th birthday! 5 years old already wherever does time go???! So the boys have decided that they want to have a space themed party this year, and well the crafty side of me instantly kicked in and I began dreaming up the decorations, games, invites, food, you name it I was thinking it! LOL!! But reality and financial costs set in and I have wisely (in dh's eyes) scaled back my out of this world plans! So I broke out my good old CuttleBug and made the invites-1/2 store bought 1/2 created by me. I even broke out some silver embossing powder that I have had since possibly the late 80's!! You ask did it even work and I say yes it did!! I read a funny thing on the container-to heat embossing powder hold paper over a light bulb till powder melts!! Can you even begin to imagine how LONG that must take to do?! I do plan to retire that container and get some fresh and probably better quality powder soon, but in a pinch and me not wanting to add any more cost to the invites it worked good enough. So here is the front of the invites I forgot to take a pic of the back , but I will do that one soon.
My next project I am working on for the party is a Happy Birthday banner made with rocket ships I cut with my Cricut! I can't wait to finish this little project up!

So next up are my last two LO's for the House of Serendipity. The first was you had to choose one of the color families listed and create a LO using that color family as the dominant color of the LO. I chose the blue/green family and had fun using my Sassafrass Jungle Bungle. I just love this picture, and it was too funny I had this LO out on the table and Joseph saw it and said "Mommy that's me laying on the sidewalk in the park so I could get a better look at the sun and clouds!" That was a year ago I took that pic!!

And here is my entry for this week, we had to choose a sketch and keep our LO very similar to the sketch.The BEST story behind this is last night I went to a crop with 2 of my girlfriends and the store had LOTS of new product from CHA winter!! And I couldn't wait to use my new finds! I was SO distracted with all the yummy goodies I almost lost concentration and focus to finish this LO! LOL! I guess I need to get out more!

OK so have you been over to Paper Popsicles lately??? Well if not why??! There is SO much going on there right now! First we'll start with everyone's favorite BLOG CANDY!!! YES you heard right! You can get this YUMMY RAK

by simply doing this:

How do you get entered to win these?? Leave a comment and become a follower, add a link to this post and the CANDY photo on your blog!! Hey why not do a challenge or two with us, I mean you’re here anyway! What’s in there? Papers by Pink Paislee, KI Memories. Luxe Designs, s.e.i. , Fancy pants; 5 sheets of alpha stickers; overlay; chipboard album by Maya Road; paper frills by Doodlebug; Sassafras Lass buttons; Jillibean Soup journaling sprouts, Rub-on, stickers….. whew
Randon winner will be announced on April 3rd!

So make sure to head on over TODAY!

Also have you been loving the Cheeky Radish digi images? Do you love the ease of the Paper Popsicles shaped card templates? Well if you said yes this may interested you!

We need some designers…..
Paper Popsicles is looking for creative, fun, and enthusiastic paper crafters to work with our digital stamp images and our shaped card templates. Your digital creations will be used on the What’s the Scoop? a division of Paper Popsicles blog, as well as in the Paper Popsicles store and gallery, plus SNR Card Universe.

Design Team Requirements
Create 2 cards weekly incorporating our digital products
Being very active on our blog and at our group at SNR Card Universe by leaving comments, participating in blog events, participating in swaps…
Visiting our followers blogs at least weekly, commenting and encouraging them to “play” with us
Posting events, projects and information weekly on your blog supporting our themes and other events
To apply, please send the following items to melissa@paperpopsicles.com
Full contact information (name, address, phone number, and email)
Link to your blog and online galleries (Please include any user IDs necessary)
Attach 4 stamped (does not need to be a digital stamp) and/or shaped card projects that you like the most out of your work
A short paragraph on your paper crafting experience, including any current or prior design teams However, you do not need any previous experience to apply
A short bio about yourself – just introduce yourself to us and tell us a little about your life
Submission deadline is Friday March 12th at midnight.Term starts on Monday March 15, 2010 and goes until July 15, 2010.Designers will receive free digital stamp images and shaped card templates with the possibility of other items when available.

Melissa, Lynda and Tricia rock and are great to work with so make sure to give this call a try and have some FUN with the images and shapes as well as get exposure for yourself!

Well since I had a late night and I am still battling an upper respiratory infection on top of planning our big bash I should sign off, do the dishes and get to bed!

Have a GREAT one!

TFL!

Valerie

Love is in the air!!!

2010-02-13T15:18:00.008-06:00

I just LOVE Valentine's Day! It is one of my favorite holidays! A day dedicated to love and making sure the person you love is spoiled and knows how much you love them! Pretty colors and lots of hearts and pretties! I guess being the only female in my house the chance to go wild with girlie things is just too much! LOL!

Here is a card I created for the Cheecky Radish SNR Card Universe challenge. I never got it posted on time, but had lots of fun making it! I used the heart shaped card from the Paper Popsicles store, Basic Grey Bittersweet paper, Coordinations cardstock, Pink Paislee letters, My Mind's Eye ink, Martha Stewart border punch, circle punch (for scallop around the heart), DoodleBug mini rub-ons and my Cricut to cut the heart.

And for the next card I was able to use the weekly card sketch from Serendipity Scrapbooks and created a sympathy card for my future Sister-in-Law who lost an aunt whom she was very close with(the reason I was not able to post my card yesterday)

I used My Mind's Eye Andrea Victoria paper and die cuts, cs from stash and embossed one piece with my CuttleBug, and I got this neat stamp from Hobby Lobby that has a saying for the front and the inside sentiment all on the same stamp!

And since I just love these cuties I am posting my projects from the Midnight Oil blog this month!

Be sure to head on over to the blog for more information on these!

Well my little monster is NOT taking a nap so I better go and try and get him to sleep!

TFL!

Valerie

Another Card

2010-02-04T13:27:00.005-06:00

So Cheeky Radish Digital stamps which are sold in the Paper Popsicles store has a site set up with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine The Card Universe. You should head on over and join in on all the fun! For their first week they are giving away this adorable image and they had a contest of creating a card with the image to win 3 bottles of Shimerz! So I made this card with my favorite My Mind's Eye Colorful Christmas pattern paper, DCWV cardstock and one piece I embossed with the CuttleBug Swiss Dots folder, I used the EK Success snowflake border punch and the little snowflakes that were left over from the punch I attached with tiny cut up pieces of pop dots, the letters are from Making Memories, and the digital image Elizabeth in her coat is colored with Copic markers I outlined the trim with white flocking and traced her hat tie with Sakura black glaze pen. I also used a January week #4 card sketch from Serendipity Scrapbooks as the sketch for this card. Gotta love when you can combine like this!
And guess what?! I was drawn as the winner this week! I was SO surprised! So make sure to head on over and join!

TFL!
Till Next Time!
Valerie

How about some cards?

2010-02-01T09:26:00.006-06:00

So my last post was all LO's so I thought this one could be all cards! Paper Popsicles has a great heart shaped card template that I was able to work with. After a couple minutes of thinking these 2 ideas jumped into my head and I couldn't wait to get some new supplies and get to work!

For the first one I used some of that yummy flocked DoodleBug paper that came out a few years ago (I have a stash of every color! I HAD to have this paper and then could never bring myself to use it! LOL!) I traced the template onto the backside of the red flocked paper and cut it out and folded it in half, next I took my trusty Zip Dry and some adorable heart lace I got at Hobby Lobby (for a super good deal-12 feet for $1.00!) and glued the lace around the edge of the heart to make it look like the old lace heart valentines. After I glued the lace on I used glitter Thickers and wrote Be Mine on the heart and there you have a quick and easy valentine! So make sure you head on over to Paper Popsicles and get your today!

For my second card I have had these 7 Gypsies keys forever (I bought a whole set and only needed one) so I wanted to do one of those cute key to my heart valentines. I traced the template onto Co'rdinations cardstock, cut it out and then ran it very carefully through my CuttleBug with the swirls folder. Then I sanded the embossing to emphasize it more. I used Thickers to write U R placed the key and wrote 2, and when you open the inside it says my and there is a small heart on a spring with an ! next to it. Sorry I forgot to take pics of the insides of my cards and it is dark and nasty out today! To finish off the front of the card I outlined the heart with gold Stickles.

My next card is a New Baby card I had made for my friend. I used Bazzill Blingz cardstock, Making Memories Animal Crackers Ella pattern paper, Imaginensce stamp, and ribbon from Target. I had so much fun making something all pink and girly!

SPOILER ALERT!!!! The next picture is of the cards I made for the Paper Popsicles Valentine's Day card swap, so if you are in the swap and don't want to see the cards I will say good bye to you and thanks for looking!

Now for the rest of you that do want to see them let's continue! I decided to use some of my stash of last year's Valentine's paper. And for the first 3 cards I found this awesome lace at Hobby Lobby and had to buy a yard of it, well when I pulled out my Basic Grey Bittersweet paper I knew that I had to use these 2 things together! I have these red cards I bought last year at target and used them as my base, used the Basic Grey Bittersweet pattern paper as my next layer, punched a scallop square and regular square from the solid Bittersweet paper, and cut hearts with my Cricut from the Bittersweet pattern paper. I inked the edges of the squares and heart with My Mind's Eye ink and attached the heart with a pop dot for some added dimension. I again brought out my trusty Zip Dry and attached the lace to the front and secured the ends down in back with some tape. For the other 2 cards I used some Little Yellow Bicycle Love Letters paper, my Martha Stewart lace heart border punch and some more hearts cut from my Cricut. I forgot to take pics of the insides of these cards as well, but I stamped XOXOXO with some coordinating inks.

So there you have some of my latest card creations!

Oh I almost forgot I was "scooped" over at Paper Popsicles on Saturday!!! Check it out here! And be sure to check out the awesome sketch that Melissa posted today and enter for your chance to win this month's prize!

Well off to get a couple things done before I need to get the little people from school! Have a great day!

TFL!
Valerie

SOO much to blog SOOO little time to blog!

2010-01-28T16:17:00.009-06:00

That is how I am feeling these days! There has been SOOO much going on and I just run out of time or energy to blog! Sorry! I am putting myself on a better schedule for everything in my life as of Feb. 1 st I am going to be more efficient! ;)

So I have a great new hang out to scrappy chat these days Serendipity Scrapbooks! There is SO much going on at that board they have several weekly sketches, they just had an awesome crop over last weekend, they have a wish list promotion right now! Want $20, $30, $40 or even $50 of goodies off your wishlist for FREE???? This contest could be just the thing for you.January through Feb. 28th we will be having the Wishes come true Contest, where there will be drawings for goods off your wishlist.See how to participate in this contest:1. Register in the store and start making your wishlist2. Register in the forum - Post in the New Members checkin thread and then post a minimum of 9 other times on our message board.3. If you were invited Please make note in your New Members checkin thread who invited you. Then start inviting others. 4. For each person you invite and they complete these requirements you will be added to the drawings again.-The first drawing for the $20 wishlist give away will happen when 25 new Registered members complete the above requirements-The Second drawing for the $30 wishlist give away will happen when 30 more new members complete the requirements-The third drawing for the $40 wishlist give away will happen when 40 more new members complete the requirements-The Fourth drawing for the $50 wishlist give away will happen when 50 more new members complete the requirementsWhen we reach 1000 new members in the forum there will be another $50 drawing and ALL registered memebers in the forum will receive a FABULOUS digital/printable downloadable kit for FREE!!PLUS when we reach the first 50 new members (827 total members) All registered forum members will get a bonus downloadable/printable item. Then when we reach 902 new members ANOTHER downloadable gift.Lets get busy and start inviting new members: Tweet it, Facebook it, Blog about it and just start sharing about our forum**Your name stays in for ALL drawings and you be able to continue having your name added for all new members that mention you invited them and complete the requirements.**Wishlist giveaway items will be picked by store owner from your Wishlist and sent within a week of each drawing.

