This 5 Minutes

2012-01-31T16:35:00.002-06:00

It Is Done --

I have finished my Traci Bautista's Doodles Unleashed class at Strathmore. And I have to say it was SUCH fun!! I've always loved doodling but it's really been educational to push them to all new limits.

This last lesson started with making the background for the final piece. Basically it was starting out with writing on the page, coloring it up with acrylics and then throwing in some cool texture just for the fun of it. Well color and I were in perfect harmony that day. I am not usually a red person, but for some reason it totally called to me and oooooh yay.

Now I was not as prepared as Traci with my texture stuff, but yay for me for saving some dry wall tape. I also grabbed some tin foil, crinkled up which created some of the grungy goodness. Yes. I am so in love with this, I definitely took the time to photo it for some digital fun.

The next lesson was about doing a face. So terrified. I mean, I have had lessons on this but in like Middle School. So I practiced :):
The next step was truly scary...paint on the background I love.

That took guts let me tell you!

Then it was modge podging the doodles -- Complicated in it's own right since the flower over her ear was to big and needed to be cut up:
Oh and I must have done the mouth like 15 times! Loved the eye here, but the mouth was buggin me. Next was to add details (and redo the mouth again!)

At this point I stopped playing with it for a day and then when I got back from grocery shopping, I realized the eye looked really odd. Like it is suppose to be open but maybe she is possessed. I like the lips though.

The next day it was time to get out the markers and pencils for final touch ups. This is really the funnest part of all and the most low stress. Doodling is my friend :). And ta da -

I do like the eye better but it's still not my favorite. If anybody has any ideas on how to fix it, let me know!

2012-01-27T22:09:00.001-06:00

Eeeees a CATWALK time. And that means it's time for a CatScrap Catwalk Blog Hop. And let me just say I am a lucky lucky girl to be able to play with the designers work. This Catwalk is soooooo now! Hearts, romantic, snow, winter...yup it's all covered.

And here is ma page with it:

I used Aja Abney's New kit Renewal and Mellybird's La Belle Epoque. So cute!

And JUST FOR YOU...
You can download it here: http://www.box.com/s/oddaf2n2etkvctgalky8

OH wait and cause you wondered over to MY little space...you can grab Cythia (limoncello's) Quick Page too!

Obviously we could not keep our hands off of Aja Abney's Renewal! You can grab Cynthia's page here: http://www.4shared.com/zip/zbuYgfwb/Winter_CatWalk_2012_Cynthia_QP.html

With your arms full, I'm shoo shooing you off to Mi's blog (shhhhhh....I've heard she is hosting two QPs too). Go on now and click here: http://scrapmimonteiro.blogspot.com/ .

Have a great CATWALK!!

2012-01-27T12:32:00.007-06:00

Project Life Week 2 - The Bad Made Good

Well yes...I suppose I did loose a week somewhere. Completed week 2 of the art journaling and now week 2 of Project Life. At this rate, I'm right on time according to life by Claire.

Anywho...
The complicated thing about this week was the lack of photos. I don't know what happened but about the time Thursday rolled around, I realized I was gettin' a little lazy with the camera. What this meant ultimately was I would need more filler.

Now filler seems odd to me. I mean I am spending my hard earned time on this right. So I want every little part of it to have some meaning. I am not sure I will like "filler" later. So what I concentrated on instead was making the story bigger and better.
Filler Ideas --
1. In the first picture, I used the Facebook Logo, downloaded directly from my computer. Facebook is a big part of our lives (for better or for worse) and little Rosie wants to be a part of that phenomenon. Now I am not saying you should just download whatever you want from the internet. Make sure you are not violating any copywrite laws. But you could do the same thing by scanning in packaging logos. Then you can blow them up or reduce them down.

2. The second picture really did not need any extensive journaling. I just wanted to convey how cute my oldest and youngest were together. So I grabbed some of my fav. digital images and put it all together. (In case you are wondering. Creashens- Three Little Birds rocks my boat.)

3. The third picture is an example where I expanded on a story already in my highlights. I actually did not take that picture the day she got her Ocarina in the mail, but who really needs to know that.

4. This picture is a demonstration of hidden journaling. I really wanted to document my feelings about my son's wrestling experience that week. But I wanted these feelings to not be quite so out in the open. So again I turned to my digital stash, folded it in half and sewed two sides. You could also totally fold a larger Project Life Kit card in two and sew two sides too. I wanted to be able to access the journaling easily, so I put this in a top loading pocket. However, if you really wanted to keep things private, you could require the reader to pull the whole thing out.

Well I hope my fail at picture taking on Week 2 has inspired you to think about how to fill those pages when you too forget the camera. (I'm not the only one right...?!)

