Scrap Happy!

Micah's 9th Birthday

2012-02-10T10:00:00.005-05:00

It's Friday, Friday....(you know you'll be singing that song the rest of the day now!)

Anyway, another Friday, another sketch from LCTS!

Here's the awesome sketch by Natalie:

And here's my layout:

Pics are of my youngest DD's 9th birthday party August 2011. She had a little slumber party with her friends and she wanted a LaLaLoopsy cake. Thank you, WalMart for that one! ;)

I used Simple Snapshots (hostess CD in the Occasions Mini) DSP, borders, and labels, and Celebrations brush stamp set for the cute little banner. Grosgrain ribbon in a bow for the tag.

Now, go get scrappy and upload your beautiful creation and link it to the LCTS blog!

TFL!

First Day of School part 2!

2012-02-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Another sketch reveal day at LCTS. This week is for Team B, but once again, I couldn't wait to create something with it, so I did!

And here's the sketch:

I used Sunset Serenade DSP, the Write Stuff II journaling blocks, Vintage Trinkets, scallop trim punch, and I used the flourish from Notes & Details and School Days brush stamp sets.

Pics are of the girls on the first day of school this year and showing their customary show of fingers of what grade they are in!

TFL!

MDS Blog Hop Friday!!!

2012-02-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Imagine my total and utter surprise when last weekend Erica Shaw emailed little ol' me and asked me to be a guest blog hopper on her and her fellow My Digital Studio afficianado's awesome weekly Blog Hop! Of course I said YES! :)

The theme this week is Valentine's Day!

We aren't a big celebrator of Valentine's Day around our house. We do the customary Valentine's cards and candy for school, but that's about it. Not for any particular reason, really. But, given the theme this week, I was at a serious loss of pictures to scrap! I had some super cute DSP to use, though. Going thru my pictures I realized using pictures from Christmas would be perfect for "LOVE"! Mara got an iPad 2 for Christmas and you could tell the "love" for her iPad on her face as soon as she opened the gift.

I used this sketch from October 2011 PageMaps:

On this 12x12 layout I used the DSP Love Impressions. I also used sewing, glimmer brads, various buttons, rhinestones, baker's twine, and Sending Love epoxy brads. I used the photo corner punch, scalloped circle, oval, circle, perfect label punch and 3 different size and shape of heart punches. I used Outlined Occasions brush stamp (from the SAB CD), and Frames with a Flourish brush stamp. Voila! ;)

Last year I created McKenna and Micah's Valentine cards for school using MDS. This year I decided to do the same thing for Micah. (McKenna is in middle school this year, so no card passing out for her!) Well, thanks to the website, Pinterest, I found the perfect card to create for Micah to pass out!

Here's what it looked like in MDS:

I snapped the photo and then embellished it with Love Impressions borders and embellishments. I also used the medium heart punch, perfect label punch, and a rhinestone. The font is a free font I found online called Heartland Regular.

Then I printed of the card as a 4x6 photo and used an x-acto knife and cut a slit above and below her hand in the picture and Micah inserted a Tootsie Roll pop!

And here's how Micah arranged all the cards for me to take a picture of:

OCD a little? ;)

Thanks for visiting my blog for today's MDS Blog Hop! Maybe I'll see ya again sometime!

I know I'm the last stop on the hop, but if you somehow ended up here first, hop on over to the #1 blog on the list and make your way thru the rest and prepare to be amazed and inspired!

1. Jeanna Bohanon
2. Mandy Grant

7. Erica Shaw

10. Holly VanDyne

11. Kelly Birrell (this week's guest blog hopper!) That's ME!!

Happy Friday!

Pumped Up Kicks

2012-01-27T10:00:00.003-05:00

It's that time again! Another sketch reveal at LCTS!

Here's the fabulous sketch:

And here's my take on the sketch:

Are you in love with these sketches yet?! You know the routine....go get your scrap on and create something with the sketch, post it somewhere and then link it on the LCTS blog!

I have to say, this is probably one of favorite layouts I've done in awhile. I really like the papers and embellies on this one. I used Tickets & Tags DSP and embellishments, star punch, button, ribbon bow and a corduroy brad. I also used a pattern paper from Travel Journal and one from Year to Remember 2012 calendar kit.

Pics are of the girls from the first day of school this year posing in their Converse One Stars.

TFL!

Spring

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, I know, hold yourself back on that awesome-ly creative title, there! Sorry, I just couldn't come up with anything, so "Spring" it is. This is based on a sketch over at one of the best sketch blogs on the web...no, I'm not biased or anything since I'm on the design team over there or anything....Let's Capture These Sketches!

Here's my layout:

And here's the sketch:

This is the sketch for Team B, so technically, i didn't have to create a layout with it, but how could you resist? It's so stinkin' cool!!

I used the Juntos DSP, French Foliage brush stamp set, and two of the Vintage Overlays (one to make the paper look crinkled the other is around the edges of the layout that I colored green), Timeless Type Junior Letters punches for the title and 4 different flower punches, buttons, the Write Stuff II journaling block and sewing. TaDa!

The pic is of Mara and McKenna on the jungle gym dome thing at the park, May 2010.

TFL!

My first layout for Let's Capture These Sketches!

2012-01-13T10:00:00.002-05:00

WooHoo!! You guys are going to totally dig these sketches. I'm having a blast playing with them plus the other team's sketches as well (that I don't even have to do, but I did because they are awesome!!)

Here's the sketch:

And here's my digi layout:

Well....whatdya think? Now, head on over to Let's Capture These Sketches and check out the rest of the team's take on the sketch (one of my fave parts...I love to see how people interpret the sketches in their own unique way!). Then, create a layout, post it, and then link it from the blog and show off your creativity!

I used the Downtown Grunge kit, First Edition DSP, crochet trim, anitque brads, buttons, and baker's twine. I also used Fall Foliage, Extreme Elements, Presto Pattern overlay & Vintage Vogue brush stamp sets.

Pictures are of me and my gorgeous family ;) taken in November 2010.

