Colorfully Creating

Super Creature Power Suit Costumes

2011-10-23T00:15:00.000-05:00

Our daughter loves Martin and Chris - the Kratt brothers. She loves to reenact the programs, especially with a best friend that enjoys the same show. Both of the girls have birthdays one day apart, one Sunday and the other on Monday - and I decided to make both a "creature suit" so they could play, imagine and reenact the shows in true character.

Super Creature Power Suits are not in stores, that I could find, but I found a blog, karascreativeplace.blogspot.com, in which the woman made all the necessary items for a Wild Kratts themed birthday party. Boys and girls alike, who love animals and nature, are drawn to this PBS show - but as mentioned, no costumes are out there.

From images on this blog, and looking at an episode image on the PBS web-site, it appears these costumes can be pretty simple to make. First, for the bottom - a pair of cargo style pants, aka "super adventure pants" will do, along with hiking boots (although hikers are not necessary).

For the top two T shirts will be needed. Either a red, sky blue, or olive green - with a separate black T. A 9x12 piece of felt to match the color T is needed. A pair of black knit gloves (optional) will finish the suit as seen on TV.

To make the super creature power suit (on my to do this week!) cut the sleeves off the black T, and cut out the neckline to create a V-neck. Cut off bottom portion as well so it is approx 5-6 shorter than the colored T. (Making a slight upside down V in the bottom hemline of the T will be more like those used on the show, versus a straight across cut.) This will be pulled over the colored T like a vest.

Note that I simply bought a black T a size smaller than the color and shortening was not necessary - and because I was short on time I decided to pass on making the bottom more V in shape.

Felt was used to create the Super Creature Power Button (this will turn your adventurer into a part human/part animal with super creature powers). From the 9x12 felt cut one strip 2" wide x 12" long, set aside. Remaining should be a 12x7" piece. From this cut a 6" circle and three 2" circles. Baste or fuse the 6" circle in the center of the vest with 2" circles positioned on top to create a "paw print".

From the 2x12" section of felt cut the following accent tabs all 2" wide (skip this step if time is an issue):

two 1/2" pieces

four 1" pieces

four 1/5" pieces

Just below the shoulder seam on the front side of the vest attach 1.5" pieces at each shoulder. Just below, attach the 1" pieces.

At lower sides, but in front of side seam, attach tabs on each side as well (if bottom hemline is angled position felt at same angle). Begin with 1/2" piece at bottom of stack, then the 1" and 1.5" on top.

If you were able to find black knit gloves - from the scraps of felt cut a 2" x 1" piece and attach to top side of glove. If ambitious you can add a 1" cuff around the wrist with a 2nd 1/2" strip wrap around just below. To be truly authentic add 1/2" or smaller circle dots of felt on underside of glove at fingertip. (I did make gloves, and will post a photo soon.)

I am so excited to give the girls their birthday suit gifts - and just in time for Halloween too!

Gallery Canvas Print in Hand

2011-10-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hi All - I want to provide feedback for you on the 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas print I received from Easy Canvas Prints. First, the turnaround time on my project was exceptionally fast. A+!
The image quality is good, although a tad dark, but that could be on my end when I changed the contrast a bit in Photoshop before uploading my image.
The only area of quality that could use some improvement, and thus a B grade, is the number of staples used to stretch the canvas across the pine framework. An artist friend of mine actually pointed this out - as my experience with canvas prints is minimal. She noted that not enough staples were used and the canvas would start to buckle with time due to enviromental changes, such as humidity, etc. My friend said I could resolve this by simply adding some staples in while pulling the canvas tight. I had my husband bring in the staple gun from his woodworking shop and we will take care of this prior to delivering it to the local coffeehouse for the community artist showcase.
I have decided to donate the proceeds of the butterfly photo print, which I am calling "Camo", to benefit cancer research and add the funds to whatever I end up raising this month for my Arbonne business. It was actually two years ago this month, I am certain, when our friend Marv got the news that his cancer had returned. In his honor, I am dedicating my blog posts at purelyliving.blogspot.com to education of cancer awareness.
I will keep you posted as to the date of the artist showcase. I do recommend checking out Easy Canvas Prints...I love that they have 8x8s - I plan to utilize that size soon!

Happy creating!
Rita S.

Looking for smaller canvases?

2011-09-03T18:58:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

My life in the health and wellness business, in addition to working full time, has me flying! I haven't had much time to scrap as of late, but I am focusing on my photography when I can. In fact, I will be displaying some of my work this fall at the local coffeeshop which is featuring artists in the community.

I will be using Easy Canvas Prints to make a 16x20 canvas print of a photo I was able to take in June while we were on vacation. When this blue/slate colored butterfly landed on a blue flagstone walkway my immediate thought was, "Now that is ART!" Created by God - what a blessing to be in the right place at the right time. This image will be for sale during the art fair.
I will keep you posted as to my thoughts on the quality and customer service from Easy Canvas Prints. One of my goals in my home is to replace limited edition prints with canvas art of my own photography - it would be much more personal.
As a scrapbooker - I love that Easy Canvas Prints has sizes as small as 8x8 available. I have had an idea for a 3-tiered wall hanging, and although my idea was hoping for a 6x6 canvas print, 8x8 may have to do. A series of 8x8 canvas prints in one particular theme (aka floral, or all butterflies, etc.) will make for a stunning wall art collection in the home. When I do this in the future I look forward to sharing it with you.

Colorfully creating,
Rita S.

Been busy losing myself!

2011-01-17T19:33:00.000-06:00

Hello to all my readers. I have missed blogging for you, but I have been blogging elsewhere...on my purely living blog. I have been on an incredible journey to regain health and wellness in my life. I have been studying women's health, bio-chemistry - and have seriously spent just about every free moment reading. I have been sharing much of what I have learned on my health focused blog.

