Circle of Friends Blog Award!

I am so touched! I came to read my blog, and I learned that my beautiful friend Kim left me this blog award. Please visit her blog. She is a wonderful and dear person, and you will love her artwork, too! Now I have to say this, right back at you Kim!!

Here are the rules:

• Nominate 5 other bloggers you feel have become part of your circle of friends.

• Link to your nominees within your blog post.

• Include these instructions on how to pick up the award in your blog post.

• Link back to the person who gave you the award in your blog post, to show your appreciation. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award .

Boy, is it hard for me to pick just 5 people! But here goes who I've chosen to send this award to:

• Tina - she is an amazing person and has been so tremendously good to me in the time I have known her through CTMH. I wish I lived near her so that I could teach with her all the time! She is an incredible artist with the most energy of anyone I know.

• Annette - she is my German friend that I have met through blogging. I feel a special kinship with her, and in order to understand each other we have to use online translation! I don't mind at all - what incredible techniques I have learned from her!

• Karen J - I have known Karen for 3 years from afar. Yet we have prayed together and become very close. Something Karen may not know is that she inspires me to be a better artist. Her work is from the heart - and that's a gift!

• Laurel - she is a fabulous person! I can only imagine that she is a wonderful teacher to her first graders. She also leaves a lot of comments for me, and that means a lot coming from her. She is on many design teams, and her work is outstanding!

• Karen P - I met Karen in person last year at the CTMH convention. She has always been a tremendous role model at CTMH, and it's a privilege to now call her a friend. Along with all the marvelous comments she leaves me, she's my American Idol buddy, too!

It's pretty hard to stop at 5! These women I've chosen are so inspiring, so kind, and so artistic. It won't be a waste of time to follow their blogs!

Blog Candy Drawing Tomorrow!

If you haven't put yourself in the random draw, I thought I'd put out a reminder for you! Tomorrow night (August 1st) at 8:00 pm the winner will be determined by random.org!

Here are the specifics:

• If you are not a follower of my blog, become one!
• Share the love and leave a comment on one of my posts!
  
• Mention my blog candy on your blog (and be sure sure to link me!) If you don't have a blog, mention me on your Facebook page!

I can wait to share this sweet blog candy with the lucky winner!!

Treasure Life's Little Moments with Loads of Flowers!

I have had a BALL doing the Cuttlebug Challenges this month. These fabulous women are so creative, and I have learned so much from their tutorials and artwork. Truly, I never knew (or had it in my imagination) that I could do so much with this bug! I've mentioned it before, but new folders are coming out soon, and the gals have been previewing them all of July before CHA. Take a look at their site because you are not going to believe the awesome artwork they created for CHA!

Okay, on to my last entry for the month in the Cuttlebug Challenges. We were to make a gatefold card using our favorite folder. Right now I have two folders that are my favorites, so I combined them The first is Script, and it's pretty easy to tell which that is. On the inside of the card, I've made an embossed window with my nestabilities scalloped circles and I used the Stylized Flowers folder behind it. Because we were focusing on favorites and friendship this week, I loaded this card with flowers and ribbon. Sometimes what you've done with a card speaks for itself, so I added just a small sentiment on the inside - "treasure life's little moments." The sweet leaf and baby pink colors make this card very soft.

I can't wait to see what challenges come about next from the Cuttlebug blog! Even more though, I can't wait to get my hands on some new folders!!

More of the Beautiful La Sagrada Familia

This is my second post today using photos of Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia. I am using Sketch #62 from Creative Scrappers to complete my 2-page layout. I wanted it to match the layout you will see in the next post, so again I've used CTMH's Perfect Day paper. The other elements from CTMH are the Foundry Bookplate, and Perfect Day Stickease. The flowers are Prima Naturals. With a first page already completed and four pictures remaining to scrap of this unique and beautiful scrap, it was easy to complete the layout.

I can't say the photo album from my trip is quite done yet, but I can say that our days in Barcelona are scrapped. That's an accomplishment!

La Sagrada Familia

or "Temple of the Holy Family." These pictures are from our trip to Barcelona last October. This is one of the most incredible structures I have ever seen. First of all, it is massive - beyond description. One side tells the birth of Jesus, and around the block on the other side it tells the crucifixion and resurrection. This structure was started in 1882 and is still not completed today. If you ever go to Barcelona, make sure it is one of your highlights!

