Scrapbooking Made Simple

Happy Holidays

2009-12-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

I have been busy lately! Photo pendants have been selling like crazy in my etsy shop! I'm so excited about the busy-ness, but I'm swamped and all my free time is spent crafting.

This is what my craft table looked like yesterday.

I'm working on marble magnet sets that go in matching tins, refrigerator scrapbooks and, obviously, photo pendants. Whew!

Here are all the photo pendants. And, this was before I printed the 8 or so more that I printed that evening!

I'm pretty much done with orders before Christmas, I think. I have orders that were already placed that I need to finish and mail, but I'm only taking local orders now. I can't guarantee orders will arrive in time for Christmas.

I have changed the name of my business from Scrapbooking Made Simple to Cherry Tart Designs. I wanted something less specific since I'm not only selling scrapbooked items anymore. I don't know what made me choose Cherry Tart Designs, but I love it! Check out my new etsy shop: www.CherryTartDesigns.etsy.com. I'm working on getting more items posted, but you can at least enjoy my new banner. *grin*

I will also no longer be posting on this blog. You can follow my crafting on my new blog: www.CherryTartDesigns.blogspot.com Check me out! Stop by and say hi!

Can Christmas really be 16 days away?!

My biggest order yet

2009-11-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

This week, I got a convo on etsy from a lady that works for Rowe Fine Furniture, a furniture manufacturer, asking if I would be interested in a big order. They have a new line of furniture by an international fashion designer and she wanted me to make marble magnets using pictures of the exclusive fabrics.

How cool is that?!

There are 12 new fabrics, so 12 magnets in each set. I was so excited to see that 12 magnets fit perfectly into the rectangle tin that I use for my refrigerator scrapbooks.

So, we chatted back and forth and she requested 55 sets (that's like 110 of my 6-magnet sets!). I told her I could have them finished in 2 1/2 weeks. Am I crazy? I'm not sure...

I've placed my order for more rectangle tins and neodymium magnets and I've bought enough glass marble gems to sink a boat. I think I'm ready.

I'm looking forward to the challenge and the sense of accomplishment that I know will come when I finish such a large order.

But my fingers may never be the same again...

Christmas Corner at Maude Cobb

2009-10-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

The Christmas Corner Arts and Crafts Extravaganza is happening early this year! Do some holiday shopping (Halloween and Christmas) now and relax later!

Where: Maude Cobb Convention Center

When:
Friday 9-5
Saturday 9-5
Sunday 11-4

Price: Tickets are $5.

My friend, Josie, and I are sharing a booth again this year. We figure scrapbooking and pictures go together well. I'll try to remember to take a picture of our booth this year... I totally forgot last year!

We're also going to be neighbors to Alison, Janette and Amy. Check out Amy's creations in her etsy shop: Amy's Little Bowtique. Notice her bottlecap bows? Hmmm, for some reason, those amazing bottlecaps look very familiar... I love how Amy put them in her bows!

So, come out to shop, chat and sample yummy food (no food in our booth, unfortunately), and, make sure you stop by and say hi, too!

Custom Order - Dierks Bentley Bottlecap Magnets

2009-09-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

I love getting custom orders! A few weeks ago, my brother-in-law, Kyle's cousin FaceBooked me and asked if I could make her some bottlecap magnets with photos of her favorite person, country singer Dierks Bentley.

She e-mailed me photos and I got to work. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy and I learned the hard way that the glaze I use doesn't like the humidity.

So, I reprinted them and tried again a few days ago when it was sunny. Unfortunately, I discovered that I was using a different photo paper and the new photo paper didn't like the glaze! Grrr!

But, now that I have figured the problem out, I feel much better.

And here are her magnets:

Close up:

Yes, she has even met Dierks. Check out the two bottlecaps with her picture, too. Pretty cool, eh?!

I can make bottlecap magnets out of any images you have! Just contact me for more info!

What free time?!

2009-09-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Somehow, I came up with this crazy idea that having both kids in school would give me free time. Free time? What's that?! I have yet to sit and read a book or go out to lunch with a friend or anything because I haven't slowed down.

It is nice to be able to do what I want to and not feel like I'm neglecting kids. But, at the same time, I really miss having them here. The summer was great and I enjoyed our time together. Knowing that both boys are doing great and are in just the right place for them makes it easier, though.

My etsy business has taken off with custom orders. And, two boutiques here in town have started selling my bottlecap pendants. Up In Stitches is a fun store in downtown Longview. They have a lot of "vendors" that sell their items there. I also have them at Polka Tot Boutique in north Longview, by the new Wal-Mart. This is my first month to sell with both stores, so we'll see if it goes well.

Any Longhorn fans?

Or are you more of an Aggie?

Punk Princess overload...

The other day, I saw someone with one of my bottlecap pendants on and I didn't know her, so I know I didn't sell it to her. That was way cool!!

How 'bout them Cowboys?!

My friend, Amy, is using my bottlecaps in her bows and she has done a fantastic job! All of her bows are adorable and seem to be selling really well.

Personalized with the initial of your choice.

So, that's why I haven't been blogging lately. Yes, it's just another excuse... But, it's a good one, right?!

When nothing else will do...

2009-07-28T19:01:00.001-07:00

I began making Scrabble Tile Necklaces not too long ago. I'm really enjoying them! I had a great idea for how to disply them using stick pins on a corkboard. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any pins that turned the right direction.

So, I got out my hubby's needle nose pliers and a box of stick pins and started working. I knew exactly what I wanted, so I didn't mind the effort involved.

I started with a beautiful framed corkboard from Hobby Lobby (half off, of course). Then I used crochet string (or whatever it's called) and I began a grid.

Almost done...

Finished! Now, that wasn't too bad, was it? Um, yes, yes, it was because I wanted to make sure everything was perfectly, evenly spaced. But, I got pretty close and I was pleased with the grid.

Then I used a Sharpie marker and put a dot at each intersection on the grid.

Then, at each dot, I put a twisted and warped... um, I mean, lovingly shaped and bent push pin.

You can see it took two bends to get the shape I wanted so that the bail of the pendant would sit flat and the pendant would hang just right.

After I shaped about half of the pins, I began removing them one row at a time, adding a dab of glue, and then putting the pins back in. About 1/3 of the way through, I realized that it would have been quicker to not put them in the corkboard until I was ready to glue them down. That would've saved me an unnecessary step. Oh, well.

Here is the finished display on a beautiful easel. The easel was a splurge--it wasn't on sale!--but it was love at first sight! I even bought a cheaper one somewhere else and decided I just really wanted this one. So, I returned the first one and bought the one I liked best and we lived happily ever after.

I really think this will be eye-catching at craft shows!

I think I have one of those personalities where I get addicted to things. My life was just fine and complete until I discovered I could make Scrabble Tile Pendants and now I just. can't. stop.

I suppose I'm not really *trying* to stop...

Here are a few pretty pendants. I was taking pictures to list them in my etsy shop and I decided I liked the one in the front with the color bursts. So, it's not going to be for sale. Sorry.

But, I have lots more. And, I do mean *lots*!

Here's another favorite that I haven't quite decided if I'm keeping or selling. If you're quick, you might beat me...

Someday, it will stop raining here and I'll have some decent lighting to take pictures of the necklaces available to hang the Scrabble tile pendants and my photo pendants from. But, not yet...

A little Japanese

A little modern

A little swirly

I would say check out my etsy shop for more Scrabble pendants, but I haven't listed any yet! So, don't go check out my etsy shop for Scrabble pendants. Although, you can go check it out for bottlecap necklaces! *grin*

Bottle Cap Choker Necklaces

2009-07-20T05:31:00.001-07:00

I was so pleased with how my niece's bottle cap necklaces turned out, that I caught the bottle cap bug and began looking for great images to use, more bottlecaps to purchase and tips on how to keep the lacquer from bubbling. I just jumped in with both feet! I come by that tendency naturally, as my mom is the exact same way!

I discovered that there are crafty people out there that sell images that are the perfect size for bottle cap necklaces! Yay! So, I spent hours poring over different images searching for my favorites.

After I had made about 200 or more bottlecaps, I decided I ought to make the choker necklaces for the caps to attach to. So, I learned, through trial and error, what to use for the necklaces.

Then I went back and forth with a few ideas, trying to think of how to display the necklaces and bottlecaps at craft shows. I have come up with one favorite idea, although I'm open for any brainstorming anyone else can come up with, and I thought I'd share my idea for how to store and display the necklaces.

So far, I have black, white, bright pink and pale pink. I haven't been able to find other colors, but, really, those are the most common colors in my bottlecaps.

I'll probably have the jars sitting on the table with the lids off. And maybe have a few out of the jar?

The magnets on the back of the bottlecaps attach to the metal wahers.

You can mix and match chokers to bottlecaps.

Side view of the way the cap snaps onto the choker.

Back view.

A few samples of the necklaces I've been busy making. Tinkerbell galore!

"boy crazy" with some bling

You can wear more than one choker at a time for a layered look.

"Drama Queen"

Cinderella

Mix and match chokers

"You want thing-a-ma-bobs? I've got twenty!"

I have skateboarders, fun phrases, sports, cheerleading, you name it, I either have it or I can find it. I'm very excited to see how these sell!

Princess Party Gift

2009-07-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

My niece had her 6th birthday recently and I was invited to her Princess Party. I was honored! I wanted to make something special and wanted something different than the items I have made before. I remembered that my crafty friend (and neighbor) had made some bottle cap necklaces for party favors for her daughter's birthday and I decided to give it a try!