TFL!!

Tidings of Comfort & Joy

2012-01-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm well aware that Christmas has come and gone, but thought I'd show you what we did at Stamp Club for the card in November!

Shoot, can you believe I have already forgotten what all we used on here?! Ok, gotta get my Stampin' Up catalog out.....here we go:

The cute little stocking is from the stamp set Stitched Stockings and the Stocking Builder Punch, Glimmer paper in Silver (for the details of the stocking), embossing folder for background is Snow Burst & Mini Jingle Bells all from the Holiday Mini (which is now closed...sorry!) The sentiment is from the set Word Play, Baker's Twine, scallop circle die for Big Shot and it's embossed using the Stripes embossing folder all from the IB&C! Color combo is Bravo Burgandy, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, and Naturals White.

TFL!

Playground Princesses

2012-01-07T14:48:00.003-05:00

I was itchin' to scrap some more, been on a roll with working on the LCTS design team sketches, so i checked out the latest sketch over at Sketchabilities. Never a disappointment, so I got on my trusty ol' MDS and went to town. I used the new kit from the SAB CD, Everyday Enchantment, and boy is it super cute!! It's the same DSP I used to make Jeanne's journal, btw.

And here's the sketch!

Ok, stuff I used....Everyday Enchantment DSP, ribbon, and brads, flourish is from Baroque Motifs, 3 different flower punches and the large P is Timeless Type Junior letters.

Pics are of my girls at the playground while visiting Grandma & Grandpa Birrell in Michigan in 2010.

TFL!

Oh, and while I have your attention....I went over to Sketchabilities other blog, Cardabilities, just to check out their latest sketch and imagine my surprise to find I was one of the featured designers for their last sketch!! The one I used to make Jeanne's journal for Christmas!! WooHoo! It makes me feel so special, I tell ya. I know, it's the little things.... :)

Downtown Grunge!

2012-01-03T08:33:00.000-05:00

Couldn't resist getting the Downtown Grunge kit from SU a couple of weeks ago. It's not my normal style, but I'm finding I keep going back to it everytime I open MDS lately! Here's a layout I did a little while back based on a sketch at Let's Capture These Sketches for their Design Team call.

Pics of Mara, McKenna & Micah taken at Disney one afternoon. They were in one goofy mood....must've been the ice cream they just finished! LOL!

And here's the sketch!

TFL!!

GUESS WHAT?!?!

2012-01-02T19:16:00.002-05:00

You betcha! I made the Design Team at Let's Capture Those Sketches (part of Let's Capture Our Memories)!! Check them out and become a "fan" on facebook!

A Journal for Aunt Jeanne

2011-12-17T11:27:00.000-05:00

Stampin' Up is making my life so much easier this year for Christmas!! I created a 12x12 calendar for my in-laws and it's being shipped to them straight from SU....bonus! Only downfall to that is that i won't be able to see it up close and personal first. I'm super excited about the calendar because after each month is done, my step mother-in-law will be able to cut off the spiral edge and slip it into her scrapbooks (yes, she scrapbooks so she'll get even more enjoyment out of it besides the beautiful calendar!)

Secondly, I made my sister-in-law a gorgeous journal that will be sent to her from SU as well. Once again, though, I would really love to see it in person. But, that's ok. I have enjoyed making these items for my family so much this year. I hope they like them!

I based the journal design from the latest sketch from Cardabilities! Here's the sketch:

And here's Jeanne's journal cover:

Isn't it gorgeous?! I LOVE that new DSP from the new SAB catalog coming out! So consider this a little bit of a sneak peek, too! ;) And here's the back of the journal:

Ooooh, one more announcement, while I have your attention! You know the "You're My Sunshine" layout I created a couple of weeks ago based off the sketch at Sketchabilities? I made the Featured Five on the blog!!! So, I get to show off this little badge on my blog! Isn't it cute?! Imagine my surprise last night when I logged onto Sketchabilities to look at the newest sketch and saw my little layout at the top of the blog! I was so excited! So, go take a looksie!

TFL! Oh, and no worries, Jeanne doesn't watch my blog, so the Christmas surprise is still intact!

You're My Sunshine

2011-12-02T08:36:00.000-05:00

Ahhh....I've been able to sit down and "scrap" here the last couple of days. Sure, it's been working on other people's Christmas cards, but it's still something I love to do. This morning I realized that I haven't checked out the Sketchabilities blog for awhile since I have been so busy this fall with my photography, it seemed like the perfect chance to sit down and scrap something for myself real quick!

Here's the sketch:

And here's my layout using a new Stampin' Up MDS kit that I just downloaded this week using Basic Gray and Daffodil Delight for the colors (totally diggin' the gray and yellow lately!)

Pics of my little cutie pies....although, they aren't so little anymore! I take their pictures every year in September, so these are from that session.

TFL!

Wow...2 months

2011-11-27T18:21:00.000-05:00

It's been over 2 months since I've posted anything to my poor little blog. *sniff* Poor little blog. Well, the beautiful autumn colors hit and all of a sudden everyone wanted pictures taken! Not that I'm complaining, but something had to give. Actually, I was so busy with pictures and editing that alot of stuff had to give. I've got two more photo sessions to edit and then I'll be back to posting stuff to my cute, little, although ignored, crafty blog. I've had two stamp clubs which equals at least 6 projects I need to photograph and post pictures of on here. So, please accept my apologies and check back later!

Altered Can

2011-10-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

Just a can I altered. Got tired of seeing it in my closet of stuff to eventually alter and did something with it.

TFL!

It's Your Day!

2011-10-18T13:44:00.000-04:00

A birthday card I whipped up for one of McKenna's little friends for her birthday! I saw this set at the big Crafty Blowout Sale we had last month and snatched it up, it was so cute! It's retired, but still stinkin' cute.

TFL!

Happy Birthday

2011-10-16T13:40:00.000-04:00

Just a quick and easy card I CASEd from Splitcoast Stampers!