2012-01-26T14:45:00.005-06:00

I Never Promised Pretty

Well week two of Traci Bautista's class at Strathmore did not turn out quite to my liking. She had us working with watercolors. And strangely enough, although I have tons of art stuff (more than DH would like) I never quite have all I want. So I ran out to Joann's and used the GC I got for Christmas (thanks MOM!) and bought some huge (smaller than called for) Mixed Media paper, some grown up watercolors (you know in the tubes) and some paint brushes. I LOVE me some new art supplies. They hold such promise!

With my brand new art supplies in hand, I watched the video one more time (and of course adored the work she produced) and got down to business. Ta da....

Confident in my abilities, I actually did two at the same time:

And so ummm....no comments from the peanut gallery this week. Yeah. I wasn't thrilled with these either. I am not a fan of the color scheme (did I say color and I do not usually agree...I think I did) and although I kinda like the themes and some of the doodles, the whole pieces feel amateurish.

And so, it's taken me a few weeks to pick up the pieces on the art journaling thing. I do have plans for this though. (but never enough time.) And so I will pick up my brush and try again...on to week 3.

2012-01-14T20:27:00.008-06:00

Yay for Messy Fingers again!!

One of the things I want to do this year is a little more Art Playing. And....I was perusing one of my favorite artists blogs, Roben-Marie, who happened to mention that she was doing a new on-line art class...a FREE on-line art class. Hmmm, did I need more convincing...one of my art idols, free, playing art...it's just to perfect.

So this week I officially joined the Strathmore (yes the paper art people) Doodle Unleashed Mixmedia Art Class. And oh joy oh joy it was fun!! I spent yesterday evening playing with all kinds of art joys.

Tada here is the result.
First off I got some of the best comments ever from my family. My son even said: "Mom it should be hanging in a museum." I take this as a totally honest comment because beeeelieve me when I say that 10 year old boys are not known for their un-requested flattery unless they want something. Okay maybe I haven't ruled out totally that he wants something, but I do think it looks completely cool.

Just for grins here are a few pics of the process:

This one shows the first process of putting stencils on the paper and using misters or even in my case Fabric paint. I loved loved how this step turned out and was happy for a chance to break out the copper fabric spray paint! (Like any dumb animal, I sure do love anything that glitters a little.)

You can see some of the things that made the images from buttons to wooden sticks to flowers. One of my favorite images is the cat. The stencil smeared just right so the cat looked all fluffy like they do when they are angry. The pears kinda rock too though.

This second image was made after I added the Cray-Pas and paint.

I'm just going to say that even though I have a ton of art supplies, I never have quite the right thing. I don't think she used Cray-Pas, or watercolor paper, or Old Acrylic paint. This was all working against me. And to be quite honest I do not like it really at this stage. It looked very amateurish to me. I mean I can not make a straight line with the paint brush to save my life, the texture of the watercolor paper was working against me, and the india ink bled everywhere on this paper. And Cray pas and I are still not friends!

But I kept going and persevered. And heck the next step was using my new Copic Markers. So how could I not keep going? And well can you tell I do love markers, pens, and pencils more than paint still. It was at this point the piece came alive for me.

Maybe I will even hang it on the wall? Maybe...

2012-01-10T19:16:00.011-06:00

Project Life #1 Post

Well we are off to a rolling start with Project Life. Got last week documented, pictures taken, laid out, etc!! And here is the result:

I totally tried to keep it simple this week. One of the things that really worked for me was to leave a card out that had a running list of all the weeks highlights. This is something I will totally do every week just to keep me balanced while life is moving at a fast pace around here. It also helped me to separate the mundane from the things that we will want to remember.

When it came to putting the whole thing together, I definitely need to streamline somethings. For one thing, I will probably take 15 minutes or so sometime during the week to do the Date Card.

This gave me a little chance to play with my Tattered Angels Misters and some Heidi Swapp Ghost letters.

And although for the most part I went with Becky's standard kit (Turquoise Edition) I did add a few additional pieces of my own. This piece is a little piece of my daughters art work. She loves using the rotating bed to make circles so I have a million of these and did not mind embellishing with a sewn heart and a few descriptive words.

I have a feeling it will be hard to remember to put in small bits of paper and life that pass our way. But I'm looking forward to playing with them, when I do remember.

Finally I totally adored using my digital stash to add to the joy. I will have to do a further post on this as there is lots of fun things to use. For this project, I used Nancy Rowe's Dreamy Photos 1 to enhance my picture of the back porch and crab legs for New Years. I just love that grungy and contrasty look for photos that ordinarily would be kind of boring. In addition, I knew that I needed one more small pocket to fill, so I grabbed Lisa Sisneros Embrace Kit cause I knew she had some outstanding word art.

I made an easy block template in PSE, so adding my pictures or digital art work would be easy peasy. I will share more on that as well probably tomorrow.

So there you go. It is just a beginning and I have to admit, I'm so not feel entirely sure footed with this all, but I did enjoy myself and look forward to next week.