I had leftover bottle caps from years ago when I decoupaged some for a scrapbook layout of my sons' birthday party, so I pulled them out. I wanted to make princess caps because it was a princess party. I remembered a set of mini playing cards that I had picked up probably years ago in the Wal-Mart check out line that had all the Disney princess on the back. Yay, I hadn't thrown them away!

So, I got to work. It was trial and error, but I was super pleased with how they turned out.

For the record, although I might not be well versed in all things girly, I do know that Tinkerbell isn't technically a Disney princess. But, she is super cute and she fit perfectly with the girls. *grin*

I included magnetic pink and white choker necklaces that are interchangeable.

I packaged the necklaces in a tiny little Chinese take-out box.

Then I made a quick card using a clear princess stamp and my copic markers.

I was very pleased with how everything turned out and the Birthday Princess seemed to like them, too.

And, here's my sweet niece, Julia, who invited me to her princess party (actually, my sister, Christy, really invited me) so I could leave my three boys at home and enjoy some girl time with pink, purple, sparkles, make up, dress up and giggling.

And they all lived happily ever after...

Finally, a new pendant!

2009-07-14T07:41:00.001-07:00

I have been wearing a photo pendant with a picture that is at least a year old! It's okay if the kids aren't with me, but if they're with me, you can tell they've changed a lot. Mainly, Russell has his glasses and that changes his whole look!

So, after a fun day at Sci-Port, the boys and I enjoyed some time at a beautiful waterfall across the street and I got the perfect picture!

I had already decided I wanted a tall pendant, so I just needed a tall picture. I am so, so pleased with the final result and I've been wearing it all the time!

I get lots of compliments on it. This shape is very eye-catching.

For a look at all the photo pendant sizes available, check out my etsy shop!

Congratulations, Graduates!

2009-06-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

My mom wanted some simple, can be for a boy or girl, no school colors, graduation cards, so I made a set of 10 in an assembly line style.

I did 5 red and 5 blue. The images were stamped in black ink and colored with copic markers. If you look closely, you can see that I pierced a little curly-q thingy that makes it look like the hat just flipped. At least, that's how it's supposed to look.

After printing, cutting out and mounting the words, "Congratulations" for the inside, I realized that I probably have a stamp that says that. Oh, well. At least it all matches since I didn't have a stamp for the phrase on the front. And we all know matching is best, right?! :-)

Simple, but I was very pleased with how they turned out.

Congratulations, Graduates! Or is that Congradulations, Gratuates?...

Chore Jars

2009-05-30T18:36:00.000-07:00

Well, we've started consistently doing chores around here. Okay, I already was doing them, but now I've allowed my children to partake in the great joy that one receives as a result of doing chores on a daily basis.

Ever since I posted about wanting the boys to have regular chores, I've been "testing" them to see what they can do. I have been pleasantly surprised to see all that they are capable of and how eager they are!

I'm also wondering why I didn't start this sooner! These kids are a huge help!

I took popsicle sticks and wrote the boys' chores out, one on each stick. Then I used baby food jars (the large ones--I knew I was saving them for a good reason!) and decorated them. I know, I know, that step was unnecessary, but it was fun!

I just used fun clip art images I found online. Russell got an alien in a space ship:

And Randall got a rocket ship:

As you can see, each boy gets two jars. One has "To Do" on it and the other has "Done". I choose the chores each morning and put them in the "To Do" jar. As they finish them, they, obviously, move the popsicle sticks to the "Done" jar.

I also have extra chores that they can do (after they've finished their regular ones) and they can earn extra money for doing them. They are marked with a red dot so I remember that they are extra. And, I have an extra jar for the chores that aren't necessary that day (like emptying the trash or putting away clean clothes, etc).

For a list of the specific chores I gave each boy, check out my family blog!

Some of these still require my supervision, but I've been so pleased with their willingness to help and with how teachable they've been to my instruction on how to do the chores!

Well, we're enjoying blasting off to chores!

And, I leave you with a joke.

What did the alien say to the rose bush?

Take me to your weeder!

Ba-da-dum!

Venting

2009-05-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am frustrated and want to vent.

I did a search last night for "magnetic scrapbook" to see if my etsy stuff shows up in searches. I was curious how many pages you would have to scroll through before finding my refrigerator scrapbooks. What I found was someone that makes the exact same magnetic scrapbooks as I do. Her description was even very similar to mine, almost word for word in parts.

Now, I realize that I don't have a copyright on my idea, but she could at least give me credit, like when I stamp a card and "case" someone else's.

Or she could have made it look a little different than mine! She used the same idea of using a brand new, plain metal tin and the same kind of magnets, same placement of magnets and everything.

I know that some of you might be rolling your eyes at me and think I'm making a big deal out of nothing. Am I? I don't know. I'm not trying to be ugly, I'm just bummed that the very thing I was afraid would happen, did happen. I should have known it would happen since I did put my idea up on the world wide web, but she's even selling on etsy.

Aargh.

I could get a copyright, but it looks like it's very expensive and there's still no guarantee that someone won't see my idea and copy it anyway.

There's nothing I can do (at least I don't think there is). So, I have a choice. I can sit and think about it and be mad (which is what I want to do) or I can get over it (which is what I *want* to want to do).

Oh, well. It's not like we can't both make them and both sell them. I love making them and I imagine she does, too. It's not the end of the world, is it?

Okay, I feel better after venting.

I was pleasantly surprised to see, in my googling, that someone blogged about a tin and some magnets that they ordered from me last summer. What a nice surprise!

So, I'll end on that note!

Happy Birthday, Cap'n Aidan!

2009-05-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

I sold a pirate paper bag album on etsy the other day and what a fun album to personalize. Cap'n Aidan is just a little younger than Randall and I can imagine what a fun party he had!

Have fun putting pirate memories in your album!

Teacher Gifts

2009-05-22T18:03:00.000-07:00

Back when I made Russell's teacher a crayon initial, I had grand intentions of making one for each of Randall's teachers, too. It just didn't happen. So, I was determined to make them for the end of the year.

My neighbor, Allison, wanted to make one, too, so we spent a few hours together one evening and cut up crayons. We're such cut-ups. Ha, ha. Ha. Hmmm.

Anyway, I was very pleased with the result! So, of course, I had to take a picture. For some reason, when I make a gift, I like it so much, it's hard to give it away. Although, I don't know what I'd do with two crayon intials (especially considering I don't have a 'K' or a 'P' anywhere in my name...). But, if I take a picture, I have no trouble giving it away. I know, I'm weird.

So, here they are:

And, just because I'm so crafty and cool like that, I even wrapped them up in a very professional manner.

Oh, wait, I must've forgotten to take a picture of them all wrapped and spiffy in their matching paper with handmade bows. Or... Maybe the whole "matching wrapping paper and handmade bows" was just in my wildest dreams. You spend too much time cutting crayons and sniffing tacky glue and you, too, can have wild dreams...

I used the basic idea of the crayon initial from Dawn's blog. She helped me last time (because I don't have PhotoShop and I waited until the last minute before beginning my project), but this time, I was a big girl and did it by myself. It was much easier than I expected. I used Word and made mine to fit an 8 1/2 x 11 frame.

No handmade cards this time with the busy-ness of the end of the school year. I know, I know...

By the time the kids graduate from high school, they will have left a trail of initials and broken hearts... er, crayons.

Baby Showers

2009-05-11T19:49:00.000-07:00

I have had quite a few baby showers lately and I always forget to make a card!

I had two in one weekend and I finished the presents (refrigerator scrapbooks and diapers), but had to rush at the last minute for cards. Here are the quick cards I came up with. I was very, very pleased and I'll definitely make more--maybe even sooner than 10 minutes before I need to leave for the shower... maybe...

One shower was for a Mama having a little girl. So, here was Kirsten's gift bag and card.

A close up of the card. The paper matched the refrigerator scrapbook she got with both her daughters' names on it.

The other was for a Mama having a little boy. We don't know his name, yet, so here was Baby Fruge's gift bag and card.

And a close up of the card.

The stamp was one of a set of 4 that I got from the Dollar $pot at Target and I mainly just used cardstock for the paper. I used my copic markers to slightly color the images. And, I used a scrap of ribbon and a piece of crochet thread to tie the cards on.

I loved how their gift bags matched (not that anyone noticed... or cared) I know, I'm a dork. I'm okay with that.

So, the moral of the story is, whatever you do, don't drink the water here! I think babies are contagious!

Wii Love our Mom!

2009-05-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

My mom watches my sisters' kids 5 days a week because they both work full-time. When she wants to go to the fitness center to work out, she just takes the kids. Well, my younger sister is pregnant again and soon Mom will have a newborn to take care of. The fitness center she is a member of doesn't have childcare for young babies, so she looked into getting a Wii Fit so she could exercise at home in the evenings.

My sisters and I decided to surprise her with a Wii and a Wii Fit for Mother's Day to say a huge "thank you" to her (from my sisters) for all that she has sacrificed to be home with her grandkids and (from me) for the times when she offers to watch my kiddos while I run errands or when I just need a break. She is available for sleepovers when the kids want to spend the night with her.

She is a great Grammy to our kids and we wanted to surprise her this year to say "thank you".

Here is the card I made for everyone to sign for Mom.

