Quick update...

Has it really been two weeks since I checked in with you all? Wow...time flies. I was gently reminded by my lovely friend Shirley (Hi there Shirley!) that I was lagging. So I will do a quick check in and bring you all up to date. Sadly there has not been a lot of scrappy time around here, but I do have a few projects to share. Mostly I have been spending my time running crazy with these kidlets! We have been working hard at getting my oldest son back on his game with school - we had a rough few weeks but I am so happy to say that finals are over and he lived through his first quarter of 8th grade and actually pulled up his grades to A's and B's!!! Way to go Christian!...and he reported this morning that he plans to keep it on track and shoot for all A's next quarter - I am so glad to have my son back!!
My nine year old has his 4th grade Mission project due this week and we have been working on that - I love doing crafty projects with the kids, and we were encouraged to work on it together, so we are having a great time! But wow is it a time consuming project!
Lauren is getting so excited for Halloween! I can't wait to take pictures of her adorable costume! Grandma made it, and she is going to be a butterfly - it is simply stunning! She is so anxious to be able to wear it! And I am really looking forward to being able to scrap it!

Now on to the scrappy stuff... I did complete some items for the Tour De France Contest over at MonAme Memories. Last week's challenge was to complete a project for Breast Cancer awareness. We were asked to alter a Bra in any way that we chose -- and then of course in order to be coordinated and have a little fun, we were to make matching panties. Of course, like many of you my life has been touched by Breast Cancer, and I wanted to make something really special for this contest. And since we are talking about Breast Cancer awareness before I share my project I want to remind you to get your yearly mammogram - don't wait! I would also like to encourage you to click HERE to go to the Breast Cancer site, and please click to donate a FREE mammogram! It only takes a moment, it is free, and it may save someone's life!

Here is my project:


I decorated the bra and boy shorts in fall colors with silk flowers, rhinestones and ribbon. I added an adorable little owl pin and the tag reads: I'm here to support you. I have no idea what to do with this little ensemble now that it is done! But may someone living with Breast Cancer or a Breast Cancer survivor will see my project and know that I made it to support them...and maybe they will smile.

For this week's project, we were asked to create a mini album using the theme "Thankfulness" as our inspiration. Now I have to tell you, as busy as this week has been, trying to get a mini album done was REALLY a challenge for me. But I was determined to do this! And I am so glad that I did. We have faced some difficult times recently, and it has been really hard for me not to be focused on the negative. Really hard. So taking the time this week to focus on the things that I am thankful for was really a blessing for me. I do have so much to be thankful for, and no matter what challenges life throws at me, I KNOW that I am truly blessed. I do plan to add a few more pages to this mini - since I have much more that I am thankful for, but here is what I got done for the contest:



I used primarily Making Memories papers, chipboard, journaling notebook and stickers for this album along with some miscellaneous ribbon, buttons and lace, felt alphabet by American Crafts and some prima flowers. I wish the photos were a little better - but I always do! I am so pleased with how this album turned out - it makes me smile!

Well, that's it for now - I gotta go get back to work on my (I mean Ethan's) Mission project. Have a WONDERFUL week, and I hope to have something fun to share soon!

Good Morning!!

I hope that today brings you lot's of smiles!!

Life has been going full speed this week, so I have had very little time for scrappy endeavors. I am still playing in the contest at Moname Memories, and am pleased to say that I am holding tight to third place for two weeks in a row - woohoo! What has been fun about this challenge for me is that there is a "speed" component to the race in addition to the scrapbooking, and working quickly in the race earns more points, at least for some of the challenges. So if you know me, you know that I am anything but fast - so I have really had to push myself - the layout that I completed for last week's challenge I got done in just a couple hours - no pondering, no setting it aside and coming back to is later...just get it done! AND I even overcame my fear of writing on the page and wrote (with permanent marker even lol) all over my layout, the flowers, the edges, the journaling... So although it is not the most fabulous thing I ever created, I jumped over some hurdles and enjoyed doing it!


