What's New With Me!

I hope you all had a good Christmas, I know I did! We even still had some snow on the ground, which is all gone now. I am sort of glad it is over, but not because I was so busy, but because of the stress level. There are so many expectations at Christmas time, and luckily some things came through at the last minute that allowed us to have a Christmas, Thank you God! I will be sad to see it all go-I do love Christmas time. I am missing the 24-7 Christmas music on K103, I miss the anticipation and overall feeling of the holiday, and I will welcome it with open arms next year!

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This is my layout for Sketch 123, this week's sketch at Scrapbook Challenges. I got this Pink Paislee Vintage Moon and some Sweet Cakes for a RAK earned in October on AMR a couple weeks ago, and forgot to share it, but I did get it! I was so excited to get this specific paper, since I wanted it badly when it was out, but I was so broke, lol! ANYWAY, I used the Pink Paislee Vintage Moon pp, MM Passport chipboard letters, Stampin' Up Season Of Friendship stamps, K&Co Blue Awning journaling sheet, and some ribbon (unknown, but I think the orange ribbon is SEI). Please don't look at my photo in the layout...let's just say, after I saw these photos, I went out and bought a new bra, lol!

I got the last 4 Christmas cards from the AMR swap!  I really enjoyed this, I am hoping people will want to do this for each holiday, the next one being Valentine's Day!

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This is from Gaybow, aka Gay (AMR Swap)

Crop-a-Holic, aka Nicole (AMR Swap)

jfrank, aka Jamie (AMR Swap)

grammy-b, aka Brenda (AMR Swap)

I wish I had more to share, but there just isn't.  With the Christmas holiday, too many library DVD rentals, and lack of challenges, there just wasn't a lot to do, lol!  I am sure after the new year, there will be tons to share!

If I don't talk to you before then, Happy New Year!

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Monday, Monday

I think I am back to my old ways, finally! I have felt like such a failure the last couple months with hardly any posting or layouts. I am loving being back! I realize now that I was totally burned out on challenges, doing them for the wrong reasons, thinking I HAD to do them all, getting discouraged when my layout didn't make the cut or wasn't chosen, etc. I am picking and choosing which ones I want to do now, and doing it for fun again. It was really starting to feel like a chore!! It took me a couple months, but I am back to enjoying scrappin' again!
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Nothing much has changed. Since I have been on my diabetes meds, my weight loss has plateaued, of course I am not dieting or exercising anymore. At least I am not gaining!! I am still a non-smoker! Today is actually my 2-month anniversary of not smoking! It feels so good!! The job hunt continues. We kinda quit looking a few weeks ago, due to no one was hiring for the season anymore. We will start up again after Christmas, and after the weather will cooperate! It is tight around here, but we are making it just fine!
The weather is still keeping us indoors. On top of the 7 inches we got the other day, and the 1/4 inch of ice, we got six more inches last night!!! I HAD to go trompin' around in it...with my Dad's boots though!! I am LOVING IT!!!! Check out these pictures!!

Let's get down to business though shall we???
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Since it is Monday, I will start with Scrapbook Challenges! Did I ever tell you I was offered the opportunity to stay on another term? I can't remember if I did, but I am very excited!! This week was my turn to offer a challenge! Being that it is only 3 days till Christmas, I felt I should do a Christmas related challenge. I am calling it "O' Christmas Tree" (original, I know, lol).
I used Bazzill cs, BG Figgy Pudding, the "O" and the star are also Figgy Pudding, the other green letters are Scenic Route, flower is Prima, berry brads are MM, buttons and rhinestones are misc, and I used Burgundy and Stardust Stickles.

This week's sketch, Sketch 122.
I don't get a change to put all the kids on one layout, so this sketch was perfect for me, lol! I used Bazzill cs, October Afternoon pp, Technique Tuesday journal stamp, BG chipboard letters covered in Yellow Stickles, MM grommet and misc buttons.

The other challenge for this week is Merry & Bright. From what I can tell, the challenge is to do anything, as long as you use colors that are merry and bright. I decided to use tigardlilly's Sizzix 3-D Star die and make a star banner. I used BG Figgy Pudding, buttons, rhinestones, dyed skittles, a brad, and some jute twine.