2012-01-03T14:24:00.003-06:00

Off on a run with scrapping. But who could totally resist these fun templates by Studio 68. She rocks! Credits are in at the link.

2012-01-02T13:15:00.006-06:00

So sigh when I think of this lovely blog. What a rotten blogger I have been. It's just that I always struggle between being creative and telling about it. It seems that being creative usually wins out.

But one goal for 2012 is to blog more often...to get the ball rolling, I will share a few creative goals -
1. Create things to share here, or link to where I'm sharing.
2. Project Life (I'm such a follower, but when somethin's good, somethin's good, kwim.)
3. Play with all things creative, like sketching, art journaling, and maybe even sewing.
4. Learn, love, and enjoy Evernote and other technological loves.
5. and as always find balance between Life, Creating, and Sharing. (I've been enjoying life maybe a little to much. Time to find time to document.)

2011-08-18T22:58:00.010-05:00

CatScrap officially turns 5 Today!!! Whoooot. Happy Birthday CatScrap!!!!

I truly can't believe it's been five years. I haven't been around CS quite that long, but I do remember being a CT member for birthday #3 so I suppose I've been around almost as long. I've seen plenty of good scrappers and designers come and go. I definitely miss some of the old faces. But I always love welcoming new ones too. You never know others will inspire you. One thing is for sure, CatScrap is still inspiring me after all these years.

Oh there I go on with my reminiscing. Sorry....what you heard there was a party or something...blog hop....or something.....yup!! And here you can pick up not one but TWO pages.
I'll lay mine out first for ya:
Here is my layout in full view:

If you oh so love, and I oh so hope you do, you can grab it here: http://www.box.net/shared/52vxg8eg21k9pn8cux9b

And thanks so the talented Raji you can also pick up this one:

Looooove eeeet? Then grab it here: http://www.box.net/shared/s261t22lk6oaemj2om6n

Now while I'm at it (PRIZE ALERT) I should let you know there are plenty of opportunities to grab the kit that made this beauty and lots of other goodies on CatScrap FB/Twitter/Blog, and and and there are challenges going on with the bonanza prize of a $25 GC to CatScrap up for grabs. So head to the forum and check check that out. (oh and course a killer sale in the shop, lol)

Hope you enjoy the QP and the celebration - kitty CatScrap style!

Now run along to Jassie's blog http://jassiescraps.blogspot.com/ and scoop up some more pages!

2011-07-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

So if I'm updating my blog, then yup that means another awesome CatWalk and another awesome CS blog hop. WHOOOT

And all I have to say is thank goodness Juliana Kneipp had this kit ready when I got home. So perfect for the pictures I snapped on Grandpa's boat!

Like it. Cool. Then feel free to grab the QP below:

You can grab the qp here: http://www.box.net/shared/am1hil96y675s4txftuz

Now off you go to the next hop - Elaine's home (which I totally stalk by the way. She doesn't know it, but I can't help it. Such cute daughters!!) - http://ultracoolmama.com

Thanks and have a cool summer!!

2011-04-11T21:15:00.011-05:00

What a cliff hanger...sheesh!! Sorry about not posting here in like forever. See the funny thing is, I've been doing new things, just not sharing about them.

So you may wonder what dragged me back to my lo full neglected blog. Well just a gift for you...my faithful (and possibly non-existent) followers. It's time to CELEBRATE another

CATSCRAP CATWALK

Yup that means Pahhhrrty Pahhhhrttty Pahhhrrrty...CatScrap style. Yup chats, challenges, games, Prizes, Prizes, Prizes. Now just so you know (and because I have you held captive and I made the graphic...) I will post this first:
Now on to the free stuff. These are my finished layouts with the Spring Catwalk:
I used Little Butterfly Wings Springalicious Templates; Fiddlette Design's Spring-A-Ling-A-Ding-Dong; and Julianna Kneipp's Wish You Were Here kits.

This is for the Six Word Memoir Challenge (you should so google this project. So cool.) and used Spring-A-Ling-A-Ding-Dong by Fiddlette Design; Vintage Blooms and Schmootzy Alpha (older product) by Nancie Rowe Janitz.

and Finally
Using Flying High by Torta Gialla; Spring-A-Ling-A-Ding-Dong by Fiddlette Design; Wish You Were Here by Julianna Kneipp; Spring Fever by Nancy Kubo; Altered 365-May by Something Blue Studio; and Fresh Alpha by Creashens. And yes...this is your QP!!
You can downloaded it RIGHT NOW here: http://www.box.net/shared/30a0j11evl

And just cause I you know I love ya...and Nicole wanted to share too...Here is ANOTHER beautiful QP -
She used the gorgeous kit by Torta Gialla Flying High.
You can download this lovely here: http://www.box.net/shared/gnm91jr598

Now you can head on over to Tanja's blog: http://thundersscrapblog.blogspot.com/ to keep on Hoppin'.