We used a sketch for this one, and that of course made it go much faster. This is my daughter at her 3rd birthday party trying out the beautiful purple makeup she was given for her birthday! Journaling reads: Someone thought it would be a good idea to buy you makeup for your 3rd birthday. You sure had a good time, and Purple is definitely your color!
I used My Mind's Eye patterned papers, Bazzill cardstock, Pink Paislee diecut paper, Making Memories glimmer brad, Sharpie marker, AC thickers, misc. lace trim, AC alpha stickers and a cute little butterfly that I have no idea where came from.

My project this week won't be fast - I am caught in a whirlwind this week and don't know when I may have time to sit down and work, so hopefully I can hold on to my spot!

Aside from this page, my only crafty time this week was getting to go make a tile mosaic with friends from work - My friend Dawn got us together and put together the supplies and somehow convinced her husband Bill to help with framing, grouting etc - it was a VERY fun day with creativity flowing and oozing all over the place - thanks Dawn and Bill!

Well, gotta go wake up the kids to get ready for school, work and another insanely busy day! Hugs to you all

Fall is Here!!

How exciting! Fall weather has finally joined us here in my little corner of the world...cool and cloudy...just enough to make you want to stay snuggled inside with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book... Now don't get me wrong - next week or so I will be whining that I miss my sunshine, but right now I am loving the change!

And it feels like a full season has passed since I last updated my blog...oh well, what else is new? I have finished a few fun things recently, although not nearly as much as I would have liked. Although my mojo has finally returned and I am starting to feel those creative juices flow, my available time has been pretty limited - I take what I can get!

Here is a little fall layout to get you in the mood! This is my daughter last fall decorating pumpkins.

I used Scrapworks and Cosmo Cricket patterned papers, Scenic Route chipboard alpha, Basic Grey alpha stickers and a buncha buttons from my stash.

I am excited to say that I am participating in a fun contest over at Moname Memories. I think a good contest is just what I needed to kick my creativity into gear and get me in the mood to scrap! The contest is called the Tour de France, and we are racing to the finish line - for the next 4 weeks I will be working on challenges for this, and so far I am having a GREAT time! Hope that the old bike is not too rusty to keep up, but either way, it should be a fun ride.

Here is what I created for the first leg of the race. The challenge was to use the theme "greatness" for the layout, and then to create a card using only the items that you used on your layout.

I have to tell you that this challenge was really a blessing for me - As I started thinking about the "greatness" theme, I knew exactly what I needed to do. I have really been struggling with my oldest son, Christian. At 13 he is really starting to test me, and we struggle daily to keep him on the right track, especially with school and homework. Being a mom is SUCH hard work, and I often feel like my role in life is to be a nag, which I just hate. So I created this layout about my struggle with my son, and it helped so much for me to express it and to put it into perspective.

Sorry the photos are not the best - it is dark here, and my efforts to lighten in PS did not do them justice, but that's the best I can do.

The journaling reads:
Christian, I know you think I'm too hard on you...that I am too strict, I push you too hard. You are RIGHT! I do push hard. I have known since you spoke your first words that you were an amazing gift - so incredibly bright! I see a future for you filled with such great potential. I know in my heart that you can do ANYTHING! I want you to learn to always do your best - to reach as far as you can. I want you to see that "good enough" is just NOT good enough for you. I will keep pushing you to live up to your potential, and I pray that one day you will realize that I do this because I LOVE YOU and because I know that you are DESTINED FOR GREATNESS.

Then here is the card I created using the same supplies:
The products that I used are: We R Memory Keepers patterned papers and chipboard shape, Stampin Up cardstock, ink, journaling pen and brads, Heidi Swapp chipboard alpha, Making Memories tiny alpha stickers, and misc. buttons.