You can't tell very well, but I put rhinestones at the base of the balloons and pop dotted the balloons...love is in the details!

TFL!

Altered frames....

2011-10-14T13:38:00.000-04:00

And the last one....for now! Until I make some more!

TFL!

Now, which one did you like the best?

Altered frames....

2011-10-12T13:36:00.000-04:00

WooHoo, another dry erase frame! :-) Getting tired of them yet?!

TFL at another one! One more to go...

Altered frames....

2011-10-10T13:34:00.000-04:00

Yep, you guessed it, another one!

TFL!

Altered frames....

2011-10-08T13:31:00.001-04:00

And another one I made! All products are Stampin' Up, by the way (except for the actual frame, of course). I've been trying to use up some of retired DSP stash!

TFL!

Altered frames

2011-10-06T13:31:00.000-04:00

After months and months of trying to figure out what I wanted to make for our Crafty Sistahs craft fair stuff, I finally decided on these dressed up frames used as a dry erase board! I got the idea from Pinterest, my new favorite addiction!!

So, whatcha think?

TFL!

Wish Big

2011-09-27T12:26:00.000-04:00

This is the card we made in stamp club for the month of August...sorry I'm just now getting around to posting it! We used the new stamp set, Pennant Parade and the new pennant punch! Tied them together with some baker's twine and embossed the crumb cake layer. Another easy peasy, but super cute card!

TFL!

Happy Birthday

2011-09-25T20:27:00.000-04:00

This is the card we made for stamp club this month! We used the Spice Cake DSP, the stamp set Gently Falling and the matching buttons in the new Holiday Mini. We also ran the Old Olive thru the Big Shot in an embossing folder. Teeny Tiny Wishes (my FAVE stamp set for cards!!) for the Happy Birthday. And, just a couple spritzes of Early Espresso with the Color Spritzer in the upper corner.

TFL!

Aviary-Get Well

2011-09-20T17:09:00.000-04:00

Making cards for crafts fairs lately. What kind of cards have I been making? Cards I've needed to make anyway and I just make extras! That's the best way!!

So, here is a very clean and simple get well card I made for a friend who recently had surgery. I used Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White cardstock. I used the stamp set Aviary (one of my faves!) and the sentiment is from the oldie but goodie Curvy Verses. Add a little bling with a rhinestone and voila! Super easy card! Yes, I used an embossing folder and a couple of punches, but still, super easy. :-)

TFL!

Crafty BLOWOUT sale!!!

2011-09-07T22:35:00.000-04:00

Just 2 days away from our Crafty blowout sale! Here's some pictures of what's being offered! 7a-7p on Friday, Sept. 9 at the VFW shelterhouse. There

are still 2 more people who's scrappy stuff isn't even shown and there weren't any pictures taken of the table with the Big Shots, Cricuts, etc!!!

With Sympathy

2011-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

And, again, please send up a little prayer for the recipient of this card.

TFL!

Praying for You

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

And, again, please send up a little prayer for the person receiving this card.

TFL!

Praying for You

2011-08-21T08:00:00.005-04:00

As sad as it is for making sympathy cards, they are still beautiful and can serve as inspiration as well, that's why I'm posting these cards.

TFL...and once again, please send up a quick prayer for the recipient of this card. Thank you!

With Sympathy

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've had heartbreaking reasons to be making sympathy cards lately. I don't keep these on hand because I don't want to think about making them when I don't have to. So, for the next several days I'll be posting the sympathy cards I've been working on.

TFL...and do me a little favor...please send a prayer up for the recipient of this card.

Staredown!

2011-08-17T13:56:00.000-04:00

I had a black box day today from work....ie: extra day off this week! Realized it was the 17th and I hadn't checked out the newest sketch from Sketchabilities yet!

I've been in a creative slump lately and this is just what I needed to help pull me out of it.

And here's my layout!

I used Lap of Luxury DSP, some stitching, the jewelry tag, corduroy button, bakers twine, digital tape, tasteful trim and 3 different heart punches. Photos are of McKenna and Grandpa Birrell in 2008 having a staredown contest. I don't know when this started, but no visit with Grandpa Birrell is complete without having a staredown contest!

TFL!

Hello Kitty locker magnet

2011-08-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

And, here's the locker magnet I made for McKenna! She requested:

Hello Kitty's face....check!

Her name....check!

Purple bow....check!

The DSP is retired Razzleberry Lemonade, scalloped ribbon punch, some retired ribbon, a flower brad, and the Itty Bitty Bits stamp set. The die is a Big Shot die, but not from Stampin' Up and her name is done in some really really old rub ons from my scrap stash!

Did she like it?

Yep, she loved it!

Altered Binder Clip

2011-08-16T06:05:00.000-04:00

The other day Micah asked me to decorate a clothespin for her to take to school. Something to do with a chart and thru the week they move their clothespin around. So, I did. And it turned out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself! Did I get a picture of it, NO! Didn't even occur to me. So, you have to trust me when I say it was cute! Well, anyway, that planted seeds into my other 2 girls' heads. Mara has a giant binder clip she wanted me to fancy up and McKenna wanted a magnet to put in her locker at school with Hello Kitty on it and to make sure HK had a purple bow. Sure!

First thing I did was Mara's binder clip. Dug out some old pattern paper, slapped it on with Crystal Effects and then some sparkly Mod Podge and some old rub ons from my stash and another layer of sparkly Mod Podge. After it was dry I put some retired SU ribbon on it and made a cute little bow. Mara loved it!

TFL! Check back tomorrow for the Hello Kitty locker magnet!

Friends are flowers....

2011-08-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

This was a Stamping 411 sketch challenge that I never got around to uploading...from like 4 weeks ago! LOL! Inked up a stamp set I had yet to use, Friends Never Fade, and some Greenhouse Gala DSP.

TFL!!

Bra Card!!