I took a stamp of a little girl holding her lunch bag, masked the bag (to remove it) and drew a mini Wii-mote for her to hold instead.

Then I drew a circle around her to make it look like she was a Mii in the Mii Marketplace. Don't they have little circles around them when they're waiting for you to choose the one you want to be? Anyway...

A close up of the Wii-mote. I was so, so pleased with how it turned out!

And, my Mom loves puns, so, even though I kind of give her present away, I had to make the inside say this:

By giving the presents away in the card, I didn't have to wrap them since they're big! I could just leave them in the car and get them after she read the card.

Happy Mother's Day! I hope all had a great and wonderful day! Wii did!

Gig 'em!

2009-05-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

I recently had someone request an Aggie-themed refrigerator tin and I was so excited because I had just bought some Texas A&M paper, along with Texas Tech, Baylor and UT papers, at Scrapbook N Such's garage sale! Great timing! I also got stickers and a few embellishments for some of the schools, too.

So, I got to work and was very pleased with the final product!

And, inside:

Perfect for an Aggie parent or grandparent! Also great for any Aggies off at college to hang on their little mini fridges!

She's One!

2009-03-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

A friend's little girl turned one and the party was Saturday. I knew I wanted to make a girly card, because Mom likes pink, princess and all things girly.

So, I made this set.

The card uses Taylor's sketch TECC57.

Close up of the card.

Close up of dimension, although, you can't really tell the image is up on foam squares.

The girly refrigerator scrapbook with a picture of the birthday girl and the word "Princess" done using stickers.

I don't know if anyone else at the party noticed, but the tin matched the card. I was so proud. I love matchy-matchy!

Card Details:

Stamps: Stampabilities Ballet Shoes
Paper: cardstock, My Mind's Eye patterned papers
Tools: copic markers, paper cutter
embellishments: sticky pearls from Target's Dollar $pot, stickers

Check it out!

2009-01-21T19:39:00.001-08:00

I've been featured! And, I'm the first to be featured!

Tricia of Handmade Whimzy and Pink Pear Designs contacted me recently and asked if I would mind being the first in line of etsy shops that she will be promoting. A new etsy seller and their shop will be featured every Wednesday.

So, check out our "interview" of sorts. Our paths crossed last Christmas when she ordered a paper bag scrapbook that she wanted personalized to give to grandparents. We did fishing quotes and grandparent quotes. It was different than what I usually do, but it turned out to be perfect. Tricia was fun to work with and very friendly!

So, go check out Tricia's blog and be sure to tell her I sent you!

Valentines for Friends

2009-01-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a great idea for Valentine's Day cards. I'm not really a big fan of buying cartoon character cards with corny sayings, but it's just what you do at Valentine's Day, so I suck it up and buy them.

Well, this year, I came across a wonderful idea on a blog I stalk for handmade valentines. That, alone, is not the wonderful idea. The great idea is that you let the recipient color the valentine themselves. It's not too time-consuming for me to make them and it's a fun, different kind of valentine for the kids to receive.

Here's Fran's valentine. It is so, so adorable! Simple, yet perfect. The boys will love choosing images and stamping them and then I'll cut them out and matte them. Perfect!

I just recently invested in a Just-Rite Stamper set and the small alphabet that goes with it. I figured I would put the saying that you usually see inside the valentine on the Just-Rite stamp and then put them on lollipops or something. I was so excited that I stamped out 20 or so of them for my oldest's class and matted one with a nestability scallop circle to show off to my mom and sisters (we all went to a Mary Kay party this afternoon).

Aren't they so neat?

Imagine my surprise when my first sister that I showed it to took one look at my handiwork and laughed out loud! The nerve. The first words out of her mouth were "Venereal Disease?!"

What?! No, VD. Valentine's Day.

I just shook my head at my poor sister. She, of course, couldn't believe that I didn't realize it looked like that.

So, I showed it to my other sister and my mom. And they both laughed, too. Without hesitation. Without reading all the words I had painstakenly spelled out, letter by letter.

I consoled myself with the reminder that it was my family. Maybe my whole family (except for me, of course) were all just a little weird. So, I showed it to the parents of the friends my boys had invited over for today's birthday party.

I got raised eyebrows, embarrassed grins and a few gasps. Oops.

So, needless to say, I will be remaking the lollipop covers for my son's class, seeing as how I really don't want the parents of his classmates wondering what kind of child he is and whether or not they should be concerned.

Here are a few options for the remakes.

I'm thinking the lips are too girly for a boy to give away (although I do think they're so cute), so I will probably go with the hearts, unless inspiration strikes and I get another great idea... Something better than the first, I hope...

So, tell me. What was your first thought when you saw the valentines?

Thanks 'snow' much!

2009-01-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

I made this card for Jen's Sketch For You To Try (SFYTT). I didn't make it a square because I don't have any square envelopes.

I wanted to make a "thank you" card for my Aunt for the sweet and thoughtful gifts she sent for my boys for Christmas. She is so good at giving gifts that are fun, different and perfect for their ages.

The inside says, "Thanks 'snow' much!"

I used my cuttlebug a lot for this card! I used the flowers die for the big white snowflake in the bottom right corner. I held all the layers together with a brad. Then I used the Snowflakes folder to emboss the green background. I also used my nestabilities for the main image.

Stamps: Inkadinkadoo (no name--Snowman with Birds)
Paper: cardstock, Basic Gray Figgy Pudding patterned paper
Tools: copic markers, paper cutter, circle punch, nestabilities, cuttlebug flowers, cuttlebug snowflakes folder
embellishments: brads

Fancy Smancy Gift Card Holder

2009-01-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

This Men's Billfold is so neat! I found the directions on Lorri's blog. It looks like it would be hard, but it's really quite easy, although maybe a little time-consuming.

I made this a while ago and was saving it for a perfect occasion. I got one! My husband and some friends recently tiled our kitchen and this went to one of the guys with a huge thank you (and a Lowe's gift card). We are so blessed to have great friends! I typed "Thank you" on the computer and matted it on the front. I forgot to take a picture of it like that, though, so the front looks very boring...

I cheated for the picture and put two small magnets inside to hold the wallet closed for the pictures because it kept wanting to pop open. When I gave it, I was able to tuck it in an envelope, so it's okay that it doesn't stay closed on it's own.

The inside, empty.

The inside, full. Unfortunately, that's not what our friend got inside his. :-)

Look how much you can stuff inside!

If I ever make another... maybe?...I think it would be fun to give this with pictures in the pockets. Or maybe the kids could draw pictures and we could trim them down and put them in the pockets. Or handmade coupons that fit for the recipient. Hmmm, lots of neat ideas!

Here's another take on the same wallet.

And, yet another take on her design.

Here's a neat idea for a sort of similar wallet, maybe more for a girl instead.

A Little Birdie Told Me Paper Pieced Card

2009-01-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

I am trying to be more consistent in my scrapbooking and stamping and not so sporadic! I think doing challenges and using sketches will help me!

This card uses this sketch as well as Gina K's challenge to paper piece on the card. Sorry the picture is so small. I deleted my original picture, then couldn't find where I found the original and had to use that one. Anyway, maybe you get the idea...

I had already decided to use the bird on my next card and had cut him into a square, so I didn't follow do a circle image.

A close up of the paper piecing. We were also challenged to use metal, which I didn't realize until after I'd finished the card. Hopefully you can't tell the clip is an after-thought. *grin*

Check out more cards made using the Verve Sketch and Gina's You Want a Piece of Me? challenge!

Stamps: Fairest of Them All Bird
Paper: cardstock, My Mind's Eye patterned paper
Tools: copic markers, paper cutter, paper distresser

Baby's First Christmas Ornament

2009-01-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

I "met" a gal on etsy that lives in Longview (and even knows a friend of mine--what a small world!) and she asked me if I could make a square, wooden ornament that was personalized on all sides for her son's First Christmas ornament.

She showed me a picture of what she wanted and asked if I could make it cheaper than the one she'd found.

I am pleased to say that I made it for half what she would have had to pay and minus the shipping since she's in Longview, too.

I'm letting it dry completely (so it's not "tacky") before I let her know it's finished, so I thought I'd take some pictures.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was actually quite simple to make. Maybe I'll do a tutorial for anyone interested in making one of their own. You could probably figure it out yourself, of course, but it's always fun to have someone walk you through it.

Here's a front view. She wanted Christmas paper, but not girly colors.

Here's an attempt at a picture of the bottom.

An attempt at a picture of the top.

I distressed the edges and then sealed the paper with mod podge and the exposed wood areas with a varnish.

I was going to try to use beads somewhere, but I'm just not seeing where. I could hang a short strand from the hook on top and let it drape over one side, but I'm just not sure.

So, Merry First Christmas to Connor!

Gingerbread cookies and Christmas notes

2008-12-23T18:51:00.001-08:00

The plan was to sing carols to the neighbors as we delivered these gingerbread cookies and Christmas cards.

In the end, all we did was deliver them and wish a Merry Christmas (it was cold and kids were cranky), but we all enjoyed making the cookies and I had fun making the cards.

I actually used clip art for the snow people image. I knew I had a gingerbread stamp, but I couldn't find it anywhere. So, I searched online and used a simple clipart image I found.