So make sure you head on over and register and tell them I sent you! They also announced a new contest they are going to be having as well, check it out here! And if that isn't enough to get you over there they are now taking pre-orders on LOTS of awesome new CHA winter items! Be sure to go to the store and order yours!

Here are a few of the LO's I have done for Serendipity Scrapbooks.

And this one was picked as the Pick of the Day at Serendipity Scrapbooks on the 19th!

And don't you just "love" this one? Be sure to stop by Paper Popsicles and enter your love projects today you could be the winner of the monthly prize!

Well I still have some more pages left to finish on my book of December, but here is a look at some of what I have done so far!

Well I just looked at the time and I need to run and get the little monsters from school!

Till Next Time!

TFL!

Valerie

Exciting Stuff!

2010-01-12T15:17:00.005-06:00

Yes I know it has been forever! Holidays are crazy especially when you leave 2 calendars to be made till the VERY end! My resolution this is to do 1 month at the end of each month to avoid that AGAIN! And if I don't do it then I just don't make the calendar! I was in such a RUSH and finishing them literally minutes before we had to walk out the door on Christmas Day! Talk about cutting it close! I didn't even get a chance to get pictures of the pages I made! I will have to go to my parents and grandparents to get some pics of the finished product.

So I don't think I ever shared the sad news that Paper Popsicles was closing its doors and re-opening in January on the blog only. Well the BIG day is almost here! That's right this Friday they will open a whole new and improved site, and the store will still have those AWESOME Cheeky Radish images and the shaped cards as well! And I am SO excited to share that Melissa asked me and a few others to design with the first new shaped card for the new site! I saw this cutie and a million ideas jumped into my head instantly! He or she is available on the new site for FREE!! My first card is a big brother card for a friend who just had a baby and her little boy LOVES elephants, so how could I not make him a card! I used some fun Sassafrass paper on this guy and some fun twine to hold the sign around his neck! I cut the first elephant shape out of the pattern paper and cut slightly inside the outline of the template, and for the cardstock elephant I cut slightly outside the outline of the template to give the shadow to the elephant. I freehand cut out the ear for the elephant, and bent it slightly and attached the ear to the elephant.

For the next card I copied 3 elephants onto my page and had each trunk over lap a tail in front of him to create 3 elephants marching in a row. I cut them out and then using a circle punch cut out and attached the red circle to the back which I then trimmed the excess from, used a star punch for the stars, black glaze pen for eyes and a mouth, and Copic marker to make nails. I again freehand cut out some ears for each elephant and attached them the same way. I then took a Popsicle stick and cut it down to create a pole and cut out a cardstock flag and used my ALL time FAVORITE DoodleBug mini rub-ons. I used my trusty Zip Dry to attach the pole to the lead elephant's trunk and there you have elephants on parade!

Now aren't they just the cutest??!! So head on over to What's the Scoop? and get yours today! And don't forget to share what you create! Don't forget this FRIDAY they start all the new fun as well!

Well I need to get moving as I still have some things to do before work tonight, but I will be back with more fun stuff!

TFL!
Valerie

Catch Up Time!

2009-11-19T22:46:00.007-06:00

Sorry I have been neglecting the blog lately! But I am back with a whole bunch of things!

First off I did the My Mind's Eye blog challenge this month, and had so much fun using the fabulous sketch!

Next up is the Paper Popsicles blog card sketch. Another great one by Tricia!
And my card using some of my favorite My Mind's Eye Christmas paper!

Then there is the Paper Popsicles Thursday Layout sketch by Lynda this week.
And here is my take of the sketch using some Sassafrass paper.

{I just LOVE the smile on his face}

And here is my layout from last week's sketch. Some more My Mind's Eye! Are you noticing a trend yet??????

And then here are a couple layouts I did for an online crop Scraptacular had last week! It was a GREAT kick start to get back into scrappy mode!

{Yes you're right that IS more My Mind's Eye! I have pulled out my stash and I am actually using it! I never want to use my favorite paper, but after a couple pieces got bent corners I decided I better start before it gets ruined!}

Well I hope you have enjoyed the eye candy and I hope to see you play along with the Paper Popsicles sketches!

TFL!

Valerie

The Porch Lights are ON for the CREEPY, CRAWLY Blog STOMP!!!

2009-10-10T08:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Paper Popsicles' second blog hop, our CREEPY, CRAWLY, Blog STOMP! Today, we hope that as you go around to each of our creative team member blogs, you will find inspiration, some tricks, and perhaps some TREATS! If you stumbled upon my blog from Cassie's blog GREAT!!! You are on the right track! If you stumbled upon my blog and wish to play along, please start at the Paper Popsicles' blog.

Our porch lights are now on! As you move from one blog to the next, you will collect a TREAT (a word). Gather all the treats to make a ghoulish saying and email your phrase to Melissa at melissa@paperpopsicles.com. For your efforts, you will be entered into a RAK to win a fantastic prize—The Loud Talker Kit from October!!!!

Please leave a comment on EVERY blog during our stomp....otherwise you might miss out on some other free treats!!!! OH, I almost forgot! Paper Popsicles is screaming with great deals today. 25% off everything in the store and 50% off all clearance! October 10th only. www.paperpopsicles.com/store

And now I want to share with you MY ghoulish surprises!

First up is this cute treat bag! I found this paper mache "box" as it was called on the tag in the Christmas aisle in Hobby Lobby. I used the SUPER fun Fancy Pants Halloween paper from the Paper Popsicles store and some Mod Podge to cover the "box". I then sanded the edges and used a combo of Orange Marmalade and Black Soot Distress Ink to ink the edges. The border across the top is actually the Fancy Pants border sticker also available in the Paper Popsicles store! Next I used this SUPER fun digital ghost image by Cheeky Radish and enlarged him to the size of a piece of 8.5" x 11.5" paper. (With a little turning of the image you can get him this large) I then cut a piece of My Mind's Eye Halloween paper to 8.5" x 12" and printed the ghost directly onto the paper. I cut the ghost out, outlined his mouth and eyes with a black glaze pen, and when the ink was dry lightly sprayed the ghost with Pearl Glimmer Mist to give him a little sparkle. Once the ghost was dried I attached him to the front of the "box" and raised the arms with 2-3 foam squares stacked on top of each other. I added 1 foam square under the tail and curled the end of his tail around a pencil to make it pop off the "box".
Here is a close to see a little of the sparkle
And since Hallowen is one of my favorite holidays I have one more quick and simple project for you today! For this treat bucket I purchased the tin Halloween pail in the dollar section of Target. I used my trusty Zip Dry and added Creative Cafe ric rac to the top and bottom of the pail as well as on the handle. I then used cute digital images from Cheeky Radish for the front embellishments that I colored with Copic markers and attached with pop dots. And there you have it a quick simple pail to fill with some yummy treats and give to your favorite trick or treaters!
I guess you want your other treat too? The treat on my blog is FUN

Not enough treats you say?? Do I hear you begging for some more??? OK I am going to give you ANOTHER FUN treat!! TODAY ONLY you can have this adorable ghost image from Cheeky Radish for FREE!!!! Just right click on him and save the image to your computer, then have FUN creating all kinds of FUN things with the image! edited to add: Guess what??? This little cutie ghost is going remain a freebie!!! YUP! Paper Popsicles and Cheeky Radish have agreed to keep it a FREEBIE!!! BUT you better go check out teh store and go grab up some more of the adorable Cheeky Radish images!! Click here to be taken to the images!

Now that you have been scared into the season, don’t forget to leave me a comment, then head over to Lora's blog next!

1. Tricia http://www.triciastreasures.blogspot.com/

2. Lynda http://www.positive-force.blogspot.com/

3. Cassie http://www.fortheartofit.blogspot.com/

4. Valerie http://www.allmyscrappin.blogspot.com/ <---- YOU ARE HERE

5. Lora http://www.singingsquirrel.blogspot.com/ <--- GO HERE NEXT

6. Carol http://www.crazyforcrafting.blogspot.com/

7. Amy http://www.papertrailsleaver.blogspot.com/

8. Jen http://www.jensbrainthings.blogspot.com/

9. Robyn http://www.dreaminginscraps.blogspot.com/

HAPPY STOMPING!

Valerie

Its FRIDAY!!!!

2009-10-09T14:18:00.003-05:00

And that means its time for another Friday FREEBIE at Paper Popsicles!!! Look how cute this little guy is!

Sorry I haven't used him yet, but don't for get to make something with him and then show us on Monday! So head on over to the Paper Popsicles blog and follow the directions for your FREE image!

DON'T FORGET tomorrow is the BIG BLOG HOP!!!! So make sure to go to the Paper Popsicles blog tomorrow and play along! PS I'll give you a hint....SHHHHH DON'T tell on me, but there will be MORE FREE images to collect on your way!

Oh yeah and while we are talking about how cool Paper Popsicles is, they are holding auditions once again for guest designer, and guess what!!?? There are 3 different guest designer spots to try out for! Here's the info:

GUEST DESIGN TEAM CALL!
We are looking for 3 Guest Designers for NOVEMBER!! A digital stamp guest designer, a shaped card template guest designer and a product guest designer. Interested??? Here are the specifics on each. Digital Stamp Designer:You will be given 5 digital stamp images to work with. We would like 1 used in a layout and the others as cards or tags or used on an altered item. You will be supplied with the digital images only. Guest Designer: You will receive goodies from the store to use for creating a minimum of 3 layouts. Materials will be from different manufacturers but will coordinate so you can mix and match. Shaped Card Template Designer: You will be given 5 shaped card templates to work with. We want each template to be made into a card. You will be supplied with the digital file for the shaped card templates only. Your interested?? This is what to do to apply:1. You'll need to send us at least 3 samples of your best work. 3 digitals from our store or elsewhere to apply for the digital stamp guest designer. 3 layouts with supplies from our store or elsewhere for the Guest Designer. 3 cards with supplies from our store or elsewhere for the shaped card template designer. 2. You need to be active in the community….so get chatting…we want to see what you are all about…. 3. You need to be active in the gallery….show us your stuff….leave some love... If you don't have an album let us know and it will be made for you.
4. Send your entries to paperpopsicles@gmail.com
You have until the October 31st at midnight to complete these steps if you would like to be considered. So...what are you waiting for....get busy!!! For the digital stamp and shaped card template we welcome ALL TO APPLY! We are accepting applicants from the U.S. & Canada only for the Guest Designer. The winner will be selected from those that satisfy the requirements and will be contacted after November 1st. Questions: melissa@paperpopsicles.com

Well off to finish preparing for the blog hop! ; )

TFL!