2011-08-09T22:31:00.000-04:00

I made this card for my sister back in June, but didn't take an official picture of it before I gave it to her. So, the night before Tiffany's Hostess Appreciation day, I decided to make another one to enter into her card contest! And it won! Yay! I got a free stamp set! Thanks, Tiffany and all who voted for my card! :)

I made this from a template. Where'd I get the template? I don't remember! But, I'm pretty sure all I did was google "bra card". Now, the template I found only had the bikini and the base of the card. I had to free hand draw the bra, which I think turned out pretty good!

I embossed the bra and panty and used waffle paper for the ruffles. Rhinestones and black ribbon complete the bra and a little peek a boo tatoo to finish the back of the card!

TFL!

Tree Huggers

2011-07-30T17:42:00.000-04:00

Shoot, I had been doing so good at posting something every other day on here....and then I've gone almost a week without posting anything. Sorry guys! Just haven't worked on anything to post...trust me, it's killing me that I haven't had a chance to sit down and do something!! But, today I did! I recently got the Noteworthy digital scrapping kit from Stampin' Up! and have been dying to play with it. Seeing that it was the 30th was even better because it means a new sketch to work with at Sketchabilities!

And here's my layout!

Face Paint

2011-07-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, MORE face paint pictures! But, after this one, I'm all caught up....until the next time Micah comes home with face paint this coming school year! Even then, I'll probably be skipping pictures. You can only take so much of face painting!!

I used the Hoppy Memories kit that comes included on the MDS software.

TFL!!

Marshmallow Mouth!

2011-07-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

Home with McKenna on Friday as she was sick, I sat down and whipped up a quick layout using the Playful Polka Dot kit from Stampin' Up! for My Digital Studio. (Her fever ended up breaking around 11, she slept for another 4 hours and was feeling better, btw, in case you were wondering!)

Photos were taken March 2008. Goofballs.

Baptism

2011-07-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Have I told you that I love sketches? ;) Of course I have! July 15th was reveal day for a new sketch over at Sketchabilities, so I gave it a whirl. I had a few minutes one evening and had been wanting to scrap these pics since I'd done Mara and McKenna's baptism pictures already.

Here's the sketch:

And here's my layout!

Made using MDS....TFL!

Triplets!

2011-07-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

I took pictures of the most adorable triplets ever a couple of weekends. I was just having fun and created this to include with the pictures in case their Mom liked it. I just like to find excuses to play around with MDS!

TFL!!

My Goofy Girls

2011-07-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Oh, boy....what can I say about this?! My girls are freaking crazy. And my hubby is a total enabler because he's the one who took the pictures of them! You just never know what these goofballs will come up with.

Pictures are from Summer 2010. I used Sweet Stitches DSP. I love that new flag punch and fun stitches for My Digital Studio!

TFL!

Micah's Birthday

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Layout done for Micah's 8th Birthday (2010). I just realized that I need to put a title on this somewhere! LOL! I used the colors from her birthday invitation which also matched the cake.

TFL!

All of Us

2011-07-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

Day 3 of full dress rehearsals for "Annie"! Steve and the girls come home late, just exhausted. All of their hard work is about to become totally worth it. I can't wait to see the play. I've been to some rehearsals, but haven't seen the whole thing thru with costumes yet. Steve's Dad and and step Mom are coming this weekend to see it, so I'm excited to see them. Can't wait to scrapbook those pictures!!

Anyway, here's a layout I did one of the evenings they were gone to rehearsals this week....

Our Christmas picture from 2009. Probably one of my favorites.

I used Love Letter DSP and various stamps from various stamp sets.

TFL!

Run Toby Run!

2011-07-11T23:24:00.000-04:00

Time to try my hand at the new Sketchabilities sketch for the month!

Here's the sketch:

And here's my take on the sketch:

This was made using My Digital Studio! Are you tired of me showing layouts done with that yet? I can't help it. I went to a crop on Friday night. What's easier than just packing up my sketch binder, my laptop and an external hard drive?! No more dragging all sorts of stuff i probably won't use to a crop with me anymore.

Anyway, these are pics of my Toby Tobe, running like a crazy dog when he gets outside. He's so stinkin' CUTE, isn't he?!?

I used the DSP Geometric Lines.

TFL!

Thinking of You

2011-07-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, a death of someone's relative gave me the reason to make this sympathy card. I just don't keep sympathy cards on hand, for obvious reasons. Noone wants to think about why they are making or giving a card like this. But, it's nice to let that person know that I was thinking of them.

I liked the My Create, Ink's color challenge from a couple weeks ago so much, I used it again...Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgandy, and Pink Pirouette.

I used the Build A Blossom stamp set and matching punch (which I got for FREE at Leadership!) and the sentiment from the Thoughts and Prayers. I used an embossing folder, some pearls, and the designer label (so sad to see it retired!) and a circle punch.

TFL!

Last Day of School Face Paint

2011-07-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, another layout dedicated to face paint! I have all these pictures, I've got to do something with them! LOL

This was the last day of school in 2010. Mara has a peace sign, McKenna a sun, and Micah the school mascot, a Jeep!

I used My Sweet Pea DSP and Sunny Day labels and some of that sweet new stitching!

TFL!

Don't Stop the Music

2011-07-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

Last summer McKenna's acting class performed a skit for the Dance Central Academy annual dance recital. It was called "Radio Jumble". It was very cute and all the girls did a great job. Since the lighting was so dark, my pictures didn't turn out very good, but I got pictures of her at the end with her trophy and with her flowers.

I used the Cheerful Treat kit, which I have gotten a ton of use from lately!

TFL!

Friend to Friend

2011-07-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Decided to do the My Create, Ink color challenge....

I know, this color combo screams 4th of July! But, I don't have any 4th of July stamp sets (gasp!)! So, I dug out Pocket Silhouettes and here's my card...

TFL!

Baptism at Camp Illiana

2011-07-04T08:00:00.002-04:00

Last summer at Camp Illiana, Mara made her personal decision to follow the Lord and be baptized on the last day of camp by Miss Shannan. I was so proud of her. Since I had just scrapped McKenna's baptism, I realized I hadn't scrapped Mara's yet from a year ago! So, here it is.