Super hope you enjoy all the Catwalk has to bring your way!! Keep checking out the CatScrap blog/forums to keep updated!

2011-02-07T09:27:00.003-06:00

Project New52 -- Guess it's Project New46

After all I'm a little late starting it. But better late than never on improving yourself right?? One of the bummer things about being 40 as opposed to oh say 2, is that there is less "new" to learn. Now now, I know I really don't know that much and there is still plenty to learn, but you kinda have to go out and seek. It's not like learning is forced on you like when you are young. So when Christine (listgirl) and Peppermint rolled this out, I thought sure. Sounds like a cool idea. You can find out more about the project (and these innovative ladies) at their respective blogs: Frick on a Stick and Adventures of ListGirl.

So I'm thinking this post could count right? Naaah. Just kidding. I will learn something new this week and share it. What it is, not sure just yet, lol. And that I leave you with an image:

When you are through changing, you are through. ~Bruce Barton

2011-02-02T14:18:00.003-06:00

So it's getting to be that time of year. The time when the white all around me in Minnesota starts to grate on my nerves. It really is lovely and on the one hand I really long for the cool and crisp of winter in about July. But nothing, I mean nothing, makes a flower more beautiful or appreciated than snow on the ground for 3 months. I mean in the summer they are all so common place and competing with everything around it. But in the winter flowers are the unique, the colorful, and so missed.

So today's challenge at the Shutter sisters is color therapy. Now I could totally use this as an excuse to go look at the flowers at Bachmans. But really where we see color most, and the places we most visit in the winter, are places like museums. Fortunately this area is full of them. Recently we escaped to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It's one of the coolest places on earth I'm sure. Not only does it have tons of cool inspiration from tons of places all over the world, it is also free. Can't get cooler than that!! And the first thing you see when you walk in is this:

Tell me this sun is not glorious. I mean really, almost as glorious as the original. The amount of work and joy that went into this project just literally radiates out.

I SO love this!

That is all. Have a colorful day!

2011-01-12T15:23:00.004-06:00

Whoot!!BlogWalk!! WHOOOT!!

So did you find your way over here from Madlen's blog. She is so dang talented!!

Well of course I did do a page with the Catwalk. But maybe you could see how it is so not QP possible.

But that doesn't mean that there isn't a QP here. The oh so talented Nicole Martin has made this beaute for you!

and you can pick it up at: http://www.box.net/shared/zfh9kbx0pk

Now that you've grabbed another QP, it's time to move on. You will be heading over to Sandra (aka julismama. Just click here: http://sandraskleinerscrapblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/catwalk-winter-2011.html

Hope you enjoy!!

2010-12-17T10:13:00.003-06:00

Digi Dare 209

Look Mom NO Hands -

Yup this week I'm the host. It's my first chance hosting. Come and play!! All the Darer's found this dare so rewarding. I'm sure you will too.

Here is my page:

Journaling: We had just moved to Minnesota and were living in an apartment. All of our stuff was in storage and we had moved from the warmth of Florida to the freezing wet cold of Minnesota in March. Nothing was familiar. Even the grocery store took some getting use to. In Florida they bagged your groceries but I was particularly annoyed that day to learn that in Minnesota, even if you had a 1 year old tagging along, you were still responsible for bagging your own groceries. Nothing was familiar.But as we were leaving the store and unpacking the groceries into the car, an older lady approached me, teddy bear in her arms.She said, “I was watching you. And you are such a good young mother, I wanted to give this to your adorable little daughter. Well of course I was certainly surprised. I thanked her bur I could tell that no Thanks were necessary. As we drove away that day, I was reminded that although Minnesota was unfamiliar, kindness can be found anywhere. That was 15 years ago. And to this day, I have no idea where that bear is, but the memory is always close to my heart.

Credits:
-Love is Keely-
by Karah Fredericks
-Wish List- Collab between CatScrap and Lilypad
-PJ Party- Collab between Kaye Winiecki and Juliana Kneipp Designs
-Frosty Alpha- by K Studio
Font is Scrap Color Me 8

Now just so you know - Everyone who plays along, also gets the Anniversary kit Dare to Be You FREEE:

annnnnd....

If you are here for the Wish List Qp, just keep scrolling down. It's there for a short time more.

2010-12-13T21:16:00.008-06:00

Yoooooo Hooooooo - It's me again. Sorry it's been so dang long. I always have the hardest time deciding if I want to create or chat about it. Well so far, create has won out. LOL

But I'm here today for you...

And you are here today for...

WISH LIST

Good Golly Miss Molly is this sucker gooooorgeous. Quick put it on your wish list or better yet, go snag it and scrap your wish list!! (That is one of the awesome challenges with this kit at CatScrap, lol. I mean you might as well win something good as long as you are wishing, right!)
You can grab this goodie at CatScrap and The Lilypad. (I know like an explosion of awesomeness!!!)

