Those Parisian Nights...

As I mentioned in my last post, our trip to London and Paris was absolutely life changing for my students. Don't get me wrong... it was definitely a moment to remember for me too! :) But for my students, most inner-city girls from Newark who have only dreamt of seeing the Eiffel Tower in eprson, well, it was monumental. One girl was actually in tears the night we were up close and personal with the tower... Another was in tears at the Harry Potter exhibit (which I can't WAIT to scrap!!).

This card was made for Chloe (aka Feisty), who got choked up when she stood under the tower while it was all lit up during our first night in Paris. And who KNEW that it would get all glittery too? It was gorgeous...

I don't think this photo does justice to the stickles on the tower, but I absolutely love love love my Graphic 45... And this card was perfect for Ms. Chloe on so many levels...

I am submitting this card to Cute Card Thursday (for the little bit of sparkle on the tower). Sweet dreams... :)

Springtime in Paris

Hello there bloggers!

In April I had the chance to take ten of my seniors, my daughter, and some parents and family members to London and Paris for nine days. My students had a life changing experience and although it was a gruelling trip, every moment was worth it. But it has taken me THIS long to recover from the rigor and be able to begin crafting with the trip in mind. I'm currently working on mini canvases for my students and will post those when I've finished them (thanks to Stephanie for the idea!!).

But in the meantime, I started making thank you cards for the parent that came along... Although I know she didn't enjoy Paris as much as she loved London, we did have a chance to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, so this Tim Holtz stamp was perfect for her. And it allowed me to crack out the UTEE that I've been dying to play with for quite a while now! :)

I had lots of fun making this one because it was made with lots of love for a special mom who inspires me to be a better mom myself... And that always makes papercrafting that much more exciting...  :)

I'll be submitting this one to Charisma Cardz for their Pink and Girly challenge. They are also having a DT call over at Charisma... I'm considering applying because my darling Karmyn is always gushing about how much she loves her spot there, but I'm not sure yet...

I'm also submitting this one to Card Making Mamas for their flowers challenge and Simon Says Stamp's Anything Goes challenge. Thanks for looking and happy scrapping!!!

Rush, rush...

Hellooooooooooo there! :) Just a quick post to share a REALLY quick project I finished in about a half hour today as a Congrats gift for Melanie's dance school secretary... I had made a pretty cool mirror for the school back in October and of course I didn't photograph it... it was all royal blue, black and white (Dance company colors) and had some cricut cuts from the Twinkle Toes cart... Well, the past is in the past. :)

THIS one is simple, featuring Cosmo Crickett Circa 1934 paper and stickers, a black lace flower I made on a gluber with a K and Co brad I've been hoarding since forever and a Prima flower... Done. :)

I'm entering the mirror at Anything Goes, Tuesday Throwdown (the lace flower) and Clear it Out...

I even slapped together a card using up paper from my stash, the matching brad from the mirror and a Ketto stamp my good friend Karmyn stamped for me aeons ago...  



The card is also being submitted to Clear it Out (brad)

I can't stress how quickly these projects came together... it feels good to squeeze some crafty time in between running to get the kids... which I have to do now, so thanks for looking and have a great day! :)

“A mother would have been always present. A mother would have been a constant friend; her influence would have been beyond all other.” (Northanger Abbey)

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, it's crunch time for crafty presents and cards... this Mother's Day I am making my mom, my grandma, and my aunt cards, and making mom a special desk organizer that I'll post pics of later... I am still in embellishing mode for that one! :)

This card is for my grandmother (aka Nana) who is hopefully getting out of the hospital tomorrow... she's been in with a stomach infection for over a week and at eighty years old it's getting harder for her to heal quickly. But praise God, it's looking like she'll be released tomorrow evening, in time for us to celebrate another Mother's Day with her next weekend!

This one features Kraftin Kimmie's Queen Guinevere stamp colored with copics and accented with distress inks. Copics used: Skin - E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair - E50, E53, E31, E33, E25; Clothes- RV10, RV13, RV14, R20; Crown - YR21, YR24.

I am submiting this one to Kraftin Kimmie's Challenge Blog (Mother's Day), Card Makin Mamas (Cake Inspiration), Card Patterns (Sketch 164), Catered Crop ("B"... for Bling on the flowers and crown), and The Crafty Pad (Girly girl and Pink).