Valerie

OK Its a BIG one today!!!

2009-10-08T10:09:00.008-05:00

Where shall I start first?

OK- so DON'T forget that the Paper Popsicles Creepy Crawly Blog Stomp is this weekend!

There are going to be some FANTASTIC projects, give aways, freebies and the grand prize winner is going to win the "Loud Talker" from this month! So make sure you come and play Saturday!

Yesterday was my day to post on the Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs blog, so make sure go on over and check out my projects! They will help get you ready for Halloween!

So now I bring you the Paper Popsicles card sketch of the week by Tricia!

And here is my fun Halloween card using the sketch!

Next up is the Thursday layout sketch by Lynda!

And I had fun using the Fancy Pants kraft paper line to create this layout of Nicholas enjoying baby food! (YES I STILL have LOTS of baby pictures to be scrapped still!)Next up on my LONG list today...I never posted about my publication this month! I can't believe I did that!! I had a layout published in the October issue of scrapbooking.com!!!! You can view my article here! I was SOOO very excited to get another layout published!!

So how did you spend World Card Making Day??? I went over to the LSS Craft Fancy and picked up some supplies, and made this adorable card at their free make and take! It was so easy and fun to make!

I also made a ton of cards on Friday night at the crop at Hannah's! I had fun hanging out with Robin and going crazy with ALL the new products they had to buy! Here are my cards I made!

And speaking of Robin can you please keep her in your prayers, she went into preterm labor on Sunday at 27 weeks. Her little girl needs to relax and stay put for a LONG time yet!

TFL!
Valerie

Its World Card Making Day!!!!!

2009-10-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

I hope I find you happily creating away!!! Need a little inspiration? Looking for some new ideas? Want to win some scrappy goodness? Then head on over to Paper Popsicles and check out ALL the FUN!!!

And here is a link to my tutorial! Make sure you come and play along!

Happy Card Making!!

Valerie

Happy Friday!!!!

2009-10-02T11:27:00.004-05:00

Well everyone's favorite Friday Freebie is back at Paper Popsicles!!! Check out this cute image!!

And of course a fun example!

Now hurry on over to the Paper Popsicles blog to get the info and tell Melissa you would like your FREE image today!

And DON'T FORGET tomorrow is World Card Making Day and on the Paper Popsicles Message Board we will be having a special forum FULL of Fun ideas, inspiring eye candy, and prizes too! Make sure to go and find my fun tutorial!!

Well its about time to go get the little people and then its off to crop at my favorite LSS Hannah's tonight!!! : )

TFL!
Valerie

How About...

2009-09-30T14:55:00.006-05:00

...an early release of the October Paper Popsicles kits???? Yes the kits were revealed and are for sale already!!! And you better HURRY these are TOO GOOD to last long!! Just look!!

Main Kit

Mini Kit
Mini Kit

Card Kit

I worked with the SUPER FUN October digital image kit and look at some of the fun things I created with the images!

Be sure to head on over to the store and get yours, as well as check out the FABULOUS creations the Design Team has made with the kits!

And today is Wednesday and you know what that means!!!! A new sketch is up on the Paper Popsicles blog, and this week you can win a $10.00 gift certificate to the Paper Popsicles store!!!! Without further ado here is this week's sketch!

And here is my take on the sketch! Which by the way was Tricia's first card sketch-WOO- HOOO!!!! : )

Well it is a GORGEOUS fall day today and I am going to go and take advantage of the sun and get some more pics taken before we are stuck in the gloom for the next few days!

Don't forget to join us at Paper Popsicles on Saturday for some FUN stuff for World Card making day!!

TFL!

Valerie

HOW Could I forget???!!!

2009-09-26T22:40:00.002-05:00

Today was the day that my LO's were being published in Scrapbook News and Review!!!! This is their grand re-opening weekend so this weekend only you can see the e-zine for FREE!!! So head on over and sign up for the FREE issue! Here is a link to my LO's I don't know if it'll work, (I found I have to click on the printer button in the upper left hand corner to make the whole article appear) I could only find three LO's so far. http://www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=100782

TFL!
Valerie

Ready for A New Sketch?

2009-09-24T11:20:00.004-05:00

Its that time at Paper Popsicles! And this week you can win a $10.00 gift certificate to the store where Melissa has just added some AWESOME Jenni Bowlin, mini letters, Fancy Pants Halloween paper, Sassafrass Montrosity, Basic Grey Bling, plus MUCH MORE!! So let's see what you do with this cute card sketch!

And here is my card that I made with the sketch!

We are VERY busy at Paper Popsicles cooking up some fun things to do! So make sure to stop by the Message board on World Card Making Day October 3rd for some fun and inspiring ideas!
And on October 10th we are going to be having a Halloween blog hop! It is going to be SOO much fun with all kinds of Halloween eye candy, and of course LOTS of prizes as well! And if you head on over to the Paper Popsicles blog there is some blog candy available for spreading the work about the the blog stomp!

And while we are talking Halloween here is my monster shape card from Paper Popsicles I promised.

I covered the body with flocking and used alcohol ink to dye him the green color, and his legs are distressed Stickles. (One important tip: if you are going to do this either print or trace him onto THICK paper! He was too warped and flimsy to stand on his own when I was done) I stitched his mouth with embroidery floss and added the fun googly eyes! Since he was too flimsy to be a shape card I used some acrylic pieces from Midnight Oil to create a fun acrylic card instead! I used my newly purchased Big Bite to punch my holes and some DoodleBug ric rac to to tie it together! Sorry you can see a reflection in the 2nd pic, but its drizzling again so I can't get a new pic!

Now head on over to the sites, get your supplies and create one of your own!

TFL!

Valerie

YIKES!!

2009-09-17T09:57:00.008-05:00

Life has been SOOO SUPER busy lately! Sorry I have fallen behind in everything! I thought with the boys going to school 3 mornings a week I'd be more on track, but not yet! I think I need to get myself on more of a schedule. But enough of the excuses and on with the good stuff!!!

First off I have to share this. I check my e-mail quickly yesterday morning and see an e-mail marked SNR Publication Requirements with a weird e-mail address and I am thinking its some kind of e-mail with an update of their requirements or something and look past it. After checking the other e-mails I FINALLY open this one and guess what??? They want 6 of my layouts for a special double issue coming out on the 26th of the month!! It had been SO long since I had submitted I totally forgot that I did!!! So now I get to have this cute little guy!!! : ) {OK so I don't know how this part got SOO BIG, and I can't get it to change!}

SUPER EXCITING!!!

In other news make sure you head on over to the Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs blog and check out my post from last week with a cute back to school idea!! Be sure to look around at all the other AWESOME projects my fellow DT members have been creating as well! Some SUPER cute stuff on there right now!

And over at Paper Popsicles the fabulous Amy Duff has created yet again another FABULOUS card sketch for the weekly card challenge!

Don't forget you have till next Tuesday the 21st to complete your card and get it uploaded to the Paper Popsicles blog! And here is my card I made using this sketch and an image from Cheeky Radish.

And while we are on the subject of Paper Popsicles and cards check out these cuties made using the Shaped card templates! And the shape card templates are new and improved as now the shape is only an outline allowing you to print directly onto your paper or for making a stencil and using very little of your ink! Once you start playing with these shaped cards you WILL become addicted they are SOOO much fun!! There are SOOO many to chose form and there are ALWAYS new ones being added, so go on over and get some to play with!

OK you will have to wait till tomorrow for the other card-I am still putting a finishing touch on it! ; )

Well it sounds like the natives are getting restless so that's it for today, but I'll be back again soon with more! ; )

TFL!
Valerie

Happy September 1st!! AND 2nd!

2009-09-01T12:17:00.006-05:00

So it is a bittersweet reveal of my Paper Popsicles kit this month! It is my last kit with them this month! I have just LOVED every minute of my time with them! Well and you know what they say when one door closes another one opens! ; ) Stayed tuned for some VERY exciting news soon!

So here are the September Kits!

Main kit

Mini kits above

Card kit below
And here are my projects using the kit!

Be sure to head on over to the Paper Popsicles gallery and check out the rest!

Well since I started this yesterday and didn't get it finished as I am feeling like I am catching the boys cold and took a nap before work I decided to make this one long post.

Today was the boy's first day of Preschool! They could NOT WAIT to go!!! They were SOOO excited that I didn't even get a good-bye from them! : ( Off they ran into their room and didn't even look back at me! Then when I went to pick them up Joseph didn't want to go home! We went to Mc Donald's for lunch after school with their buddy Josh. What a day! Here are a couple pics.

Its AMAZING how FAST time goes!

Well in other news I have some fantastic news to share! I was asked to stay on at Paper Popsicles as a digital designer for the Cheeky Radish designs! I am SOOO excited to still be part of the team!!

Oh yeah AND yesterday I received my prize pack from MME!! VERY yummy and GENEROUS!!! I can't wait to use some of my new found free time to create! Look what I got!

And one last note the new sketch is up at Paper Popsicles! So be sure to head on over to the blog and get all the details! Here is the sketch!

Well I need to deal with a nap protester! LOL!!

TFL!!

Valerie

Here they are!

2009-08-29T11:09:00.003-05:00

My cards with the Paper Popsicles Friday Freebies that is!

For this one I used Bella Blvd and Scenic Route pp, and I colored the image with Copic markers and I added Stickles to the icing as well.

This one I used Basic Grey Lemonade paper, cs and doily paper. I again colored the images with my Copic markers and added Stickles to the flowers and Diamond Glaze to the icing.

We had a flower swap at Paper Popsicles and I made these cuties for it. I used the Claudine Helmuth sticky back canvas to make some of the flowers. I was able to cut it with my Cricut fairly easily and had fun painting them with acrylic paint and added some detail with my Ranger Inkessentials white pen and brads my Making Memories. I used some Making Memories Chole's closet to make 2 more flowers and then I used some of the Scrap Within Reach pp from my September kit at Paper Popsicles to make one last funky square flower and the brad in that flower is new from the My Mind's Eye Abbey Road collection!

Well I am off to get a couple things done before I go to work this afternoon!

TFL!

Valerie

ITS FRIDAY!!!!

2009-08-28T19:33:00.004-05:00

And the LAST one of AUgust which means its the LAST Friday FREEBIE at Paper Popsicles!!! : ( And theyare ending with such a CUTE image! Just look!

And when I saw it I just knew what I was going to do with it!! But you'll have to wait just a bit longer to see it! ; ) So make sure to head on over to Paper Popsicles and get yours TODAY!

And its a little late but here is this week's card sketch. Make sure to complete yours and post it to the Paper Popsiles blog by Tuesday midnight central time!

Well I am off to finish my creation and I plan to be back shortly!

TFL!

Valerie

Where do I start today????