Here is another simple card I never shared...

as well as a little journal that I made to keep track of my phone calls at work:

Well, I guess that covers the work I have done for the moment - I am in the middle of several things, so hopefully I will get some time soon and can pop in and share them!

On another note, I did want to mention that I will no longer be participating on the design team at Making Memories for You - I won't go into details except to say that everything happens for a reason, and I have discovered that the reasons this time are so much better for me. I have been reminded that I really do need to listen to my gut - I keep thinking that I know this, but apparently I need periodic reminders. I did learn a lot from this experience - which is why I continue to try new things! I created some things that I LOVE and am very proud of, I made a few new friends which is ALWAYS important to me. I learned that I really enjoy doing sketches, and I think this is something that I will continue - at least once in a while!

And at least for the moment, I will use my time to scrap just for me, and I will continue to challenge myself and enjoy my love for creating because it brings me joy!

I am off now to go dig in to some paper and see what I can get accomplished. Have a scrappy day!!

New Sketch, Layout and Card to share

I am ALMOST feeling human again, and the kids are on the mend. I have been trying like crazy to find my mojo... not sure where I left it but if you find it, PLEASE send it home! I think my creativity is just on hold since I have been feeling so lousy, so I hope that as I feel better, my mojo comes back. In the meantime, I am trying to keep scrapping - not always successfully, and very very slowly - I swear it drives me crazy when I work for hours on something and it is still just ...eh. But that is the way it goes I guess.

At any rate - I do have a couple things to share. I did another sketch this week.

Here is Sketch #4:

I decided to try a 2 page layout this time. Now, I know that not many people do 2 page layouts at this point...that's okay! My intention was to design this so that each individual page could be used on it's own, and yet those that want a 2 page option can use it as such.

Here is the sample I created for this sketch -- more photos of Lauren - yes, I am done scrapping these pics and will be moving on to something else now, I promise...but I still love em!
Sorry these pics are so bad... my day did not go exactly as planned and I lost the good light before I got around to taking pics.



I also finished a Fall card today...

I had SOOOOO many other things on my list today, but I only succeeded in making a mess of my desk...oh well. There's always tomorrow. Pray for my tummy to feel better so that I can get back to being a productive scrapper...oh, and remember - keep your eyes out for my mojo... I miss it!

Catching up again

Hello all! Hope this post finds you happily scrapping or otherwise enjoying your day! I have a new sketch and layout to share - sorry i didn't get to it sooner, this has been a pretty rough week! I had a head cold all last week, but fought my way through it only to have the joy of catching the stomach crud this week! And now that I am feeling a bit better, my children are all hit with the stomach crud today! I gotta tell ya, I am exhausted. BUT I am doing my best to keep it all together and keep myself sane with a moment here and there to scrap. Unfortunately feeling lousy doesn't bring out my best creatively, but I keep trying!

I did complete a sketch over the weekend, as well as a layout to share. Hoping that this weekend allows me some time to get more scrappyness in. One can hope :) And in the meantime I am staying away from any and all germs!

Here is SKETCH #3


And here is the layout that I created as a sample:
I had a terrible time trying to get a photo of this one, so sorry it is a little blurry. I used Bazzill cardstock, Scenic Route papers, Basic Grey letter stickers and chipboard alpha, Maya Road sheer journaling blocks and Queen & Co felt strip (stars). I unfrotunately can't remember the manufacturer of the chipboard stars.

Well, I am off to try to get something accomplished with my day... or maybe just a nap lol

Hugs to you all!

Altered Matchbox "Memory Game"

Good Morning everyone! Just a little project to share today...

This week for my design team I needed to create something to share as a challenge for the board, and I was asked to do a "Three Things" challenge - participants use 3 selected things on a layout, card or altered project - this is always so much fun - I hope you decide to play along! Of course I picked my three FAVORITE things for this challenge:

The color PINK
Butterflies (at least one visible butterfly on the project)
BLING!