I completed this page for a Creative Scrappers challenge. There was no sketch, but rather ad that was to inspire us. At the bottom of my post, you'll find the picture of the ad.

I also wanted to do an up close picture of my journaling block with the hearts attached. You'll notice that I stamped and cut two colors to give them a layered look. Let's see what else I can tell you about this page. The vine border was stamped with an image from the
KTMH stamp set. The hearts, journaling block, and "tell the story" are also stamped from that set. The lines are stamped from Noteworthy and the scripture is from Come Unto Me. Colors used are Juniper, Sorbet, Colonial White, and Cocoa. Printed paper is from the Perfect Day packet. The Sorbet designer ribbon is also from CTMH. Oh - and the scallops are made from my EK Success corner rounder. Did you know that if you take the guard off and turn it upside down you can make scallops? Perfect. Then I just took my Crop-o-Dile and punched holes.

I have several La Sagrada Familia pages in my book, and this is going to go very nicely along with them!

CPS Sketch #126

I saw this fun and versatile sketch over at CPS. Looking at the sketch, it allows for so much creativity! I started out with aprinted 8"x8" piece of paper from Autumn Leaves. This is their poppy collection. After folding it, I layered another piece (filled with poppies on stems). I thought edge distressing was pretty important on this card, so I rough up the edges of the paper. The chipboard 3-d elements are from Autumn Leaves as well. The 3-d poppies gave me a chance to accentuate the background poppies. I grabbed some random ribbon and poked a black safety pin through the knot.

These colors and patterns are somewhat out of my box, but that is exactly why I picked up this paper pack. It was a whole 12x12 pad on clearance, and it came out to be just 6 cents a sheet. It even has die-cuts and tags in the back of the pad. The matching chipboard pieces were just 4 cents each. What a deal!

Inspirational Sketch #27

I thought this was really a nice sketch from Inspirational Sketches. I immediately thought of my K & Company chipboard frame and rub-ons. Along with beautiful blues and white, this makes an elegant card.

Do you know I always think of handmade cards as a gift to the receiver. If you can look at it that way, whatever you create is going to beautiful!

Items used:

• K & Company chipboard & rub-ons
• Close To My Heart cardstock, ribbons, buttons, and pin
• SU! Window Punch
• Random "thank you" stamp

I am Thrilled! Chosen as Design Team Member for Practical Scrappers!

I am just thrilled! I was chosen to be on the Design Team for Practical Scrappers!

If you haven't checked out this blog, hop on over there amd become a follower. This blog will be a great resource for helping you use the supplies you already have. What a great savings in your project budget!

I am so grateful for this opportunity to bring fresh ideas to you, and I look forward to designing with the other team members!

Prayer-filled Mother Today

Absolutely nothing is wrong. If you are mother that has given your child wings to grow beyond your house, you know what my title means. When children are in our house, we can see them, know where they are, see their expressions, and love them at a close range.

I didn't think it would be hard for me when Shane left our home. He is so independent, works so many hours, and is home so seldom that I thought I have been preparing myself. As I sit here typing in tears, I know that I haven't prepared myself at all. They are tears that are a mixture of joy, pride, and aching - so maybe I'm getting there!

Well, what did set me off in these tears? Last night Shane came home after working a 12-hour shift. He made some homemade popcorn (not that microwave stuff), and plopped down on the couch next to me. He told me what a good day he had, and then headed off to bed. This morning I woke up to the popcorn popper in the sink, grease on the stove and floor, and bowls on the cupboard and in the sink. You'd think I'd be angry - LOL! Instead I washed those dishes and the floor with a tears. That was the last Saturday he'll live in our home. Oh, I know there's some people that would say he may be home. But I am wise enough to know that when you set some butterflies free, they find the wings of eagles and soar.

How grateful I am to know that I am not releasing this child into the world! Long ago, I learned that I have been gifted with Shane. He truly belongs to the Father. It was my job to raise him in faith and to pray for him without ceasing. And so I will continue to do knowing that he rest in the hands of the Almighty. Those are good solid hands, and what better comfort is there than that?

Oh, I really am not a blubbering fool of a mother! I had difficulty when Shane graduated, too. I don't hardly remember those months before his graduation. I still know that there are other times I will be crying and releasing him even more - marriage, children. I want him to live the fullest in what God intends him to be, and never limit him.