I became an Arbonne consultant this past spring in order to help friends experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance (as the company offers bio-identical hormone transdermal creams). In helping other women and studying their symptoms, whether it be migraines, PMS, fibromyalgia or cancer...I learned MUCH about health.
In reading about breast cancer I made a firm commitment not to become another statistic, and decided it was time to shed the fat that stores cancer cells. Fewer fat cells = reduction in risk.
I posted before and after pictures these past few days and decided to spill my guts - even confessing in public the large number on the scale that totally appalled me. If you want to read more about my weight loss journey, check out my purely living blog. I do hope to scrap my journey soon. I am not sure if it will be a page, or a mini album - as I have yet to close the chapter on the story of regaining my health and vitality. However, I currently have my nose in four books regarding women's health, nutrition and alternative medicine. Plus I am preparing to teach a few classes to others who wish to lose weight like I did. Somedays I could certainly use a clone - I feel like I barely remember the person who a year ago, could not go a day without scrapbooking. Be patient - I will return to my creative endeavors some time! Thanks for checking in.

Rita S.

Vintage BoBunny Ornaments

2010-12-15T22:43:00.000-06:00

This year I participated in my first on-line ornament exchange. A Cherry On Top message board gave me an opportunity to create an ornament keepsake for a fellow scrapbooker. I learned that Sandi, my recipient, liked vintage and old Santas. I decided to create a couple of handmade ornaments using BoBunny's new holiday line. I utilized papers from their mini album die-cut paper packet. The smaller image designs of Santas, children, and such were perfect for the little spaces I had on these two charming paper mache ornaments.

Sparkle mod podge was used to embellish both the papers and buttons used in the project. One cannot have a holiday ornament without some bling, IMO. I topped one button with a pearlized gem sticker, and chose to thread some sheer ribbon through buttons on the other ornament, and frayed it for a more vintage appearance.

When sending my ornaments off I whipped up a simple gift tag using a piece of manila folder, more BoBunny paper, and created the ACOT logo with some red buttons and hand-drawn stems and leaves.

Sandi is thrilled with her ornaments, and it was a pleasure to create a gift specific to a person's likes.

Happy creating,

Rita S.

Punch up your packages!!

2010-12-09T13:03:00.000-06:00

It's the holiday season and one of my favorite things about Christmas is gift wrapping. I love the lightly wired ribbon and feel it gives the gift a special ooomph! Recently I obtained Martha Stewart's butterfly punch, and it immediately made me thing of a snowflake with all of its holes. I decided to embellish packages for the ladies on my gift giving list this year with this elegant little bow topper. I purchased white on white varnished scrapbook paper from a wedding section, punched out the butterfly and coated it with sparkle Mod Podge. I then added little pearl stickers down the abdomen and attached it with a light wire.

"May the beauty of Christmas alight in your heart and your soul."

What do you think of that sentiment? I am still considering my tag design, and thought maybe it could have a saying such as the one I just shared with you. If you have another thought on how to tie a butterfly into Christmas I am all ears! (LOL)

Are you using your punches to punch up your gift packages? Give me a link - I would love to see how you decorate the packages for the special people on your giving list.

Happy creating,

Rita S.

Candids are sometimes best...

2010-12-04T18:58:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving weekend we had the chance to visit with my sister-in-law, her husband and see how much our godson, Jed, has grown. He will be two in February, and as you can imagine, a formal family portrait was not something he wanted to sit still for.

My favorite photos were obtained later, as I noticed him interested in the fireplace. I thought I would share them with you, because hey - he is SO cute!

I am very much in the Christmas spirit, how about you? Christmas shopping is done, and I could stop decorating now and be fine with it. Now I am helping my single brother, my mom and my husband's mom with some shopping. Oh, and I added some things in my last amazon.com shopping card for the cousins on my in-laws side to give the kids. Guess that makes it easier for everyone, but what I really think would be wonderful is if we would cease the gift exchange totally.

My side of the family is doing this this year...as we were encouraged by Advent Conspiracy to bring it up. Times are tough for many, including my nieces and nephews out on their own or those looking for jobs. Christmas should be joyful - it's about the little ones and spending time together as family. In lieu of the gift exchange we're going to play board games in that time slot. AND have our white elephant gift exchange which is always a hoot - no purchase allowed - it must be something from your house. The white elephant exchange is always a highlight of our Christmas gathering.

We're having a dinner party on the 19th for friends who are alone for the first time this Christmas. I had hoped to make invitations today, but since that did not happen I am not going to stress myself. Instead, we will give them a verabl invite, or note, at church tomorrow. I am all about cutting stress out of the Christmas, afterall it is not Christress. (LOL)

Take time to enjoy the true meaninig of this season,

Rita

Thankful for my name...

2010-11-24T20:21:00.000-06:00

It may seem like an odd thing to be thankful for, but my name is pretty unique. When I was young I never liked it - I wished to be a Mary or Lori, like everyone else. Eventually I became used to being the only Rita in my school, and it was nice. There was never confusion if my name was being called. (LOL)
The layout being shared today is dedicated to my namesake, my mother's cousin Rita. She is also my godmother, and although I never got to know her real well as we didn't live too near - I have always been proud to be her namesake. When we do get together she is so easy to talk to, and I love spending time with her.
This weekend I will be seeing this wonderful woman, probably for one last time. The past three years have been ailing ones for her, and the doctors sent her home from the hospital yesterday, saying there is nothing more they can do for her. Her heart is failing fast, and she is not expected to live long.
After three years of a lot of pain, she told her husband she is ready to go. Of course, he is not even close to being ready to let go. I called my mom and offered to drive her to see her cousin, my godmother, when I get done with work Friday. I made arrangements to stay at my sister's house for the night, and we can visit Rita on Saturday.
You don't have to spend a lot of time with a person to be thankful for having them be a part of your life. I remember yearly Christmas cards, and she always commented on something I had done that year and how proud she was. We talked about Italian recipes, and sadly we never did get together so that she could teach me Old World family cuisine. I look forward to seeing her again, and although it will not be a totally joyful visit, I feel God's calling to make the trip, and hope for some time to reflect upon God's goodness in our lives together.
This post makes me think of Marv as well, and how Carol must be feeling going into her first holiday season without him. The holidays can be lonely for someone surrounded by family and friends, when a dear one has died. As you gather with family this Thanksgiving, remember those who lost someone dear this past year...reach out, with a phone call or send them a card.
May God bless all of you this Thanksgiving and may you remember, and create memories this holiday season.