If you decide to play along, please share your work here!!

This is the sample that I created as inspiration for this challenge. I received a 7 gypsies matchbox in my kit from the Keep In Touch shop. I altered it using Fancy Pants papers, Luxe label, Making Memories tiny alphabet, Prima crystals, and a vintage button. I made a "memory" game for my daughter Lauren using 12 different photographs of her on one side and then 6 pairs of butterfly photos to match on the other side. I hope that this idea inspires you - Lauren LOVES her special game made just for her, and I really think these would make great gifts!




I hope that you all have a wonderful day! I am off to try to sneak in a little more scrappin before the weekend is over! HUGS!
KP

Another Sketch and a layout to share

I completed a second sketch for the September challenge at MMFY. You can find my challenge here if you would like to join in the fun for a chance to earn a RAK!

Here it is -- Sketch #2

I'd love to see what you create with it - if you use it, be sure to leave a comment with a link to your work here :)

And here is the layout that I created using this sketch:


I used Fancy Pants patterned papers, Prima crystal flourishes, Doodlebug alpha stickers, Making Memories tiny alpha's, American Crafts thickers, October Afternoon rub on's.

Hope you all have a scrappy week!

I'm a-sketchin'

So...as part of my responsibilities at MakingMemoriesforYou.org I am moderating the "Sketches" forum, and of course that means, I need to share sketches and sketch challenges. I decided that since the whole point of me sharing work on a design team is to challenge myself creatively, that I would try my hand at designing my own sketches.

The concept is not new to me - I just haven't really put the time into putting my ideas into sketch form - when I scrap, I generally envision the completed layout in my head and skip right to the finished product, rather than sketching the idea first. In fact, I nearly failed art class in High School, as I refused to sketch my work first. That was back in my arrogant days and I told the teacher and principal I did not need to sketch or "do it twice", I did it right the first time...ah, those were the days! Smarting off to the nuns, that was good times!

At any rate, I have decided to try sketching, and will be sharing weekly sketches on the site. Now keep in mind, I am a beginner at this... but I will be learning and growing from the experience, which is why I am doing it! I hope that in the process I can inspire someone else! This is my first sketch:

Thankfully I live with a 13 year old computer genius who can help me with the computer part...Thanks Christian!

You can see the sketch challenge as well as the layouts members create with this sketch here. If you decide to create a layout with this sketch, I would love to see your work! Come share it on the site and please leave a comment here with a link to your creation!!

I am off to spend the morning doing some scrappy things today! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Check this month's Ezine...

Making Memories For You puts out a monthly Ezine, and for the next three months I will be contributing to it. Check out this month's issue - HERE
Each month there are calls for new layouts - submit your work and join in the fun!

Long overdue update, and new things to share!

Yes, in fact it has been forever. This month has been a little challenging for me, and I truly apologize for not being around more. But things are looking up and I really hope to have lots to share over the coming weeks!

So where have I been?? I had a challenge earlier in the month in which I had a bizarre reaction to some medication, which also caused me to tweak my neck. I have been gradually recovering and working through the pain and am nearly back to myself! In the meantime I have been crazy busy with work, kids, start of school, stamp class, and a new Design Team commitment...whew!

Lauren started Kindergarten last week - WOW, can you believe it! Here is a photo from her first day

She also had a Hula Show last week - she was so adorable! Here is a pic of her with her cousin before the show:


They had so much fun! The boys have been busy and are enjoying the start of school as well, but sadly I did not end up with any fabulous pictures of them this week - need to get snapping a few more! We are leaving shortly for a BBQ at my mom's so maybe I can get some good ones of them there!

My really exciting news for the week is that today begins my role on the Design Team at Making Memories for You. I am so excited to be able to be a part of this team. I love the people on this board, and really enjoy spending time there - if you haven't done so already, come by and check it out - and PLEASE join in the fun! My design team commitment is through November, and I am really looking forward to sharing fun things with you during that time.