And so I will continue to be, without ceasing, a prayer-filled mother.

Have to Tell You About a Great Sale!

If you aren't familiar with them, check out Sticker Planet. The name is deceiving because they sell so much more than stickers! I pick up a lot of papers and embellishments on their site.

Anyway, they are having a sale now through Sunday. It's for 35% off all their merchandise - including sale and clearance merchandise! I just had to pass that on to you. We all like to save a little money (or buy a little more with what we save!).

Cuttlebug Be Inspired #41

Yippee! I love the Cuttlebug Challenge this week! It is altered items from recycled items. I think I've mentioned numerous times how much I like altering. So much fun!

My husband will bring home unused quart-size paint cans for me every now and again that they are going to throw out (one of the perks of being married to an auto body painter). I've got them stacking up, so here was a perfect opportunity. I simply clean it out really good and went to decorating.

This fun paper is from a K & Company pad. Oh, it's so cute! I took a piece that has a movie theater theme. By the way, this project only took one sheet of paper! I cut some circle with my nesties. I ran the one through the Cuttlebug in the Swiss Dots folder right away. That ended up on the top of the can. I stamped the other three before running them through the Cuttlebug. The tickets were a part of the paper that I cut out and stamped. I popped up the front tags with some dots to give the can dimension. A little ribbon and a doorknob on top finished off the can.

We went to Target tonight and my husband bought peanuts to fill the can. I am quite certain this will sit on his table by his chair!

Love with Chocolate and Tulips

Chocolate and tulip paper and ink that is! I saw this sketch by Inspirational Sketches, and it appeared to be a little challenging to me. At first it looked just like a card with a bunch of paper and squares. Then I got to thinking outside the box a little to make it so much more. I hope you enjoy this card!

All supplies used are CTMH except for the flowers and large center rhinestones. The flowers are from Prima, and the rhinestones are from Imaginisce. I've popped up the hearts I stamped (love making die-cuts from my stamps!) as well as the journaling tag.

My Furry Kids

I did this fun layout of my furry kids. They are such precious little beings in my life! These pictures are amongst my favorites of them.

I want to explain some technique I used on this layout. It's so easy that you will be able to do it with no problem! I took a piece of KI Memories lace cardstock and set it over Vineyard Berry cardstock. I sponged colonial white ink over the holes. That's what made the design and texture on my background. Easy, easy! You'll notice that I then used a piece of that lace cardstock as a border of sorts. Four of the embellishments on the page are We R Memory Keepers eyelets. It added a bit to put sparkle in the middle of them. The buttons are actually chipboard buttons covered with stickers. I also glittered the word "love." Scallop borders on the 5x7 are chipboard covered with sticker borders.

These two pets of mine have most certainly grabbed my heart!

My Little Boy Grew Up...

In just 11 days, my little boy that has grown tall and handsome (from little and oh, so cute!) is leaving home. Shane is 20 now, and it's time for him. He is a Manager for a Darque Tan salon, and he's been such an independent soul for so long. I knew this day would be coming soon for him. However, I will miss our daily talks - no matter what time of day it's been. I will miss his smile, his little giggle, and his unending kindness toward people. I listen to him on the phone, and I know what a good professional he has become. He sees things so rationally, but does it with a great big heart.


This is just one part of the layout. The right side will be done after I get some moving pictures, so I will do some more journaling then. On the layout, I have hidden journaling with a couple thoughts for now. Neither of these larger pictures are good quality. the one on the left was taken when Shane was just 9 months old. Yes, he learned to walk at that age, went immediately to running, and has never stopped! the picture on the right was cropped from a family picture we had taken about a month. A mother does what she can to get pictures!


All products used are from CTMH right down to the font. please click on the layout to see a larger view if you'd like!
For this layout, I used Sketch #109 from scrap sketch.

It's Time for Some Sweets - Blog Candy!!

It's that sweet blog candy time! As we know in the blog world, that means wonderful prizes and fun things for you!! Let me tell you a bit about what I'm giving away!

The winner of this Blog Candy will receive:

• Scrapbook Girls Gone Wild t-shirt from Two Chicks Designs
• Scrapbook Girls Gone Wild can hugger from Two Chicks Designs
• Blackboard Mini-Album from Cosmo Cricket
• Clutch Picture Bag from Best Brands (I LOVE mine! Holds a ton plus you get to showcase two pictures!)
• 8x8 Baby Girl tablet from Deja Views - 16 papers & 407 die-cuts!
• Me & My Big Ideas Bling!
• Beyond the Page Wooden Mini Album Covers
• 5x12 Sheet of Black Nature's Ambience Rub-Ons
  
  

I am going to draw the winner on Saturday, August 1st, and I will use Random.org to help me choose the winning entry!