Happy creating,
Rita

A Halloween Story By Abby

2010-10-29T17:40:00.001-05:00

THE WOLF IN THE FOREST

One day Cristafor and his friends, Liza and Madi, walked out of their houses and met at the end of a dark forest. It was silent.
Finally, Liza broke the silence. She said, "should we go in?" Madi slowly nodded.
Cristahfor wasn't so sure about this, but he went in with the girls. It was really dark in the forest. Cristahfor was really afraid of the dark, but he knew he was with his friends, so he went on.
Suddenly, they heard a forest wolf. "RUN!!!!!", yelled Cristahfor.
But it was too dark to run back home. "Ahhhhhhhhhh!" yelled Cristahfor.
"Hey, it's only my lantern," Liza said.
"Whew," thought Cristahfor.
"Where is the wolf?," asked Madi.
"Wolf? There is no wolf! It was only my voice doing wolf sounds!," laughed Liza.
"But how are we going to get home?," asked Cristahfor.
Liza spoke up, "My lantern!"
"Oh, yeah!," Cristafor and Madi said at the same time.
When they got home they went trick or treating. When they were done trick or treating they shared their candy with each other.

THE END

Celebrating Women - Cancer Research Fundraisers

2010-10-11T22:02:00.000-05:00

For all my local friends I encourage you to save two dates, or at least one. I have had a strong calling to share what I have learned about hormone imbalance as it relates to the cause of breast cancer with my friends. I have spent the past few months reading, reading, reading... the information is astounding. It certainly has encouraged me to focus on a lifestyle change so that I can become more healthy and aware of how my body reacts to the products and environment I am exposed to each day.

On Friday, October 22 at 6:30 Crossroads Coffeehouse is the location for the first event. On this night myself and a couple of friends will share about how we have been affected by breast cancer in our lives. I will specifically address hormone imbalance and how it affects our bodies in a hugely negative way, and give attendees information on steps they can take to prevent cancer cell growth. The talking portion for this event will be kept brief, to ensure plenty of time for guests to listen to the wonderful sounds of my friend Bernie Harrington on her Native American flutes. Friends will be assisting me in giving hand massages, and I do believe a massage therapist friend of mine is planning to make it to give out neck massages. "Prevent Stations" will be set up in which guests can visit each station, get a massage, try out a lotion or gelee', and pick up a cancer prevention card. Mary Devitt, owner of Crossroads will be serving up sweets and wonderful teas, which have anti-oxidant benefits.

On Tuesday, October 26 we will gather in the upper level of Coach's Sports Bar & Restaurant at 6:30 p.m. Here I will present a very informative PowerPoint presentation that will last 20-25 minutes. My goal is to teach everyone present the definition of "estrogen dominance" and "xenoestrogens" and why it is so important to be aware of these two terms in regards to our overall health and well-being, as well as that of our children.
Again there will be hand massages, as well as a chance to purchase Arbonne heatlh and well being products, and Silpada jewelry to benefit cancer research. Jennifer, the owner of Coach's, has also arranged for red wine tasting.

Everyone will be encouraged to light a votive candle in memory or in honor of someone in your life that has been affected by cancer. We will recognize these individuals prior to closing our evening at around 8:30 p.m.

It is my desire that each person will experience an evening of fellowship, unity for a cause, relaxation, and empowerment to ask their doctors informed questions, and a desire to be a part of their own health care.

Scrapbooking & Beyond - Fall Issue

2010-10-10T21:16:00.000-05:00

Did I mention yet that I have three layouts in the fall issue of Scrapbooking & Beyond? Some of my friends asked where to pick up a copy - I know Barnes & Noble has carried this magazine. I love it - no other compares with great step by step instructions for every project.
Because of the in depth instructions I wrote for my 2 page layout, "Living in the Moment" the layout became more of a feature article in the issue, which apparently meant more money for me - as my check from All American Crafts arrived for much more than anticipated. It was a very happy surprise, and not only took care of my new camera lens, but also allowed me to get a GPS - no more getting lost!
I was hoping to share some images of the weekend photo shoots...but alas - the Acer monitor on the desktop computer went kaputt. Fortunately we bought it at Costco on 10/1/10 and took it back for store credit today...which allowed us to bring home a new monitor. Of course the same was not there - probably would avoid Acer anyhow, as I expect monitors to last well more than a year! We found a 23" Samsung HD TV/monitor displayed for the same price - and I did not mind losing an inch. When we checked out the woman said we owed $73, which made no sense as it should have come out even. She had to call for a price check, which confirmed that the monitor was shown for what we had said - apparently the store signage was wrong! They honored their posted price of course - have to say Costco customer service has always bene great... and we came home with a new monitor which I can also hook up to the laptop to run my Powerpoint slides for Arbonne/women's health classes.
Once home we discovered there was not a cable included to hook up to our PC, so Jesse, bless his heart, ran into Best Buy as I really wanted to process the weekend photos, but the Geek Squad sent home the wrong cable. Jesse had noticed he did not type in HD on the model number, and apparently high definition does make a difference. Kind of a waste of my late afternoon, pegged for photo processing. Oh well, cleaning done so it just means shifting around my time management.
I have been busy filling my new scrapbooking cabinet that Jesse built me. The pull drawers are not yet done, which is where I plan to store my punches. Peg board needs to be hung on the insideof the doors as well...which will come. Meanwhile, I am having no trouble filling it.

Where in the world!....

2010-10-08T19:44:00.000-05:00

Where have I been, right folks?? I thought I better come and let you all know what I have been up to. Fall has been a whirlwind, and yes, I have not created anything in more than a month, other than a few cards that needed to go out in the mail.

I guess I have been on a creative reprieve...not that my brain has stopped popping out ideas...lots of those. I even bought some new BoBunny and cannot wait to play, but in September I made a decision to change my priorities. God was not first in my life, nor had he even been second. I decided to recenter myself on Christ, and am confident that in doing so all else will fall into place.