2009-08-25T09:51:00.004-05:00

Well I guess I can start with today is my turn to post on the Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs blog. Be sure to go check out my Project here. Its a fall project using October Afternoon, a Cheeky Radish image colored with Copic markers and using the Home Plate Perfectly Shaped Build an Album by Midnight Oil Scrapbook designs.

Next up I found out 2 EXCITING bits of info yesterday!! First I found out I won A few of a DT member's favorite things from my FAVORITE My Mind's EYE!!! I CAN'T wait to see what I get!! And then later I received an e-mail from Jami at scrapbooking.com and she wants to publish one of my LO's in an upcoming issue!!

OK next up some eye candy!

So here is my card from last week at Paper Popsicles for the card sketch. This is made with October Afternoon pp and I used one the cool Wild Cards I won from their blog.

OK so if you look closely there is the shadow of the bee that was flying around on the card, and that darn piece of grass I didn't notice it till now! LOL!!

And here is my card for this week's sketch. What are those papers you ask. Hmmm... there's NO way its from my September kit!! ; ) The digital image is from the ALWAYS AWESOME Cheeky Radish, and the journaling spot is from October Afternoon.

Don't forget to turn your card in by Midnight Central time and check back tomorrow for the new sketch! : )

So tomorrow is a BIG day for us, the boys go to meet their Preschool teacher and get orientated in their new classroom! And then next Wednesday will be their BIG first day of school! YIKES!!! I better by some stock in Kleenex! Well thinking of tomorrow I need to go get a few last minute things ready. Well wish us luck!

TFL!

Valerie

Anyone want something for nothing????

2009-08-21T09:34:00.005-05:00

Then head on over to Paper Popsicles for the Friday Freebie!!! I must admit my first thought was "what" am I going to do with this, but thent he ideas starting coming! Here are a couple of my cards I made with this image.

The Birthday invitation image could be used throughout an entire party as the decoration on ALL kind of things! ; )

So make sure you get on over and get yours today!

TFL!

Valerie

Nature's beauty

2009-08-15T21:26:00.003-05:00

While I was outside this morning taking pics of my cards I happened to look up at my flowers and notice this.

I have never taken the time to notice the morning dew before. It seems I am always too busy and it is such a neat thing to see, it reminds me that every so often we need to slow down and enjoy life!

I then took an even closer look and saw this guy taking in the warm morning sun. It was so neat, make sure you take some time to smell the roses along the way!

Ok so here are my cards I made with the Friday Freebie image. I hope you got yours! And don't forget to check back again on Friday for another freebie! ; )

TFL!
Valerie

It's FRIDAY!!!!

2009-08-14T17:25:00.002-05:00

So make sure you head on over to get the Friday Freebie at Paper Popsicles today!!! I don't have my project finished yet, but you're gonne want to get these cuties!! Just look! I'll be back later to post my project!

HURRY go get yours!

TFL!
Valerie

Its Wednesday!

2009-08-12T10:55:00.003-05:00

And that means a new card sketch! But before I show you the new sketch I want to show you my card from last week's sketch.

Now here is the new sketch for next week! Don't forget to complete the challenge and upload you card right here

Well I need to run and take the boys to a picnic lunch with a friend! I hope to get back on later and share some more fun stuff! ; )

TFL!
Valerie

Friday FREEBIE!!!!

2009-08-07T09:59:00.003-05:00

Its time to head on over to Paper Popsicles blog and get your Friday FREEBIE!!! Her name is Elizabeth and she is just SOO cute!!! Remember that once Friday is over so is the FREE part! I had fun with Elizabeth and made this card with her and another Cheeky Radish image beach sign.

And then after our water park vacation and my fear of losing one of my children there I came up with this idea! I used a Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs take along album and the free image to create a lost info tag. The front has the cute little Elizabeth image and on the back the important info to contact me if my little one is lost! I used Zip Dry to glue the 2 acrylic covers together and the little chain is the perfect size to attach to the strap of a swimsuit! One important tip is to make sure you let the Zip Dry dry ALL the way on one side BEFORE doing the other side! Oh yeah and rub-ons move when you slide the glue and acrylic over them! OOPS!!

Now don't you just want her??!! Go get her now!!

TFL!!

Valerie

It was Wednesday

2009-08-06T00:00:00.004-05:00

When I first started this post! My how time flies!! I CAN'T believe how FAST this week is going! And speaking of FAST I came home today to find the info letter about the boys' preschool and they are starting a week earlier now! And what was their reaction???? YEAH!!! Tears welled up in my eyes when they cheered! : ( And believe me after my day with them you would have thought I'd being doing the happy dance! I just know now that once they start school that's it the years are just going to disappear WAY TOO quickly! OK I NEED to stop I getting all teary eyed AGAIN!

So back to it being Wednesday that means its time for the new Paper Popsicles sketch!! And here it is!

In other news at Paper Popsicles for the ENTIRE month of August Melissa is going to GIVE AWAY a FREE special image EVERY Friday!! And tomorrow is the first one! You're gonna love it-trust me! Be sure to check back tomorrow and see what I created with it! So be sure to come back here and I will link you to the correct spot for your FREE image!!

So I have FINALLY gotten my vacation pics downloaded-L O N G story! But here are a few of the highlights of our trip!

It was FUN, but boy its a LOT of work to go on vacation with little ones!

Well I'm off to create! Come back tomorrow for more fun!!

TFL!
Valerie

August First!!!

2009-08-01T09:34:00.005-05:00

So you know what that means!!!! Reveal time!!!! You are going to LOVE the new Paper Popsicle kits and they are going to go SUPER FAST!!! So without further ado here they are!!

Main Kit- Lemonade Lane

Mini Kit-Cherry Pie

Mini Kit- Sandy Beach Lane (mine this month!)

And the Card kit-
Here are some of my creations with the definitely NOT mini kit!!

Now head on over to the Design Team gallery and check out ALL the incredible projects that were created by the Design Team! Then when you are done wiping the drool off the keyboard head on over to the store and snatch up your kits ASAP!!

Now off to the last part of the vacation! See You Monday with LOTS of pics!!

TFL!!
Valerie

Just a quick break in vacation to tell you...

2009-07-31T10:27:00.002-05:00

...to go check out the Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs blog today! Its my day on the blog to introduce myself and show a favorite project! While you're there be sure to check out the posts from my fellow DT members as well! There are some fabulous projects there!

Oh yeah here is the card challenge from Paper Popsicles this week! Decorate a card inside and out! Make a card with a sentiment that starts on the front and is completed inside.

Also be sure to read the blog for an AWESOME deal!!

Back to vacation!! Be sure to come by tomorrow for the Paper Popsicles August kit reveal!

Valerie

See Ya!!!

2009-07-28T00:04:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't been around I have had some stuff to get done and getting ready for vacation! We are off first thing in the am and I CAN'T wait!! So I just wanted to say good-bye and I'll be back next week some time! DON'T forget to hop over to Paper Popsicles blog and submit this week's card and check back on Wednesday for the new sketch and find out who won! Also you DON'T want to miss the August kit! The gallery is open and TRUST me you are going to LOVE the kits!!

See ya soon!

Valerie

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [edited to say HOLY HAPPY MAIL DAY!!!!]

2009-07-21T12:48:00.010-05:00

So I was stalking the wrong person!! Her I thought it was the mail lady who would be bringing my My Mind's Eye package and here it was the UPS guy!!! Sorry mail lady! LOL! So the ring at my door bell yesterday morning brought me this LOVELY and GENEROUS package!!! Just look! I got one of everything EXCEPT the ribbon! : ( (You know I have a ribbon addiction!)

OH MY!!

ALL the die cuts and transparencies!

Brads and chipboard pieces

Round and Round

Stomp

Whirlybird

Lucky Me

Now I am stalking the FedEx guy for my Midnight Oil DT box!!! OH WAIT!!! I hear something!!! : ) LOOK!!!

All I can say is WOW!!!!! Looks like I am going to be one busy and HAPPY girl for a while now!! : )

And on that note I was able to get some good pics FINALLY of some LO's I have done! So without further ado here's some eye candy!

So I have been working on this post ALL day, and before lunch I ran outside for the mail and GUESS WHAT??!!!! ANOTHER HAPPY SCRAPPY MAIL package!! A package from Melissa at Paper Popsicles! With some SUPER FUN stuff to play with!! I'm not sure if I can share this info yet, so you will have to stay tuned to find out what it is!!! ; )

What a way to turn around a day when you're feeling blue! I have been amazed by how mature the boys are becoming and ALL morning all they wanted to do is sit at the table and write letters on one of those dry erase boards. All they can talk about is when they go to Preschool in the fall with Josh and it makes me sad to know that my babies are growing up! Where did this time go??!!

And speaking of Paper Popsicles DON'T FORGET you have till midnight CST to get the card sketch done and uploaded! I will post mine tomorrow!

Well this is feeling like the post that will NEVER end, so I'm gonna say good-bye for now!

TFListening to me!

Valerie

Where did this week go????!!!!!!

2009-07-18T23:33:00.004-05:00

I CAN'T believe this week completely got away from me!! AND I CAN'T believe summer is half over already!! CRAZY!! And the sad part is we haven't had ANY nice warm weather to really enjoy the summer! The boys have only had their pool out once!! Yes there was 1 really warm week around Father's Day, but we were all sick then!

So let's see it was a week of craziness- the most fun was going on Wed with my aunt and cousin to the Kohl's Children's Museum! If you're in the area I HIGHLY recommend it!!! We had SOOOO much fun! So then I came home and a couple days later go to download the pics and guess what?!! 3/4's of the pictures VANISHED!!! Its a new memory card, the camera was taking the pictures and I was reviewing them, the only thing I can think of was the batteries as ALWAYS were dying quickly and I changed them twice, but that has NEVER affected taking pictures before! So most of pictures from our day are gone and there were a LOT of cute ones! I am SOOOO SAD!!! Here are a couple that remained on the camera.

In scrappy news I have been having fun working on my August mini kit from Paper Popsicles you are going to want this kit!! I am also waiting anxiously for my first box o'goodies from Midnight Oil Scrapbook Designs!!! I am also stalking the mailman waiting for my prize from My Mind's Eye!!

Oh Yes how can I forget I didn't post the Paper Popsicles blog card challenge! Here it is!

Don't for get you have till Tuesday to complete it!

Well my laundry just finished, and I need to get to bed its gonna be an early day we are taking the boys to a White Sox game tomorrow, and its kid's day so there will be LOTS for them to do!! Can't wait!! Hope the camera behaves!!

TFL!!

Valerie

And the winner is......

2009-07-13T11:45:00.003-05:00

....Becca!!!!!!

Yeah!!!!! Thank you SOOO much for participating in our first blog hop and I hope everyone had a good and was inspired to go and create some fun new summer projects!! And don't forget to go check out ALL the fun on the Paper Popsicles Message Board and blog, as well as have some fun shopping in the Paper Popsicles store!

Becca please log into the Paper Popsicles message board and send a PM to Melissa and let her know you were the winner from my blog...she'll get your prize out to you!!! Congrats!!

TFL!