How can you get an entry in the drawing for this blog candy?

• Become a follower of Rose Blossom Legacies (if you are not already!)
• Share some love and leave a comment on my blog!
• Share this with your friends! Leave a link to my blog with a post about the blog candy. If you do not have a blog, tell people about my blog on Facebook!

Ooh, this is fun, fun product, and i can't wait to send it to the winner!!

Cuttlebug Challenge #40

I love my bug! It is such a versatile tool in my scrapping room. Don't think that just because it's portable you can only use it on cards. Oh, there is so much more to this little machine! If you haven't already gone there, check out the Cuttlebug Challenge Blog. It's not only for challenges, but WOW, there are great tutorials. I am glad I found this blog!!

Anyway, this week, the challenge was to use the Textile Folder. I really like this one because it is so elegant. Let me tell you what I did.

I ran the folder through the bug on grey flannel paper. To give it mroe of a pop, I lightly ran my Versamark Pixie Dust chalk ink over the top. That is why it appears pink! Then the frosting on the cake - I spritzed it with Tattered Angels Pearl Glimmer Mist. I also sprayed the two flowers - CTMH and Bazzill to give them a shine. The grey paper mounted on baby pink is just perfect with the pink organdy. I used a "Love" rub-on on the button and topped it with a pink gem.


These are such fun challenges! I have learned so much, and I am waiting for the new folders to come out. There are sneak peeks on the blog of the new product!

Stroll for Epilepsy, August 13th

It is only 3-1/2 weeks away to the Stroll for Epilepsy. What a wonderful event! The money raised at the stroll is going to the non-profit organization Epilepsy Foundation of MN. Let me copy over exactly what they are doing with the funds raised:

The Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota will ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research.

Oh, what a fabulous thing! If I could refer to myself for a minute, my happy and blessed life has depended on this work. Without constant research, I would not have my VNS implant. I would not have the option of new medications.

Do you know that back when I was diagnosed in 1977, it was still unmentionable if you had epilepsy. Even back then, I could never understand. I know now that still in the 60's and 70's, people tied epilepsy together with mental illness. How very sad it must have been for someone in my family in an older generation (because surely there was someone - it seems to be hereditary in my family) to either be committed or sentenced to a life of shame due to epilepsy.

I have seen many changes in research, medications, and surgeries over the last 32 years. Gosh, in 1977, there were just a few seizure medications. None of them worked for me, but I was blessed to be researched even back then at the U of M, and be put on a new one that I still take today to control grand mal or tonic clonic seizures.

So I stroll. I never want anyone to live alone with this condition. I never want anyone with epilepsy to even feel alone because they have seizures. I want children to be educated in the schools so that kids with seizure disorders are not teased. Most of all, I want research to continue, advocacy to have it's place, and I want there to be plenty of services available. That sounds like a tall order! But I believe it can all be done.

I've mentioned this site before - Talk About It - but it bears mentioning again. Check out all the Hollywood stars that are lending their voices to this cause.

If the link at the top is not working for some reason, you can click here and go directly to my First Giving page. All contributions are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt. Thanks for your consideration in helping me and so many others. I appreciate you!!

Creative Scrappers - Sketch #60 & Wacky Wednesdays!

I thought I would put all my Creative Scrappers work into one post. I have a feeling that there will be many more posts to come in the next few days, so I'll combine when I can!! I got a lot done when I went to Archiver's for a crop yesterday with my dear mother-in-law!

The first page is sketch #60. Now, they've already released #61, so I'd better get myself in gear after vacation!! Anyway, I saw the layout, and I knew just what pictures I wanted to use. This is my nephew Ryan on the left and on the right is his son Owen. So nice to get generational pages like this! I used all Fancy Pants - paper and embellishments.

Wacky Wednesday for July 8th is a great design! You'll notice that I flipped the pages to suit the pictures I wanted to showcase. This challenge was about layers, and layers I've got!! Here I've used sugar-coated Laundry Line paper, a random scalloped sheet for layering, K&I brads and phrases, and Bazzill flowers. Simple layout, yet just what I want to achieve with these beautiful pictures from Birch Lake.