I joined the church choir -we had our first practice Wednesday night. At first I wondered what I was doing...I couldn't decide on whether to sing soprano or alto - I have always struggled with harmony, but "what if they chose a song to sing with a really high note - I can't hit those...." It was so much easier to sing solos at my previous church...there I could pick a song in my range and belt it out to my hearts desire...problem with that is I suffered terribly from dry throat - my nerves don't have me cut out for "performance singing". There is COMFORT in the numbers of a choir. Since I sing by ear and I read music by watching notes go up and down on the scale (yes, don't laugh) - I was blessed to find myself sitting by Mandy in the alto section. A strong voice whom I could pick up our notes on right away. The first song was horrible for me...I loved the song and I wanted to sing melody. I wanted to jump sections so badly, but stayed put, figuring I would give it the night to try and sing alto. I really could not wait to run out the door and listen to the CD our church supplies, with parts, so we can practice in between practices.

Happily I find that the soprano section (MELODY!!! YEAH!) fits my range on all songs, but perhaps the traditional hymn. There is one note I question - haven't had time to practice it, but I do hope section jumping is allowed!!

Jesse and I also joined an official Lifegroup this year...our church is quite large, and everyone is encouraged to DO LIFE together by connecting with a small group. Our lifegroup picks up where we left off with Marv's passing. Yesterday was the 4 month anniversary of Marv going to be with the Lord...and we also met with our group. Steve, our leader, was talking about how one matures in Christ with age, and how wonderful it is to see those who are really keeping "the main thing the main thing" stay focused even through trials and ill health as they get on in years. I thought of Marv and remembered how strong his faith was through his last months, and what a testimony and blessing he was. I know he planted seeds...and WOW, I just feel immensely blessed to have known him.

Besides choir and lifegroup I have reactivated my activity with the photographers group at church...so I guess that puts me at connecting in three small groups. It's all good. Tomorrow morning we are heading to the arboretum early on for a fall photo shoot. It should be overcast skies, at least I hope so, which will give us rich colors. I look forward to sharing some pics here.

I have also been working diligently on the "Focus on Prevention" Susan G Komen fundraiser coming up on October 22 and 26th. Let me just tell all of my readers right now... ESTROGEN IS the cause for cancer. In more than 80% o f all cases. We have too much estrogen, because we live in an industrialized nation that uses chemicals in every aspect of our living...we are pumping xenoestrogens into our bodies, which are seen as estrogens. Estrogen + xenoestrogens + estrogen receptor = bad news!! The bottom line - hormone imbalance. I could go on and on but I will not. If you live near I hope you can make it to one of my "prevention" nights to learn and take control of your health. Medical doctors are not there...they are trained by drug companies and everything that is done, once you are diagnosed with cancer, is done pretty much because they don't know what else to do. Ok...hopping off my soap box. Drug companies run this country for sure and we are in a poor state of health because of it.

In addition I am running Abby to Brownies, taking Kyle to his own middle school lifegroup before choir on Wednesday nights...and I admit, I look forward to Friday night which we try to keep open for family time.

I will get back to scrapping. As soon as my fundraisers are over, I promise. We also have a month long break from choir in November. I am itching to create, but absolutely love belting out a praise and worship song, even if Abby did come and complain that I am too loud and she cannot concentrate.

I should probably start with a layout about our crazy fall schedules... meanwhile, I hope you are ALL happily creating. Love ya!

Rita S.

Photo Mix and Family Update

2010-09-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

I love the photography group at our church - and oh how I have missed it!! I have not been able to attend a meeting since May, changing my focus to launching my Arbonne business - it was fun to reconnect today. The group is great - several pros willing to help us amateurs grow in our skills. Each month we are given a photo challenge - this past month was to use natural lighting. Thought I would share some of the photos with you. Because I had not attended the last meeting, I did not realize the assignment had the word "portrait" attached to it. I just loved how the sunlight danced through the red glass of this humming bird feeder at our friend's lake home. My friend also has a Nikon D80 and they have a Sigma DC 18-200mm. I played with it and fell in love with the lens - it was so easy for me to bring it into focus.
You won't recognize all the kids in the photos belwo as two of the girls belong to our lake house hosts and another couple.

Our Photography BAG (Blackhawk Affinity Group) met to come up with our itinerary for the coing year. It was a beautiful afternoon to sit outside Yola's Cafe on Madison's far west side and brainstorm. We'll review some basics, discuss gear, and work on some advanced skills. In addition to our monthly workshop we are hoping group members will take initiative to invite others to join them for photo shoots, perhaps having one member designated each month to initiate a group shoot and whomever can attend will. Wonder if ANYONE would have joined me this past February for my early morning hike along the Black Earth creek at -10 degrees to catch the world in frozen state? It was crazy I know, but the resulting photos were worth it. Next time I see a heavy evening fog, a most assured indication we will have an ice-encased world, I will send out an invite and see if there are any takers. (LOL)

School is now in full swing. Kyle has lots to share about his classes and his teachers, a good sign that he is enjoying school so far. He comes home and gets right to his homework, and is self-disciplined enough to know that homework before any gaming. It's hard to believe he is ALMOST 13 - best part, he still talks to us!! Friday evening we went on a family picnic and then he wanted to stop at Crossroads Coffeehouse so he could finish sharing about his day. How many pre-teens want to do that with their parents on a Friday night? What a blessing that is - and I will enjoy it while it lasts - of course I hope it always does!

Kyle continues to be our history buff. When asked what he wants for his birthday or Christmas he says he can't think of anything - but he does love to hang out in the historical book section at Barnes & Noble. I decided I would keep my eye open for historical non-fiction military books, as well as good historical fiction, although I feel there is a great void in the latter for boys his age.

Abby is loving second grade and just being back in the school environment. She spent the first week wondering why it was taking so long for her teacher to give out homework. Huh?? I suspect that one year she will not be so enthusiastic for homework. Abby turns eight next month, and this year decided to join the Girl Scouts. She's talking about swim team possibly next spring/summer as well - she can easily out swim any other family member.

Her brownie troop is going horseback riding in October. While recently going through hand-me-downs from our friends, she quickly got into the spirit when discovering a leather sheepskin vest and white cowgirl boots - which went perfectly with her straw hat. I guess her pogo stick pony will have to do for now, but I look forward to taking pictures of the troop riding out at Hoofbeat Ridge next month.