Valerie

Paper Popsicles Blog Hop!!

2009-07-11T07:55:00.004-05:00

Paper Popsicles is having it's first ever blog hop, so you'll be asked to hop from blog to blog featuring yummy eye candy with a summer theme...and of course what's eye candy without a little blog candy...so just leave a comment before you hop along to the next blog and you just might pick up a prize!!! Each blog will feature a secret word...these words needs to be collected and then put together to form a phrase. This phrase will then need to be emailed to paperpopsicles@gmail.com by Sunday night, July 12 at midnight Central time to be eligible for our grand prize. So......lets get started!!! If you are joining me from Jackie's blog great...you are hopping right along...if you just stumbled upon my blog...you won't want to miss a thing, so hop on over to the Paper Popsicles blog to get you started.

To make this fun little picnic gift basket you first need to head over to the Paper Popsicles store and purchase some of the Cosmo Cricket Early Bird Paper and elements sheet, as well as the Fruit Digital Design by Cheeky Radish. The basket I bought at Michael's and then from my stash I used DoodleBug mini rub-ons, Antique Linen Distress ink, pop dots, Diamond Glaze, Fiskars Apron Lace punch, Copic Markers and Mod Podge.

(PLEASE don't mind the undried Diamond Glaze on 2 of the cherries-I had to go and couldn't wait any longer for the glaze to dry! OOPS!!)

Did you know that the Paper Popsicles blog features a new card challenge every Wednesday?

Did you know that every month we have weekly theme challenges hosted on our message board?

Did you know that we have a monthly sketch challenge?

Did you know that we hold auditions each month for our next guest designer....details can be found on our message board!!!

Have you seen the kits in the store?

Did you see there is one main kit, two mini-kits, and a card kit each month?

Have you been over to see the design team and guest designer's galleries to see their amazing work done with the fabulous products offered in the Paper Popsicles store?

now...for my secret word...it is AND

before you hop on over there...be sure to leave me a comment here so you are entered into the drawing here on my blog....

next...be sure to keep on hopping and collecting words for your secret phrase by checking out Jen C's blog next...

don't forget to send an email with the secret phrase to paperpopsicles@gmail.com at the end of the blog hop....and good luck!

Don't Forget!!

2009-07-10T11:45:00.002-05:00

The BIG Paper Popsicles Blog Hop starts tomorrow!! Hope to see you there!!!

3 Days left till...

2009-07-09T10:31:00.015-05:00

Are you ready???!!! It is going to be SOOO much fun!! And I have seen some of the lovely eye candy coming your way and let me just say you will NOT be disappointed! ; ) So be at the Paper Popsicles blog THIS Saturday and Sunday to get the details!

Here is your Wednesday card sketch a day late. Sorry I will explain where I was in a minute.

And here is mine from last week's sketch.

So I was MIA ALL day yesterday because I went to the DuPage Children's Museum with a couple girlfriends and their sons. It was quite the experience and I must say I prefer the Navy Pier children's museum MUCH better. I only hope when they move the Navy Pier children's museum they keep it the same way and don't go to the open floor plan like the DuPage one. So anyhow after our adventurous day I came home and then went to work. It was weird to work a weeknight again I haven't worked weeknights since January, but dh's overtime ended so I am able to work week nights again. So here are a couple cute pics from our adventure yesterday!

This picture makes me laugh as Joseph LOVES tools and construction and when he saw the real tools and wood to use he wanted to do it SOOOO BAD!! The drool was just flowing from his mouth! LOL!! Unfortunately it was SOOO crowded in there and I was out numbered 2:1 and it needed to be 1:1 to go in the wood working area.

I Finally Can Share My News!!!

2009-07-07T11:25:00.002-05:00

I found out last week that I was chosen to be part of the MOD Squad!!! YES I made my FIRST Manufacturer Design Team!!! Here's the announcement!!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Drum Roll Please....

We are thrilled, we are excited, we are beside ourselves....WE HAVE A NEW DESIGN TEAM!

First I must say, this was by far, the most difficult decision we have had to make in a very long time. We had over 50 very talented applicants apply for 14 positions on our MOD Squad. Which means we had to disappoint a lot of very talented crafters. This is never an easy task and certainly one we don't enjoy. But the good news is we were also able to spread joy and happiness to 14 incredible ladies (not leaving the guys out here - we only had female applicants...).

So without further ado, we would like to introduce the new MOD Squad (aka: the Midnight Oil Design Squad). You can find links to their blogs along the left hand side...

Gloria Stengel
Debbie Fitzgerald
Shannon Morgan
Jennifer Hansen
Marisa Faylim
Dolores Cancel
Lori McCausland
Carolyn Lontin
Pamela Jordan
Valerie Chmielak
Naureen O'Neale
KellyJean Gettelfinger
Amy Oxford
Vickilyn Crawford
Erica Hofstetter
Tina Guigui

These wonderful ladies will begin introducing themselves here in the following days. You can also find out more about them at their personal blogs. Then beginning August 1st each of these ladies will begin posting projects, tips and techniques for your enjoyment right here at the MOSD blog!

Congratulations ladies and thanks in advance for all your hard work!

I am expecting my first box of goodness any day now and all I can say is I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )

Make sure to head over to their site and check out all the fun things that they have! http://www.mosdinc.com/ and their blog http://www.mosdinc.blogspot.com/

Well my little ones are waiting to go play with their friends so I better get going!

TFL!
Valerie

HAPPY...

2009-07-06T21:03:00.005-05:00

...July 6th!!! LOL!!

Sorry I'm a little late! I had a SUPER busy weekend! I got NO sleep, had to work and had company Saturday and today! I hope you all had a great one!! Here are 2 projects I made for the 4th!

REALLY simple to make too! I bought the "naked" shapes from Hobby Lobby and painted them with some MM paint, used good old Modge Podge and added star confetti and ribbon, outlined with Stickles and used some Cheeky Radish images from the Paper Popsicles store and colored them with my Copics!

Even though we had a cold and wet 4th we made the best by going to a parade in the rain, to McDonald's for lunch, and then later to see fireworks! Here are some of my fav pics from the day!

DON'T FORGET that the Paper Popsicles blog hop is this weekend!! And the card sketch on the Paper Popsicles blog is due tomorrow!!

Valerie

What a day!!!

2009-07-01T22:16:00.005-05:00

Its July 1st, AND Wednesday so you know what that means???? Paper Popsicles reveal day and a new card sketch!!

So first off here is the new sketch!

Don't forget you have till Midnight CST Tuesday to upload your card Good Luck!!

Here is a glimpse of my Paper Popsicles kit this month!

Be sure to head on over and check out the Design Team gallery to see the rest of the mini album and the rest of the AWESOME Design Team work!!

And speaking of Paper Popsicles Melissa has added some MORE AWESOME digital designs!! Just look at these!!

These digital designs are just SOOO much fun to play with!! There is a great how to on the message board with directions to make the designs shape cards!

And while you are in the store picking up some adorable digital designs be sure to check out the July Blow Out SALE!!!!
Great deals, especially when you consider that our prices are lower than retail prices to begin with

20% off - Embellishments, Stickers, Paper, Available Past Kits

25% off - Alter This, Chipboard & Die Cuts

40% off - Stamps

50% off - Clearance

Oh and I almost forgot we will be having a blog hop! Mark your calendars for Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12. A little hop for some great prizes!! More details to come!

I did a little blog visiting of my own yesterday to the new My Mind's Eye blog and won one of EVERYTHING from the NEW Summer CHA '09 Abbey Road collection!!!!! Can I just say I am on cloud 9!!!! I LOVE My Mind's Eye and this collection is PERFECT for the mom of 2 boys!!! I CAN'T wait to get it and play!!! Be sure to head on over to http://mymindseye.typepad.com/blog/ and check it out you may be the next winner!!!

Stayed tuned for a couple cute and easy 4th of July projects this week! They are SOOO cute you're gonna want one!

TFL!
Valerie

I CAN'T believe...

2009-06-30T23:19:00.006-05:00

today is the LAST day of June!!! Where did time go??? One month of summer GONE!! NOT that we have had much of a summer!! It was 65 degrees and cloudy with some sprinkles today! YUCK!!

We had a blast today at my friend's house with her little boy who just turned 2 a couple weeks ago. He was SOO strong he could push Joseph through the house on his ride on toy!

We also went to the park, its hard to believe how grown up the boys are becoming and Vincent wanted to do EVERYTHING they did! LOL!! The boys also had fun pushing Vincent in a push car he got for his birthday! Joseph was having fun yesterday pushing the little girl next door around in her pink one. He REALLY loves taking care of the little ones!

Today was deadline day for challenges and I managed to get some finished, but because it was so late the pics are HORRIBLE so I will retake them and post that tomorrow! Here are a couple cards I made as well as a gist I gave to my friend today as a house warming gift!

Isn't the house the cutest? One side is for Spring summer and the reverse is winter. I almost didn't want to give it up!

OK blogger is misbehaving AGAIN so my pics are stuck at the top, hopefully I can fix that tomorrow! ARGH!!

TFL!
Valerie

Has Anyone Seen...

2009-06-28T23:43:00.002-05:00

my mojo???? I FINALLY had a chance to go scrapping last night with my friend and what happens????? My mojo was SOOOOO FAR away I just couldn't find it!! : ( And of course as I expected as the night came to a close I FINALLY started to find the mojo! So my night out that was suppose to be VERY productive enfed up beng NOT productive!! I was SO disappointed, but regardless it was a FUN night out, and Robin it ALL comes back to the .....! LOL!!

I worked all day and then took the boys outside when I got home and it was WAY TOO windy to take pics so you'll have to wait to see my latest! ; )

Well have a good one, and DON'T forget the end of the month is QUICKLY coming so get your challenges done and posted! Good Luck!

TFL!
Valerie

Now this is more like it!!

2009-06-26T23:51:00.005-05:00

I was finally feeling well enough to go outside with the boys today and we got to enjoy the AWESOME summer weather!! Just look!!

On the scrapping front Melissa at Paper Popsicles has revealed the July kits today!! Just look!!!

This one is mine!!!

Now don't you just HAVE TO have these???!!! You KNOW you do!

Well I better get to bed so I continue to get better!

Good Night!
Valerie

Its Wednesday!!!

2009-06-25T21:32:00.003-05:00

And that means another AWESOME card challenge at Paper Popsicles blog!! Its another GREAT sketch!

Since I was sick and under the weather I never posted my card for last week so here's my take on it.

And don't forget there's STILL TIME to apply for the July guest design team spot at Paper Popsicles! TRUST me you WANT to play with some of the July goodies!!! ; ) Here's the info:
From now on, we’re going to hold open auditions for our Monthly Guest Designer position…

Interested??? Here is what you will need to do to be the July guest designer:

You'll need to supply your contact information to the paperpopsicles@gmail.com mailbox so we know you are interested.
You need to be active on the board….so get chatting…we want to see what you are all about….

You need to be active in the gallery….show us your stuff….leave some love...

