i rock paper and scissors

{Happiness!}

2012-01-29T08:34:00.000-08:00

Who knew that some twine from this place could make a girl so happy ;)

Oh ya, and then there's this...

It starts today!!
I'll be back later this week with photos to share :)

ZPAK6YG9TDJ3

{American Crafts Love...One More Time, and CHA is Finally Here!!!}

2012-01-28T00:02:00.000-08:00

Here's the last of the layouts I made for Scrapbook Daisies using the Amy Tangerine collection from American Crafts...

I love the texture and design of this super cool fabric paper with the old typewriter and doily. It looks perfect with these pics of my hubby's Gram from the 40's.
So remember the other 2 layouts I posted here and here using the Amy Tangerine collection?? How cool is this to receive a comment from Amy Tangerine herself...

amytangerine said...

this is fantastic!

January 27, 2012 10:34 AM

Made my day for sure!!!
And...
Tomorrow is officially the first day of CHA (Craft and Hobby Association trade show) and I am beyond excited!! For those of you that aren't in the scrapbooking/crafting industry, this is the tradeshow of all tradeshows! There are so many fun things that I've seen sneak peeks of, and now I'll be seeing them in person!! Woo-hoo! I've got my list of my favorite manufacturers to visit, some networking appointments set up and my camera ready for the can't miss photo opps. Afterall, I do have to come back and share some pictures with you ;)

As always, thanks for stopping by!

{American Crafts Love...again}

2012-01-27T00:02:00.000-08:00

Here's another layout for Scrapbook Daisies that I promised yesterday to show you. This too was made with the Amy Tangerine collection from American Crafts.

Don't you just love the sweet camera paper! I added a little hand-stitching around the star for an extra pop of color. I still have 1 more layout that I made with this fun collection, so stop back by tomorrow and I'll share with you!

{American Crafts Love}

2012-01-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

Today I've got a layout I made for my local scrapbook store, Scrapbook Daisies.

This map paper in the Amy Tangerine collection from American Crafts was perfect because I could actually highlight where we were in the photo! The heavens aligned while my Dad-in-law was taking this picture, because what you don't see are the hundreds of other tourists that were also in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on this very busy summer day. Many of them standing all around the arch taking photos too. He took 6 pics, the other 5 have at least 30 people visible behind, beside and even in front of the arch. Amazing!

I have 2 more layouts I made with these fun papers, so stop back by tomorrow, I'll have another one to share!

{Monday}

2012-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

I have one more layout to share that I made with the Paper Bakery January kits.

I used more of my favorite, kraft colored cardstock! For the 3-D scalloped circle, I added a few pieces of foam tape so it will keep the dimension once it's in my scrapbook. Love the simplicity of this with the old b&w photo.

It's a cold and rainy day here in So Cali, perfect for scrapbooking. If I could just quit pinning, I might get something done ;)

As always, thanks for stopping by!!

{Just Me Mini Album}

2012-01-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

Today I have a mini album to share with you that I made for The Paper Bakery using the "Life is Sweet" project kit and the "Sew Charming" add-on kit. This was so much fun to make, and isn't that little chair on the cover just too cute!!

**click on photos for a larger view

I love the chipboard pages and thought it would be fun to add a custom look to the album, so I cut one of the pages into two mini pages, 1 pennant shape and 1 flag shape.

Here's the front and back of one of the custom shapes

And now for the rest of the inside pages...

Don't you love that milk cap banner! It was in the kit, already put together!!

This pennant mini page is also one I cut from the chipboard page.

And finally, the last page of the album...

This 6x12 size was so easy (and quick!) to make. Everything I used was included in the kits except for a rhinestone, and I used Stickles here and there to add a bit of glitz and glitter to some of the pages. I just love how it turned out :)

**oh ya one more thing, go "Like" the The Paper Bakery on Facebook and tell them I sent you...you could win a fun prize package!!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by,

I hope you have an amazing day!

{Little Yellow Bicycle Sketch Challenge}

2012-01-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

I have a layout up over on the Little Yellow Bicycle blog for their monthly sketch challenge. Here's my layout:

I used their beautiful Winter Twig collection, perfect for these pics of Tucker in the snow. I added in some twine from my stash and a few red buttons. I love how the red just pops off the page!

And here's the great sketch I used by Liz Qualman:

Why don't you give the sketch a try too? You could win $50.00 in Little Yellow Bicycle products! Check out all the details here on their blog.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by.

