mycharmingblog

Off to Disney and GDC Product Testing...

2009-11-04T17:38:00.001-08:00

We are off to Disney today for a family vacation! I can't wait for the sun, sand, and Mickey! So think of me laying on this very hammock on the beach at The Grand Floridian! I took this photo the last time I was there and plan on planting myself on it with a good book!

I just wanted to share these projects I did for GCD Studios as a product tester. Heidi requested I do a boys room decoration using the Vintage Boy line. I made this pencil holder and photo block for my nephew. This is another one of those homemade Christmas gifts I am bound and determined to make.

With all the extra's I also did this layout.

Here was my review of the products:

As a mom to two boys I jumped for joy when I saw all the boyish goodness in the box filled with the Vintage Boy line and a set of black glitter alphabets. I just love the texture of the GCD Studios paper, it really has a very rich, luxurious feel to it. The bold patterns and designs are totally original and really are fun to work with. It is totally versatile. Even though this is a "boy" line it worked perfectly on a beach layout...I also think these paper would be fabulous for some fall layouts. I love the look of the glitter alphabets as well. They have just enough sparkle to make them special. In each package are 5 sheets of letters and numbers. Plenty to last for quite a few projects. You can't go wrong with these products so be sure to add them to your wish list, happy scrapping!

Thanks so much for stopping by! See you in a week with lots of pictures and hopefully a bit of a tan!

Hello November!

2009-11-01T01:48:00.000-07:00

It is 3:49AM, I can't sleep so I thought I would do a blog update! Better than digging into the kids Halloween stash although I just may do that too. I swear I hear a Snickers bar calling me!

I have not made a mini in forever so when the DT decided to do them this month for Black River Designs I dug in using my favorite pictures...this may very well be a Christmas gift for my MIL.

The kit at Dixie Pieces this month is the perfect fall kit. With 3 sets of alphabets and fabulous ribbon and papers be sure to snag one quick!

Here are a few projects I did using the kit!
Here is my handsome hubby!

This is Jack and my Mom at a horse show with his pony.

And a card!

Check out the gallery here for tons of other projects and inspiration!

I wanted to share a few more project from my Guest Designer gig at Bisous Boo.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Presenting...

2009-10-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

My niece, Samantha...the #9 rider/jumper in Pennsylvania!

Yep, she did it! My niece made it to the PA State Jumping Championships and placed 9th in the State this past week. She had a HUGE cheering section and we enjoyed watching her and her pony Alcapony ride their way to this great honor!

WTG Sammy and Alcapony...We are all so proud of you two!

Now...in my scrappy world! I have lots to share!

I altered a kraft embossed box using Pebbles Inc. creme chalks and pattern paper this month as a way to present a gift. I really love how this turned out and plan on doing more. What a great way to make a gift card a more personal gift...giving it in a keepsake box.

Over at Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker I played with 2 of the collections this month. I make these cute little package covers for some king size Reese's Peanut butter cups. I think the boys teachers will love to get these sweet Halloween treats. I also used some of Jenn's new Halloween jotters from Creative Chaos...how cute are they? Very!!!!

I made this layout using the Victoria Street line. It was perfect for these pictures of my old girl Lucy. I have not been able to get my hands on any of the Jillibean Corrugated Alpha's so I decided to make my own. I used my die cut machine to cut the letters out of kraft paper then ran them through my crimper...out they came. The same effect for the cost of a piece of paper and you never run out of letters.

As part of a product swap between Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker and Helmar Adhesives I received a box of goodies. Now I have a new go to glue...450 Quick Dry Adhesive. It dries clear superquick and really holds! Thank you Helmar!

Apparently I have been in the altering mood because I made this desk date and memo pad using some yummy Marks Paper Company. I am working on my goal of making several handmade gifts this year. I have definitely gotten off on the right foot and have had lots of fun making them. Did you see this the Nov/Dec issue of Scrapbooks Etc.? Marks Paper Company was picked as one of the scrapbooker tested and approved products this month. Yippie! I have loved MPC since the very beginning...I am so glad that everyone else is starting to love it too!

I designed this hybrid layout using traditional pattern paper from MPC as well as their fall digital kit. I just love these tags from the kit!

Being the soccer mom that I am to 2 soccer loving boys I was thrilled to see this months kit from I AM A Scrapaholic. Filled with lots of goodies I made this layout using one of my favorite action shots of Nick.

I have had these pictures of my nieces since summer and came across this cute paper by Imaginisce and thought it would be perfect for them. How sweet are they?