You need to participate in at least two of the challenges issued during the month or one challenge and one how-to class….the challenge girls and Stacey offer you a wide variety of challenges that something is bound to spark your interest…

Once you have completed these...post your creations in the gallery and link them back to the challenge/class thread and kick me a message to the paperpopsicles@gmail.com mailbox so I know you are done…

You have until the last day of the month to complete these steps if you would like to be considered. So...what are you waiting for....get busy!!!

For our July Guest designer spot…you’ll have to get your information completed and into the mail box by June 30, 2009. We are accepting applicants from the U.S. & Canada at this time.

The winner will be selected from those that satisfy the requirements and contacted.

The lucky selected individual will receive:

* Awesome supplies to work with in early June.
* A special Guest designer designation under your name...
* A special spot in the gallery to post your work...

So I hope you all apply!

In other news I just received one of those FANTASTIC e-mails today!!! So stayed tuned for more news to come about that! ; )

Well I'm starting to feel a little better but I'm not gonna push it so I think its off to my hot tea and to bed soon for me!

TFL!
Valerie

I wish....

2009-06-24T23:10:00.002-05:00

...I felt better!! But I don't! I mustered up enough energy to do a quick post, but my head feels like its gonna explode!! I HATE being sick!! And I have been anxiously waiting for the heat to come and we FINALLY get some while our home is under quarantine, and by Sunday the temps will be back in the 70's oh joy! Because you know that's when we will be healthy AGAIN!! LOL!!

Well my NyQuil is kicking in time for bed!

Good Night!

Valerie

Happy Mail Day!!!

2009-06-22T14:42:00.007-05:00

Isn't it lovely??!! It is one of the Maya Road Warehouse sale boxes! And yes they still have more available, which is a sign of the times as the last time they offered one it sold out in a day! And I was SOOOO sad I missed out on it! So NOT this time! : ) I was really surprised by how much was in the box and all the tins of product! I can't wait to play!

Well I feel like garbage today and the boys are sick of being in the house and want to go play outside with their friends and AREN'T napping today!!! ARGH!!! I just want to take a a nap and it looks like it won't be happening!

Well I need to go and see what son #2 is doing now!
TFL!
Valerie

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T23:53:00.003-05:00

to all the dads today!!!

We spent the day at home as Joseph started running a fever yesterday and I am not feeling good today either! Just dh left to catch this virus now! And if we were going to go somewhere we would have taken my car, and guess what?? We decided to run and get some lunch AND MY CAR WON'T START!!!!!! It sounds like my starter went! ALWAYS something isn't it??!! Now more money to be spent to get me up and running AGIN! YIKES!!

I hope everyone else had a better Father's Day then I did!!

Valerie

I HATE this weather!!!

2009-06-19T22:28:00.005-05:00

The day started with rain in the wee hours of the morning continued through the afternoon and then the sun came out and it looked beautiful and then quickly turned to this AGAIN!!

I had a river in my backyard this morning!! My mom and a couple of my friends had flooding and unfortunately one person's craft room was destroyed!! : ( I am lucky and THANKFUL we were dry (I scrap in the "dungeon" and have stuff ALL over the floor right now! YIKES!!)

So I did manage to sneak outside and grab a pick of this card in the sun today!
Head on over to Paper Popsicles Message Board and look in Tips and Techniques to see a tutorial about it!

And speaking of Paper Popsicles I have been hard at work on my July kit and CAN'T wait to share it with you!! : ) Oh yeah and Melissa has just added a TON of new images!! Just look at a few of these cuties!

Now don't you just want to go play with these!!??

So I got caught up in working on my July kit last night I never finished this post. OOPS!

Well I need to go get a couple things done and turn in for the night!
TFL!

Valerie

Ain't that the way it ALWAYS goes??!!

2009-06-18T23:51:00.003-05:00

So knock on wood we have been really healthy here and illness free for a long time. So today the FIRST day we have REAL summer weather what do I get to do with my day?? Sit in the Dr's office! ARGH!! We had to wait a LONG time to see the Dr which is not normal for our Dr, and then once we saw her she said she wanted to run a strep test so we had to wait again for the results of that-negative, then we had to wait AGAIN for the results from the flu test-negative. So its good he doesn't have any of those things, but he still has a high fever and says his throat hurts really bad! : ( Doc says its viral unless some other symptoms develop and we just have to wait it out! So my poor freezing baby came home put his jammies on and took a nap. And he cried a couple times during nap and I went up to check on him and it was reminiscent of when he was a baby and...that was just him poor baby! He doesn't like to sleep with a pillow and he sounds like he is draining and choking on it. So any how my little trooper he doesn't feel good and he got to spend the day like this

And would get up to play a little bit every so often.

So I need to get back to ordering my online pics before my credits expire! And hopefully tomorrow my little guy will be feeling better so we can finish up our Father's Day things we need to do!

Well I better finish up and get to bed in case its a long one again!

TFL!
Valerie

Take 2!!

2009-06-18T01:14:00.004-05:00

So I started a post earlier and my computer froze up and then as it was restarting my little Nicholas woke up crying and burning up! Turns out he had a fever of 103.6 and said his throat and tummy hurt! After a call to Dr. we started a Motrin/Tylenol combo to try and bring the fever down and then we'll be going in the morning to see the Dr. to find out what we have! I feel SOOO bad for him and he has woken up crying a couple times already tonight! : (

So back to the regularly scheduled post! Its time for a new challenge on the Paper Popsicles blog and its a sketch!

Complete the challenge and use the Mr. Linky on the post to upload your card and YOU may be the winner of the $10.00 Paper Popsicles gift certificate!!! And I heard from a little birdie that the store is expecting New Basic Grey and Sassafrass Lass stuff!!! : ) So hurry up and take the challenge!

Well I better get off to bed as I feel its going to one of those nights that I don't get a lot of sleep!

TFL!
Valerie

Day 2!!!!

2009-06-16T00:12:00.005-05:00

I'm doing so far so good!

Here is a new LO I made with the June Sketch at Dixie Pieces. It is a gift for my Aunt and cousin Heather and the pp is called Princess Heather by Cherry Arte! I just HAD to do a page for her with it when I found it in the store at Paper Popsicles.

Today we actually had some warm weather and the boys were able to play outside with their friends in the pool and the 3 person slip and slide!! Here are some fun pics from our day!

TFL!!

Valerie

A Challenge!!

2009-06-14T23:58:00.005-05:00

So one of the monthly challenges over at Dixie Pieces this month is to post a blog entry 10 of the next 15 days! So let's see if I can do it!!
As we all know my blog posts go in spurts, but this may help get me on the right track!

Another one of their challenges is to take pictures from a different angle. And the day I read this on the board we went to the park with our friends and Joseph out of the blue lays down on the sidewalk so I stood above him and was able to take these pics!

And I just LOVE this pic of the 3 boys walking togehter!

Well off to bed for me and another post tomorrow! ; )

TFL!
Valerie

So where did this week go????

2009-06-13T21:45:00.004-05:00

I tell you I honestly can't imagine where this week has gone!! I am SOO behind in everything lately and I'm truly the day late and dollar short with things too!

Oh well!!

So I never posted it on time, but here is my entry for the Paper Popsicles card challenge last week.

And here is the info for this week's challenge.
This week I encourage you to create a masculine card for that special man in your life. It can be for Father's Day, birthday, or any other celebration you select. Just make it masculine. This sounds like an easy task, but for me I struggle. I have to resist the urge to "bling" up the card with rhinestones, glitter, flowers, etc. Here is the card challenge:

1. create a masculine card

2. complete the inside

3. Have fun!
Don't forget you have till Tuesday night and go to the Paper Popsicles blog to submit your entry.

So I had a blast at the weekend crop last weekend and got a couple things done. Not as much as I had hoped, but at least I got some things done! Here are a couple of the LO's I did, and I did an altered project, but you'll have to wait to see that as I don't have the pictures yet.

Well I need to get a couple things done now that the boys went to sleep!

TFL!
Valerie

Its Wednesday!!

2009-06-03T11:55:00.005-05:00

And you know what that means???? A NEW card challenge at the Paper Popsicles blog!! This week is a challenge to create a card based on the following:

Create a card using the following:

1. 2 different colors of cardstock (white and black are counted)
2. 1 patterned paper (can use front and back sides)
3. 2 types of embellishment(such as buttons, brads, flowers, etc.)
4. One piece of ribbon

I can't wait to give this one a try! I hope you join in the fun this week too! AND there is a blog candy challenge as well!!

YUM - a little BLOG CANDY!

Win the Bazzill In Stitch'z 8x8 Circles template and floss set! To be eligible you need to post on your blog the information about our Weekly Card Challenges, include our blinkie, and link your post to our blog. Remember to comment on this post so we can include you in the drawing!! Winner announced June 15!!!

And if you need the Blinkie just copy and paste this link to your blog.

href="http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh91/oetmel/?action=view¤t=I_heart_Blinkie-1.gif" target="_blank">

AND if you don't have enough reasons to enter this week I will also draw a winner next Wednesday for some blog candy as well!! All you have to do is complete the card challenge, become a follower of the Paper Popsicles blog, post the blinkie and card challenge info on your blog and leave me a comment with a link to the post on your blog. The more people to participate and leave me a comment the MORE I will add to blog candy!! It will start with this cute little mini album kit and Inque Boutique stamp! So make sure to get ALL your friends to participate too!!!

I just went outside to take a quick pic of the blog candy and what to my wondering eyes should be there???

Containing ALL these yummy treats from the Paper Popsicles store!! Let me tell you I just can't wait there's Bella Blvd, Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket, Pink Paislee, Crate Paper, Jill Bean, 3 Bugs and MORE!!! I CAN'T WAIT to go play!!

Well I need to get some errands done today so I'm gonna go, but you NEED to go over to the Paper Popsicles blog and complete the challenges and enter to win!! In case you need www.paperpopsicles.blogspot.com

TFL!!
Valerie : )

Cards, Cards, Cards!!

2009-06-02T17:21:00.006-05:00

Yup that is what I have been spending my time making lately! I have bought SOOO many new toys to create cards with lately! My newest addiction...err addition is Copic Sketch markers. ; ) I decided to buy a few when Hobby Lobby had them on sale LOVED them and then went for a few more when they were on sale last week. So now I guess I can give myself permission to save up enough money to buy a set now! I also bought some Shimmerz paint and some pretty embossing powder, but alas I "NEED" a Versamark marker to do what I would like to do! I guess I will have to go shopping again! LOL!!

So here is the card I made for the Paper Popsicles weekly card sketch. (Don't forget to get yours done today!)

And here are a couple cards I made while playing around with the Cheeky Radish images from Paper Popsicles. Have you tried them yet? If not what are you waiting for?? Just wait till you see my next creation with the images!

I had fun coloring with Copic Markers and using a technique with the blender pen to create a "furry" look on the bear. I also used Judykins Diamond Glaze to give the cherries that fresh look.