Wouldn't you know it, I found the gingerbread stamp a few hours after I finished the cards... Figures.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, with or without the Christmas carols. :-)

Girlfriends and Coffee

2008-12-20T13:26:00.001-08:00

I have a sweet friend with a thoughtful husband who sneaked around behind her back getting together enough cards so that she could get birthday cards all month before her birthday. Since I didn't know when she would be opening my card, I never posted it here. Then I simply forgot.

I know I used a sketch, but I can't seem to find which one...

Stamps: no name, set of 2, by Inkadinkado
Paper: cardstock, My Mind's Eye patterned paper
Tools: copic markers, paper cutter

Teacher Gift and Card

2008-12-20T09:29:00.000-08:00

This year, I had a blast making Russell's teacher, Mrs. Cole, a Christmas gift. I saw a GREAT idea months ago from Tip Junkie that led me to Dawn's blog. She had a wonderful idea posted for a teacher gift.

Well, yesterday, while Randall was under the weather, I got to work. It took me about 30 minutes and I still couldn't get it to look how I wanted, so I e-mailed Dawn and asked what program she used and such. She was so, so sweet to offer to just do it for me (I think I sounded pretty pitiful...).

So, this is a group effort:

I was very pleased with how it turned out and Mrs. Cole seemed to really like it. It's a frame that can be displayed for years to come.

Here's the card that I remembered this morning that I wanted to make! I bought the stamp a few weeks ago (when it was on sale, of course!) knowing I wanted to make a teacher card with it. I colored him to look like Russell.

It was quick and easy and I followed this sketch:

Here's a close up of the lunch bag. It kinda looks like it's full of food from the top.

Both together. The ribbon topiary to the left is the Christmas craft we made for our last MOPS craft. Isn't it cute?!

I meant to make two for Randall's teachers, but time got away and I totally forgot. I might still make them for after the holidays. Next on my gift-to-do list, gifts for Sunday School/Kids' Church teachers.

Christmas Shopping

2008-11-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder: You can shop from other moms by shopping Tip Junkie's Mom-Preneur Shop-A-Thon!

I think you will be pleased with all the selections available! It might take you all day to make it through all the shops!

See if you can find me on there! It's like Where's Waldo? :-)

Save yourself the hassle of going in and out of stores. There are lots of different options and categories--I'm sure you'll find something for everyone on your list! And, many of them are very reasonably priced!

So, what shops did you like best? Who are you considering purchasing from? Who did you already buy from? Did you even click on the link?! :-)

Prudish Winners

2008-10-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

Well, the winners were finally announced over at A Tad Bit Prudish for the two refrigerator scrapbooks I had donated to be given away!

Jeanne and mamajuliana were the winners! Congratulations!!

As always, if you did not win and you are interested in purchasing from my etsy shop, you can receive a 10% discount by telling me that you found me through A Tad Bit Prudish!

Custom orders welcome! Personalization free!

Thanks for entering!

Maude Cobb Christmas Corner

2008-10-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

Well, this weekend was Longview's Christmas Corner at Maude Cobb. This is my second year to sell my items at it. Last year, I shared a booth and was very pleased when they had extra room and we both ended up getting a full booth space (at only half the cost).

This year, I decided to get a booth alone and see how it went. My friend, Mandy, was going to share the booth with me and use a small corner for her photography business, but then she had to go and move! (You know I love you, Mandy!) :-) So, I invited my other photographer friend, Josie, to join me.

I brought my camera to take a picture of our wonderfully amazing booth, but just never got around to taking a picture. I was lazy... Just take my word for it that we were the coolest booth in the joint! :-)

One of my newest additions to my display items was this cool locker!

I was so excited to get it and set it up! Doesn't it look so cool!

Unfortunately, it's not magnetic. Silly me. I didn't realize that it would be wood! Oh, well.

As I was putting it together, I had everything spread all out across the livingroom floor. Slade was doing something on the computer and when he finished, he scooted his chair back and we heard this terrible "crack!" Here's the back... Notice the hole?

Just the size of the leg of the chair... Oops! :-)

But, it wasn't noticeable when it was on the table at the Christmas Corner.

It was a long weekend (all day Friday, all day Saturday and half a day on Sunday), but the time flew by! It went so much quicker having someone there with me--to chat with, to help take money. We both got good at giving each other's info and laughed together at people that didn't even hear us as we talked and talked about our products and services. Also, we knew quite a few of the people that came through to shop and enjoyed getting to chat and catch up.

All in all, a great weekend and very profitable for me. It was also a great way for Josie to get her name out to more people. She filled her calendar from now to Christmas!

Feeling a Tad Bit Prudish?!

2008-10-04T06:16:00.001-07:00

I am sitting in the computer room at the Hilton-South Lake, waiting for the other girls from our MOPS steering team. We are at MOPS convention and are having an absolute blast! But, of course, I have to check my e-mail...

And, I'm glad I did because two of my refrigerator scrapbooks are being given away TODAY on A Tad Bit Prudish's blog! Go here for your chance to win one of two tins being given away!

I can personalize your tin, too... for a small fee. Oh, no, I mean, for you, free! Well, for everyone, free, but for you, too! So, go check it out!

Back in School Again

2008-09-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

I had my first craft show of the season this weekend in Gladewater, Texas. It seems to get smaller each year, but it was still a great show for me!

My friend, Christy, came with me on Saturday and my mom came with me on Sunday. I enjoyed both days very much.

Christy and I were brainstorming better ways to set up my tables to give them height since most of what I sell is flat *grin* and came up with the idea to look for a locker of some sort. I could put paper bag albums inside and then magnets and refrigerator scrapbooks on the outside. I couldn't wait to get home and look up lockers.

I was thinking about buying a real, full-size single locker, but then I found this:

It was exactly what I was looking for! It won't be too heavy or long to tote back and forth to shows, but it is definitely a locker and people will be able to tell right away!

Now I'm even more excited about my next craft show!

Welcome, Little Buckaroo

2008-09-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

I had a baby shower for a sweet friend from church this Sunday. She is decorating her little one's room in a western theme, so we used the western theme for the shower, too. It was so fun because it was different!

Here's the card I made for all the hostesses to sign.

Here's the food table with the fun western stuff. The plates and napkins matched perfectly with the paper I used on the card.

Look at that cute cake! It was made by Edible Art. And, it was even yummier than it was cute! Honestly. I don't usually like cake that much. But, this was moist and thick and delicious! They make yummy cookies, too.

Here are the fun tables! Aren't the centerpieces so perfect?!

The whole shower was fun. No pictures of the hostesses all together because that was taken with someone else's camera. But, everyone worked hard and did such a good job! The games were fun, the food was super yummy and the chatting was sweet.

If you "carrot" all... write!

2008-09-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

I made this card for a sketch challenge from many moons ago. It was a Gina K. sketch and I liked how it was different with the corner of the paper folded up.

I needed a card for some sweet friends of ours that were moving home to Canada while the husband finishes up his Master's, I believe.

I saw my Easter stamps sitting out (needing to be cleaned, I'm sure) and it hit me that I could use the carrot one for a pun! I love puns!

The carrot stamp is from Michael's $1 bin and I got a few other cute Easter images along with it.

So, do you like puns? This one is, of course, only two-thirds of a PUN... P-U! Ha ha ha ha... Tell me you got that one...

Feeling a tad bit prudish?

2008-09-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Another great giveaway... Make that many giveaways! Sylvia from A Tad Bit Prudish is one of the contributors over at Blissfully Domestic. Blissfully Domestic will be relaunching their site this Labor Day! (Oops, I'm a few days late...)

That means that the site that has already brought you the most delicious dishes, creative crafts, fantastic fashion advice and perfect parenting tips is going to be that much better!

To celebrate, Sylvia is hosting a (drum roll please) Blissfully Domestic Gift Extravaganza!

To join in on the fun, go to A Tad Bit Prudish and follow the simple, easy-peasy rules for each day's giveaway.

Be on the lookout for a chance to win one of these fun tins from me!

Personalization is free!

Halloween is just around the corner!

2008-09-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe not just around the corner, but it's close, so I'm getting in the crafty mood.

I just got a huge shipment of tins in yesterday. I was out of the ones I use for my refrigerator albums and wanted to get more of the round ones I'm starting to use for my magnet sets. As I was finding room for all my new goodies, I came across a box of these tins that I bought a while ago.

I bought them planning to use them for nugget boxes. I made a few for teacher gifts (school and church) last year and then haven't used them since.

So, yesterday, I decided to make some Halloween tins and see if they are a hit at the craft shows or not. It's hard to know what will sell and what won't. I think I'll list them in my etsy store, too.

I used Stampin' Up!'s retired stamps "Batty For You". They are one of my favorite sets and as soon as I heard they were retiring, I had to get them!

I've heard of people using the big rectangle tins for card sets and such, too. I'm not always good at trying out new things. I get stuck in my rut...

Stamps: Batty For You from Stampin' Up!
Paper: cardstock, KI Memories patterned paper (scraps left over from another project)
Tools: guillotine cutter, scallop punch, circle punches, double-sided tape (my best friend!)

There's a SALE going on!

2008-08-30T12:35:00.001-07:00

***BACK TO SCHOOL SALE!***

Go to my etsy store and see all the items included in this sale going on RIGHT NOW, until the end of September.

Buy a tin AND a set of magnets and save! Buy a Refrigerator Scrapbook OR an Altered Tin Scrapbook AND a set of marble magnets and get the whole set for $15!

Refrigerator Scrapbooks are great for school lockers!