I cannot show you the design for Wacky Wednesday for July 15th. if I did that, I'd unlock the puzzle that Thynner gave us. What fun to do a puzzle for a sketch! Even if I show you my finsihed design you have no idea if I flipped it turned it or added some more elements - or not! ;)

Jerry and I spent several days at Birch Lake last year with my sister Patti's family. We had a wonderful time and we look back at those pictures with great fondness. This layout is just the parents, with patti and Brian being in the rounded frame. I've used Roam paper from K&I, Bazzill flowers, Making Memories brads, Laundry Line journaling cards, and CTMH rub-ons.

scrap sketch Challenge

I've recently discovered scrap sketch, and I really like their unique designs. This page was fun to do! I took some pictures from last summer up at Birch Lake (where my sister Patti has a site), and I pulled out some Laundry Line sugar-coated paper. I love sugar-coated paper - so much fun! Be sure to click on the picture to make it larger if you'd like to see more detail. Along with the paper, I used Bazzil flowers, Making Memories brads, We R Memory Keepers eyelets, and phrases from K&I. My husband likes this layout, and that's exactly what I was going for!

Page Maps Challenge

I may be late for this challenge at Page Maps (that's what vacation does - you have to catch up!), but I love this layout of my ever cute and smiley niece and nephews. They belong to my sister Patti, and they are all the nicest, sweetest kids. Jerry and I spent some time at my sister's campsite last year (aren't they lucky - they have the space all summer!) and we took these fun pictures down by the lake. Paper is from the Roam collection from K&I, embellishments are from Laundry Line, Prima Flowers, Making Memories, and rub-on letters are from CTMH.

Back From Vacation - I Missed You!

Hello! We are back from our week long vacation at Quarterdeck Resort in Brainerd. Oh, my goodness! What a heavenly week - truly a blessing from God at this particular time! I thought I'd share some pictures of our adventures with you.

This first picture is my handsome husband looking over Mille Lacs Lake. It was a beautiful drive to Brainerd, and I am quite certain that he was thinking fishing as he pondered over the lake. he has fished Mille Lacs several times insearch of the elusive walleye.

This was our view right from our cabin picture window. How wonderful to wake up in the morning, watch the sun rise, and look over the lake! Jerry told me we have one more move in our married life, and it will be to a house by a lake. I am all for it! What a peaceful and serene way to live!

Yes, this is a big pot of baked beans! They are not any beans, though. They were roasted in the ground overnight and served free to thousands of people at Beanhole Days. I'll confess that we went on vacation during this time just for Beanhole Days. Jerry heard about this on talk radio, and he had to experience it. There are 50 gallons in this one pot, and they raised 5 pots. Can you imagine all those beans? It was really a fun experience being in a small town with all those thousands of people for the raising of the beans!

We were on a boat ride (12-mile of exploring Gull Lake), and I saw a huge patch of water lilies. They were so beautiful that I couldn't help but picked one. Jerry had a tough time navigating the boat into the patch, but I'll never forget what he said when I told him that if it was too hard, we could let it go. "What my honey wants, my honey gets," he said. What a sweetie - and I picked a water lily that had the most fragrant smell in the world!

I am giong on crop day to Archiver's today, so you'll start seeing some work in the next few days. I sent my pictures to Shutterfly, so you won't see vacation pics for awhile, but nevertheless you'll see artwork! I've missed chatting with you, and I hope your days have been good!

1 Picture, Many Pages Contest

Kristine over at Creative Scrappers was having a contest. The idea was that she would post the picture we had to use in the layout. You might think that wouldn't be fun - or you might even think that you have enough of your own scrapping to do. However, this is a GREAT challenge! It opened a door WIDE with possibility. I absolutely loved it!

The first picture I showed is part of the bird on this beautiful Penny Lane paper. When I finished the layout, the bird was chirping to be covered with Liquid Glass, and so he was! I also gave him a gem for his eye.

In the second picture you get a little bit of the picture we were given. SO cute! What is better than two kids walking hand in hand without a care in the world? And I wanted to make that expression of love and caring the focus. It was easy to do with a matching Penny Lane frame, a Square Window Charm, and a covered chipboard arrow.