I used Hawaiian Papaya DSP.

And, Happy 4th of July! Stay safe and have fun!

TFL!

Happy 10th Birthday, McKenna

2011-07-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not going crazy. I know today isn't McKenna's birthday. Just getting around to scrappin' it now.

I made Steve happy with this layout....12 pictures on one layout! That is not like me at all! He loves tons of pictures on a layout. The only way I can do that is on MDS because I don't have to cut down any pictures! I also made the photo boxes all the same size (can you say copy and paste?! yes, it's that easy!) and then all I had to do was click and drag my pictures into the photo boxes. I'm tellin' you guys, MDS is.the.way.to.scrap.

I used the Happy Birthday DSP and embellishments that came with the original software.

Birthday Celebrations

2011-07-01T13:25:00.000-04:00

I decided to play along with Stamping 411's color inspiration....

And, here's my card!

TFL!

Holiday Face Paint

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

The art teacher at school paints everyone's faces and the girls just go gaga over that type of stuff! I have to admit, it is pretty cute. The girls always leave it on until I get home so I can be sure to take pictures of it to scrapbook! Aren't they sweet?!

TFL!

Best Wishes

2011-06-28T13:28:00.000-04:00

2 posts in one day! Don't get too used to that...I don't create enough to do that very often! LOL I just happen to be off work this week (due to having to work the weekend) and thought I'd try some challenges. So, I combined Stamping 411, SUO (Stampin' Up Only Challenges), and My Create, Ink.

Here's the Stamping 411 sketch:

The SUO Challenge was to create an Anniversary card.

And the My Create, Ink Challenge was to use these colors:

And here's my card to fit all 3 challenges!

I used the Medallion background stamp and a retired stamp set called Vintage Labels.

TFL!

"insert duplicate page"

2011-06-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've talked about this function on MDS before, and I will say it again....LOVE.IT.

I hate, I mean despise, doing holiday layouts. Always have. Probably always will. I don't know why. Well, with 3 girls, coming up with a holiday layout per child per holiday.....one word: UGH!!!!!

So, now, I just come up with one layout in MDS, insert duplicate page, replace a picture or two and voila! 3 layouts! One for each girl! So, this is what I did for this years Egg Hunt. I posted the first layout I did which featured Mara. I did 2 more layouts just like it, except I changed out the pic of Mara to one of McKenna and one of Micah for their layouts. Here's the other two layouts:

Super Soggy Egg Hunt

2011-06-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

Just this past Easter weekend it rained....and rained. But, it didn't stop M3 and Asher from heading outside to hunt eggs at Grandma Kathy's!

And, yes, this is another MDS layout. Really, is there any other kind of digi scrapbooking?!? ;)

TFL!

Purple Streaks!

2011-06-25T12:28:00.000-04:00

Just going thru my pics on my computer and digitally scrapbooking them....gotta love that! No need to upload to a site, order the prints, wait for them to be mailed and then finally scrap them.This is instant gratification, people! And, I get tired of the pattern papers on my MDS or none that fit the mood of the pictures? Easy peasy! I just head on over to my website (try it, go ahead, you know you want to!), peruse the digi stuff, write the number down, order it, download it and once again, instant gratification! Use the new stuff within minutes of ordering it! Let me tell ya, there is nothing, I mean NOTHING better than that for someone who is as impatient as I am! LOL!!

So, here's the layout I sat down and did while watching TV yesterday.

Cool, huh? Is your interest piqued? If it is, you know who to call....or rather, email! My email address is on the side bar. I'd LOVE to get you started with the awesomely fantastic scrapbooking program! And, it's sooooo user friendly. Honestly, if I can learn it, anyone can!

TFL!

Thinking of You

2011-06-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

Time for another Stamping 411 challenge!

I used the stamp set Aviary. I LOVE this set, the birds are adorable!

The DSP is a small sneak peek as to what's in the new catalog!

Here's this week's sketch:

And here's my card:

TFL!

Chalk Walk

2011-06-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Pictures from the Chalk Walk uptown at the square in Jasper in May. McKenna worked on 3 squares, but her final masterpiece was Spongebob.

I used the MDS Celebration DSP and embellishments and a couple of the Tasteful Trims.

TFL!

Baptism at Camp Illiana

2011-06-20T21:58:00.000-04:00

I've recently weeded thru all the photos on my computer. Moved photo shoots to the external hard drive and realizing I have a bunch of scrapbooking to catch up on!

A couple of weeks ago, my 3 girls went to church camp at Camp Illiana. While at camp, McKenna and Micah made the choice to be baptized! What a glorious day!! McKenna wanted Miss Shannan to baptize her at camp on the last day and I was able to be there for it and take pictures. I was so proud of her!

Well, I haven't digi scrapped for a little while, so it was time to drag out the MDS and use some new DSP and embellishments I haven't had a chance to use yet! This kit is Cheerful Treat that is offered to hostesses right now in the summer mini and it's been carried over to the hostess section in the new catalog!!

And, I've been having such a great time playing along with the Stamping 411 blog, I decided to visit Sketchabilities and see what they were up to over there. I always love those sketches so I couldn't wait to try it out! I tweeked the sketch a little to fit more photos.

Here's the sketch:

And here's my layout!

TFL!

Congratulations, Graduate!

2011-06-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a card I whipped up for our neighbor, Ellen, for her graduation from high school a couple of weeks ago. I created a very similar card last year for my nephew's graduation from college and I just couldn't come up with a layout I liked better, so I changed the colors!

TFL!

Thinking of You

2011-06-14T08:00:00.002-04:00

And this is the card I created for McKenna at camp last week!

I used a Sale-A-Bration stamp set (name I can't remember...shame on me!), the retiring Sanded background stamp, flower punch (retired), rhinestones, and the mat pack. Since the colors are kind of hard to see, I used Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Bravo Burgandy, and Pink Pirouette.

TFL!

You Rock!

2011-06-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

This was the card I made for Mara at camp last week!