Jesse continues with a couple of weekday morning bible studies and Stephen Ministry. With my new found freedom in not having any design team responsibilities, I seized upon the chance to get involved with the Worship Arts Community at church and am joining the choir- something I have thought about for the past four years. Jesse and I also found a Thursday evening life group that meets very near home - we are looking forward to meeting new people and growing in relationship with this new group since our previous small group dissolved with Marv's passing.

Life continues to be a journey - with many turns in the path along the way. This coming Tuesday we will be gathering at Zander Park to plant a tree in Marv's memory, along the path that he and Carol had walked so many times. The tree will be planted along the water, and like Marv's spirit, it will not wither, but grow strong. It's branches will provide shade and it's roots will grow deep - just as times with family and friends help us to grow in relationship with one another. I admit, I have taken a bit of a break from scrapping and creating, and am in a season of making the memories rather than preserving them. I picked up some new BoBunny and Basic Grey today...wondering if that would put me in the mood to create - we shall see! However, I am thoroughly enjoying a more relaxed pace and will create again when the spirit moves me. I hope you all are taking time to make the memories we are so committed to preserving.

Happy creating!

Rita S.

Why do kids push their age?

2010-09-05T15:44:00.001-05:00

Oh to be young and innocent...and young... Someday our children won't be pushing their age - just wait until they're 29!

In August A Cherry On Top issued a challenge to create a layout with sequential numbers. I am sure many counted up in whole numbers, but right away I saw this as my opportunity to scrap a layout that had been on my mind all year...

The layout would have sequential fractions, and commemorate each 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 "birthday" that Abby has had this year. I wanted to use BoBunny Petal Pushers because a. flowers are a symbol of growth to me, and b. Abby keeps on pushing her age. (LOL) Fortunately with the spring release BoB had sent me two sets of Combo Stickers for Petal Pushers, so I had the sticker numbers needed to create the fractions, using a matching patterned paper to make the split.

The journaling reads: After Abby by turned seven she was excited for her next birthday. Every month she would ask “how long before my birthday, am I 7 1/2” yet?” I let her know when she reached the 7 1/4” mark. She had the date of her 1/2 birthday memorized, and once she reached 73/4” she said..."just call me 8."

Of course I had to laugh when she said that. Again, why are kids in such a hurry to be older. I look forward to showing her this page when she is 29 years old.Don't forget to scrap the cute things our children say. It will be good for a laugh years down the road.

Happy creating,

Rita S.

Round 2 - Shop Eyeglasses w/ Me!

2010-08-22T22:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks for everyone's input so far ....I really never thought about glasses being too wide for my face until most of you mentioned it. Honestly have never ever used the word "thin" to describe my face personally - I have chubby cheeks - the two don't jive! (LOL)
OK - I feel brave for posting this little side profile...really makes my Italian nose stand OUT. Just wanted to show you the cool side scroll work on the #12 pair of glasses.
Below is another round of photos, of which I will start out with #6 -which won round #1 and was my favorite as well. Six more pair added -these shots taken at Shopko and Eyemart Express.

Following pairs found at Shopko - which had a good selection.

Geoffrey Beane

Geoffrey Beane 2 (rhinestones on the sides)

Sorry -another 8. Plz refer to as "8 Liz"

Some of you preferred the pair in round one with no frame at bottom.

Last two below are at Eyemart Express.

Thanks for coming along with my on my eyewear shopping excursion. It is always so nice to have the help of friends when making such a decision. These frames will have to last me, at minimum, two years. Which means the style needs to last that long...if only one could forecast future trends. Please comment below with your vote. I apologize for having two #8s, but I am out of time to open all my photos and re-edit in PS again.

Want to help me choose glasses?

2010-08-20T21:01:00.000-05:00

I've put this off too long. I have been using reader glasses, although my prescription calls for lenses of different magnifcations for each eye. I had a chance today to check out frame availability of some of the providers our insurance covers. Turns out, our insurance is pretty decent for frames. But not for lenses - we won't be renewing our vision insurance end of year! Only the cheap plastic lenses are covered, and I definitely want the hi-index lenses. Which basically means the cost of lenses are out of pocket. When comparing costs/add ons with the providers, wouldn't you know the non-provider Costco costs is going to end up being less. Fortunately, I found a number of eyeglass styles to consider at Costco. I have always wanted red frames, but not too red. Below are 6 choices, one of which is silver. I thought I would have you help me decide which pair from Costco looks best (I will choose top 2) and then compare to what I found elsewhere today.
Below are the photos - I won't say much as I don't want to sway you -but each pair is numbered. Let me know which you like best. Pardon that I am not smiling more - not sure why I look so serious. Although it must have looked strange taking your own picture at all the eyewear places today!
Thanks in advance for helping me decide!

Please leave a comment below and let me know which between #1 through #6 you like best. Thanks!

BoBunny August Sketch Challenge

2010-08-13T00:15:00.000-05:00

Every month BoBunny provides a sketch, and issues a challenge to go along with. I must say I have loved creating the sketches, and hope that you have enjoyed them over the past year. I am sure BoBunny will continue to provide you with great sketches for monthly inspiration.

I know that we have scrapbookers who love one page layouts, and those who love two. I promise, that later this month the BoBunny team will be sharing more two page layouts for inspiration, but for the sketch, I created a one pager.

BUT - not to fret! If you love 2 page layout sketches I took this one, and changed it up a bit to design a two page sketch as well. You can find it at the bottom of this post.

Be sure to hop over to BoBunny's blog to see how other design team members interpreted the sketch.

I fell in love with the Roughin' It collection the first time I saw it, even though we do not camp! BoBunny designers were ingenious when creating this line, because although one side is geared towards camping - the backsides offer patterns such as woodgrain, camoflage, and non-theme patterns in wonderful earthy and primary colors. Roughin' It is perfect for layouts about people who woodwork or do carpentry, hike, birdwatch, fish, participate in military re-enactments, and even fall layouts with the leaf patterned paper.

Ideas to Note:

1. Split a cut out into two parts, and use it separate places on a layout. In this layout, a yellow cut out was pieced above and below the camoflage circle.

2. Mount letter stickers on patterned paper and cut out and around -which sets the title off from the layout well, especially when lifted off with dimensional foam adhesive.