What you say you need a little sampling???!! Well lucky for you, you are following a blog hop. Here you go:
http://www.box.net/shared/cm7pohiqd3

Hope you enjoy your little present from me to you. Happy Holidays!!!

Ready to move on to the Melanie's blog. Wassel on to http://tappingthedreamtree.blogspot.com/.

2010-10-08T09:05:00.007-05:00

Digi-Dare and a Worthy Cause

It's a Digi-Dare friday!! #199 (Wow oh wow that's a lot of dares!!)

This week was all about how you help other people. I have to say, that at first I was so not looking forward to this one. It's not that we don't do things to help other, you know we give money to groups, cloths to Goodwill, help out at school, and give to church. But none of these things really inspired me to scrap. I mean it doesn't ever feel like we do enough!

But there is one thing we do, and we do it as a family, that will hopefully one day make a difference.

And before I knew it, I had a layout I love. Okay well it did take a little while to put all those elements on, lol. But it is always fun to dig through my Lilypad stash.

However, one of the things that really rocked the most about this challenge was that ALL of the layouts are just incredible. What an amazing creative bunch!!

So go check it out. Hope you are inspired to play along, cause you won't be sorry!!

And speaking of giving...
A new collab has been released to day to help a sweet digi-friend. Mary lost her 17 year old daughter last week. I can not imagine the pain she and her family are experiencing right now. This is never the way it is suppose to be and certainly one of the most painful experiences a parent can go through. This is certainly not a time to worry about hospital bills and funeral bills. So some fantastic designers have come together to create a stunning kit in Charlie's honor.
It is well worth the money for the kit, but more importantly it is well worth the money to support a family in need during this very trying time. It is being carried in two stores: Mscraps and Scrap Orchard and 100% of the proceeds go to benefit the Gonzalez family. (In case you are wondering, I am not affiliated at all with this project or stores. I am just a friend and yes I bought it.)

2010-10-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

Holy Cow Batman!! Is there a ton going on this weekend in Digi-land. Let me say we have been scrapping, and planning, and all kinds of fun stuff at CatScrap. So check check it out...and at the end you will find a nice little QP reward. (After all you did follow the blog hop from the CatScrap blog right??)

First of all, I hope you checked out all the goodies going on at CatScrap. A new team (did you see who was lead. What are they thinking??), a new designer, a new challenge system, lots of games and forum fun...whew the list is endless!! OH WAIT I forgot to mention the glorious Catwalk. Silly me!

Now on to some inspiration.

I got one page done with Fiddlette's Designs:
Credits: Artsy Girl by Fiddelette Designs, About by Creashen, KStudio, and Something Blue Studio, and Stitches by Syrin

and here are mine with the CatWalk:
This one was for the Collection Challenge
Credits: Rainy Days and Sundays by Allison Pennington; Splash Alpha by Roben-Marie Designs; and Jumpers 65-68 by Crystal Livesay

and Finally the one you have been waiting for:
Credits: With All My Heart by Julia Makotinsky

I hope you likie, cause that is the quick page you are getting. (Ummm sorry. Without the handsome guy. Cause he is all mine.)

Now last but not least to grab that quick page:
--------->click here<-------- Now that you've seen my corner, it's time to mozy on over to Suzanne's Blog. Hope you have plenty of fun today at CatScrap!!

2010-09-29T12:20:00.001-05:00

A few more details...

2010-09-24T19:53:00.004-05:00

Sooooooo lots to tell, lots to tell. Sorry it's been such a dry spell. But lots of exciting things happening in my digi-sphere-- so without delay:

Is that cryptic enough. What am I trying to tell you???? Well all I'm gonna say is it's gonna be good and it's at the_lilypad.com. I CAN NOT wait.

Did you think I was going to challenge you? Well not with that yet. But I will challenge you with this weeks digi-dare. OMG was this ever fun!! This challenge is about scrapping about something that happened during your birth year. Now how fun is that for your kids and family to read and place you in history. Not to mention scrapping retro was way way fun! Here is mine:

Credits: After5Design November Collab: Flower Power; Chelle’s Creations: Out of This World; Creashen: Torn Bits 2; Pictures: Deviant Art; Font: Pea Sarah Quick

I love how all the layouts came out. So go ahead and click here to check out the dare. Then DO IT. You won't regret it.

and of course last but not least...just reminding you that CatScrap is still running their CT call. It won't be much longer...Call ends Sept 27th. SO GET THEM IN You do not want to miss this.

2010-09-17T23:46:00.003-05:00

Exciting exciting announcement:

check check it oooooout!!

2010-09-03T07:40:00.003-05:00

Sheesh I know it's been a while. Sorry. The kids go back to school next Tuesday and we have been summering it up! Museums, the State Fair, etc. But I had to jump on and tell you my most exciting news!!