Finally, here is the complete layout. I used Penny Lane paper to double mat the picture, and then I gave it a two-sided scalloped edge. The bird was not complete without gems all through his tail. The other accessories to this page are buttons (felt & craft) with waxy flax through them (one also has a safety pin), ribbon, big brads, and edge anchors to hold the ribbon in place. I cut the tag "beauty" in a shape that I felt really matched that proud & beautiful bird on the bottom.

This was a fun challenge!! These layouts were kept secret until today and Kristine will post them for the participants of the challenge to vote on. I really like that we can't vote for ourselves. It is good to see beyond our own work and really critique someone else's! I am anxious to see all the others so I can take my time to look and vote.

If you are a scrapper and are not familiar with Creative Scrappers, you should really check out their blog. I have so much looking at others work and learning from them. I also love how they challenge us with new ideas and new products!

Little Bit of Disappointment, So Glad I'm Headed to Vacation

I received a little bit of disappointing news from my doctor's office this morning. If you've been following me, you know that I have been spending this time in my life making some medicine changes and praying for wellness from these persistent "electrical storms" in my brain. I was blessed to start a brand new medication that was just approved by the FDA. As I've gone down on one of my other medicines, I've noticed that I don't need to sleep nearly as much, my dreams are coming back - and in color, and I've started to think a bit more clearly. Our goal was for me to be completely off the old medicine, and on the new. However, I found out this morning that I just am not going to be totally off that other medicine. The new medicine is just not totally helping me. I am very sad about this and so disappointed. That leaves me with 5 medications and an implant to try to control this pesky condition.
Now I don't want you to get me wrong. I am so wildly blessed in my life. I consider my life rich with wonderful family and friends. An adoring husband and fabulous son. I get to play with my pets, craft every day, and cook for my family at night. God has looked down on me and given me the best of all things at this time in my life.
However (oh there's that word), I get a little tired and nauseated from all the medicines, this has altered my life, and I have been forced to make so many changes. The biggest of all not being able to drive!
Still and all, I will do nothing but count my blessings. God is so faithful and true.

So Jerry and I are leaving on Saturday morning to go on vacation for a week. What perfect timing! The picture at the top is a view of Gull Lake at the Quarterdeck Resort. I am so looking forward to listening to the waves lap on the shore, being out in the boat while the sun shines (and catching more fish than my husband - SHHH!), and hearing the loons in the morning.
We are leaving Shane in control of the house and my sweet cat, and Chanel is going on vacation to Stone Mountain Lodge for pets. I think Shane is quite happy about this week and having the house to himself.

I am not certain if I will have wireless up there, so you probably won't see me post for a week or so. I'm bringing some supplies up there for the quiet times, so I will be creating while I'm gone. I'll have much to post when I get back. The day after we come back, I'll be going to Archiver's for a crop with my MIL. Life is just so much fun!

Have a good week, everyone! And if you think of it, I covet your prayers for my medical issues. Enjoy the summer sun, and treat yourself well!

Cuttlebug Challenge #39

What a silly, silly card! I loved the exceptional challenge for this week from Cuttlebug Challenges. It's not often that I sit down to make a masculine card, and this one feels rustic and fun. Certainly a card my husband would love. I say this ne was exceptional because we needed to used shades of orange, blue, and green. I am not a fan of the color orange, but I found a way to sneak it in!
The images are from Back Country Stickease. I've used two folders from Cuttlebug to make the background and the sentiment.
To go on a little further, HSN is showing Cuttlebug today. I love this handy tool! Be sure to check out Cuttlebug Challenges, and you will learn much about how you can use it. There are fabulous tips, tutorials, and artwork samples.

Creative Scrappers #59

I wanted a complimentary page for the layout I did the other day. Lo and behold, Creative Scrappers had a great layout for the one picture I wanted to use.

I have used quite a few elements on this page. This is the Key To My Heart paper. The Fancy Cut Botanicals match this paper beautifully, so that is how I created the layered flowers. The tulip corners are the felt Heartfelt Whimsy die-cuts, and the Creme Brulee metal corners are from the Mini medley Collections. I've used three different designer ribbons and borders from Fancy Cut Borders. The alphabet is Typewriter Keys (love this one!). I've put Cirecle Window Charms on the word cruise, and I also put one over me and Jerry in the photo. Lots of little bits and piece, but I sure do like the versatility of all the matching accessories for this paper!