Don't worry as much fun as I have been having making cards doesn't mean LO's are taking a back seat! I will have some fun LO's coming soon I am waiting on a package full of fun new stuff from Paper Popsicles to arrive any day now! And this Friday and Saturday I will be in scrapping heaven as Hannah's is doing a Friday night into an ALL day Saturday crop that I will be attending! I plan to get LOTS done! Now I just need to order some new pics as I think its time for some new pics to work on! So expect a BIG post on Monday!

TFL!!
Valerie

Have you ever....

2009-06-01T23:38:00.003-05:00

Wanted to be a Guest Designer??? Well guess what?! Head on over to Paper Popsicles for your chance to be the Guest Designer for July!

Paper Popsicles is changing things up again….for our Guest Designer position that is….

From now on, we’re going to hold open auditions for our Monthly Guest Designer position…

Interested??? Here is what you will need to do to be the July guest designer:

You'll need to supply your contact information to the paperpopsicles@gmail.com mailbox so we know you are interested.
You need to be active on the board….so get chatting…we want to see what you are all about….

You need to be active in the gallery….show us your stuff….leave some love...

You need to participate in at least two of the challenges issued during the month or one challenge and one how-to class….the challenge girls and Stacey offer you a wide variety of challenges that something is bound to spark your interest…

Once you have completed these...post your creations in the gallery and link them back to the challenge/class thread and kick me a message to the paperpopsicles@gmail.com mailbox so I know you are done…

You have until the last day of the month to complete these steps if you would like to be considered. So...what are you waiting for....get busy!!!

For our July Guest designer spot…you’ll have to get your information completed and into the mail box by June 30, 2009. We are accepting applicants from the U.S. & Canada at this time.

The winner will be selected from those that satisfy the requirements and contacted.

The lucky selected individual will receive:

* Awesome supplies to work with in early June.
* A special Guest designer designation under your name...
* A special spot in the gallery to post your work...

As you have seen the kits are AWESOME!!! So what are you waiting for???? Go and try out TODAY!!

Valerie

Its June 1st!!

2009-06-01T09:48:00.007-05:00

And you know what that means!!! Reveal day at Paper Popsicles!!!!

The Main Kit Sprout Out

Mini Kit Skipping Along (My kit)

Mini Kit Life's Little Things

The Card Kit

You better HURRY and order yours today as these kits sell out lightning FAST! I actually just looked and there are only a few of each kit left!!! Here are some of my creations from the Skipping Along mini kit, and there was NOTHING mini about this kit let me tell you! It was full of pretty papers, AWESOME embellies, letters, and some of the prettiest ribbon I have ever seen!

And if today wasn't exciting enough with my very first Design Team reveal, it is ALSO the day of my very first publication!!! Check it out here! http://scrapbooking.com/article/73277 All I can say is I am on cloud 9 today! VERY exciting!! : )

I also want to wish one of my favorite scrapping buddies who also happens to be my little brother's girlfriend Stacey a HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!!!! : )

Well TFL and have an AWESOME Day!!!
Valerie : )

How about a GREAT card sketch challenge???

2009-05-27T17:11:00.004-05:00

Amy at Paper Popsicles is hosting a card sketch challenge every Wednesday on the Paper Popsicles blog!

Here is this week's sketch

How it works:
Each Wednesday a new challenge will be posted. Create a fabulous card based on this challenge and use Mr. Linky below with a direct link to your card. The challenge will end on Tuesday evenings at 12 AM EST. All cards entered will be eligible for a prize. A random winner will be selected on Wednesdays. The winning card, artist's name, and blog (if eligible) will be featured for that week at Paper Popsicles plus they will also win a fun little prize. I can't wait to see your cards ladies!
Deadline for this sketch is Tuesday the at midnight EST!

So getting creating and head on over to the Paper Popsicles blog (www.paperpopsicles.blogspot.com) and get entered! I will be working on my entry later so be sure to check back to see what I come up with!

Have you been to the Paper Popsicles gallery to check out the June kit designs yet? Look at this.

How yummy is that? So go over to the gallery and check it all out and be sure to order your kits on June 1st!

TFL!
Valerie

Wanna see something fun???

2009-05-26T16:49:00.006-05:00

That is a little peek of the VERY yummy June mini kit at Paper Popsicles!!! I just LOVED this kit!!! It is PACKED with goodies and at $12.50 you can't go wrong! The June kit folder is going to be opened tomorrow so make sure you stop on by and take a look at the pics in the gallery!

I had a fun and very long weekend! I went shopping TWICE at my fav LSS Hannah's and got some FUN new toys to play with! I had a fun and LATE scrapping night with my buddy Alicia on Saturday-let's just say I went to bed and heard birds chirping! LOL!!! Sunday after work I headed up North and spent the next two days up at my parent's condo! Relaxation-look at that sunset!

Here is a LO I did for a game we are playing over at Paper Popsicles. We are playing telephone with a LO! I can't wait to see all the LO's revealed!

I did get some of the challenges for Dixie Pieces on my late night scrapping adventure! Here are a couple of those. I can't believe May is almost over!! How crazy is that???!!

Well on a final note today I would like to congratulate my friend Sheila and her husband John on the birth of their first baby! Their son Timothy John was born this afternoon around 1:30!!! I'm SOOOO excited and happy for them and can't wait to see baby pics! Happy Birthday baby Timmy!!

TFL!
Valerie

Have you checked these out yet??!!!

2009-05-22T09:44:00.014-05:00

Melissa has added even MORE adorable images in the store at Paper Popsicles! They are just too cute!! Here are a couple cards I have made using the images. These are SOOO much fun to play with! PLUS there is SOOO much more you can do with them than paper crafting! There's a great How To on the Paper Popsicles Message Board on how to decorate a onesie with the images, you can even do pillows, blankets, bags, t-shirts, altered items! The list is endless! So go over to www.paperpopsicles.com RIGHT NOW!

Have you seen these?

They are SOOO AWESOME! It is a metallic ink that comes in this cool little bottle and the applicator tip is fine and strong enough that you could write with it like a pen! I have a cute little project posted on Paper Popsicles right now about how I used this ink and their digital design and created a cute little embellie! Go on over and check it out on the Message Board under Digital Designs. Here's a little peek.

And last but certainly not least a little eye candy for you. I used the Basic Grey Lime Rickey line to do this LO for the sketch of the month at Paper Popsicles. Such a fun line to play with!

I will be shopping at my favorite spot Hannah's tomorrow and then getting together for an afternoon/night a scrapping with the girlies! Should be LOTS of fun! I will hopefully have some fun stuff to share with you on Tuesday!

Have a GREAT L O N G weekend and be safe!
Valerie

Guess What???

2009-05-10T14:46:00.006-05:00

Those adorable stamps I told you about yesterday at Paper Popsicles- Melissa is giving 2 of them away for FREE!!! So hurry over to the blog www.paperpopsicles.blogspot.com and get your FREE stamps TODAY!! And if that is not awesome enough there is also a chance to win a $10.00 Paper Popsicles gift certificate as well! that's right just show us what you created using our digital stamps and you will be entered to win the gift certificate! So get over there NOW and check it out!

UPDATE there is a small glitch with the free stamps at the moment, but as soon as it is resolved I will let you know.
TFL!!
Valerie

Have you been to Paper Popsicles lately???

2009-05-09T14:40:00.008-05:00

If not what are you waiting for??? The kits are selling like hotcakes, BOTH of the May mini kits are SOLD OUT and there are ONLY 5 main kits left!!! And I just got my June kit today and let me tell you June IS going to be another FAST sell out month!!! YES the kit is that AWESOME!!! I am going to have SOO MUCH fun and I plan on purchasing the other June kits too! The mini kits are ONLY $12.50 and they are LOADED with goodies and the main kit is a bargain at $25.00 too!!

And speaking of Paper Popsicles and the fun stuff they have, Melissa has just begun carrying digi stamps from Cheeky Radish a well know local artist!!! All you do is select the image you like pay for it and within 24 hours you will receive a .pdf file to download to your computer and print out the image as many times as you like plus you will have the opportunity to change the size of the image!!! You can't do that with regular stamps!! These are some of the adorable images you will find!

How adorable are those? At $3.00 or less you can't beat it!! Hurry on over and grab some of these fun stamps!! I know I will be buying these pretties up!

I am getting ready to head out to my mom's house soon for Mother's Day and I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring so in the meantime I want to wish all the "Mommies" a Happy Mother's Day!!!

Valerie

SO......

2009-05-03T12:37:00.003-05:00

I made my FIRST Design Team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I found out yesterday morning I made the Design Team at Paper Popsicles, but it wasn't made official till this morning! All I can say is I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!

Techincal Difficulties!!

2009-04-30T12:32:00.002-05:00

Please excuse the mess on my blog as I continue to "clean house" and get everything back where it belongs. On the positive side I did figure out how to add a couple things to "cuten'" (probably not a word but I like it) it up a little bit!

Catch Up Time!!

2009-04-29T13:57:00.008-05:00

So I have been having Internet connection issues for a LONG time now and have just FINALLY gotten them ALL resolved so the previous post is from the weekend before Easter it was just waiting here for me to press post, but I couldn't get to it!
So glad (knock on wood) my troubles are over!

So I hope everyone had a good Easter here is a pic of the boys with the Easter bunny and on Easter! Easter was interesting at our family this year, but MORE importantly is we were able to spend it with my grandfather and trust everyone cherished that time! I am SOO sad that in the madness of the day I never got pics of the boys with my grandparents or parents-CRAZY!

So in the scrapping world I have some VERY EXCITING news!!! I have

3 LO's that are going to be published in the June e-zine scrapbooking.com!!! I still can't believe it!! So one of my scrappy goals is accomplished for the year of getting published! As far as my other goal of making a design team I am still trying for that one. I didn't make the new Dixie Pieces team, and I am now waiting on hearing about the new Paper Popsicles team-it will be announced on their blog on Saturday! Speaking of their blog you need to go and check out the AWESOME giveaway they have going on right now!! I have been very busy with challenges this month and for Paper Popsicles I made the following. If you need inspiration they really have a LOT to keep you busy all month long! They also have great how-to's every month, this month was one for a sign and another about stitching on your projects! I had fun making a sign and I love the info about stitching!

Why is it the pictures come out in a completely different order than what you put in??? The egg card is the front and then a second pic of how the front of the card opens up.

I also did a photo swap at Paper Popsicles and I made this LO.

Over at Dixie Pieces they just announced that the April challenges will be due at the end of this weekend and they are changing the prize and adding a couple more challenges for the weekend! All in honor of the BEST holiday EVER National Scrapbooking Day!!! YEAH!!! Send my presents to Valerie.... LOL!!!! Here are a couple LO's I did for the Dixie Pieces challenges this month.

Well I need to get a couple more things done while the boys are napping so that's it for today, but I'll be back soon now that the computer is working again!

TFL!!
Valerie

I CAN'T believe....

2009-03-30T12:40:00.004-05:00

...it SNOWED this weekend!!! Well living in Chicago I can ACTUALLY believe it, but I was REALLY hoping it was done! The hawks came back to the neighborhood, the frogs started croaking again, the robins are back, the tulips are growing, the grass is starting to turn green ALL signs were pointing to Spring being here for good! Instead this is what I woke up to yesterday!!!