{Sole Sisters}

2012-01-16T01:19:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of the Sole Sisters Release party over on the Imaginisce Blog! Throughout the week the new Design Team will be showcasing projects they've made using Sole Sisters, so be sure to stop by each day for more inspiration! Here's a few projects I made using this cute collection:

I love that a modern paper collection works so well with this photo of my ancestors back in the '20. As you can see in the photo, fancy shoes and purses were popular even back then!

Skip ahead 80 years to this photo of my daughter. It works great with the Soul Sisters collection too!

For my last project, I found this idea on Pinterest (you have been playing on Pinterest, right?) and thought it was such a clever idea to make using left over scraps.

I cut different sizes of lined paper then made a cute little piece to add to the top. So quick and easy and much more fun than just a plain ol' notepad!
As always, thanks so much for stopping by, and be sure to check out the Imaginisce blog...they are giving away a full collection of Sole Sisters!!

{Home Decor}

2012-01-12T00:21:00.000-08:00

Remember the vintage sewing machine from this post? Well, today I have a fun little piece of home decor that I made to hang above that sweet vintage machine.

This is my 2nd project using the January kit from The Paper Bakery, and I must say I really like how this turned out! Of course when you love everything in the kit, it makes creating so easy :) The cute rosette was made from a zipper that I just rolled and hot glued into a coil to resemble a flower. A rhinestone in the center adds a bit of bling!

For the dress form, I got crafty and used the packaging from a chipboard piece included in the kit. The dictionary looking paper is the backing on the package, but worked perfect as an embellishment! I just drew the shape, cut it out, and added a few pop dots to give it a bit of dimension.

Well, it's almost Friday, and I'm looking forward to the weekend. No school on Monday so it's a long weekend too! Woo-hoo!!

{Stitched with Love}

2012-01-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun layout made with the January kit from The Paper Bakery.

I used some of the "Life is Sweet" main kit and a bit of the "Sew Charming" add on kit. As soon as I saw the dress form, I knew it would be perfect for a layout about my sewing machine. My Dad bought it for my Mom back in the 50's and it still sews like it was brand new! I must admit I don't use it to do any real sewing, but I love it for adding a little texture on my layouts like this patchwork heart.

It's a beautiful day here in So. Cali, perfect weather to be outside, but I have some paper and glue calling my name, and you know paper and glue sometimes wins out ;)

As always, thanks for stopping by!!

{Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Posts}

2012-01-09T19:07:00.000-08:00

The kids are back to school today, my Mom and Dad in-law have gone back home, and the holidays are officially over. I now have these scrapbooking words of wisdom for you. I may or may not have first hand experience with this, which may or may not be how I came up with them...

Enough said about that one ;)
I'm scrapping like a mad woman today, but it's that time of year when things must remain a secret at least for a few more weeks until this little show comes to town.
As always thanks for stopping by.

{Project Life}

2012-01-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

With the start of a new year comes the start of a new Project Life. Here's our 2012 cover page...

If you're not familiar with Project Life, it's a concept Becky Higgins started a few years back where you take a photo every day for a year, along writing a few words about the photo/your day. It doesn't have to be about going or doing something each and every day, instead it's about recording the memory from each and every day. Whether it's a snapshot of the thermometer showing how crazy cold it was a certain day, or a pic of your favorite drink at Starbucks, each day has a story.
2009 was my first year for Project Life and I loved it! For some crazy reason, I decided I wasn't going to for 2011. By the third week of January, I was so mad and disappointed in myself for not starting. Ultimately you can start on any day of any month, but I had always done January-December, and I had blown it.
I'm so excited to start again, and have taken my photo for yesterday and today. Only 364 more to go (yep, it's a leap year so 1 extra photo lol)
Are you doing Project Life this year?? I would love to see your ideas and thoughts.
Thanks so much for stopping by!

{Welcome 2012}

2011-12-31T20:16:00.000-08:00

Within a few hours my hubby and I will be sharing a bottle of sparkling cider and looking back on this past year. I feel so lucky to have been able to share my scrapbooking life (and a little family life too!) with you. Thanks so much for taking the time throughout 2011 to stop by and be part of those memories.

I'm looking forward to 2012, and all it has to hold. In the scrapbooking world, January brings work with two new Design Teams. I've already received my first box of goodies from The Paper Bakery, and I have a little sneak peek for you of my very first project...