I am proud to be the featured designer at Bisous Boo this month! This company has such fun, cool designs and I was thrilled work with them. Suzanne was a jem to work with and they were very generous with all their wonderful products! Here are a few of my designs...

Another altered tin as a gift card holder...

Love this picture of Nick...

Next post I will share a few more.

Last but now least next month I am a Gueat Artista for Bella Blvd. I just can't wait to be able to share their products with you...they are fun, fabulous and oh so much fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

Life is ZOOMING and some scrappy projects!

2009-10-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

Life seems to be at an all out zoom right now. We leave for Disney in just a few weeks and I am planning for that, soccer always keeps us running and I am trying to work ahead to get my Christmas shopping well on its way so I don't get caught in the fuss of last minute shopping with everyone else.

Anyway I have found some time to scrap.

This month at Black River Designs I dove into lots of color! I made this LO using some shots from last Easter. I rarely work with these colors and it was fun to go a little "pastel". Of course I had to add one of Jenn's jotters from Creative Chaos. A layout is just not complete till I add one of her adorable little creations.

And this card...

I also made this LO of my boys and their cousin.

And a simple card.

Well this month's kit from I AM A Scrapaholic is soooo droooool worthy! The mix of Teresa Collins and Jenni Bowlin is fabulous. This is my darling niece Adrienne, is she not the sweetest.

I made this card for my son Nick teammate who was hurt in a game recently.

The kit at Dixie Pieces is awesome. The colors are amazing and they are the perfect papers to wrap up your summer pictures. Here is Nick loving the waves on his boogie board.

I made this card and matching envelope...I just loved the kraft colored envelopes included in the kit.

Last but not least...did you hear the news? Talk about a match made in scrappy heaven! Here is the announcement...

We’re excited to announce that American Crafts purchased Pebbles!

The great news is that American Crafts will continue to offer Pebbles’ current product line and plans to introduce new products over time. Pebbles' in-house design team will also join American Crafts, which means that you’ll be able to enjoy Pebbles’ simple, cute and fun style for years to come.

Be sure to keep visiting the Pebbles blog for the same great projects and inspirational ideas you’ve come to count on!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you enjoy your Columbus Holiday!

Scrappy Stuff!

2009-09-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

I am definitely in scrappy mode right now and loving it. I stayed up late last night and played with my kit from I AM A Scrapaholic. I made this LO of Nick with one of my favorite pictures of him. This kit is also loaded with tons of Marks Paper Company goodness.

I also altered this tin for my sister birthday. I am going to get her a bracelet and put it in the tin...I think she will love it.

I have a Pebbles Inc. layout to share. This is Jack with my brothers new puppy...he is such an animal lover.

That is all for today. Time to hit the road for a soccer game. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

My scrapping mojo is back!

2009-09-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

With back to school and both the boys having the flu I had not scrapped much till this week. I must say I am loving it too! My insomnia has been at it's worst but that means I have had tons of time to scrap.

I just sat down to play last night and out came these two layouts. I just love scrapping pictures of Jack riding, he loves it so much and there is always a smile on his face.

A few details...

Here is my little nephew Jake playing soccer. How cute is he?

I got a DT box of total Halloween happiness from Nikki Sivils, Scapbooker. These papers are so much fun and really make the perfect Halloween layout! Be sure to check out the blog for a sketch and lots of DT layouts starting today.

I also made a card...I LOVE this purple!

This week I am the Pebbles, Inc. blog DT hostess so stop on by for tons of great layouts and tips. I challenged the DT this week to incorporate hand cutting into their designs. You will love what they have come up with. Here is one I did of Nick.

I will also share a little sneak of what to expect later this week. I used lots of jotters from Creative Chaos too. So cute and so addicting!

Thanks so much for popping by!

Been a while...

2009-08-30T04:49:00.001-07:00

Summer fun has over taken my life and now the kids will be going back to school in a few days, boo hoo. We took a trip to Hershey Park...the sweetest place on earth! Random trips to birthday parties, the Philly Phils, the Reading Phils, mini golfing and in between all that those everyday things like soccer practice and riding lessons. We have even been to the beach twice in the last few weeks. I love the beach...but I could do without all that sand, what a mess! This is the boys and my nephew.

My scrapping has taken a back burner the last few weeks with all our activities but I did get to a crop at Scraptacular. How fun! September's kit at Scraptacular features Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker Henry's Brilliance line...perfect for back to school! I love this line and used it for both these projects. Nikki just send to me a great big box of Boo-tiful and I already made 2 LO and a card with it. I will be back to share them on the 1st.

I made this little tin for Jack to carry his snack money to school. It is an altered mint container and small enough to fit into a pencil or lunch box...no more lost quarters for this little guy!