I used the retiring stamp set Friends Rock (which I've had but have never used until I made this card!), Whisper White ribbon, and Ice Cream Parlor DSP and cardstock stickers.

TFL!

Hello there!

2011-06-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

This past week, all 3 of my girly girls went away to church camp! As much as I missed them, my hubby and I really enjoyed our quiet time, though. This will be the only year they all 3 will be going to the same week of camp, so Steve and I had to live it up! LOL!

Anyway, a small highlight of camp is mail call! Earlier in the week Steve sent off a letter to the girls while I went to work creating a card for each of them. I got out a retiring stamp set and went to town.

I used Cheep Talk stamp set, the Build a Bear DSP, and rhinestones.

TFL!

Saying goodbye...

2011-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

With the retired Stampin' Up list out this month, I thought I'd pull out some stamp sets that are leaving us. Nothing like being retired to make me get them out to use them! I created this card with the retiring set called Eastern Blooms. I like this set and I'm really sad to see it go! I also wanted to try out the Stamping 411 challenge again, so I did! LOL

Here's the sketch:

And here's my card:

So, what I used....Eastern Blooms stamp set, Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, A Walk in the Park DSP (retired), silver brads, clear button, Very Vanilla seam binding, flower punch (retired), word window punch, scallop border punch.

TFL!

Altered File Folder

2011-06-06T08:00:00.002-04:00

Tiffany gave us Crafty Fairys a challenge to decorate our file folders she gave us, so this is what I came up with. I just dug out my Thoroughly Modern DSP remnants and just slapped some stuff down! Used some chipboard letters from my stash and put a ribbon around it....voila! Took me like 10 minutes to spruce it up! Yay!

I used the Photo Corner punch and the 5 Petal Flower punch and topped it off with a button from one of the past mini's.

TFL!

Rebecca's Engagement Album (pgs. 19-22)

2011-06-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

This album is an 11x8.5 hardcover with a photo on the front, but I put their full names on it, so I won't be posting that. I hope they like it!

TFL!!

Four Frames

2011-06-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

This was a card we made for Stamp Club this month! We used the new DSP and Four Frames stamp set that will be in the NEW IB&C in July! So, here's a little sneaky peeky!

I CASED this card from the SU website. But, isn't it cute?! We used Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and the punch that matches the stamp set (man, I'm such a sucker for punches and matching stamp sets!!!). Scallop Border punch and Boho Blossom punch. Tiny Tags for the cute little sentiment.

TFL!

Rebecca's Engagement Album (pgs. 16-18)

2011-05-31T08:00:00.002-04:00

Bold Blossom

2011-05-29T08:00:00.002-04:00

I just love this cute little stamp set! This card was a CASE from Mary Fish. TFL!

The colors are from the Color Coach...Tangerine Tango, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight, Concord Crush. I would never have thought about the Tangerine and Peach together, but it totally works! I also used the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and the new Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch (LOVE IT!)

Rebecca's Engagement Album (pg. 13-15)

2011-05-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Mother's Day Card

2011-05-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

The Mother's Day Card I made for my Mom this year...but I forgot to give it to her!! I told her I had a card, but couldn't mail it and she said to just keep it for next year! LOL!!

I made the flower using the Two Step Owl punch, the Scallop Border punch and the 5 Petal Flower punch! Makes an awesome flower, but, unfortch, you can't mail it. :-(

TFL!

Stamping 411 Challenge

2011-05-24T14:20:00.002-04:00

Well, I did it! I jumped back in to doing some challenges. I haven't done any challenges in a looooong time...just not enough time to go down to my room and create just for me! Don't get me wrong, I love my Stamp Clubs (and it forces me to create something every other month! lol), but to create just for the sake of creating, you just can't beat that!

My best friend, Tiffany, has been a part of the Stamping 411 Challenge blog for a couple of years now, so it's only natural I would make that my first challenge to complete, right?! So, here's the sketch....

And, here's the card I made!

And, as I'm looking at other challenge blogs, I found Stampin' Up Only Challenge blog and realized this card fits that challenge which is to include flowers on your creation! Awesome!

I used the stamp set Four Frames and Tiny Tags and the new Beyond the Garden DSP out of the Summer Mini, Daffodil Delight ribbon, and the Boho Blossoms punch.

TFL!

Rebecca's Engagement Album (pgs. 10-12)

2011-05-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

Rebecca's Engagement Album (pgs. 7-9)

2011-05-21T08:00:00.002-04:00

Rebecca's Engagement Album (pgs. 4-6)

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Rebecca's Engagement Album (pgs. 1-3)

2011-05-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

Back in March I had the pleasure of doing an engagement photo session with Rebecca & Jeremy. My dear friend and fellow SU demonstrator (and my one of my awesome downline!), Emily, wanted me to make an album of the session's photographs so that she could give to them as a wedding gift. Of course I said YES!

I purchased the DSP and already made album that comes in the MDS Express. I love the premade pages, but I also did quite a bit more to them to make them my style. I will post 3 layouts at a time over the next couple of weeks so be sure to check back! :-)

Scrapbook Event Layouts~2011

2011-05-15T08:00:00.001-04:00

These are the 3 layouts I created in mine, Tiffany's, and Emily's combined scrapbook event we held back in March. The middle layout really isn't crooked IRL, it's just my crappy cropping abilities.

TFL!

Kasara's Senior Pictures~2000

2011-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

And the last layout I created for my Open House! I used Botanical Gazette DSP and I forgot the name of the stamp set (I know, BIG surprise!! LOL) Nature Walk, maybe? I used a border punch, vintage trinkets,and some satin ribbon. Pics are my sister's senior pictures from back in 2000!

TFL!

Picture Perfect

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

And, yes, yet another layout I created for my March Open House! I used the flower punch and matching stamp set (sorry, totally blanking on the name!!) But, I won it FREE at Leadership in January! :) Elegant Soiree DSP, spiral punch, Top Note die, border punch, and a vintage brad. Photo is my girlies, of course!