I am a darer! A Digi-Darer. Can I get a Whoooot!! When the call went out, I was a little unsure if I had what it took. I don't always have time for challenges. Which is totally crazy cause I love love challenges. I love doing them, I love creating them, I just love what I produce...etc.

But oh happy me. I did apply and they did accept!! And I can not tell you how much I adore my first page for them. It really demonstrates everything I love about challenges.

The first dare is all about Birthdays (and yes you know you got tons of pictures, so no excuses for not playing) and red, white, and blue. You can see the details here.

Now get those birthday pictures out and come join in on the fun!!!
http://www.digidares.com/

2010-08-19T08:00:00.011-05:00

Perhaps you've heard the buzz all week long. Yup it's time for another crazy Catscrap Shindig! I really am not sure anyone quite throws a party like Catscrap. They are so super generous with the prizes. And this party is the biggest of 'em all. Happy 4th Birthday Catscrap!!

And just cause I gotcha here, I'm gonna take a minute to show you this impressive party schedule -

And I bet most of you are here for the blog hop. But of course before you get...I must give...we will be having CHATs. Yay!!

Oh and if a chat is not your game, there are tons of challenges and games in the forum. And you soo wanna win the goods. There is so much new wonderfulness in the store and a new collab next week with a guest designer whose store initials are PP. (But you didn't hear that from me.)

So yes, yes...the time has come...I hope I don't disappoint...(love comments by the way :)):
Here is the original-

And here is the QP-

You can download this baby here: My Beautiful Blog Page
This sweet little page was brought to you by the new Catscrap Collab Fall Reverie! (Free with $10 purchase)

Then you can mozy on over to Tez's Blog. Then head on back for some Catscrap Party Games!!

2010-08-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans

I've spent more than half my childhood and college years on the Gulf of Mexico. First in St. Petersburg and then in New Orleans. And there is just something so special about that body of water. So it was so depressing to see the oil seeping out and knowing how awful a disaster is like that.

So when Sara Gleason asked me to be a part of promoting a Charity Collab designed to support the efforts in cleaning up the Gulf, there were tears in my eyes.

And then I went to download the kit...and holy crumoly smackaroly!! This is literally the largest download of goodies that I have ever had the pleasure to download. Wow oh wow. I made 3 layouts (which by the way I have never done with a kit) and literally could make at least 3 more.

So for those two gigantic reasons I would sooooo recommend to anyone that they should run on over to After5 and pick it up. Definitely a win for the scrapper and win for the environment too.

And in case I did not convince you, here is the press release:

For more than 90 days, oil gushed into the Gulf of Mexico before the leak was finally "capped" in late July. It is estimated that approximately 4.9 million barrels (or 205.8 million gallons) of oil spilled into the waters. It has been one of the biggest environmental disasters in decades. Hundreds of miles of beaches, wetlands, and estuaries along the northern Gulf Coast have been impacted. The spill, though temporarily "capped", continues to cause extensive damage to marine and wildlife habitats as well as the Gulf's fishing and tourism industries. Families are without work and marine and land animals continue to suffer. And there are still many unknowns about the long term effects of the oil and of chemical disbursements used in attempts to curtail the flow and impact upon the regional coastline and waters.

Forty-five designers across the digital scrapbooking community have united with one shared cause: to raise awareness and to support recovery efforts for the environment and those impacted by this tragic disaster.

Participating designers include: Aja Abney, Amy Martin, Biograffiti, Boutique Cute Dolls, Createwings Designs, Deena Rutter, Designs by Cindy Schneider, Designs by Crystal Livesay, Dido Designs, Dunia Designs, Emily Merritt Designs, Fiddle Dee Dee Designs, Fizzy Pop Designs, FruitLoOp Sally Designs, Laurie Ann (Heaven's Gate Designs), Holliewood Studios, Holly Designs, Holly Spring Designs, Jazzmin Designs, Jennifer Barrette Designs, Jacque Larsen, Juliana Kneipp Designs, Kay Miller Designs, Kaye Winiecki, Kitty Designs, Kristin Aagard Designs, Lauren Grier, Leora Sanford, Loreta Labarca, Micheline Martin, Nikki Beaudreau, Paislee Press, One Little Bird Designs, Sabrina Dupre, Sahlin Studio, Sarah Cornish of My 4 Hens Photography, Shabby Miss Jenn, Studio Basic Designs, Sugarplum Paperie, Tickled Pink Studios, Tiny Toes Designs, Tracie Stroud, Vera Lim, Vinnie Pearce, and zinnias and swallowtails.

Hands Across the Gulf is our heartsong for this cause. This gorgeous kit representing the varied styles of the scrapping community, is positively overflowing with beautiful papers, unique elements, templates and Photoshop actions. All told, designers have contributed more than 100 papers and 200 elements, 2 full alphas, 18 templates, and 4 PS actions to Hands Across the Gulf.