I also made this LO using the same line...showing off Nick's summer hair! He loves his blond highlights!

I played with some Marks Paper Company goodies! Nick and I spend the day at Kitchen Kettle Village and really enjoyed ourselves...I included 7 photos on this LO, definitely a first for me. There is also several jotters by Jenn at Creative Chaos Etsy. They are my favorite way to embellish! I use them on most of my LO's now.

Here is a card too!

The Pebbles, Inc. blog was filled with tons of amazing ways to use ribbon this week. Here is a layout I made featuring their ribbon.

This is my niece Sam competing at a Horse Show.

As usual some of my favorite project always come from working with Black River Designs paper. This month is no exception. I absolutely love these photos of Jack and my old girl Lucy!

A few details...

Here is a birthday card I made using it too.

I just got a box of goodies from GCD Studios and can't wait to dive it to that as a product tester. Yippie!

Hope you have all had as great a summer as I have and thanks so much for stopping by.

Proud mom and aunt...

2009-08-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Lots of proud mom stuff going on this week! First off Jack had his best showing at a horse show yet this weekend. He placed in all the events he entered and even won the Champion ribbon in the Lead Line Division. They made him this shirt that says "I was Champion at Tomorrows Dream Farm".

The next day Nick's soccer team was lucky enough to have a scrimmage with the Bermudian National Team. They have been in town for training. What a great opportunity. Our boys won in a great game and they all had fun...check out this picture of the whole bunch together after the game!

Sunday was another great day. My niece Sam rode in a local Grand Prix Jumping Show. She is 14 and I was truly amazed by her riding ability. She placed in 3 of her events. The crazy thing is that kids ride against adults, men against women so when my 14 year old niece on her pony is beating people twice her age...I can't help but be a proud aunt too!

Look at the mud that day...poured rain, but the show must go on!

Looking ahead to the next jump!

This is my favorite! I am so proud of you Sammy Girl!

And just a few scrappy projects to share!
I did this layout for Marks Paper Company. I love the pop of red with the colors in the English Garden Collection.

And a few details...

We had a fun challenge on the Pebbles, Inc. blog this week. Check out this weeks recycling challenge. Whenever I come across a great tag I always keep them. This layout gave me a chance to use them.

And a few details...I also added a few of my favorite pictures here.

Well we are headed off to the beach for a few days...can't wait to have the sand and sea at my feet. Thanks for stopping by!

August Kits...

2009-08-06T06:18:00.000-07:00

I am seriously in love with the 2 kits I got to work with this month!
First is the kit from I AM A Scrapaholic. With a mixture of My Little Yellow Bicycle Traveler and Sassafras Lass Vintage Yummy you can't help but get a pretty yet fun and trendy product!

Here is a LO I made from it...Jack and my neice Maya.

And a card...polka dot heaven!

Next up at Dixie Pieces we worked with a totally fun kit loaded with BG and Fancy Pants goodies!

I created this clear layout...it has been a long time since I have done one of those and it was fun!

I also used some journaling spots from Creative Chaos on this. Love them! Be sure to stop by the blog tomorrow for her Freebie Friday giveaway.

Here is a card too! Come by and check out all the fun in the Sense-ational Summer Contest. We are having so much fun!

Some things to share...

2009-07-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

If your in the area this weekend is the CKC convention in Valley Forge, PA. I will be there to do make and takes for Marks Paper Company. Be sure to stop by and say "Hi".

After taking nearly 2 weeks off from scrapping I dove right in this week. I was having fun with lots of Marks Paper Company and Creative Chaos Etsy goodies. I altered a cute little container to hold all my jotters from Creative Chaos. Be sure to stop by the blog tomorrow for her Freebie Friday giveaway.

I also made a card...loving the new English Garden Line!

And for this LO I was just having fun...In our house each year it is a tradition to make zucchini bread. This year we had just went blueberry picking and I decided to add them to the bread. It was a huge hit. The boys loved it. Great way to get a fruit and veggie in them at the same time!

I dug into my Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker goodies and created this LO from a photo we took for the boys grandfather's birthday. These papers from the My Sweet Cherry Pie line are just so darn cute!

I can finally share my complete Pebbles, Inc. LO. These Lil' Buddy papers are a must have for a mom of boys. I am just in love with them.

Last but not least today is the last day to sign up for the Summer Contest over at Dixie Pieces. We are gonna have so much fun this month with tons of prizes and challenge. You don't want to miss this. Here is a little sneak from the celebration...can you guess what my challenge might be?

Thanks so much for stopping by...and have a great weekend!

Summer fun and BRD...