Altered Tin Scrapbooks are handy for carrying lunch money or medicine in a purse or backpack!

Marble Magnets are perfect for hanging pictures of friends and family on school lockers! Earth magnets won't fall off when the locker is slammed shut!

Contact me BEFORE paying and I will send you an adjusted invoice.

Sale includes custom items, so contact me and we can work out the details on a custom order in the colors, patterns, or style of your choosing!

***BACK TO SCHOOL SALE!***

How-To Place Alphabet Stickers

2008-08-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

I recently learned a great tip that I've used several times since and I wanted to share it with you.

When using stickers in your cardmaking or scrapbooking, it can be hard to know how much room your word or words will need. It's hard to center the word or words and have even space between letters.

Here's a super easy trick to help you do it perfectly every time.

First, I took a tin I was personalizing for someone and chose my stickers.

The I found a plastic straight edge. You can use a thin ruler, a piece of paper that was used for stickers, a strip of waxed paper, etc. I used a wrapper from a set of rub-ons.

Next, start lining your stickers, half on, half off of the edge. Try not to handle the stickers too much because the oils on your fingers will cause the stickers to lose their sticky-ness (is that a word?). Unsticky stickers, not good.

You can move letters around as needed until you get them exactly where you would want them on your card or paper.

Decide where you want the stickers and press the top half down securely.

Slowly begin pulling the plastic edge out from under the stickers, making sure your stickers stay put. You can even hold them down while you pull out the plastic edge.

Then press the lower edges of the stickers down.

Now you're finished!

Make sure you rub over the stickers to ensure that they are well stuck.

Stand back and admire your perfectly straight letters. And save your plastic edge for the next time!

New Header

2008-07-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a number of friends, I have learned how to create my own headers for my blog! That makes me very happy!

If anyone is interested, you can make your own header, too, by going to www.scrapblog.com. You can do digital scrapbooking and who knows what else there, too.

If you use scrapblog to make your header, let me know! I'd love to see your headers, too!

Accordion Album

2008-07-19T06:10:00.000-07:00

Sheri asked me recently how I make an accordion album. I started to answer her in an e-mail, but it got long and I thought there might be others that would be interested in knowing how, too, so I decided to post it here.

I have done it two different ways, so I'll tell you both, in case you don't have the same tools I do.

The way I make them now is using my Scor-Pal. It has made it so much easier, but it's not necessary. First, cut your 12 x 12 sheet of cardstock (I usually use white or off-white cardstock, depending on the colors in my papers, but you could use any color you like) at 3 1/2 in. Cut a 3 1/2 x 2 inch practice "page" first and make sure that's the size you want. You might want a slightly bigger or smaller page, depending on your cutter's measurements. Just make sure it will fit inside your tin.

Then, using my Scor-Pal, I score at 2, 6 and 10. Then I flip the paper and score at 4 and 8. Fold at the scores and use a corner rounder to round all the corners. Depending on the thickness of your cardstock and the sharpness of your corner rounder (I have used my Stampin' Up! corner rounder for years and years and it's still as sharp as ever), it might be hard to round the corners on the folds.

Two other ways, without a Scor-Pal would be to use a guillotine-style cutter or a trimmer that has a scoring tool. Those are the two trimmers I have.

With a guillotine-style cutter, after cutting your paper to 12 x 3 1/2 inches, put it length-wise at 2 inches and fold it over the cutting edge. (Do not cut!) Then turn it over, put the fold you just made at 2 inches and fold again. Continue folding and flipping, measuring at the 2 inch mark each time. Fold and round the corners as stated above.

With a scoring tool, score at each 2-inch interval, using the fold at 2, flipping the paper with each score. Fold and round corners.

Once you've done that, you'll be ready to embellish the pages. The patterned papers you use will be cut to 3 1/4 x 1 3/4 inches. I sometimes tear papers to give texture. You can use 3-D embellishments, like brads, flowers, buttons, etc, as long as the album folds up and still fits inside the tin. You can use ribbon to tie the album closed. You can do only a matte, no patterned paper extras, cut at 3 1/4 x 1 3/4 inches, and then cut your pictures.

Have fun with it!

Was this info helpful? Did you try it yourself? Leave a comment here, linking us to your accordion album!

Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo...

2008-07-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I have the winner from Laurie's blog and it's Carrie.

And, now, the winner from my blog, is...

kara jayne

Conratulations, Carrie and Kara! Please e-mail me with what kind of refrigerator scrapbook you both would like, either from my etsy shop, from the sold section of my etsy shop or details of a custom one. If you would like a custom one, we'll just e-mail back and forth to work out the details. If you would like your scrapbook personalized, let me know what you would like it to say

Remember, if you didn't win, but you would like a refrigerator scrapbook (custom or pre-made) or any of the items I make, e-mail me and let me know! You get 10% off your order!

Thanks for all the sweet comments and for taking the time to visit my blog! It's been real. It's been fun. Heck, it's been real fun!

E-mail overload!

2008-07-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

Whew, what a lot of e-mails to read! (And on dial-up at my sister-in-law's house here in Colorado, where we're visiting my husband's family for the week.) I was not expecting such a big turnout! What a nice surprise!

Thank you all for your sweet comments on my refrigerator scrapbooks. They made my day!

As for the "rules" from my post and Laurie's post, no problem if they weren't followed. The main rule was to post to Laurie's blog to get your name entered in the "Great Refrigerator Scrapbook Giveaway" (echo, echo). For those of you that let me know what kind of refrigerator scrapbook you would like, thanks! It really does help to get feedback like that because I can get stuck in my rut of making stuff *I* like, when *I'm* not the one buying it! *grin*

I hope everyone enjoyed sharing their favorite names. I don't know what it is, but we all have names we like, even if we don't have kids! It's a universal phenomenon that we women (I think everyone that posted yesterday was female) love to talk about baby names! *grin* Thanks for being good sports and playing along.

Laurie mentioned on her post that I would be giving away a refrigerator scrapbook from the comments on her blog *and* from the comments on my blog. Well... that wasn't my original intent, but there are so many people that commented, that I figure it'll be more fun to have 2 chances to win! So, as soon as I get Laurie's pick from the giveaway, I'll post my winner, too. Both will get to choose, either from tins I have in my etsy shop (or in my sold section) or from your own color combination/theme. I have so much paper, it's not funny (although it is fun!), so I can probably make anything you can come up with!

If you don't win, but you are still interested in a refrigerator scrapbook or a paper bag album or magnets or a gift card holder or a necklace made from bubble gum wrappers, please let me know! (Well, just kidding on the bubble gum wrapper necklace... Anyone else out there remember making those?!) Anyway, you get 10% off, just for being a Tip Junkie fan! If you can dream it up, I can make it! How's that for overly confident?... Okay, maybe I should say I'm pretty sure I can work with you and make exactly what you're wanting.

Again, thanks for the sweet comments, for playing along in the baby name game and for visiting my blog!

Blog ya later!

Whew, you wouldn't believe how long it took me to write this post! Dial-up, bad; DSL, good. *grin* Now, I *really* ought to go be social!

Tip Junkie Giveaway!

2008-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! Welcome! If you're new here, you probably got here from Laurie's blog, Tip Junkie! Nice to "meet" you!

Well, my three favorites are going to be kinda unusual, I'm afraid. My husband and I want to add a third kiddo to our family, so we've had babies on the brain. That always leads to baby names.

So, here are my three favorite baby names.
* Andrew Thane - We would call him Drew, not Andy! Thane comes from a Janette Oke book I read years ago--he was the "hero" and his character reminded me, even back then, of my husband, Slade. I know, Awwwww...)
* Darvi or Darby Ruth - Ruth is my mom's name
* Rebekah Renee - Rebekah is one of my favorite girl names and it would stick with the "R" theme we seem to have going with our first two boys--Russell and Randall. Renee is my middle name.

So, to be entered in the giveaway for a refrigerator scrapbook, custom designed just for you, leave a comment on this post telling me your three favorite baby names. I know, everybody say "Awwwww...."

Then, go back to Tip Junkie and leave a comment there so she'll know you've visited here and tell what you would like your refrigerator album to look like. Do you like dog-themes? Are your favorite colors red and black? Do you like a Western look? That helps me know what kind of items would sell *and* I'll know what the winner wants.

Of course, if you win, your comment isn't binding. You can change your mind! We'll work together to make your refrigerator scrapbook perfect for your refrigerator. Or, if you're giving it away as a gift, we'll make it exactly what you want for them, too!

Here is the refrigerator scrapbook that is on my fridge. It's very easy to trim regular snapshots or professional portraits down to fit on the "pages".

This is what I can do to personalize your album. As long as it's not too many words, I can type up whatever you want. The outside front and inside top can be personalized.

Some more examples of tins I've customized.

Remember, if you don't win, you are still eligible for 10% off of your entire purchase from me! You can check out my etsy store and either order something already listed or give me specifics for a custom order. Contact me and I'll send you a revised invoice with 10% off!

Thanks for visiting!

Popsicle anyone?

2008-06-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer! For some reason, popsicles make me think of summer!

I found this "recipe" (haha, pun intended!) on Patty's blog Patty's Stamping Spot for a popsicle card.

I didn't adhere the ice cream center (aka white cardstock) to the card yet, because I figure it will be easier to write my note without the stick in the way. When I am ready to sign it and give it away, I'll use pop dots to adhere it and make the popsicle more 3-D. Who likes a flat popsicle anyway? :-)

I don't have any fruit stamps or even anything that would work with a popsicle, but I like it plain, too. And, I did order some fruity/summery stamps from Whipper Snapper Designs.