3. Use cardstock sticker photo corners as embellishments. In this layout they draw attention towards the two smaller photos.

Supplies Used:

BoBunny Roughin’ It Collection

Papers: Nature, Leaves, Dots, Way to Go Diecut, Roadsigns, CutOuts, Combo Stickers, iCandy Chipboard Stickers, iCandy Brads, Catching Memories Cardstock Stickers, On With Nature Rub-on, Buttons and Bling

Other:

BoBunny Blueberry Double Dot Ribbon

BoBunny Bodacious Brads

Colorbox Chalk Inks

Brown Jute

Font: Birch Std.

Above is the same sketch altered for all of you two pager memory artists. Oh, and I was surprised to see my two page layout for the August DT assignment shown on BoBunny's blog yesterday for the "summer fun" post. I quickly posted my two pager here, called Mireya, so you can scroll down a bit for yet another two page layout idea.

Congratulations to the newly announced members of the BoBunny design team for the upcoming year! I am thrilled to see so many talented friends on the list. My life has taken a new turn as an Independent Arbonne Consultant. I recently resigned from the Magistical Memories team, as difficult as it was to do, and will not be continuing on with BoBunny. My focus for the coming year is going to be on growing my new business, and pursue my goal of making lives healthier for the people I know and love, and changing the life of my own family with a growing income that will help us afford things that we have always wanted to do. I believe in the products and believe in myself to make a difference with Arbonne.

I will still bring you projects on my blog. You would not believe the LONG LIST I have of mini album ideas, layouts and projects...my own version of a scrapbooking bucket list. Now that I will be creating at my leisure, I will be able to complete many of these projects at last, and look forward to sharing them with you.

Happy creating!
Rita S.

Celebrating Friendship with BoBunny's Peacock Lane

2010-08-12T19:46:00.000-05:00

The happy colors of BoBunny's Peacock Lane went along perfectly with these photos of our daughter and one of her best friends. The photos are from kindergarten. Seeing them, and scrapping them, made me smile.

I remember this little photo shoot like it was yesterday. I had the girls sit on the deck so I could take their photo together, and of course Mireya, not being deluged with a camera-wielding-mother day after day, happily obliged and smiled for me. Out of the blue Abby started singing a song she had learned at church, "Awesome God". I am not sure what started tickling Mireya's funny bone, the fact that Abby started singing, that she was singing about God, or a bit of both - but the results are some fun photos. And Abby, bless her heart, kept on singing her song and smiling until she was done.

This layout was a part of the weekend challenges at A Cherry On Top...and the toughest challenge, I might add. We were given choices to select on how we prefer our salad. I opted for quite a few add ins, as I like lots of vegis in my salad, and I knew I might pay for all of the choices later on. When the challenge was posted my salad recipe included: Patterned paper only, 5 photos, flowers, chipboard, felt, bling, glitter, brads, tag, something green.

Getting started was difficult as I couldn't reach for the BoBunny Dot cardstock for my background. I went into my old paper stash...and started leafing through the holder marked "purple" and found some watercolor type wash papers that would work well for my background. From there on out it was play time with Peacock Lane. I love the colors in this line and the fun complimented the girls shirts really well. I cut up a sticker from the collection and utilized a part of it as my lead in for the title, "the little things"..."about" (which I made myself)...."Mireya" - which are combo stickers, of course.

I love so many of the Peacock Lane papers and had quite a few scraps. I opted to make easy, layered lollipop flowers for the layout, so I could incorporate felt in the form of hand-cut leaves. I used several colors of Stickles on the circle shapes, and also used the Lime Green on the leaves.

Although my papers included green, when I was about done I decided I still needed something above the smaller photos on page 1, and opted for a Magistical Memories decorative shape, which I painted green and topped with Lime Green Stickles. I needed a really large brad for the center, and since I don't have the iCandy Brads from Peacock Lane, I rummaged and found some from My Mind's Eye that coordinated very well.

The Noteworthy pack offered the perfect piece on which to write the journaling, which was a short list including several things about Mireya.
Journaling:
1. Mireya was your best friend in kindergarten.
2. Her family speaks only Spanish so we have friends translate notes for play dates.
3. She giggled and laughed when you started singing “Awesome God”, out of the blue, when mom took these pictures – you kept singing.
4. You missed her terribly when her family moved away, and you prayed for her every night.
5. You were so excited when her family returned early and you had your best friend back for recess.

Supplies:
Peacock Lane Papers: Flowers, Dot, Vine, Parade, Plumes, Tweet; Noteworthy, Combo Stickers, Simply Wonderful and Perfect Day Cardstock Stickers
Violet Dot cardstock
Other PP: Making Memories Purple Simple Sponge
Chipboard: Magistical Memories
Bling: Clusters by Mark Richards
Glitter: Stickles Lime Green and Crystal, and Ice Stickles Mint Ice by Ranger
Brads: Lush by My Mind’s Eye, Making Memories
Paint: Apple Barrel Kiwi by Plaid Entr.
Ink: colorbox Chalk Inks
Misc. Craft Felt

I hope you have enjoyed this two-pager, and next time you list off your ingredients for tossed salad, think twice! (LOL)

Happy creating,
Rita S.

Paper Piecing after Midnight? Crazy!!!

2010-08-11T08:48:00.002-05:00

Crop challenges are addicting, don't you think? All sanity disappears. It is late. In fact, there have been several nights in a row scrapping into the early morning hours. On the weekend, not so bad. On a weeknight, not good. But I confess, on Monday, August 9 I began scrapping at sundown and kept on going until after 2 a.m. I was like the Energizer Bunny -and could not stop!

I am not sure what to think of my ideas that time of day. The challenge: scrap photos at least 5 yrs old and have a visible date on the page. Ok, found these two cute photos of Abby, obviously from years ago. The obvious papers to use, of course ... BoBunny Sunkissed collection! As I rummaged through my Sunkissed line, I came across a partial circle scrap. Hmmm, what to do with this... I really liked the sunburst coming over the fun green hill...what could I do? Well, I got to thinking about my quilting days...landscape quilts, to be exact. Perhaps I should back up a bit...