Thanks for looking, and happy scrapping! :)

Shadowboxing and Playtime

Hello, hello, and hello! :) It has been a GOOD time to get crafty these past few thunderstormy nights!!! So I finally had a chance to whip up a shadowbox project that has been in the works (in my brain!!) forever! :) My all time favorite Elizabeth Bell Digi is called Pat-a-Cake and I love love love it cause it always reminds me of Melanie and Elijah... Of course, they never do play THAT nicely together. He's more into wrestling with her and pushing her around, but it is nice to dream...

So I blew up the image in MS Word and printed it out to fill an 8 1/2 X 11 sheet, then colored it in with my copics.

Copics used: Girl's hair: E50, E53, E31, E33, E23, E25. Girl's Dress: BG10 BG13, BG15, BG18, E13, E23. Boy's hair: E23, E25, E27. Boy's pants: E13, Colorless blender. Boy's shirt E06, YR07. Skin: E000, E00, E11.

I used the airbrush system for a little soft background and added tons of old Prima stuff that's been laying around looking to pretty for use! :)

I got the shadow box at Ikea and I MAY embellish it up later on too, but right now I am liking the simple look. I just can't figure out where to hang this piece cause it's so pretty I kinda like it on display on my counter... One day. :)

I am submitting this one to Elisabeth Bell's World for their April/May flowers challenge as well as at Crafty Catz who also are challenging participants to use flowers!
Thanks for looking!! Happy scrapping! :)

Gettin all Hollywood with it...

So I don't know about you, but my absolute, hands down favorite way to get scrappy is to do so with my favorite scrappy peeps... My scrapping obsession got real strong when I was a member of Cafe Mom (feels like FOREVER ago) and I came across gals with uber scrappy talent... My girls Karmyn, Tracey, Jill, Kristy, Lizzie, and Amy have still kept in touch since we left Cafe Mom behind, and I love love love ogling their work and following (stalking?) them on facebook these days...

But then I found Scrap A Doodle Doo, and Stephanie convinced me to try a crop. We started out nice and slow, with day crops that eventually transitioned into full weekend crops hosted by the store. I HAD to take it slow or hubby would've had coniptions... Now he's an old pro at having me away for the weekend once a quarter, but those first few crops were... interesting, to say the least! :)

But one of my favorite parts of the Scrap A Doodle Doo crops are the themes... Stephanie, Mama Doodle, and Mark go all out when they plan these crops and they include everything from props to lifesize decorations to yummy goodies and fun giveaways. She's had crops that were decade related (50s, 80s, etc...), destination related (Disney, Hawaiian luau), and even nostalgic (Winter Wonderland, Candyland...). And at each of these crops we had theme inspired surroundings, music, food and fun.

Last October's Destination Hollywood crop was no exception... From a red carpet to the paparrazi, the Doo Crew went all out with Hollywood style fun! Each participant at the crop was gifted with a really cool giveaway featuring Reminisce's Hollywood Paparazzi and Lights, Camera, Action papers as well as their Hollywood 3D Sticker Sheet and some fun holographic stars to help commemorate the event.
The scrappy goodies came in very handy when I sat down to scrap Melanie's Hollywood Sleepover party... I have to admit that I borrowed Steph's idea of having a red carpet paparazzi event and had the girls walk on the red carpet for a photo shoot shown here:

(click on the photo for a larger version)

For this two page layout, I cut the Paparazzi paper in half so it could stretch to a two page layout with the red carpet in the center, and then I added black and red Bazzil cardstock to mat the picture and remaining portions of the page. Then I added the footlights that were at the top of the Paparazzi paper as well as some of the words rom the Lights, Camera, Action paper to add some interest to the layout. I finished up with the little stars that were included in the goodie bag and the three dimensional stickers for embellishment and titles... but of course, I had to stickle them up to give 'em extra pop! :)

So there you have it! Although I haven't yet seen what the Doo Crew has dreamed up in terms of Christmas in July, I'm sure that they have something creative, fun, and inspirational up their sleeves... Hope to see you there! :)

I love the simplicity of this layout and am submitting it for consideration at Crafty Catz (Anything Goes), The Poodles Parlor (Anything Goes), Just Keep on Creating (Anything Goes), and Emerald Fairies (Anything Goes)... I see a theme here with the challenge parameters, just sayin. :) Have a wonderful day and happy scrapping! :)

Congrats to our recent candy winner! AND.... New candy! :)

Thanks for everyone who played along in the Scrap-A-Doodle Doo Distress Markers candy give away... I apologize for not having really broadcast the candy as I have in the past, but I do thank you all for checking out the new Scrap A Doodle Doo blog and for commenting on the distress markers tutorial!