I have a lady on etsy that wanted a cherry-themed refrigerator scrapbook (a Mary Engelbreit look) and I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, so we agreed that stamping my own paper would work perfectly. So, then I had an excuse to get the stamp set I already had on my wish list. It's a win-win, don't you think? :-)

Are you a tip junkie?!

2008-06-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Laurie of Tip Junkie is hosting a 20+ day giveaway on her blog! More than 20 Mom-Prenuers are giving away their handmade items! I will be giving away something fun, too, but it's not my turn yet. So, go check out Laurie's blog, follow her instructions, and see how it goes!

If you do not win on the day my products are featured, you can still go to my etsy store and get a 10% discount on your purchase. Just e-mail me with your order and tell me you heard of me through Tip Junkie and I will discount your entire order by 10%. This includes custom orders, as well!

So, what are you waiting for?! Head on over to Tip Junkie! And, then come back here, too!

CD Holder and Thank You Card in One

2008-06-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we enjoyed a week with my Grandpa and his wife, Nancy. They fed us, provided fresh, clean beds to sleep on, the use of their washer and dryer and just made it a wonderful vacation for us!

We had a great time and I wanted to let them know how much it was appreciated. I had a CD of pictures to send them that I had taken from our time there, so I googled a CD holder and found this template. I changed it up a bit, since I was using it for a card instead of an album, and then made it my own style and this is what I ended up with. I sort of used Taylor's sketch-TECC20, but I changed it up a bit (and I was way too late to post it to her challenge--Bummer!).

I had room on the left inside to write a note.

I'm so, so pleased with how well it all came together and it was exactly what I pictured! I don't know if I'll ever have a reason to make another one, but this one was perfect.

I hope G'pa Roger and G'ma Nancy know how much they are appreciated and loved!

I'll leave you with a picture from our trip. My husband, Slade, didn't make it and my mom was taking the picture. We also had an extra kiddo, my nephew, Josh.

Back (L-R) My dad, me, G'pa Roger, Nancy.
Front (L-R) Randall, Josh, Russell

Stamps: Grasshopper Fluffles by Stampendous!
Paper: cardstock, My Mind's Eye patterned paper
Tools: copic markers, scor-pal, corner rounder with guard removed

Marble Magnets

2008-06-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

I love making the marble magnets I sell in my etsy store and at craft shows. They are simple (although there are a few steps) and they are just so neat! The glass marble magnifies the image underneath and it just looks clear and crisp.

Here is a picture of the front of a set of magnets. I have this set on my refrigerator.

Here is a view of the back of one of the magnets. These magnets are strong enough to hold 6 or sheets of paper securely. I love them!

Marcie (who is 1/2 of my favorite singing group, 40 miles North) asked how I make them. So, I thought I'd give you my long, detailed description. I discovered this fun idea on FamilyFun.com.

So, here we go!

Like the article says, trim your images before you glue them on. I've seen people say glue it and then trim the excess off, but it looks terrible on the back and warps the image!

So, you'll have your images already trimmed and the marble picked out for each image. Then I use a dab of Aleene's tacky glue (sold at any craft store) on one image, press it onto the glass marble and then move the image around to get the glue all over. Let it sit for a short while (like maybe while you do a few more).

Then, while the glue is still slightly wet, press around the edges to mold them to fit the edge of the marble. (Do circles have edges?) That makes all the difference! If you don't do this step, the image won't sit flat on the marble and it won't look as good. The tacky glue goes on white, but dries perfectly clear!

Then glue your magnets to the paper on the marble. I use tacky glue for that, too, and it's always been strong enough. You can buy small magnets at Wal-Mart (10 for $1.10-ish) or super strong neodymium magnets from eBay (like I do), if you plan to make a lot.

Here are some extra ideas:
* consider the colors in the kitchen of the recipient, if giving them as gifts
* decorate an altoids tin (rectangle or circle) for a teacher and put a set of magnets inside--once the magnets are on her/his filing cabinet, they now have a holder for small odds and ends
* use magazine images
* use symbols from an old map/atlas
* use small photos (really small...), printed on regular paper/cardstock, not photo paper
* type names, silly words, etc up on the computer in a small font
* do a few for each child in their favorite color(s) and let them hang their artwork on the fridge--when they use up all their magnets, they have to take off old artwork to hang new (sneaky, eh?)
* use left-over wrapping paper to make holiday magnets you pull out each year
* glue a thumbtack to the back instead of a magnet and let Dad take to work
* glue a thumbtack to the back and let kids use to hang up pictures of friends/schoolwork on a bulletin/cork board

If you give these as gifts, you can put them in a tiny ziplock bag (you can buy 100 tiny craft zip top bags at Hobby Lobby for about $2 or less). If you're really ambitious, you could make a topper to decorate and staple to the top.

Let me know if you make some! I'd love to see pictures! Or if it's more work than you want to do, let me make them for you!

A Refrigerator What?

2008-06-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

What is a refrigerator scrapbook? I'm so glad you asked!

I have been making altered altoids tins with accordion scrapbooks inside for about a year. One evening, a few months ago, my mom and I were sitting on the couch chatting about an upcoming craft show and my mom said, "You know, you could make one of these to go on a refrigerator." We talked about the idea she saw in her head and I tweaked it a little and made an example within the week. I also made a few to take to my next craft show, but I have to admit, I was a little bit skeptical. I just didn't know if anyone would want something like that to go on their refrigerator.

Here is the one I made of my boys to go on my refrigerator and to go with me to craft shows as an example.

My mom liked them so much, she requested one for her birthday. So, I made her one that said "Grandkids" on the front and "We love Grammy!" on the inside. I gave it to her without any pictures in it and then had to take it back to add in grandkid pictures (she said it was incomplete!). While I had it, I used it as an example of how I can personalize an album at my next craft show.

I was very pleasantly surprised when the refrigerator scrapbook became the talk of the show! People would come over and say, "Okay, I was sent here by so and so who said I just have to come see your scrapbooks for the refrigerator!" or "What's this I hear about a scrapbook you hang on your refrigerator?" and so on. I had to go back to my mom and apologize for doubting the popularity of her idea.

I also had to re-make her refrigerator album, because a very persuasive woman really, really wanted it. She said her grandkids called her "Grammy", too, and she was from out of town, so she didn't want to have to pay shipping to have one personalized and sent to her. I haven't quite lived that one down and I get reminded from time to time of how I sold my mom's birthday present right out from under her nose after I had already given it to her... Oops...

Here is what the front of a refrigerator scrapbook looks like. This one is unpersonalized.

Here is an inside view. You just trim your pictures and adhere them using double-sided tape or a glue stick.

Here is a picture of the simple way I personalize the albums. I have also used stickers and rub-ons.

The idea is original, as far as we know, but I'm sure others out there have thought up similar ideas. Great gift idea and they can be made using the colors or styles you request. I am making a cowboy refrigerator tin for someone's little "Buckaroo". The possibilities are endless.

So, I guess it just goes to show you, mother always know best!

2008-06-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

My mom wanted some graduation cards recently and I have only one graduation stamp and it wasn't doing what I wanted it to do, so I decided to attempt to paper piece. I actually used the stamp as my template, of sorts, and came up with this. The Senior goes to a Christian school here in town and the colors were silver and blue.

I printed the Congratulations on the computer. I used a set of foam alphabet stamps I got at Hobby Lobby many moons ago for the "grad" word, but it didn't seem to stand out, so I used a scrapbook pen and doodled around the edges of the letters. I like how that made them pop. It also makes the card even more "handmade".

A close up of the graduation hat. I used a piece of yellow embroidery floss for the tassel and a small round brad to hold it in place.

I made two of these and once I figured out what I wanted to do for the graduation cap, they were both pretty quick and easy.

Happy Graduation!

Paper Bag Scrapbook Albums

2008-06-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

I don't very often post about things I'm selling in my etsy store, but I am hoping to be featured on TipJunkie's blog and to do that, I need a direct link to my products.

So, I'll start by describing what a paper bag album is.

I start with 3 paper bags that have been treated (to make them acid-free) and pressed (to get the wrinkles out). They have also been folded, sewn down the seam (to make them more durable) and 5 holes punched in the spine. I don't do any of that work! I buy them from a lady on eBay who I've been buying them from for almost 2 years. She's the best I've found for quality and a great price!

Then I choose a theme or whatever papers I want to use and I go for it! I'm working on a ballerina album and a princess album right now. My niece (she's turning 4 in a few days) gave both a thumbs up and couldn't decide which she liked better. That's a good sign! :-)

Here is a pirate paper bag album I have listed in my etsy store right now.

The front cover:

Some of the inside pages, with matted journal blocks and a matte for 4x5 pictures. The pages without mattes are perfect for a collage of pictures.

This one has an extra pocket inside for extra pictures, notes, flat souveniers, etc. The brads are gold since pirates look for gold.

Here is a side view of a different album to show the depth and detail of the side.

My favorite thing about paper bag albums is that the opening from the paper bag creates a pocket that is perfect for pictures, movie tickets, ticket stubs, report cards, well baby check measurements, notes, etc. Each pocket has a blank tabbed pull-out page for journaling or for a drawing, etc.