The Paper Bakery is launching a new website and blog next week, and I can tell you it's going to be fabulous!!
My first Design Team box from Imaginisce should be here this week, and I can't wait to open it up and see what fun is inside!! I'm also still creating things for Scrapbook Daisies my local scrapbook store, and am really enjoying that!
This next year will be a busy one, but my love for scrapbooking continues to grow more and more!
Thanks again for being part of my 2011, I'll see you in 2012.
xoxo
Mary Ann

{Sketchabilities}

2011-12-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

Today is my last reveal day for Sketchabilities. I've had a great time being on the Design Team, and have made so many new friends too!
Here is my layout...

(papers: Pink Paislee & Studio G, cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, alphas: Bella Blvd., bling: Want 2 Scrap)

After using red/green and Christmas colors for the past few weeks, I was quite ready for a change of color. A change of weather too I guess since these pics are from one of our hot summer days.
And here's the sketch...

Remember, if you give the sketch a try, be sure to link it up and share it with everyone!

{Top 10}

2011-12-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

As the year comes to a close, (seriously?? just 4 more days??) I always like to look back and pick my Top 10 favorite layouts from the year. Here's my faves from twenty-eleven:
#1. Dad & Me

My Hubby and his Dad, way back when.

I love the cute glasses sticker!

#2. Why I Scrapbook

The reason I scrapbook,

the stories and the memories.

#3 Santa & Me

I'm so glad I had these photos taken,

and that my Mom kept them all these years!!

#4 First Day of Pre-School

My firstborns first day of pre-school.

21 years ago, seems like yesterday.

#5 This is Me

A little about me and things I like.

I'm glad I did this online challenge, since I don't

do may layouts about just me.

#6 Last Day of 10

He's growing up before my eyes!

#7 Just Us Two

One of my favorite pics of my hubby and me.

Me and my cowboy.

#8 Summer

An old photo that had never made it's

way onto a scrapbook page until this year.

#9 1921

Family history for the kids,

Great-Great Grandma many years ago.

#10 Hello Pooh

Gracie with one of her

favorite Disneyland friends.

It's fun to look back on a year of scrapbooking and see the trends (like machine or hand stitching) and notice I still use just 1 photo on quite a few layouts, but am really trying to use more ;) I wonder what trends will arrive in 2012, and how many I will follow. In the end, all that matters is that I'm telling the stories. The stories I want to remember forever.

{From My Family to Yours}

2011-12-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

May your day be filled with joy and memories.

Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.

{Winter Break...4 Hours and Counting}

2011-12-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

It's the last day of school. Winter Break officially starts today at 1:05 p.m. Teachers gifts were wrapped with brown bags, scraps of paper and twine.

(papers: Little Yellow Bicycle)
(Of course the gift wrapping here at home is nowhere near being finished)
We're stocked up on hot chocolate and marshmallows and there's a stack of Christmas movies next to the TV. Let the fun begin!

{Sketch and a Winner!}

2011-12-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a layout I did for Sketchabilities using Echo Park's Style Essentials collection.

And here's the sketch:

This layout was set to post last Thursday, but I just noticed today that somehow I had set it for December 15, 2012 ooops! The grey and yellow patterned papers worked perfectly with these pics in Monterey Bay. Grandma was so great about taking pictures of Tucker while he was on a little vacation with them :)

And...congratulations go to Suzanne B. Webb for winning my giveaway!!
Suzanne B. Webb said...
Oh my, your projects are just gorgeous, I love the pink and lt. blue combo :)
December 14, 2011 5:13 PM
Please send me your address Suzanne and I'll have your package in the mail!!
As always, thanks so much for stopping by.

{TGIFriday!}

2011-12-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, thank goodness it's Friday, because I can finally share this!

I'm so excited to have been chosen for the Imaginisce 2012 Design Team. For a full introduction, head over to the Imaginisce blog. It's going to be an exciting year!

{Little Yellow Bicycle Cycling Team reveal & a Giveaway!}

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be part of Little Yellow Bicycle's Winter Twig Cycling Team, and I know you are going to fall in love with all the beautiful papers and embellishments just like I did!

I love the blues, browns and greens in the Winter Twig collection, but for my “First Snow” layout I added in a little bit of pink. After having three boys first, then a little girl, I find myself using lots of pink on layouts for her :) I added a few splatters of white paint, and some machine stitching to the cardstock, and also added paint and stickles to the chipboard letters. My favorite part about this layout is the cute 3-D snowflake made with the paper snowflake kit. The paper is already scored for you, so with a little folding, instant 3-D snowflake!

The “Winter Memories” layout with an old black and white photo looks like it took a lot of time to make, but it was actually really quick to put together. I started with the confetti garland, which is already sewn for you! I cut it into various lengths, and then added a snowflake to the end of each strand along with a rhinestone. Add a date sticker and a chipboard word and it’s finished!