Available for sale for one month only, 100% of the proceeds from this kit will be donated to the National Wildlife Federation and to the United Way's Gulf Recovery Fund.

Hands Across the Gulf arrives Sunday 15 August 2010 at After Five Designs.

So now maybe a little eye candy from me:

Yes I do miss New Orleans. There is something magical about that place and it makes me so sad to see them go through so much! (By the way the photo is not mine so here is the TOU stuffs - Copywrite 2010 Roy Tennant Freelargephotos.com.)

I have to say this is like one of my fav. templates ever. And that is saying alot since I have access to the best in the business!

Hey why are you still here...go now...click on the link now...

2010-08-12T22:18:00.009-05:00

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
I'm in love with the Mailman this week!! Now yes, I've been stalking him for the sketchbook, but lo and behold, he brought me another surprise too!!

See this, this is the realization of a dream. It's been hard work, sweat, tears and worry. It all started, such a LONG TIME AGO, when I first opened my very first issue of Creating Keepsakes. I was thrilled, amazed, but most of all I said I want to create art like that!!! So yes, it has finally happened, I've been published in CK!! Yay Me.

Now I can't help think that all dogs have a lucky day now and then, but Thank you soooo much editors of CK. IT is such an honor!!

Now see this? This next item is creating such calamity with my emotions, lol. On the one hand I am so excited to get this project started. And on the other hand, if I start this project, I might ruin it. Yup this is for real. So I'm working up the nerve (and to be quite honest, I've been scrapping like a maniac) to crack it open and get busy. I'm sure excited will win sooner than later.
Now that you've waited, I've got good news for you too!! CHAT at the Lilypad!!!

Tomorrow, Friday the 13th at 7pm Central. There will be prizes too!!
See I told you it was worth the wait.
Hope to see you there!!

2010-08-05T19:48:00.003-05:00

Yay. Sketchbook has been sent!! Thanks Steve and Shane! Also learned there are 10,000 signed up. Wow. It's a good thing it's not a competition.

Here is a little more practice. This time practicing shadow and pattern from what I saw at Sarah's Band School:

2010-08-03T15:27:00.011-05:00

Another random post. But I do have to say that when I decided to do a blog, I really didn't want it to be Wall of Torn Advertisements. I mean I super love all that I create for (I mean really, how lucky am I!!). But what I really want to explore is my artistic adventure. So on to my latest adventure:

It's been years since I sketched. Like 20 years maybe. But I've been inspired -

The Sketchbook Project
So for my birthday, I've signed up. I'm joining in and hoping for the best. Sure there is amazing artists joining in, sure the Brooklyn Gallery will be displaying it for all to see, but I'm stepping out naked and not perfect making the plunge.

And I'm so so very excited. My theme for the book is "I'm Sorry I Forgot You". I totally relate to this topic. I was totally traumatized by my parents forgetting me once and have since left my daughter somewhere. I know what sorry is! But I'm not sketching this rather personally tragic but publicly boring idea. Instead I have come up with some other ideas
- Sketch all the things I have left behind as I've aged (like perky boobs)
- "Forget" the book everywhere and let others sketch (this feels like cheating)
- Sketch a love letter to my DH (which feels a little odd since I doubt he would love it)
- Sketch a landfill will all kinds of junk left behind (maybe sketch it aging with somethings going back to the earth and some not) (This one feels pretty fake to since I don't recycle)

If you are reading this (and I'm not sure you are) let me know which one you like best!

So Yes I know I am an amateur so no heckling please (unless it is really funny, cause you know I love to laugh!):

Practice 8/3/10

Check out the web site. Super cool!! I could look at all the sketches forever. (well not mine, lol.) If you join in, or are blogging/flickr let me know. I would love company.

2010-07-21T09:46:00.006-05:00

Yup look at me doing the random post. No give aways, no one directing you here..

But I hope there is someone out there looking, cause I want to show off July's Song Bird Avenue Kit with guest designer Laurie Ann HGD.

Tell me that is not gorgeous. This time all proceeds go to Mercy Ship. Mercy Ships is an organization that operates hospital ships throughout the globe. A worthy cause for sure! So if you would like to help, or want to play with this gorgeous kit, you can get it at Songbird Avenue but only until July 31st.

The butterflies and swirlies were so calling to me from this kit. So I made a little hybrid Thank You Gift Card holder for the kids teachers:

2010-06-25T12:00:00.003-05:00

Are you ready??? For another scrapping fete???

Cause one of my favorite CatScrap events is happening right now. This very weekend!!

CATWALK - Whoooot Whooooot

But you probably know that right? That's why you are here. You followed Suzanne's blog to mine? And now you want your reward. Ahhhh...but it's not that easy. First I must remind you of the awesome CatWalk sale and invite you to join me for a CatWalk Chit Chat:

Yup that's right. Be a cool kid and come join us. I will be hosting WITH prizes!!
If you are wondering what time this is in your neck of the woods, check out this cool time converter, click here.