These books are so easy to personalize with photos from a specific occasion or they can be given away for the recipient to fill. These books can also be made to fit your specific ideas. Favorite animals, school colors, wedding, baby's first year, specific themes, anything! If you can dream it (and I can find the paper for it) it can be made! :-)

Gift Card Holder

2008-05-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is a birtrhday card gift card holder. I made a similar one for my mom for Mother's Day and totally forgot to take a picture before we all wrote in the inside. So, I had to make another one. This is different than hers, but it's the same style. I'll be listing this one in my etsy store soon.

The belly band slides off so the card can be opened.

I followed this tutorial on Dawn's Stamping Thoughts and even asked her permission to sell these at craft shows. Turns out, she didn't design it. She also said that normally you only need permission if you are going to submit (for publication) something you've made using someone else's pattern.

Stamps: Gift Wrapped by Stampabilities
Paper: cardstock
Tools: Stampin' Up! word window punch, 3/4" circle punch, copic markers, scor-pal

One T or two?

2008-05-03T07:33:00.001-07:00

TECC14

For the first time ever, I am attempting a sketch challenge. I often save sketches and work on them after the deadline, but I'm finally submitting one on time! I'm very excited.

Taylor has a cupcake challenge every Friday and I love her sketch this week.

Unfortunately, I don't have any cupcake stamps. That's why I decided to participate in the challenge--the winner gets two. And other fun stuff, too. I could have used another "sweet" stamp (ice cream or something), but for some reason, this is what popped into my head.

These just might be the exact opposite of a cupcake...

I found these stamps at a garage sale, along with two Memories ink pads, all for $2. Whoo hoo!

So, should "HOT" be with one 't' or two?! :-)

Stamps: Chili Pepper and Chili Pepper Corner by Stampabilities
Paper: textured cardstock
Tools: Horizontal Slot punch by Stampin' Up!, itty bitty scissors, corner rounder punch, copic markers, scor-pal
Embellishments: ribbon from Michael's $1 bin

Just Married

2008-04-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

I don't even remember where I found this sketch, but I used it to make a wedding card. I saved the sketch and then drew it on a piece of scratch paper when I went to work at my desk. I didn't quite draw it accurately... therefore, my curve angles upwards a little more than it should. I also flipped the sketch because when I used my cuttlebug for the red cardstock, I had it in backwards. Oops.

I don't know anyone getting married, so I kept the colors pretty neutral, but I can't wait to use this stamp to make a card where I can match the color of the car to the couple's car or use their wedding colors or something. Fun!

I stamped the image twice in Memories black ink. I colored one image in copics and then colored just the "Just Married" part and cut it out. I used pop dots to adhere the sign to the car.

I added the red square brads because I was undecided on whether or not I wanted to add a sentiment vertically or not. I might still go back and add Mr & Mrs So-and-So when I give it away, but I might just leave it, too.

Stamps: Just Married Car by Stampabilities
Paper: Autumn Leaves Foof-a-la Red, Black and Cream
Tools: cropadile, cuttlebug with swirls folder
Embellishments: square brads from JoAnn's

Make A Wish!

2008-04-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

I had seen this fun idea on other crafting blogs of using the safety pin to attach the sentiment to ribbon and decided to give it a try.

I used my Copic markers to match the image to the paper and attempted to make the shadow look right around the candles. Yeah, gotta work on that technique.

A friend called today to see if she could borrow some birthday stamps for a card for her nephew and I was telling her about the few I have. Then she asked if I happened to have a boy birthday card laying around that she could just buy. I said I didn't know if this was boyish enough, but she could look at it if she wanted. Luckily, I had just taken the pictures so I can "keep" it in my mind.
Stamps: Bold Birthday Candles by Hero Arts
Paper: K&Company
Tools: Stampin' Up! Photo Corner punch, SU Word Window punch
Embellishments: safety pin, red grosgrain ribbon

MIL Card

2008-04-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made for my neighbor who wanted a card for her mother-in-law's birthday. She gave me free reign, except that she wanted turquoise and green.

Stamps: Autumn Leaves
Paper: K&Company
Tools: Stampin' Up! ticket corner punch
Embellishments: rhinestone brad by Making Memories

Craft Room--Before/After

2008-04-20T14:41:00.001-07:00

It. is. finished.

Slade, the boys and I made our trip to IKEA Friday. We had a blast (a few pictures to come later), but the most important thing is that I got the furniture I wanted to organize my craft room!

Let me start with the before pictures. They're a little scary. You can see why I really, really wanted to get to IKEA and get something to help with organizing!

Here's what you would see when you first looked in the guest/scrap room.

If you were brave enough to venture further in, this is what you would have seen.

I did move some rickety bookshelves and my storage carts out (and I vacumed) before taking these pictures. I meant to take the pictures first, but I forgot until I was halfway through.

Here's the stuff that was in the clean corner of the craft room.

And this. This is what my "crafting corner" of the livingroom sometimes... *ahem*... often looks like. Like a crafting monster threw up, I know.

I knew I wanted the Expedit shelving system because I had seen it on a few other crafting blogs and it looked perfect for helping me to have my junk (I mean, stuff) right at my fingertips to insure that I would use it. However, I had read on many blogs and different threads that this was a very difficult shelving unit to put together. I heard phrases like "this definitely takes two", "you'll need a rubber mallet", "the instructions that come with the bookshelf are worthless", "you'll be sweating profusely by the time you finally get finished" and such. Yikes!

When we got home from Dallas around 9:30 Friday night, I knew Slade wouldn't want to start on the bookshelf until the next day. So, being the determined person that I am, I decided to put it together by myself. I had desire and determination... but no rubber mallet. But, I figured I could at least get it started. Slade had headed to bed around 10 and I determined to do as much as I could by myself.

Less than an hour later, I had that shelf completed. I didn't even curse once. I did kick the shelf a time or two, but it wasn't out of anger, it was in place of using the rubber mallet that I didn't have. However, after I finished the shelf, I had the sickening, sinking thought: "What if we can't get it maneuvered through the doorways and into the guest room?!?!" I decided to try to lift the 6 x 6 foot, heavy as all get out, bookshelf by myself and see if it would make it. I got it about 2 feet off the ground and decided that I didn't want Slade to find me squished underneath it the next morning, so I headed to bed, too.

The next morning, Slade lifted the shelf with not even a grunt (I'm telling you, it really was heavy, even if he didn't let it show) and we used furniture sliders similar to these (but cheaper from Lowe's) to get the shelf into the guest room.
The boys thought it was fun to go through the openings when it was in the hallway. The bookshelves on the left are the old, rickety ones.

I thought this was a cute picture... until I noticed Russ' teeth. I asked what he was doing and he said, "Did you know I could make just my two front teeth show?" Well, no, I didn't, but now I do, don't I?

I thought this was a fun shot of all my boys.

Okay, here are the after shots:

When you first look in the room

This is a dresser that my neighbor, Allison, saved from death on the side of the road and she and her husband, Brad, sanded, stained and then stenciled it. (The stencil work doesn't show in the picture) They wanted to sell it when they had their youngest, Cooper, and we snatched it up. I love it! It's very sturdy.

It holds my Cuttlebug stuff on top and random stuff in the drawers. The thing hanging from the drawer pulls is a beautiful set of picture frames (they're backwards, so you can't see how pretty they are) that I plan to hang in the livingroom... someday.

A little further to the left is the reorganized TV cabinet that some friends gave to me a few months ago. My paper rack fit perfectly on top!

Then, keep going to the left, and you see the main reason I wanted to go to IKEA. I love, love it! I was going to get a white one, but with white walls, I decided this darker one would be better. I still want to get some baskets (strangely enough, IKEA didn't have the ones I wanted) to replace some of the plastic bags/containers I have in there for now.

Then, my desk area. I don't have any leg room, do I? Oops. But, I can wheel my big machine out of the way when I sit and work.

Some of the shelves, in no particular order.

Whew.

It feels so good to have everything organized. I did discover that I have too much paper! I need to use some up or get rid of it. But, other than that, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I really only have stuff I use. Yay!

So, anyone wanna come over and craft?!

Happy Birthday, Ally-bug!

2008-04-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

My niece, Allyson's 2-year birthday party was this past weekend and I made this card for her. I wanted to use a "girly bug" because we all call her Ally-bug. We started out calling my other niece, Julia, "Julia-bug" and it just fit for Ally, too.

I picked out my papers first and then I used my $1 dragonfly stamp from Michael's that I am loving! The papers were bright and cheery, like Allyson's personality, and the dragonfly is my favorite "girly bug". I stamped the image with Memories Dye Inkpad in Black and colored it with copics. Then I used my Creative Memories large circles punch for the image and the green circle. I used my Stampin' Up! scallop punch for the scallop. I typed the sentiment on my computer.

Ally's party was every princess' dream and everyone had a blast! Happy Birthday, sweet bug.

Let's go shopping!

2008-03-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have had a few different bella stamps on my wish list for quite a while now and finally bought some. I tried to get versatile ones so that I'll be sure to use them.

Meet emmybella!

I used sketch challenge SC167 from Splitcoaststampers.

The paper is from Target's $1 spot! I bought it only because of this shoe paper! I loved it at first sight! There were 6 different, coordinating papers in the package. I figured that the paper would be cheap-o and thin, but I was quite pleasantly surprised to find the paper to be even sturdier than most of my scrapbook papers. Not as thick as cardstock, but not flimsy like the cheap paper I bought at JoAnn's last time we had a scrapbook weekend in Dallas.