Winter Twig is definitely for Winter with the cute little snowmen, mittens and snowflakes, but my “Remember” layout is actually a Summer photo, taken on a 90 plus degree day.

I made sure to not have any snowflakes peaking out, and sanded the chipboard pine cone just a bit to take a little of the glitter off so it looks more like a Summer pine cone . I used various papers from the collection along with a few cardstock stickers that I cut one end to look like a flag.

I hand stitched around the outside edge of the layout with green embroidery floss. After I finished stitching, I tossed a left over piece of floss onto my scrapbook table. See where it landed? I loved the extra bit of color it added, so I glued it down and put the chipboard pine cone on top. My own little embellishment ;)

My last project is something I’ve been thinking about making for awhile, and Winter Twig was just perfect for a “Winter Fun Ideas Frame"!

As our family thinks of things they would like to do this Winter, we write them with a sharpie pen or dry erase marker right on the glass. As ideas are completed, just erase and add a new one!

I started with an old frame, and gave it a quick coat of paint. Any size frame would work; you would just need to adjust the size papers you use. Using my computer I printed lines on a piece of cardstock. (You could also draw the lines by hand) Since my frame is 6”X18”, I added pieces of patterned paper to the bottom, and the top to fill the frame.

I added the cute little chipboard guy and word, and a few snowflakes, all under the glass so the marker is easy to clean off. I’ve already thought of a few things I want to do this Winter!

As you can see, I’ve had so much fun playing with Winter Twig, and want to thank everyone at Little Yellow Bicycle for having me as part of the cycling team! Be sure to leave a comment on LYB's facebook page, and on their blog, their having a giveaway!! Oh, and if you leave me a comment, I'm doing my own little giveaway too! I'll be drawing a name on Saturday for a fun little package of goodies!!! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

{Little Yellow Bicycle and More!}

2011-12-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

There's so much going on in the Scrapbooking world this week, I thought I'd better start with some of the fun today! First up, a little sneak peek of the projects I did for Little Yellow Bicycle with their Winter Twig collection.

Winter Twig is perfect for all your Winter paper crafts. It's full of snowflakes, snowmen and mittens. But wait, I even made a layout using Summer pics!! Be sure to sign up as a follower so you don't miss out on the full reveal. I might even be doing a little give-away later this week ;)

Also, I'm excited to announce I've been asked to join The Paper Bakery Design Team! My term doesn't officially begin until January, but my first DT kit is on it's way, and I can't wait to start cutting and pasting!! The Paper Bakery also has a new website coming soon, and I know there's going to be some cool things going on with that!!

As always, thanks for stopping by, it's going to be a fun week!!

{Tis the Season}

2011-12-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

Like the song says, "Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things." I'm wrapping all of our Christmas gifts in kraft paper again this year, and have been making fun little tags and pretties to add to each one.

(twine: The Twinery,paper: Echo Park & Bazzill, flower: Recollections, ribbon, tag)

(twine: The Twinery, paper: Echo Park & Bazzill, tag)
The excitement in our home is building, and we're counting the days!

{goodbye ten, hello eleven}

2011-12-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Today is is Tucker's last day of being ten, and what does a scrapbooking Mama do? Capture it on film of course.

(alphas: Bella Blvd., papers: Echo Park, K & Co., and?)
I had him outside taking pics before school this morning ;) He didn't complain, just laughed and said "for my scrapbook, right?"
I'm going to miss him being ten, but I know eleven is going to rock!

{Counting Down}

2011-12-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

The Paper Bakery has a new sketch challenge this week, and I'm playing along!
Here's the Christmas Countdown Calendar I made:

(alpha's: American Crafts, papers & stickers: Echo Park and My Minds Eye, garland, gems)

and here's the sketch:

I used the sketch to make this fun little calendar for my scrapbook studio as a reminder of how many more crafting and shopping days 'till Christmas. I flipped the design from the original sketch, and added a pocket to slip the numbered cards into. On the back is a large envelope to keep all the other cards. As you can see, today is day 23. Can it really only be 23 days 'till Christmas??
As always, thanks for stopping by!

{December Daily}

2011-12-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

And so it begins...

Today is the first day of December, so that means it's the also the first day of my December Daily album. This was the one page I knew I had to do! We bought this calendar way back in September for the boy that lives for Star Wars and Lego's. He was beyond excited to open day 1 this morning before school. A quick and simple page, but day 1 is completed. Only 30 more to go ;)