ARGH!!! Oh well! Its in the 50's today and it is melting pretty fast!

So I have a new "addiction"!!! YUP stamps and Prisma watercolor pencils and I am sure Copic Markers as well soon too!!! I used some 50% off coupons this weekend and bought a small set of the pencils and some adorable stamps and I have been having SOOO much fun stamping away!! Here are my first attempts. It is fun to experiment and see how coloring different ways gives you different effects! Oh am I in trouble now!! LOL!!

Well TTFN!
Valerie

Hey Cuttlebug users!!!!

2009-03-26T13:29:00.004-05:00

I just came across this blog and you need to go over there NOW and check it out! They have a survey that Provo Craft is conducting about improvements to the Cuttlebug, a giveaway for taking the survey as well as a preview of a CHA July Cuttlebug folder release!! Oh Yeah there is one more contest as well as the challenges they host on the blog! Here's the link and don't wait go vote on the Cuttlebug!!

http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com

TFL!
Valerie

LOTS of fun over at Paper Popsicles!!!

2009-03-26T12:31:00.007-05:00

Paper Popsicles is BURSTING with LOTS of fun things right now!!!! First off you still have time to participate in the Cosmo Cricket Challenge! By the end of the month you need to make something using 90% Cosmo Cricket and become a follower of their blog and you could win some YUMMY Cosmo Cricket stuff! Here is my LO I made for the challenge using the new Snorkel line! I even used some Cosmo Cricket blackboard pieces and letters in this LO! Check out their blog http://www.paperpopsicles.blogspot.com

Next up the Easter bunny has joined the message board over at paper Popsicles and you never know when that bunny might drop something out of its basket!

And finally Paper Popsicles is having a Design Team call right now as well! Here are the details:
Want to be on our Design Team ?

We are looking for fun, enthusiastic, and creative paper crafters to join our Design Team. Our design team motivates, inspires, and supports our online community. We are looking for paper crafters of all skill levels, with or without design team experience. Paper Popsicles kits and store products appeal to a wide audience, so we're looking for all type of scrappers... from traditional to chic. We are accepting applicants from the U.S. & Canada. this time.

Deadline for Design Team submissions will be Thursday, April 30, 2009. To apply, please send the following items to paperpopsicles@gmail.com.

Full contact information (Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address, and message board user ID).
3 layouts (1 layout must be 2 pages with multi-photos), 1 altered project and 1 card - these can be previously published items - we just want to see your best work!. Links of your blog, online galleries, or other places where your work can be seen. Please include any user IDs necessary..
Register for our message board and get to know the members of our community and allow us to get to know you a little better..
A short resume of your paper crafting experience, including any current or prior design teams..
A short bio about yourself; including what you consider your scrapping style to be and why you want to be part of the Paper Popsicles Design Team

Design Team Requirements:

Our designers rotate between the main kit and mini-kit assignments. Main kit assignments consist of 4-6 projects using the supplied kit contents. Projects should be a variety of layouts and cards; 3-4 layouts (a multi-photo two page layout is required each month) and a card set (2 or more cards) per kit. All projects should be made with at least 90% kit contents or store product. All items to be submitted prior to the monthly deadline..

Every other month, choose a project you have recently created using store products and provide written directions and photos for an online workshop. Directions should focus on specific steps needed to recreate your project, including techniques used, measurements for cutting, and include sketches as needed. These may be published on the blog as well as the how-to forum..

Each design team member is expected to participate actively on the message board, gallery and contribute content to the Paper Popsicles blog. Activity includes starting new threads, posting questions, tips, responding to threads, and leaving gallery praise..

Every designer is assigned a week each month to post the question of the day on the board.. Participate in any online events that are held during term.. Participate in Design Team discussions.

Commitment to a 4 month contract term May 2009 - August 2009 with the possibility of an additional 2 months or until October 2009.

Design Team Compensation:

Receive a discount on purchases from Paper Popsicles.. Receive monthly Design Team kits as assigned to be used in creating monthly projects. Free shipping on orders shipped with Design Team kits. Other store merchandise as creative work is needed.

Watch the Paper Popsicles blog on May 2, 2009 for the exciting announcement of our new design team!!!
And on the subject of Design teams Dixie Pieces Design team call ends today! Wish me luck!!! : )

Well its lunch time here!
TFL!!!

Valerie

Scrapping Questions

2009-03-19T20:04:00.003-05:00

So over at the Paperpopsicles blog today they have this questionnaire to answer. Here are my favorites:

How long have you been scrapping? Since 1994
What is your fav adhesive? Herma dotto removable
Cardstock you can't live without? Bazzill
Do you prefer acrylic or rubber stamps? rubber
Pigment or dye ink? not sure
Patterned paper preferences? bright colors
Fav paper manufacturer? Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon
What style scrapper are you? hmmmm...
How often do you craft? I try to daily
Do you make cards? I have begun making cards just recently
Do you send the cards you make? I haven't yet
Snack while you scrap? Usually not unless I am out cropping somewhere
Scrap with your stash? I try to, but I have a shopping problem!! LOL!!
Do you just have to have the current releases? YES!!!
Are addicted to scrapping? YES!!! And I DON'T want a 12 step program!!
Fav rubber stamp manufacturer? Hero Arts
Do you have a stamp you always use? Not yet just starting building my collection!
Flowers for embellishments? Prima
WHY do you scrapbook? It is relaxation for me and a way to preserve memories for my children
fav tool? My Cricut Expression and Xyron sticker maker
Least fav tool? Paper tagger

Now its your turn copy the questions and share your answers on your blog!

TFS!
Valerie

I know, I know...

2009-03-19T11:50:00.004-05:00

I have been a bad girl and neglecting my blog AGAIN!!! Life has been busy and well I just haven't felt inspired to blog! But I am back in the blogging mood so watch out!! LOL!!

In the scrapping world I have a few exciting things I am working on and hopefully I will have some exciting news to share soon! I have a couple LO's I can share, but most of what I have right now can't be shown yet. I went with my friend Robin to Craft Fancy and did a little scrappy shopping while there, oh and did I forget to mention her parents were SOOO NICE and kept our boys so we could shop without children!!! : ) Yeah they ROCK!!! It was SOOO nice to shop without the boys!! I have been working on cards lately and REALLY like the look of cards that are stamped and colored in with Copic markers or watercolor pencils, so I bought a stamp yesterday and I am planning another trip to get some watercolor pencils and maybe a couple more stamps! There are some really STINKIN CUTE stamps and GREAT ideas of ways to use them! It looks like I may have another addiction!! LOL!!! So here are a couple LO's I did for the Dixie Pieces crop at the begining of the month.

So in other news I just got done having 2 birthday parties for the boys this past weekend!! I still can't believe I was crazy enough to have one party right after the other!! But the boys had a GREAT time! I CAN'T believe that they are 4 already!!! Time really flies!! Here are a couple pics from the birthday celebrations. One thing I don't like about their birthday parties is I am always busy and I don't have the opportunity to take my own pictures so I have to rely on someone else to use my camera and take pics for me! I am GRATEFUL for great friends to take pics for me, but I am sad I don't have the chance to take my own pics! Oh well!

Joseph trying to find some more candy left in the pinata!

And what does the garbage look like after 2 parties????

And that wasn't ALL the garbage!!! LOL!!!

Well we had a couple REALLY warm days here lately so the boys and I went with Robin and her son to the zoo and had a BLAST together!! Here are a few pics form our trip. We also got to hear the lion roar several times!! It was SOO exciting!! I LOVE the zoo!

This guy found a sippy cup that was dropped in their display and was walking around with it! He was even running around with the sippy cup hanging from his mouth! I informed a zoo worker so I hope they were able to get it away from him amd the baboon was OK!

This is Josh and Joseph!

Well I better feed the boys their lunch and get on with my day! And NO I STILL can't get my blog all pretty looking!!! ARGH!!! I will have to sit down again and try it one more time!!
TFL!!

Valerie

Crop anyone???

2009-02-26T12:16:00.002-06:00

Its that time!!! Head over to Dixie Pieces starting tomorrow and join in the fun and prizes!!!

I'm Back!!

2009-02-19T11:16:00.012-06:00

The last month and a half has just been an out of control roller coaster ride! I'll give a quick long story short. My grandfather was admitting to the hospital on January 12th and after a L O N G roller coaster ride it was discovered that my grandfather has an EXTREMELY rare form of cancer and most cases aren't discovered till post mortem! It is VERY aggressive and quick moving so he was started on an a VERY aggressive form of chemo and after some ups and downs came home last week! Yesterday started round 2 of chemo and so far he is doing good! I'm SOOO relieved to think he may actually be OK and beat this! His strength is INCREDIBLE and SOOO inspiring! So I have just been an emotional wreck and at the hospital a lot!

I finally started to get my creative groove back 2 weekends ago I participated in an online crop and it really helped motivate me to create! I had a LOT of fun and its a great new hang out I have, so you should stop by and check out Paper Popsicles! I won the Sunday prize from them which was an awesome prize pack shown below! I also won a contest they had on their blog and I just got this kit from them today!

And at my other scrappy hang out Dixie Pieces they are going to be having another online crop February 27th- March 1st!! So make sure you come and join in on all the fun there! And their kit this month is just SOOOO AWESOME I could not wait to get my hands on it!! It is SOOO awesome for all of you needing stuff for boy LO's!! Here is the picture, which by the way does NOT do it justice at all!! It is SOOO YUMMY in real life!!

So let's see I need to show some of my latest creations! I'll start with the 110 candy bars I made for my step dad's surprise 50th birthday party!

Yes I know there's a typo on the back that got past 2 sets of eyes! LOL!! I MUST remember to use spell check even though I have had it proof read! LOL!!

Next I made him a scrapbook of his life over the years and then we had another book that people could write their favorite memory, funny story or something else special that they would like to share about him! And YES I did have him crying like a baby with these items!

OK and for the Paper Popsicles crop I made the following LO's and the last is a door hanger heart that there was a tutorial on how to do. SUPER easy and VERY fun to make!

So I think I am FINALLY going to be able to make the changes I have been wanting to do to my blog for a WHILE now! So if it looks different you know I succeeded if not well I just can't figure it out! LOL!!

I will be spending a nice L O N G day at Hannah's on Saturday scrapping my little heart out! I can NOT wait!! Sick or not I will be there!! (Yes our house has been attacked with this NASTY virus that is going around and it has made its way to me now too!) And one of the BEST parts is hubby gave me money to spend there as my Valentine's Day gift! : ) And speaking of Valentine's Day look at these YUMMY cupcakes the boys and I made!

Well I think this post has become LONG enough! I am off to try and make the blog pretty now! Wish me luck!

TFL!
Valerie

Winter CHA '09!

2009-01-26T10:44:00.002-06:00

I'm sad I am not able to go to Winter CHA, but I have found that Making Memories is letting you share in the excitement via their blog!!! So make sure to go to their blog and sign up for a chance to win some AWESOME goodies!!!

http://makingmemories.typepad.com/makingmemories/

Good Luck!
Valerie