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Now for some regular challenges I have been working on!
This one is for Cuttlebug Challenges, make a criss cross card. This was amazingly simple to make! The tutorial is here. I used Stampin' Up cs-Kiwi Kiss, We Are Memory Keepers pp, D'vine Swirls embossing folder then sanded over the embossing, Cuttlekids Fairy Alphabet for the butterflies and asterisks, Inkadinkado stamp, and Lime Green and Stardust Stickles.

This is for The Story Matters, what do you believe in?
I used BG Wassail pp/stickers/letters, Sakura Glaze pen, American Crafts ribbon, and hand drew/cut the star which I covered in Diamond Glaze.

Hero Arts teamed up with Basic Grey this week for a sketch week. I did a layout and a card, I couldn't help myself! I didn't have any HA stamps, so I borrowed tigardlilly's (I do that a lot, lol)!
This first one is the layout. I used all Basic Grey pp, HA Adventure Journal stamp, Jenni Bowlin rubon letters, American Crafts Thickers, misc chipboard which I painted/Diamond Glazed/glittered, BG ribbon, and misc square brads. The sketch I used is from Wednesday.

The layout...

This is the card I made for the same contest. I used Bazzill cs, BG Blush pp, HA Birthday Design Block stamp, Clear Cupcakes Sparkle stamp, Target Dollar Spot ric rac ribbon, Sakura Glaze pens, and Baby Blue Stickles. The sketch I used is also from Wednesday.

The card...

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I got another card today from...
retirednrse, aka Jo (AMR)

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That is all for now! It looks like it may be a slow week for challenges, which just means I will have more time to scrap just for myself! As I said before, I am so glad to be back!
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Christmas Cards 2008

I did a Christmas Card swap over at AMR, only 13 other people signed up, but I am enjoying it a lot! So far, I have recieved 6 of those, plus 3 others that are not in the swap! I can't wait each day for the mail to come, in anticipation that more may be there. I sent out my 13 for the swap, and another 20 or so just to AMR gals, plus other online scrap acquaintances!!

I love this time of year!
Here is what I have received so far!
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This is from haapyhrt, aka Deb (AMR Swap)

Cyndi56, aka Cyndi (AMR Swap)
cmriker1, aka Marcia (AMR Swap)
Scrapamac, aka Mary (Sis-in-Law)
Colinda (Friend from HS)

Tigardlilly, aka Laura (AMR Swap)

Kaydrenth, aka Kay (AMR Swap)

SoCal Scrapper, aka Leslie (AMR)

Pbelzey, aka Pam (AMR Swap)

Inara, aka Christina (AMR)

Snowlady, aka Misty (AMR Swap)

Pattie's Passion/PattiM, aka Patti (AMR)

Melegs, aka Erica (CK)Grettas Granddaughter, aka Julia (AMR Swap)

I am loving this swap!! I am still expecting a few more and will share all of those with you as well, as I get them!

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If you remember, I am in a 4-Seasons ATC swap at AMR? We did the summer and fall ones, here is the one I made for the winter ones! I used photo paper for the base, which I embossed with the Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder then inked over with some Colorbox chalk; then I stamped the "Let it Snow" with Technique Tuesday Let it snow stamp set; I used 2 colors of DCWV glitter cs and some Bazzill Bling for the die cut snowflakes-also Cuttlebug; then finished it all up with some Michael's Christmas ribbon.

These are the ATCs I got from the AMR Christmas ATC swap! Aren't they great?! I really enjoyed this one, there were so many participants!

I got this ATC from Snowlady with my Christmas Card, it is so adorable!!

These are the grungeboard ATCs I recieved from the swap at AMR! I gotta say, there is a talented group of ladies over there!!

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I will be back tomorrow with some DT stuff and some challenges I have done this weekend, as I have been scrappin' all weekend! There is at least 7 inches of snow outside, covered with at least 1/4" of ice from the freezing rain! We can't even open our screen door all the way, lol! I am loving all this winter weather, I still can't believe we have had a week of snow here, it has been too awesome!! Too bad it is supposed to rain on Christmas!
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In The Groove

I feel like I am back into the groove of things! I got some challenges done, I got around to some blog awards I have forgotten about, and a couple blog games. Let's get right to it, shall we?!