The story behind the photos.... "she was afraid to go into the water." (Sung to the tune of "itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini".) Even as a tot Abby could be stubborn when her mind was made up. It was our first visit with her to our friends lake house for the weekend and she would have NOTHING to do with going in the water. All she wanted to do was sit on the comfortable blow up raft, sip juice and munch cheese nips under the umbrella. The story led me to my idea....I did not want to use the paper that looks like water waves...because, after all, she did not get her feet wet. I wanted a grassy green base to my layout...that is where she stayed. The sun was out and bright skies were over head...my goal was to recreate the day in a "landscape" scrapbook page.

With partial circle in hand, I was inspired to stretch out the color scheme using matching BoBunny Dot Cardstock in Kiwi, Lemon, and Ocean. There were several challenges to overcome, which I won't discuss, but has everything to do with me hording Dot cardstock and not wanting to build upon it and have a large portion be covered up.

Once I had pieced my landscape, I plopped my little girl down in the grass. I had cut out my journaling cloud and written out the story earlier in the night (thank goodness!) - and positioned it to balance out the photos. With eyes barely open (mind you, it is almost 2 a.m. at this point), I glanced at the Sunkissed cardstock stickers, chipboard sheet and placed them on the layout without too much thought. It almost seemed random. I discovered the design on the blue strip at the top of the page was not a part of the patterned paper, but a cardstock sticker that must have positioned itself to my scrap circle piece during the last project from which the circle came. Darn! Of course to remove it would tear the paper, so I left it. Element by default. In the back of the Noteworthy packets BoBunny has provided additional designs for you to use in your creativity. I cut out one of these designs as a base for my date block. When all was done, I decided the sky needed some clouds. I have to admit I am so in love with the Skies paper in Sunkissed...I never thought I would be one to sprinkle clouds on my layouts...but I am doing it every time I scrap with this line, it seems! (LOL)

I wrapped up "Just Chillin" before the clock struck 2:30 a.m. I added a little Stickles to a few chipboard pieces for bling, which Abby loves, and headed to bed. A day later, I look at this layout, my pieced work, and am unsure about my idea...although the ACOT gals tell me they love it. Perhaps this layout is "out of my box" with the smattering of elements in the bottom section...but oh well, I will not do any of it over, and consider it another challenge done. I think if I chill long enough and catch up on sleep, "Just Chillin" will grow on me. Thanks for coming by!

Happy creating,

Rita S.

What are you wired for? BoBunny Roughin' It!

2010-08-10T20:36:00.000-05:00

In the past week I have made three layouts using BoBunny's Roughin It collection - do you have it yet? I hope so! With everyone returning from summer camping trips it is bound to disappear quickly from store shelves. But did you know...that even if you do not camp, Roughin' It offers so much more than product for camping layouts. I will share a few ideas with you today and tomorrow...with today being a faith based layout and tomorrow's being a girly girl layout. Hopefully you will be wired to think outside the "campy" box when using this collection.

Re-Wired is one of my very last efforts in meeting the ACOT weekend crop challenges. For this challenge, instructions were to visit the last page of your on line gallery, and scraplift yourself. I did so. My gallery included a number of digitial layouts, cards, and not even a handful of traditional. It was obviously an upload day for the digital creative team I was on, and each had large, oversized photos. One thing I noted in a couple of my traditional layouts was a chipboard circle frame encircling the focal point photo. It is a technique I like to use when wanting to draw attention to the subject matter in a photo.

I chose BoBunny's Chunky Chip circle frame in chiffon, and gave it a generous coat of Tim Holtz distress crackle paint in corduroy. Once dry I skimmed over the top with linen and walnut distress ink pads, and used a cotton swab to rub the ink into the cracks of the frame. The result, I think, is a nice faux woodgrain, and it was the look I had wanted for this woodsy layout.
Now, mind you, I was creating this layout, starting it well after midnight. Crazy to even do so....but I was really psyched up to get the challenges done. I found a photo that worked well for my scraplift, and it was pretty obvious to me that BoBunny's Roughin It would be the perfect choice. With a wonderful choice of coordinating papers and embellishments before me, I was able to bring this layout together in a short amount of time. A tip in creating the journaling block - I placed an oval shape over my text box where the dimensional cardstock stickers would go, and tested it a few times until my text would "run around" the "row of trees" shape.

The journaling itself is inspired by a message series we are currently hearing at Blackhawk Church. The core of the message is that we, as humans, are wired to be in relationship with, and communicate, with one another. When my family is out for a walk in the woods we are reconnecting our wires as a family - the distractions of television, computers and phones are left behind. I encourage all of my readers, if you scrapbook, to scrap a page about an activity that brings you closer together as a family. Hey, maybe it is camping! In which case BoBunny Roughin' It is PERFECT!

Happy creating,
Rita S.

Block Party Brings Life to Old Photo

2010-08-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

Even though the ACOT crop ended Sunday, we have 'til Tuesday midnight to upload our projects. I wanted to share a favorite that I cropped this past weekend, which utilizes BoBunny Block Party. I have had a 4x6 photo of Abby and myself on her very first 4th of July, but it wasn't photographed closely cropped, and there was a lot of distraction to either side of us. When I spotted the "All in the Family" circle frame in the Block Party cardstock sticker collection, I knew that I had just found my rescue. In fact, it turned out even better than I envisioned, matted on Blueberry Dot cardstock.

I remember that July 4th pretty well. I was excited to be dressing our new daughter in red, white and blue. I was very aware that she, as a new citizen, would be receiving freedoms and opportunities here in the U.S. that she may not have had in her home country of South Korea. It was a memorable day, and although we watched fireworks from indoors, looking out that large window behind us, it was a day to celebrate independence.

This layout was created for the "number challenge" - the idea to have a number promiment on the page. I did that by covering a chipboard 1 with paper from Block Party. I used combo sticker alphas from BoBunny's Tis the Season collection, and used combo sticker letters from Block Party for the "fourth). I love BoBunny's Save the Date acrylic Stamp n Store set. If you do not have this collection (2 cases to the set) be sure to look for it, as I find I am using it often and in different ways. Here it is an element directly on my background page, stamped with the year and date circled.