TFL!

Easter Blessings

2011-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Another layout I created for my Occasions Mini Open House using the Ice Cream Parlor stuff from Sale-A-Bration! Photo corner punch and Top Note die. Pics are of my crazy girls at Easter several years ago.

TFL!

J-Man 2004

2011-05-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

A layout I created for my Occasions Mini Open House back in March. I used First Edition DSP and the Notes and Details stamp set. For the "flower" I cut several different sized circles and off set them and secured them with a vintage brad. Photo is my nephew, Jacob, whom my hubby refers to him as "J-Man" ever since I can remember!

TFL!

Birthday Thank You's

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, ANOTHER MDS project comin' at ya!

I took little Xavier's 1 year photos a couple of weeks ago. His Mom mentioned she wanted the pictures done by his first birthday to show off (understandable). She then mentioned she was wanting to have "thank you's" with Xavier's picture on them and I instantly said I'd whip something up using MDS....so I did and I love how they turned out! She picked out the picture she wanted me to use and I went to town!

I used the Party Hearty stamp set, and that's pretty much it! And Mom loved them! :)

TFL!

Cutting the Cake (Cora's Wedding Album)

2011-05-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

MDS layout.

I used Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizazz, and Blushing Bride DSP, Always Elegant brush stamp set, heart punch, scallop circle punch, rhinestones and I left some room for some journaling under the title if she wants me to put something there.

TFL!!

Ring Bearers (Cora's Wedding Album)

2011-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

MDS layout.

I used Pear Pizazz DSP, Pear Pizazz cardstock, Always Elegant brush stamp set, Very Vanilla hodgepodge hardware, Rhinestones, free font. I'll add the boys names in the hodgepodge hardware.

TFL!!

Flower Girl (Cora's Wedding Album)

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

MDS layout.

Always Elegant brush stamp set, Whisper White cardstock, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, and Certainly Celery DSP, Rhinestones, Whisper White ribbon, scallop circle punch, circle punch, scallop border punch and large photo corner punch. Free font from internet for the title.

When I find out the little girls name, I'll add that on the layout somewhere.

TFL!!

Here Comes the Bride (Cora's Wedding Album)

2011-04-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Created at Crop for the Town, MDS layout.

I used Pretty in Pink DSP, Pretty in Pink textured cardstock, Whisper White ribbon, sewing, Pearls, and that flower trio punch (name?!?!). Need to tweak the DSP at the top and side of the layout a little. The font is a free font downloaded from the internet, but I can't remember the name, but it's so cute!

TFL!!

The Wedding Party (Cora's Wedding Album)

2011-04-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

MDS layout I did at Crop for the Town last weekend. A friend/co-worker asked me to scrapbook her wedding, so I thought MDS would be perfect and I'd get it done a lot cheaper and faster this way! I'll be sticking with her wedding colors which were Pear Pizazz/Certainly Celery, Blushing Bride/Pretty in Pink/Pink Pirroute, and So Saffron/Daffodil Delight.

I used Rhinestones, Frames with a Flourish and Torn Edges brush stamps, textured Very Vanilla, In Color DSP in Pear Pizazz, and Blushing Bride and Text DSP in So Saffron, Very Vanilla ribbon. The font is a font that came on my computer, but I'm not sure the name. It's the first time I've used that one and it turned out very pretty, I think! Perfect for a wedding theme.

TFL!

First Bath

2011-04-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Another digi layout! I LOVE MDS!!! Pics are of my adorable niece, Avery, and her first bath (which she wasn't very happy about!). Isn't she the sweetest?! Hard to believe she's 15 months now. I used Rock-a-Bye DSP, borders, and elements, large photo corner punch, and a free internet font, which I don't remember the name of (sorry!!!).

TFL!!

Christmas Eve 2009

2011-04-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

A couple more digi layouts I did at Crop for the Town. I used the ever awesome function of "insert duplicate page" to make a layout for McKenna and Micah. I think I'm going to go back in and change the cardstock to a smooth cardstock instead of the textured. i don't think the candy canes along the left side show up very well on the textured. And I need to tweak the DSP on the bottom of the layout a little. I used the Jolly Holiday DSP and elements from another Christmas set but they match each other (blanking on the name!!)

TFL!!

Thanksgiving Turkey

2011-04-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Another digi layout i got done at Crop for the Town! A cute little Thanksgiving project that Micah did last year in the 2nd grade. I was so touched by all the things she was thankful for written on the "feathers" which were cut outs of her cute little hands! She wrote "my cousins", "Mara and McKenna" (awwww!!!), "Mom and Dad", "my grandparents", "my dog".

I used Autumn Spice DSP, Really Rust ribbon, Chocolate Chip button, tag punch, large arrow punch and large photo corner punch. The title is done with a free internet download font, which i can't remember the name of.

TFL!

Crop for the Town 2011!

2011-04-17T11:40:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was the 2nd annual Crop for the Town to raise money to give to the Dubois Ruritan to help beautify the town! 12 hours of cropping, baby!! I took my laptop and just digi scrapped the day away and got a ton done! I worked on a wedding album I'm making for a friend/co-worker and got a couple of layouts done for my girls as well. I'll be showing them off for the next couple of weeks, so check back often! :-)

Pics are of McKenna at her first spelling bee last year in the 3rd grade. Please bear with the "mistakes". On the newest update of MDS, it's kind of confusing with the new bleed area, so I need to make some "tweaks" to the layout...just moving the DSP over in some places and moving the DSP and ribbon up to the top of the page. Just something to get used to with the newest version, no biggie.

I used Ice Cream Parlor DSP, elements, and ribbon. The font for the title is a free font download from the internet called Happy Days.

TFL!

Sorry I've been MIA, but here's a new layout for ya!

2011-04-15T05:49:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, I'm a horrible blogger...not posting something now for what, like 2 weeks or something crazy like that?! Busy week around the Birrell household. Nothing special, just the usual, everyday, run-of-the-mill stuff. That + the fact I've been too lazy to take pictures of all the stuff I need to be posting on here!! LOL!