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This is the other challenge from Scrapbook Challenges that I hadn't gotten done yet on my last post, Love Letters. The challenge was to do a layout with a love letter, with your journaling being in letter form. I am such a scrap dork, that I had to write a love letter to Stickles and Basic Grey, my 2 obsessions, lol!!

I used Basic Grey's Two Scoops printed paper, stickers and letters; and Stickles-Yellow, Cotton Candy, and Crystal.

This one is for The Cuttlebug Spot. The challenge was to do a white card with a black sentiment. I used Bazzill cs, CB embossing folder Traffic Jam, the CB dies and folder I got with the CB-Celebration Stamps, Inkadinkado Stamp for the sentiment, and some ribbon.
This is for Method Playground, Hand stitch with embroidery floss. I used Basic Grey Euphoria pp and sticker letters, embroidery floss (of course), and misc flowers and buttons.
This is for a progressive challenge at All Moments Remembered. We were given the following instructions over the last week or two....
1) Pick a 12 x 12 sheet of Patterned
2) 8.5 x 11 piece of ledger paper (you can use neutral cardstock) -Your journaling will be on this sheet somewhere3) pp that coordinates with your 12 x 12 - 8in wide by 6 or 7 in long4) add two more sheets pp - 3in wide by 6 in tall each - that have text on it - Your picture will go on top of these two.-distress and ink edges of photo.5) add a file tab6) 5 small identical rubons or a stamp used 5 times7) 1 tiny piece of paper that could be a tag or a ticket, add the date (could be any date) 1 in by 2 in wide8) add a rubon flourish (or a stamped one) to #29) add 3 different colors of ribbon 8.5 in long10) add 3 buttons, 2 different types/colors
11) add a charm
12) add 2 -8.5 in x 1/2 in strips of decorative edge, but you can use a paper edge 13) add your title - use two different colors and two different fonts. Use a set of Parenthesis.14) okay that's it. You may adhere everything. One last tip - ***everything must be on the 8.5 x 11 sheet. The only thing touching the #1 should be your file tab. You must journal.***
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I used Sassafras Lass for all my printed paper, lined paper is Scenic Route, Newspaper looking paper is October Afternoon pp, American Crafts Thickers, Jenni Bowlin letter stickers, Target Dollar Spot ribbon and SEI ribbon, cs is Bazzill, rubon is Crate Paper, Stamps are Sassafras Lass, buttons and star are miscellaneous.

Here is a close up of it, with the descriptions of where each item is.
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Kay and Jingle shared some random photos yesterday, so I thought I would do the same, just for fun!
This is my tin of embellishments I still have to put away.
My Stampin' Up catalog and my received Christmas Cards.
The movies we currently have out from the library.

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I am behind on some blog awards I have received, sorry everyone!
This first one I got from Scrappy Girl a couple months ago, and again yesterday from Melegs!

I got this one from Scrappy Girl a couple months ago too!

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A little blog to catch up on too...

This first one is from Scrappin{jewlz}. It is the list 7 random things about you one. I think this is the 4th time I have gotten it, so I will try to come up with 7 new ones, lol!

1. I am afraid of spiders, like irrationally afraid! If I kill one, I expect his family to take out revenge on me, or it will come back to life and get me. I won't close my eyes in the shower, and I won't even let me cats chase them. I know none of this will really happen, but those thoughts do cross my mind.

2. I have always had an obsession with pens and office supplies. Maybe that is why scrapbooking appeals to me so much, lol!

3. I am addicted to Diet Coke.

4. I love Colin Firth!

5. I once got my driver's license suspended for too many tickets. It was suspended between midnight and 5 am, except for driving too/from work.

6. I met my husband online.

7. I was voted most likely to become a tele-evangelist my senior year in high school!

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As for all these awards and tags, I am gonna have to pass on them for now, I have already nominated everyone I know and couldn't possibly find anyone else, lol! If you want to play, feel free and go for it, consider yourself tagged.

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Oh yeah, for all those of you who wished me to have fun on Monday night, I wish I would have, we had to cancel it for snow. We will do it again next week. As for the snow, we still have it which is odd for us, and we are supposed to be getting more today. Below freezing temps all week, our road is still ice covered, I am starting to get cabin fever, lol! Don't get me wrong, I do love it!!