Our winner of the four distress markers from Tim Holtz is... (drumroll....)... Lucky #1~ Lizzie!!! :) Lizzie, please send me your address via email (scrappingmommy@gmail.com) and I'll send your package on its merry way! :)

ANNNNNNDDDDDD... for new candy, check out my current post at the Scrap A Doodle Doo blog about Glimmer Mists...

Then become a follower of the Doo blog (if you're not already one!) and leave me a comment on THAT post... then head back over here to let me know you played along for this week's candy and post a link back to this blog announcing the candy, then I'll put your name into the hat for your OWN Glimmer Misting Goodies...

I'll offer up one bottle of Chalkboard and one Bottle of Traditional Glimmer mist to the winner! :)

Candy ends April 16th... Happy scrapping! :)

Nothing Distressing about the New Distress Markers! :) AND SOME CANDY!!!

Hey bloggers! I just finished playing with a little tutorial using Tim Holtz's Distress Markers and thought you might enjoy checking out the recap if you're looking at investing in these gems...

I used them to color in the Hero Arts Make Your Own stamp using a second generation stamping and coloring technique...

I love the vintage, distressed, colored result, and if you'd like to check out how I got such awesome colors incorporated together, visit the tutorial posted at the Scrap-A-Doodle Doo blog...

In keeping with the FUN of new goodies, I will run some candy for the next two weeks... Simply become a follower of the Doo blog and leave a comment on my tutorial by March 24th, and I'll put your name into a drawing so I can send you four of your OWN distress markers straight from the Doo! :) So head on over to the Doo Blog and as always, happy scrapping! :)

"To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment" (Mansfield Park)

Spring is officially in the air (although today happens to be a bit windy and cold)... But as soon as I feel that warm breeze I can't think of stamping wintery images any more. SOOOO, I HAD to crack out the Springtime Whiff of Joy images in honor of the new season...

 I used this week's sketch over at the Whiff of Joy challenge blog to combine thePrima Madeline papers shown here. And of course, I colored the image with copics (Skin: E000, E00, E11; Dress: T0, T6, R49, R29, R27, B26, BG0000; Hair: E50, E53, E31, E33, E23, E25). Thanks for looking!

"Dress is at all times a frivolous distinction, and excessive solicitude about it often destroys its own aim." (Northanger Abbey)

Hello there blogland! :) Just checking in with a Webster's Pages and Dusty Attic influenced project I was playing around with after having taken my daughter and niece to XSRE for a little girlie time this past summer. The girls had a BLAST playing with the hats, accessories, and trinkets, and I had a mini photo shoot in honor of all the fun! :)
 
This page was designed with lots of glitz and glam in mind... the gorgeous Candy Party papers just BEGGED to be layered and laced up... I added a skirt to the wire form's skirt on the paper and then had to add a skirt to the mini wire form chippie from Dusty Attic as well...

THEN I used the water distressing technique to create the rolled peek-a-book look shown here, laced up with some pink ribbon and embellished with Dusty Attic's Lacing Tash chipboard pieces. Those were glitzed up with Glimmer Glam in gold and pearl accents were added using Viva Decor pens in cream. 

The pearls on the bottom were the final finishing touch to add some MORE girlieness to the page (as if it were missing some femininity!) Because of the fun distressing done here, I thought it might be appropriate to submit for the Southern Girls Challenge (So Distressed). Thanks for looking and happy scrapping!

 

Wonder and Awe

I can't believe how LITTLE snow we've had this winter... does it sound like I'm complaining about it? Cause I'm definitely NOT... Ok, maybe a little. I could use a snow day ANY day now! :)

Other than the freak snow storm in October, we had ONE other day where there was enough accumulation to let Elijah at least get the feel of snow for the first time... and he was FULL of wonder... He loved it the whole fifteen minutes that I left him outside to play. Then his nose started to run and it was a wrap...

For this layout, I used the flip photo cases from Close to My Heart to allow me to include more pictures without cluttering the page. I even made space for journaling underneath the flipped photos which was kind of a foreign concept these days!

"Let's Hear it for the Boys"!!!