I hope you have enjoyed this peek at one of me weekend crop layouts. I have lots more to share. I must say how blessed I am to have been given so much BoBunny product as a member of the team. Creating quick layouts for crops, including fast scrap challenges, was a breeze with all of the coordinating product. I have enjoyed this year immensely. Friday is coming...try to be patient, although it is hard. I am going to stay busy, scrapping as much as possible, to keep my mind off the looming announcement. Scrap therapy!!

Happy creating,

Rita S.

ACOT Crop - BoB rescues!!

2010-08-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

This weekend is the big crop at ACOT, and I was up until 2 am scrapping! I am so blessed to have collections of BoBunny - all I need at my fingertips. I managed 4 layouts last night - not bad. The above was a 6, 7,8 challenge. I used 6 buttons, 7 corrugated letters (I love these!), and 8 punched circles.

I will share one more, and then we are off to a family gathering for today, and after that we head to friends for the annual sweet corn harvest celebration, which is where photos for the layout, Ride, were taken below. This was created for the scrapliflt a CT member challenge, and I lifted the super talented Juliana Michael's and her layout, "Let's Ride". Have a great Saturday!

Bloomin' with BoBunny Petal Pushers

2010-08-05T07:56:00.000-05:00

I've always loved the phrase "Bloom where God plants you." How many of us are planted exactly where we thought we would be all our lives?

Life happens to all of us, and although it may not turn out exactly as we had hoped, we need to remember that God is in control. No matter where we are planted, we should strive to bloom, with nurturing from our heavenly Father. BoBunny's Petal Pushers line was a perfect choice for this card. A chipboard flower nestled among some ribbon-y grasses is blooming right where it was planted. The bee is symbolic of the flower producing good fruit, or nectar, which is what God asks all of us to do.

I want to share with you, an up close image of the ribbon work. What For this piece I used 5/8" BoBunny Double Dot ribbon, and fold it "not quite" in half. The ribbon fold is offset so one half is a wee bit longer than the other. I then stitched the ribbon along the seam of my black paper border, close to the edge. The result is a little ruffle effect. I should mention that the little stripe border is simply created by folding over the paper edge of the black strip - and stitched as well. It is a simple finish to the top, and quite attractive, thanks to BoBunny's two-sided patterned paper design.
I know we all have lots of flowers in our scrapbooking stash. For someone who has just graduated, moved, landed a new job, is heading off on a mission trip - this card is sure to encourage them as they "bloom where God plants them".

Happy creating,
Rita S.

What's Up with BoBunny Sunkissed!

2010-07-25T20:40:00.001-05:00

It's a well known fact - I love bright colors and I LOVE BoBunny's Sunkissed collection. A Cherry On Top challenged members to create a layout in Citrus colors for July - and reaching for Sunkissed was pretty obvious to me. I have loved these photos of our son for a long time, and happily scrapped them for the challenge. Many of you, who read my blog regularly, may know that we raise Monarch butterflies each summer. These photos are from perhaps three-four years ago. Kyle was trying to catch the butterfly in our living room so it could be released, but it kept eluding his grasp. Suddenly it landed on top of his head! We opened the door to the outside, and told him to walk slowly towards the door and out. That's how we released this particular Monarch that day, and of course I captured some photos first.

If you have a Cuttlebug or other embossing machine - keep in mind that you can change up your chipboard letters by running them through. I used BoBunny's Chunky Chip alpha, painted them orange, and ran through the Cuttlebug upside down, to get an inverted design. I left the center of the P intact, and placed a circle design from the Sunkissed 12x12 chipboard on top.
You might also note in this shot that the clouds have been sprinkled with a little "stardust". I had the Duncan iridescent paint out for elsewhere, and decided my clouds needed sparkle, too.

I love how BoBunny provides so many options for journaling. On this layout, I used another shape, with journaling lines from the chipboard set. Of course we all have loved the cut outs since they were introduced, and NOW BoBunny has Noteworthy journaling spots- which work great for embellishing as well. I love that there are so many options, as I for one, am a firm believer that every layout should have journaling of some degree upon it.

You can see how versatile a 12x12 sheet of coordinating chipboard embellishments are. It's no secret I LOVE chipboard - and was personally thrilled at the introduction of chipboard to the BoBunny lines. A bright line up of squares is a great accent at the bottom of my focal point photo.

The cardstock stickers are another favorite for giving a slight mat, and raising off the page -especially the word accents!
I created this layout in under an hour...the butterfly made with Quickutz was an extra from a previous project. The clouds are actually from scrap of the Skies paper from a previous project. I can't stand to waste paper I love or throw it away, so I managed to squeak several partial clouds from my scraps and tuck them in - so you would never know they were from scraps if I had not told you my secret. Waste not - want not! Especially when it comes to BoBunny!

A belated add in - this layout was chosen as Layout of the Week at ACOT on July 25th - woo hoo!!

Happy creating,
Rita S.

The Story of Cosmetics (2010)

2010-07-23T20:14:00.001-05:00

Friends, I care about you, which is why I URGE you to watch this You Tube video. Please consider what you are putting in your bodies, and that of your children. Of course it all affects our planet as well, as we wash the bubbles and suds down the drain.

After watching this you may wonder why these companies are including toxic ingredients in their product...bottom line...it's CHEAP. Which is why safe and pure personal care products cost more money. It takes a whole lot more research to make sure the ingredients are safe, and quality ingredients cost more. You need to make a choice for you and your family.

My family is probably one of the last few in the U.S. that does not own a cell phone. Simply, it is not in our budget. But WE ARE investing in healthy, safe products for our family by using Arbonne's safe and pure products. I feel good knowing that I am not shampooing my 7 yr old in a carcingen. And I hope that by changing my personal care products now, that I can reverse the harm already done inside my body. One thing I am fully aware of from watching the video above - using Arbonne's 7-day detox program on my body twice a year is very necessary in the world in which we live.

If you want to put your money into the latest and greatest iPhone, audio system, or high fashion clothing, I say go for it. But I urge you to consider the ramifications of putting products on your skin day after day that promote excess estrogen growth, that contain carcinogens (cancer causing substances) and other known toxins. If budget restricts spending...choose wisely, and I would recommend, for the benefit of your family's health. Our bodies are a temple to God - please take care of it.