You Hold the Key To My Heart

This is a great color combination in this paper packet. It is the Key To My Heart packet along with the matching stamp set. This is the pattern from Mojo Monday. I've chosen to make a 5x7 card with sanded Tulip cardstock. The piece of Creme Brulee to layer that is stamped with the images from the Key To My Heart stamp set. I've used Circle Window Charms, Sparkles, and a variety of designer ribbon to complete the card.

I don't think I'll get tired of these colors. They are so warm and pretty. I seem to pull this stamp set out often.

Those Tattered Angels

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist that is! I picked up another color last weekend. I just love this spray! I was inspired to do this layout because one of the designers, Patti, over at Creative Scrappers is having a chllenge to use two Glimmer Mists as a background. Let me tell you a bit about what I did.

I took a piece of textured cardstock and spritzed it with Pearl Glimmer Mist. Then I added Graphite Blue Gkimmer Mist. I'll give you a hint. When you use them, hold the mist about a foot away from your paper. You'll get a better spray that way. Also shake up your bottle really good!

Then I took some white Petaloo paper flowers and sprayed them. The largest and smallest are Graphite Blue and the middle flower is sprayed in Pearl. Another thing, your paper might get "wet." You can easily dry them with your embossing gun. If your paper seems to curl a little, I suggest putting it under something heavy. That's what I've always done and it looks great!

The other items are Paper Loft Back Country, Outdoor Denim cardstock, Bohemian twill, and Outdoor Denim accents. Oh, the big letters are die-cuts from CTMH.

I like looking back on pictures of our Coltie. He was with us for a little more than 13 years before he we had to put him down. Cancer had really ravaged his poor springer body. Sometimes I think he would have hung on a few more years just because he loved us so much, but it's just not fair to see your doggy in so much pain. So I'll start scrapping his days now. Now that we've got this bundle of energy Beagle, Miss Chanel #5, we can move on. Never a replacement for Coltie, but she sure has grown on us! Even if she does always sleep in the middle!

Well, It is Plain to See...

That I cannot decide on a background for my blog. You'd think it would drive me crazy! Maybe because I'm not constantly changing my living room around for club anymore, I've got to settle for blog changes!

I really like the fun backgounds created by Itkupilli at Cute and Cool Blogstuff. Perhaps I've grasped on to her work because she is a Finnish artist, and I am partial to my heritage. Her work is a little edgy, but oh, so much fun! I had a beautiful background of violets for a little bit that I loved. I also liked my "Marilyn Monroe" background. However, they were busy and took away from artwork. So it was back to the drawing board.

Right now you are looking at a background from Shabby Blogs. This one suits me. It is summery, but in warm colors. Well, at least for today, it suits me well! But what would happen if Itkupilli drew a new background that I love? So we'll just have to see what happens...

I admire you blogging friends of mine that can leave well enough alone. You pick a background and template, and you are good to go. Not me, though! I have to experiment, try new things, and change back and forth. Maybe I drink too much coffee. (I say this as I am drinking coffee!)

Well one thing is for certain and sure. I will always have good music on my blog. It's like my own personal iPod going while I work. Have you heard the new-old Adam Lambert songs on my Playlist? He recorded them some time ago, didn't like that they were released, but I love both songs. I put a couple of Michael Jackson songs on my playlist. It's now sad to hear him sing Childhood wondering if he ever had one.

If you've read through, you know by now that this post wasn't about artwork or techniques. In fact, it was pretty much about nothing important. Just the everyday ramblings of your blogging friend! ;)

So Happy...

I pulled out some of my Tinkled Pink paper & stamp set to make a bright, cheery card. This card is going in the Sweet Stop challenge this week. If you've never stopped by to check out their sketches, give them a look! They always have great patterns to create!

For the flowers, I simply cut them from a piece of patterned paper and curled the edges. You might not have a stamp that's just right for your card, but look to your paper. A lot of times there's a piece that you can use to create die-cuts. That's the joy of matching paper - a nicely balanced piece of artwork in the end. Not only with CTMH do you find this, but Basic Grey, Little Yellow Bicycle, and Cosmo Cricket on understaning the great concept of paper that can be used for more than just paper!

Now, as I tell you about this, one other thing comes to mind. Don't be a hoarder!! If you cut into a sheet of paper, you can buy another sheet!! Remember that and freely cut into the beautiful fabric of papers that you own!