This month I received a Fabulous "Big and Juicy" kit from Kelly at Keep In Touch. This kit was jam packed with scrappy goodness! It was a travel themed kit, featuring mostly items from the Making Memories Passport line. Since we just returned from a trip to NY, I was inspired to complete a travel album. I had an acrylic album in my stash just waiting to be used. This was my first attempt at an acrylic album, and it was worth the challenge - I had a lot of fun making this! In addition to the acrylic album, I also used stamps, felt trim, lace, a couple of the flowers, chipboard and alpha stickers from my stash. All of the papers and all of the other embellishments and trims are from this amazing kit. Thanks Kelly and MMFY!

Here is the album I created:




I also created a card for DT...I added the red Bazzill, thickers and rubons, stamped image and the prima to the card, papers, trim and button from the kit:

Well, that is all for now. Thankfully I am feeling better and getting my "GROOVE" back, so hopefully you will see a lot more of me in September.

Happy Scrapping and HUGS!!
KP

I'm able to share this after all...

I am sad to say that I was eliminated from the contest that I was participating in, because I did not read the rules carefully enough and uploaded incorrectly. I felt pretty silly at first, but then realized that half the contestants made the same mistake, so I guess that just confirms that I am average! LOL. But even though I am sad not to be moving on and playing in the contest, I am delighted to be able to share this layout with you. I created this layout for the WWW.MakingMemoriesForYou.Org Simplicity Or Embellishment Contest.





This layout is of my bestest and sweetest friend, Charissa. Yep, she rocks.

Patterned papers and Die Cut are Pink Paislee. Cardstock is Bazzill and SU. Lace is from Joanne's. The chipboard alpha is Scenic Route, and the alpha stickers are Basic Grey. I made the flowers using old newspaper. I sprayed them with Walnut Ink and then sponged on some blue ink. I found the idea to make flowers like these here - I think they are FABULOUS and love the way they work on this layout....you should try it! They were a lot of fun to make! The stems are just torn and rolled cardstock.

Aside from this one, I have just been working on cards. Slowly I might add. I spent the weekend with a HORRENDOUS migraine and am just getting back to myself, so I hope to get in some productive time this week and get the cards done so I can get back to SCRAPPIN!! Have a wonderful fabulous amazing week!

Okay, I know...

I am a serious blog slacker!! I apologize for not updating sooner...life has been... yes let's say it together...CRAZY! We made it back from our amazing trip, and things have not settled down since! I have not even had a chance to edit the photos yet, but I promise I will share them (and the scrappy pages I create with them) soon. We went to Niagara falls - it was gorgeous! And we had a great time toodling around Western NY - I am so amazed at how absolutely beautiful it was there, and I just loved the small town feel and gorgeous old homes in the town we stayed in. I LOVED IT there! The wedding was lovely, and it was an all around good time.

Since we got back, I have been trying to recover the lost sleep from travel weariness, and keeping really busy with work. I have done a little scrapping, and have one page to share with you today.



This layout is of my daughter Lauren with her cousins Adeline and Lily on Lauren's 5th birthday. My husband brought home a gigantic cardboard box from work and made it into a castle - the girls had so much fun playing in it! And aren't they just the cutest little things ever!

I created this layout using patterned papers from GCD Studios and Creative Imaginations, foam letters from American Crafts (thickers), alpha stickers from Pink Paislee, brads from Creative Imaginations, rhinestones are Crystal Elements. I used an exacto to cut the flower design from patterned paper. I stitching is done by hand. I cut the butterflies using Scenic Route chipboard as a template, added glitter and rhinestones and raised with 3d glue dots.

I am working on some other layouts, but they are for a contest over at MakingMemoriesForYou, and I am not allowed to post them until after the contest ends...so if you want to see them before then you will have to visit the gallery here. The contest opens and entries are due tomorrow, August 3rd so come check it out! I am also busy working on card designs and prep for my upcoming Stamp A Stack, but can't share those yet either. Here's hoping I get a LOT more scrappy time next week!