And then I must entertain you with my stunning pages!
First one - Summer Go Go (Whew is it fall yet? Just kidding!)Using Lynne Marie's Bikini Season, Syrin's Summeresque, Ju Kneipp's Summer Time and Natalie Martin's Chunky Sorta Cardboard Alpha and Over the Rainbow.

And Dishtraction using Lynne Marie's Bikini Season and Natalie's Citrus Burst Paper and Chunky Card Board Alpha.

Were you entertained...alright now you have earned your reward. Here is your QP.

Download has Expired
Hope you enjoy it.
After you download run along to Jess's Blog and grab your next QP. Hope to see you at the CHIT CHAT!!

2010-06-13T19:25:00.004-05:00

Guess what!!! Guess what!!!

Someone pinch me because I can't even believe it....

Yup I won!!
Best Overall -

and if that wasn't enough (which it totally was!!!)
Best Layout Without a Picture -

Thankyou so much to all the judges and the organizers of the contest!! This really is an amazing honor!!!

2010-05-11T20:25:00.002-05:00

Holy cow am I ever ever impressed with the new talent at Catscraps! And yes I feel so very lucky to be working with them. Just look at this new kit by Ju Kneipp - Strawberry Swing-

She based it on the new video by Coldplay which you can see on YouTube here.

Here is my layout with it:

2010-05-11T15:17:00.005-05:00

Yes. All the festivities are over and it's a new day in digi world. (yes, I know it's way after iNSD, but I'm playing catch up so be patient :))I hope you found some awesome deals like I did. I stole on over the the new Deviant Scraps early and picked up two Holliewood designs I had been dying to try and while I was there played two challenges too.
All Hallows Eve and Junkyard
Of course the All Hallows Eve was for the what are you scared of challenge. So I made this:

One Morning

and for the Scraplift Challenge I made this one with Junkyard

My Way

But of course that was not all. I got sucked into the O'Scraps twitter world and had to grab some goodies there. Thank you so much to Emily Powers for dropping some of the best couponage ever. Picked up Nature Boy
and how could I possibly resist photo overlays. It's just not in my nature. Haven't used it yet. But I will have to carve out some time.

So finally this means not only did I start a blog for iNSD, but you can now catch me on Twitter too. Oye!

2010-05-02T15:48:00.003-05:00

Well iNSD is almost over true. I hope it has been a great one. My dear friend Lex (mrshobbes) has dragged me into the modern world for iNSD. She enticed me with fabulous coupons from Emily Powers to join Twitter. So I have. I'm still a little lost, but I've found a few friends, updated my look there, and even got a Emily Powers kit for $1.00.
But while i've been busy, things have been hopping over at After5.com too. So run on over there to check out the fun and games. There are 6 new designers too! The games end tonight but the challenges run through next week.

And of course, sale, sale, sale. So hurry before it's all gone!! Happy iNSD Part 3~~

2010-04-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy iNSD Friday Edition

So are you wondering what else is going on for iNSD in my CT life??? Just in case you were wondering:

**Sigh** Don't you just love iNSD!! Don't you just love Catscrap???! Well if you answered yes to that last one, you should know:

So keep scrolling to find see the Lilypad goodness! Happy iNSD Friday

2010-04-29T00:25:00.002-05:00

Welcome all you iNSD revelers!! Hope you are having a merry scrapping time on this blog hop.

But before I get rolling on why you came to my blog, (just bear with me) can you believe the happens at the Lilypad!!! How cool is that to have some of the best guests ever come back!!! And did you see all the goodies. Holy Crumbs A Lot!! I hope you saved your pennies for iNSD 'cause there is absolutely something for everyone. And then there is games and challenges too!!! So much fun!! Oh oh and chats. I love, love some chats!! Hopefully you will see me there!!

Okay, enough of the ranting. Here is my QP -

Now now don't applaud. I know you love it. Ha ha!! Well actually I hope you do. Cause it's all your should you choose to download.
You can download it here .
(p.s. I fixed the link. Sorry it wasn't working. Sometimes I'm such a dork.)

And once you are all done there, you can scamper on off to Eryn's Blog.

Before you run off -- Thanks for stopping by my brand spankin' new blog. Have a great iNSD!!

2010-04-28T00:42:00.002-05:00

Well if you are in my corner of the world, which I am sure you are not. I will now answer my husbands burning question. "Why start a blog now?"

iNSD is coming and there is lots to share silly man! So here is one thing I will share:

But keep checking back, because I will have more to share throughout the week about all my CTs party plans!!

2010-04-21T09:03:00.000-05:00

2010-04-21T00:55:00.001-05:00

Well it seems I'm up and running.