Well, here's a quick 12x12 layout I whipped up yesterday to complete the challenge that my upline, Tiffany, gave us for the month....to use 1 of 3 sets of DSP that we wouldn't normally use (Woodland Walk, Lap of Luxury, and Blueberry Crisp). I chose Blueberry Crisp. Hope you like it! (I used a Sketchabilities sketch).

Pics are of the whole immediate Birrell family taken November 2010 by my dear friend, Joy.

TFL!

An Award!

2011-03-29T19:36:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Tiffany, for the award!

The Liebster Blog Award is given to bring new blogs to light. It's a great way to share blogs that might not otherwise be seen or ones you want to share with others.

As a recipient of this award I must share the love and pay it forward by:

1-Creating a post where I blog about the Liebster award & reveal my 3-5 blog picks
2-Let the honorees know that I selected them
3-Copy & paste the blog award on my blog

Now I have the huge task of narrowing down my favorite blogs that I love to visit and gain inspiration from so I can share them with you.

New blogs that you must visit are...

Margaret Fleming

Emily Haug

Beth Cave

Bliss

2011-03-29T09:05:00.001-04:00

And, the last layout I created at Crop for the Cure. I was getting really tired by this point (12 hours of scrappin', chattin', and eatin'!!), so this isn't my most favorite-est layout, but it's not the worst I've ever done. I used the SAB digi stamp set called Bliss, which I think is pretty, but I just don't know how to use it yet!

TFL!

Halloween 2010

2011-03-27T08:54:00.001-04:00

Now, this was awesome. I created one layout featuring Mara in her costume. I wanted to make a layout featuring McKenna and Micah in their costumes as well, but didn't feel like coming up with 2 more Halloween layouts using almost the exact same pics (that would be my ADHD kickin' in! LOL!). Seeing the same pics and coming up with 2 more layouts that I actually liked as much as I liked the first one....I shudder at the thought.

So, Tiffany showed me how to "insert duplicate page". Whoa! Who'da thought that 3 little words would be such a H-U-G-E timesaver?!?! I duplicated this exact page, deleted a couple of pics and inserted a couple of new ones and VOILA! This is what ya get:

And, "insert duplicate page" again.....

I know! Too flippin' COOL, huh?!?!?! Sorry, just one more reason you gotta love MDS!!!

Candy Dreams

2011-03-25T08:48:00.001-04:00

And yet another color combo you're not likely to see on the Color Coach! Once again, just using color that were in the girls' costumes for this.

Last summer, in between play practice for Willy Wonka, McKenna and some friends were preparing for the Talent Show at the annual Herbsfest in a neighboring town. These girls worked their tails off with not as much parental involvement as one might think to pull off! Everything was their ideas from the music, dance moves, costumes and props. Their Grand Prize was well deserved! I was so proud of them!

TFL!

Willy Wonka

2011-03-23T08:43:00.001-04:00

These pics of McKenna just crack me up! Always a little ham. I used different DSP's to match her costume. You will definitely not see this color combo on the Color Coach! LOL!

These are the only pictures I have of McKenna in her debut play last summer as cameras weren't allowed during the performance. Her summer was so busy with play practice, but I think she loved every minute of it and all the attention she got out of it! Her official role was Oompa Loompa #7 and she had a really small speaking part and she got to be in the scene where Mike TV gets shrunk.

TFL!

Home Remedy

2011-03-21T08:36:00.001-04:00

Ok, I know the picture on here is pretty darn crappy. But, really, it's the story that's funny the picture is just there to support the journaling. Since I don't journal very often, layouts like this don't come around all the time, so bear with the horrible photo.

That would be a picture of my middle daughter eating supper one evening with a paper bag over her head. She wore that bag on her head intermittently for a couple of weeks in December....as the stomach flu hit our house pretty heavy. And, amazingly enough, she came out of it completely unscathed. Not quite sure how that happened, but it has to be the bag, right?!

Thanks to my girly, Heather, for the title! And, this layout was created using My Sweet Pea DSP and embellishments. Any other questions about it, email me! :-)

TFL!

Eek!!

2011-03-19T08:26:00.002-04:00

I know, if I were really good, I'd be able to spout off everything I used on here. Well, let's face it, I pretty much suck at that! LOL! If you really, absolutely, positively need to know what I used on here, just shoot me an email and I'll try and figure it out and let you know exactly what I used. I will say that I'm pretty sure the font on here is a font I downloaded for free from the internet. Where? I have no idea. Name of the font? No freaking way am I going to go thru all my fonts and try to answer that question! Sorry, folks, you'll just have to try and go to sleep tonite not knowing that little bit of info! ;)

Sidenote...these pics were taken with my phone! As was the photos in the layout posted on Tuesday titled "8 inches!!" Sometimes you just never know when pics on your phone will come in handy!

TFL!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T09:00:00.001-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day, fellow peeps!

This is, by far, my most favorite card I've created in awhile!

I made this using the Full Heart Punch and then embossing it with the square lattice embossing folder to mimic the clover on the stamp! Simple card. Couple layers of paper, the scallop eyelet border punch, a cute little bow and voila!

I used the single stamp Lucky Shamrock in the Occasions Mini.

TFL!

8 inches!!

2011-03-15T20:26:00.000-04:00

March 5 myself and several other girlfriends head out for Evansville for Crop for the Cure, a scrapbooking crop to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. We've all been going together for the last several years and always have a fantastic time! Last year I got the bright idea to only pack my laptop to use My Digital Studio and my sketch book instead of half of my scraproom and end up not using half of what I brought or need something I didn't bring! It worked out beautifully, so I did the same thing this year, as well. I got 9 layouts done!!! And, I'll be showing those off this month, so be sure to check back often.

I know I've said this before.....but I just can't get enough of MDS!!! I never thought I'd ever say that I LOVE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING!!! I hope you enjoy my creations and inspire you to try it out if you have yet to delve into the digital world!