Hope you all have a great weekend...
hugs, KP

I MADE IT!!!

I am so excited to be able to announce that I will be joining the Design Team for Making Memories for You!! I am so thrilled and honored to be chosen...this site is so much fun, and I am truly enjoying the friendship of the members here as well as the amazing talent that they share! I can't wait to get started. My "term" on the team will start in September. I will have the pleasure of working with kits from THIS shop - I can't wait, these kits are ROCKIN' and I hope to really be able to do my part to show them off! I will be anxiously awaiting my first shipment - it can't get here soon enough!! Did I mention that I am excited?? I hope that you will join me in the fun over at MMFY!!

We're leaving on a jet plane...

Woo hoo - taking the red eye tonight, going to New York! I have never been, but my SIL is getting married on Saturday, so we are going to celebrate her nuptuals, and enjoy a week of fun and excitement! We will be in upstate NY, and plan to visit Niagara Falls. I simply can not wait, I think this has got to be one of the most beautiful and amazing places on the planet! We have a few other things in mind to do on our trip, as well as a must stop plan for some wings while in Buffalo! I have the camera packed, and am hoping for some great scrap photo opportunities! Everyone have an amazing week!

I'm still SCRAPPIN!

This week has been filled with lovely things like birthday parties, sleepovers, BBQ's, fireworks and fun by the pool with friends. But I still managed to get in a little scrappy time!!

I have decided to try ONE MORE TIME for a design team spot - I am determined to keep at it until I find the spot for me! This time I am in a DT contest for MakingMemoriesForYou. I love this place, so hopefully it turns out to be a great fit, but even if not, I am having a wonderful time challenging myself and have created a layout that I absolutely love.

Of course, this is my beautiful daughter Lauren. I LOVE this photo of her, captured at her preschool graduation ceremony... looking up at me with that special "I love you mommy" look. The CS is Bazzill. The patterned papers are Prima, as is the rub on. I distressed and inked the edges, and then I exacto cut the flowers. I applied a Glitz pearl in each flower center. I had a hard time finding the right flowers for this layout, and ended up cutting most of these from an arrangement in my bedroom (how's that for recycling!) The vintage buttons were a gift from a LOVELY lady from one of my classes that let me pick through her grandmother's collection - THANK YOU SHELLEY! They are just gorgeous! The chipboard keyhole is Melissa Frances and the alpha is Creative Imaginations. The tiny alpha is Making Memories, the tiny key charm is Heart & Soul, Lace is from Joanne's.

Here are some close up shots for detail:

I also made a card for this call. I had a lot of fun with this one - The flowers are hand cut circles that I distressed, inked and doodled. I hand stitched the stems and leaves. The papers are Fancy Pants, and the Rub On is American Crafts.


AND I even had time to get one more layout done just for fun. I have been wanting to capture Ethan's adorable little freckles in a layout for awhile, and finally snapped some pics this weekend that really showed them. His sweet little face makes me smile!

CS is Bazzill, Papers are My Mind's Eye, Creative Imaginations and BoBunny. The Rub On is Glitz, and the Chipboard is Scenic Route. The buttons are from my growing stash.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE BUTTONS!! I think I may be working through a little addiction on this one. I just can not get enough, and seem to use them on EVERY layout. If anyone else has a grandma's collection that they want to share, you know where to find me!!

I am off to get the kids to bed so that I can veg out and watch some reality tv...yep, tonight is the Bachelorette Finale (lol YES I DO watch this stuff!)

I hope to get some scrappy time this weekend, but we are gearing up for a big trip, so who knows how much play time I will get. It all depends on how organized I am I guess...keep your fingers crossed that I get a little time, so I don't go crazy!
Have a WONDERFUL week!!
HUGS, KP