I chose my papers first and then colored emmybella. I used my copics but didn't do any shading. I am still learning how to use them, so I didn't want to mess up. She's a skinny little image and there's not much room for error, either. I need to get a skin-colored marker so I can color her skin, but I didn't want her to look like she had used the spray and tan, so I left her snow white for now.

I used a needle and my paper-piercing template from SU! and I was very pleased with the triangles in the left corners of the image and the card. I just didn't realize that I hadn't adhered those corners down before I took this picture. Oh, well.

I used foam dots to pop up her shopping bags. They popped up a little more than I meant, but she probably just found a good sale! Then I popped up the entire matted image using foam dots also.

The Happy Birthday sentiment is from a tiny Studio g stamp set.

She looks like she's had a successful birthday shopping trip, don't you think?

Look, Ma, I can tie my shoes!

2008-03-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Russell is amazingly motivated and once he decides he wants to do something, there is no stopping him. He was that way when he learned to ride his bike and, here recently, when he learned to tie his shoes.

I had kind of an idea of how I wanted this page to look, but I probably should have done the title differently, or at least somewhere else. It looks like it's falling off the page... Oh, well.

I used a stencil for the letters of the title. See, you don't need a die cut machine, if you're willing to sit and cut out the letters. I'm a little weird and I enjoy the tedious work of cutting out the letters with my little manicure scissors. I bought the stencils from Michael's (probably on sale because I rarely pay full price for anything!) and I love them! There is a letter stencil and a shadow stencil. I love shadows for my letters since I always use busy patterned papers.

I used Stampin' Up!'s notebook paper punch for the pictures on the right to give them the feel of being a roll of film. I took pictures of him step by step and wanted to just scrapbook them in order. I love the way it turned out.

I also punched a small piece of scrap paper on the bottom left and laced it up with some string that came with a cheap-o kite last year. The kite has since been tossed, but the string is useful for so many things!

I usually mat all my pictures, again, because I use busy patterned papers, but I need to step out of my "scrapping comfort zone" and do things differently sometimes... Sometime... Maybe later... :-)

I splurged...

2008-03-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

...and I'm so glad I did!

I discovered that our local stamp store, BStamps & Stuff, sells scor-pals. I did not know she carried them. And, it was the same price as you can get it online--minus the shipping! So, I made a spontaneous decision to get it. I can't wait to play with it!

There are so many tutorials on Splitcoaststampers on different fun 3D projects. Some of them I am able to make without a scor-pal, just by using my 12" paper trimmer. But, on some of the more complex projects, like the meander book, I can try and try and it just doesn't work out. And, the ones that do work can be more time-consuming and difficult without the ease of the scor-pal. I'll be sure to show the fruits of my labor!

A Pirate's Life for Me

2008-03-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

I finally got my order in from Stampin' Up! the other day and I sat down right away and made this card. I had had it in my mind for weeks while I waited for the stamps. We will be mailing it out this afternoon to Slade's nephew, Mitchell. He's turning 12. I hope this card doesn't seem too youngish to him.

I used Stampin' Up!'s Ahoy, Matey set. I love this set! I used Memories black ink, but even when I heat set it, it still blurs when I use my copic markers. So, I'll have to get a better dye ink pad. I put the gold brads in the corner because it reminded me of a pirate's gold booty. The "Arrr!" was printed on the computer. It says "Arrr!" because, arrrgh, I'm late! Hopefully he won't hold it against us. *grin*

"You're out of this world" Card

2008-02-28T11:42:00.001-08:00

I found a bunch of Studio G stamp sets on eBay and was so excited as I won them for cheap, cheap, cheap. I must not have read the auctions very closely, however, because they got here a few days ago and they are small, small, small.

Some are really just too small to be a main image on a card, but some, like this rocket, I decided would work.

I stamped the main image in ColorBox black ink and colored it with Copics markers. Then I cut it out with my itty bitty scissors (aka fingernail scissors--my best friend when cutting out scrapbook title letters). I stamped the image again and used a foam dot to pop the rocket up. The saying says "You're out of this world", but it isn't very dark. Note to self: Don't use ColorBox ink pad again.

Congratulations Card

2008-02-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

This Saturday is our local scrapbook store's garage sale. Anyone can bring their new or used crafting items and the store will sell them for you. You get store credit for the amount you sell.

I was going through my paper this morning (actually, I started going through it a week ago and have finally finished...well, given up...) and found a stack that I got from JoAnn's last time we were in Dallas for our Ladies' Scrapbooking Weekend.

I liked the paper pack because the papers had a distressed look and because there were some papers with big, funky flowers. I didn't really look closely at the other papers or at the fact that you get about 10 of each print. I know I say you can't have too much paper, but that's just a lot of paper!

So, I decided to try to use some and if I just couldn't get it to "click", then I would send it to the garage sale!

So, here's what I came up with. This is a "Congratulations" card that would work for a marriage, new job, new house. Probably not a new baby because of the flowers, but, hey, a new "bloom" is something to celebrate, too.

I stamped the bouquet image (which I got for $1 at Michael's!) in Memories Black ink and heat set it. I don't know if I needed to heat set it, but I've had a hard time finding a good ink here in town that works with my Copics markers, so I did it just for good measure. Then I colored it.

Now, if I had been thinking, I would have found my papers to use first and then coordinated the colors in my image to the papers. But, I was just playing around with the markers and, therefore, colored the image first. So, I tried a weird color combination for the rest of the card.

Surprisingly, I was very pleased with how it turned out!

First attempt at cards...

2008-02-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

I tried my hand at some cards, after being inspired and motivated over and over by the fun and amazing cards I see online. Here is my first feeble attempt...

I used watercolor pencils on the image, but didn't have the right blender/aqua pen... Oops...

That card was going to be for the birthday of a very sweet 90-year old friend, but Slade said it didn't really fit.

So, I came up with this one. Slade still hesitated, but didn't give it a "no". I was out of stamps, so I would've used it anyway. :-) I really need to build up my stamp supply. You can never have too many stamps, I say.

Both cards are based on sketches from different blogs I stalk and there are other cards made using the same sketches over at Splitcoaststampers. Someday, I'll remember to save the blog where I find the sketch, but I'm still learning...

First Day of Kindergarden

2008-02-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite layouts! It is a little busy, but there was so much I wanted to add to it. I had lots and lots of pictures (you can never have too many pictures, I say) and really wanted to use the busy background paper. I tried not to add too many other embellishments, just a 3-D backpack sticker and a flat pencil sticker.

I used Stampin' Up's punch that makes it look like paper that has been torn from a notebook on the inside edges. I love that punch! I can't remember what it's called, but I love it!

I wanted to explain each picture, but didn't want to clutter the already cluttered page with journal blocks around each picture, so I just numbered each picture and added the corresponding descriptions.

Journaling reads:
1. So excited to wake up...
2. Danielle came over to wish Russ a great first day
3. Mommy tickles to get a smile out of a nervous Russell
4. Walking Russell down the hallway to his classroom
5. Standing in front of his room, next to his name on the wall
6. Randall gets a smile out of Russell with a hug
7. Sitting at his table, looking around at future friends

I love this layout because, although it was a very difficult first few months of school, he now loves going and looks forward to it. We have been very pleased with all he has learned, both academically and emotionally. He's learning how to be a good friend, even when others are unkind or difficult. Those are life skills and we're very proud of him. Not to mention that he gets to go to a first-grade room for reading each week because he's doing so well and reading up a storm!

Decorating the Tree

2008-02-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

This was a quick layout and isn't very embellished or even all that much to get excited about. But, it was simple and I liked the background paper. I'm all about paper. You can never have too much scrapbook paper, I say.

There is no journaling, because I felt the title pretty much said it all.

National Night Out

2008-02-19T14:44:00.000-08:00

This layout is from August 2007. Our neighborhood has a Neighborhood Watch program and one of the ways to get to know each other is by participating in Natinoal Night Out. We met in the cul de sac in the middle of the neighborhood. We had hotdogs, chips, cookies, drinks. The kids played basketball, drew with sidewalk chalk, rode around on various motorized vehicles, rode bikes/skateboards/scooters and even had the chance to do a small craft, like the one Randall is holding in the picture with him in the pocket.

I used stickers that I had had for a very long time on this layout. I'm not a huge sticker fan, but I just loved these and was determined to use the pocket and put someone in it! I wasn't sure if I would like it but I went ahead and cut out Randall. And, of course, then there's no turning back! But once it was all glued down, I loved it!

Gathering Acorns

2008-02-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

Some Fall scrapbooking.

This layout is from last October. Our neighbor, Allison, told us that LeTourneau University had some huge acorns and she had them arranged in a pretty glass vase as a simple decoration. We decided to make a family night of it and go gather acorns. The weather was nice and the evening was lots of fun.

Journaling reads:
"We went to LeTourneau University to gather acorns for some fall decorating around the house. First, though, the boys got to play on the "big machines" (R. G. LeTourneau's machines--I used to love playing on them when I was younger, too). Russ rode his bike, too. Then we gathered lots of huge acorns. We all had a lot of fun!"

What is Scrapbooking Made Simple

2007-09-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

This is a place where I can post tips on how to add your pictures to your paper bag albums, to your metal tins and just tips to help make your scrapbooking simple. I do the work, you enjoy the end result!

Happy Scrapping!