I don't know about you, but I find it SO hard to tailor my "foofy," girly, shabby shic style into masculine projects. Even my most masculine layouts HAVE to have a flower of some sorts or at least a piece of ribbon! :) But when I saw the Bo Bunny Cambridge Line of papers, I knew I HAD to play with it for my boy stuff... Or Harry Potter themed items! :)

In addition to wanting to create some masculine "fall back" cards, I have ALWAYS struggled with packaging cards for gifts. I love making a handful of cards as Christmas or Thank You gifts, and putting them in attractive boxes or the sorts is always an interesting struggle...

Thus my next card class at Scrap A Doodle Doo! :) We will be making a set of five masculine themed birthday cards for "him" and packing them up in gorgeous clear boxes that will (of COURSE!) be embellished along with the theme.

The sneek peek probably doesn't do the cards justice so I'll definitely post individual pics after the class has concluded, but I got busy with my spellbinders dies and some crackle paint/accents (as always!)... :) And I FINALLY cracked out the bakers twine that I HAD to have when it was released and then did NOTHING with until now! :) 

And these cards definitely ALREADY came in handy since I had not one but TWO masculine birthdays to celebrate just this weekend... Thanks for checkin' out my sneek peek and have a crafty day! :)

"Without music, life would be blank to me" (Emma)

Though I'm definitely NOT the queen of the double paged layout, I knew I'd have to attempt one as soon as I dug out my pictures from our recent trip to see Wicked with this year's students. The show was, needless to say, amazing, and both Melanie and I have been walking around the house singing "Defying Gravity," "Loathing," and "Popular" at random moments throughout the day! :)

To make this layout happen, I was blessed with a Wicked title strip as a gift from one of the scrappers at this weekend's Scrap A Doodle Doo crop, and I took my inspiration from there.

Coupled with this week's sketch from Creative Scrappers, and viola, I had LOADS of fun... :)

I used the Cricut Craft Room software to make the cool circle thingy with witch that appears on both pages and I even made an extra or two for some scrappy friends who peeped the embellie while I was makin' it! :) Have I mentioned that I love being able to weld? I have NOT yet gotten the gypsy I've been drooling over, but the Craft Room is so easy to use (and free!!) so although I'm still lusting over one, I think I can hold off for a little longer...

And there you have it... I totally had fun reliving the play while I scrapped it... I listened to the soundtrack to get into the groove and I just kinda visualized what it must've been like when Joey McIntyre and Idina Menzel played Fiero and Elpheba... Wow. The play was absolutely worth the wait though, and I'd go back any day! :)

Welcome February!!

With the LACK of snow falling in Northern NJ, I'm getting a little antsy... :) I mean, it's OK if the harsh weather chooses to pass us by this season, but I'm just getting worried that we're going to get something HUGE in recompense for the beautiful mild weather we're experiencing... Way to try to be the weather man, I know...

WELL, in response to all this gorgeous weather, I have had a hard time making cozy "warmth" inspiring layouts and had to instead resort to playing with flowers! :) SOOOO... I gave a quick flower making class at the last Scrap-A-Doodle Doo crop and am going to be giving this class again on February 7th for people who were unable to get a spot in the class or who couldn't attend the crop... The layout featured five different flower making techniques and I am LOVING my Close to My Heart Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge, as most of the pieces are cut from that cart...

I used Graphic 45 papers (Springtime and Steampunk Debutante) and Bazzil Cardstock to make this simple layout, but the fun part was making the flowers... AND playing with Cricut Craft Room to weld the titles! :) I think I love that software...

I'll be back later on today to show some layouts I played with at the crop... Oh no, and I just realized I have to somehow sneak into Melanie's dance school to take a picture of the mirror I made her teacher that I forgot to photograph before giving it away... Geez... Where are my priorities? :) Have a great day!!!

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...

Hello and happy new year blogland! I can't believe how long it's been since I last played on this page... so long it took me fifteen minutes to remember my blogger password! I miss my virtual friends! :) And my scrappy friends are making me HAVE to jump back into the blog land SOOOOOO...

Here's a quick sneak peek at some of the posies we'll be making at the upcoming Candyland Crop sponsored by Scrap-A-Doodle Doo this weekend. Ninety Seven scrappers... One weekend. Holy Crop... :)

Five flower techniques, hopefully in under an hour! :) If you haven't yet registered for the crop, head on over to the Scrap A Doodle Doo website and sign up! It's guaranteed relaxation...

Many hugs!!!