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(GR users comment here)

Monday Means Scrapbook Challenges...

...and a new weekly happening!
Starting today (weather pending) we are getting together every Monday evening for Monday Scrap Night at Tigardlilly's! It will only be for a few hours, so it will be a good opportunity to work on little projects or kits. I can't wait for tonight!! Cast will consist of myself, tigardlilly, inara, and hopefully kaydrenth can come occasionally. If you are local, let me or tigardlilly know, and we can make arrangements too-you know who you are!!

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For now, I have a couple sketches to share with you, and some new DT challenges from Scrapbook Challenges!

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This was from 3 weeks ago, Sketch 119

I used Bazzill Dotted Swiss, Luxe Designs pp, Felt Fusion, Bazzill and Prima flowers, misc brad, and Cuttlekids Tadpole Alphabet dies.

2 weeks ago, Sketch 120

I used Bazzill cs, Reminisce pp, MM grommets, Scrapworks chipboard stars, and Pink Paislee sticker letters with Stardust Stickles.

This week, Sketch 121

I used Sassafras Lass pp, Bazzill Just the edge-inked, Scenic Route lined pp, and stripped/inked chipboard letters.

Challenge-Week 1: Alter Something

I used a plain frame from Michael's, MM paints (lagoon, dusk, and cornflower), glittered chipboard letters from Walmart, Kaiser Crafts flowers and pearls, and used Pink Paislee Pixee Stix glitter adhered and covered with Diamond Glaze.

Challenge-Week 1: Ads

This was based on an ad for inspiration. I used Sassafras Lass pp, Bazzill cs, 1-8x10 photo trimmed and cut apart, Cuttlekids Tadpole Alphabet dies, and Baby Blue Stickles.

Challenge-Week 1: Distress Your Edge

I used Bazzill cs, BG Sugared pp, Scenic Route sticker letters, Felt Fusion, Crate Paper rubons, and Story of Us button stickers. "Food Art" was at the Rainforest Cafe and this is how it was served to us!

Challenge-Week 2: Give Love

We were supposed to share our Christmas Cards that we made.

This one I made 10 of. I used BG Wassail pp, Felt sheets, Cuttlebug petal dies, Sizzix tear drop dies, unknown/borrowed Merry Christmas Stamp, Nestabilities, Michael's Christmas ribbon, Christmas Red Stickles, and some borrowed Distress Stickles over an SEI brad.

This one I made 50 of. I used BG Wassail pp, Bazzill cs, Cuttlebug Spot and Dots embossing folder, Nestabilities, American Crafts ribbon, Studio G stamp (dec 25), and Merry Christmas stamp is unknown from Jo-Annes.

Challenge-Week 2: Boys vs. Girls

I used Melissa Francis pp, Sassafras Lass pp, hand cut some flowers from SL pp with Stickles (cinnamon, cotton candy, lime green, and frosted lace), American Crafts Thickers, felt butterflies, and misc rhinestones.

Challenge-Week 3: Make Your Own Ornament

I used plain white cardstock, cut the stars with my Silhouette-3 stars per ornament, painted each side with MM paint (spotlight, evergreen, cranberry), covered that with Icicle Stickles which I painted on, glued them together with the ribbon inside and voila, 3-D stars! I know they are plain, but I didn't really have the supplies/tools to do much better.

Challenge-Week 3: Love Letters

I haven't done this one yet, it just came out today, but I will be doing it soon! :)
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This was a challenge from last month, that I never got around to posting-Clouds

The challenge is no longer good for the monthly prize, but I wanted to share it anyway.

I used Crate paper, Bazzill cs, American Crafts Thickers, and made my clouds with plain cs which I crumpled/wrinkled up, inked it with charcoal chalk, then brayered over it with some sea foam green ink.

Don't forget to check out Scrapbook Challenges. There are weekly sketches and challenges. For every one that you do, you get an entry into the monthly drawing. This month's sponsor is a load of Reminisce product! It is a great place for inspiration and scrap talk! Oh yeah, Pamela is also having a Design Team call for the group! It is pretty simple, just do the weekly sketches, and offer one challenge each month! I love it!!

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