2009-07-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

The kids and I have had a ball over the last few weeks just enjoying summer. Sleep overs, family time, camp and days trips have filled our time. I hate to think that back to school is right around the corner.

Last week we went to Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines. They give tours of the farm and we loved seeing all the horses they are saving. What a wonderful place and what a wonderful thing they are doing.

We also took a trip to St. Peters Village. It is a tiny town that lies along a creek. We jumped rocks, hiked in the woods, and had ice cream. What a fun day! We also took our neighbor along. Here is a picture of the kids on a boulder.

I have squeezed in a little scrapping this week. I am in such love with the papers from Black River Designs. They just get my mojo flowing! Here are a few DT projects I just finished. I also added a jotter from Creative Chaos...can't get me enough of those...and don't forget Free For All Friday...stop by today for your chance to win some goodies!

Here is a little sneak from my first Pebbles, Inc. DT project! You will not believe the talent on this team...their projects are amazing and I promise you they are nothing less than spectacular. Next week be sure to check the Pebbles Inc. blog for all the goodies.

Now for a video that I promise you will entertain...maybe even make you laugh and cry at the same time...no matter what you day is like, this will put a smile on your face. Just take a minute and relax!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Summer photos...

2009-07-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have not done a lot of scrapping over the last week or so...but I have been taking lots of pictures. Dixie Pieces is having fun with the SENSE-ational Summer Contest kickoff...I thought I would play along with the "post 10 summer pictures" challenge.

This weekend Jack had a horse show. He has spent a ton of time with my Mom over the last few weeks riding and getting quality time with her. He even has a new pony! They did great over the weekend especially since his new pony, Ebony's Ghost has never been shown before.

They came away with 3 ribbons and lots of smiles!

Mom, Jack and Ghost...

He always looks so serious when he shows!

Trotting away...

We went to visit my brother and his family this week and had a great visit. Lunch, visiting with my nieces and blueberry picking were a great way to spend the day.
Nick swinging A...

Maya going so high on the swings.

Gabi found this cluster of caterpillars...Yuck!

Josh picking blueberries...

Jack strolling through the blueberry bushes.

My brother waving "Hi". He is recovering from shoulder surgery right now. Too many year of wrestling, coaching and lifting have caught up to him. Poor guy!

Nick through the berry bushes...

Well, I guess I should post at least one layout.
Here is a layout using 3 journaling spots from Creative Chaos Etsy...I so love Jenn's goodies!

A detail shot...

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope your having a great summer!

Christmas in July and more good news...

2009-07-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have had a month of really good news and over the last few days I have had even more. Yippie!

I am so excited to be joining the design team at Pebbles, Inc.. Their new lines are way too cute and so much fun to work with. I am just loving the sneaks for the brand new lines, be sure to check them out.

Here is a layout using their Linnie Bell line.

Bella BLVD announced their brand new Guest Artistas and I am thrilled to be one of them. I just love their lines, so bright and colorful and am dying to see what they will be releasing at this CHA...fabulous I am sure it will be.

Here is the announcement!

It's a new week, and I am thrilled to tell you we have finalized the invitations to our brand new Guest Artistas. Thank you so much to everyone that sent in submissions. We had a blast checking out all your awesome work and learning a bit about each of you. It's always a shame that we cannot pick everyone. The creativity is astounding, and to get submissions from all over the world is so encouraging. We also want everyone to know that for future Artista calls, anyone and everyone is invited to submit, even if you were not chosen during this round, we would love for you to continue submitting to future calls. Thank you again for all the Bella love and support!

I am so happy to announce, in alphabetical order, the new Bella Guest Artistas for 2009:

Jessica Ball
Donna Creedon
Daniela Dobson
Sheri Feypel
Krista Hanna
Nancy Holley
Jenneke Knol
Mimi Leinbach
Brittny Lejeune
Tanisha Long
Janis Medina
Deanna Misner
Sue Mylde

Christina Taylor
Tricia Wilson

I have a few new Black River Designs Christmas in July projects to share. I just love working with Christine's papers, they are so fun and easy to play with.

And a card:

Dixie Pieces is having a great big summer contest. Check out the thread here for details. This is really gonna be fun and there will be lots of great prizes.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

A quick update...

2009-07-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week taxing the kids to camp and summer activities but I wanted to stop by quick and show you a few kits available.

Over at Dixie Pieces you will love this beautiful kit. Can you say Prima heaven? I loved it so much I even used the packaging in a card and LO...talk about recycling.

Check out this card I made from it.

Be sure to check out the gallery for lots more of the designers inspiration here.

This month at I AM A Scrapaholic the kit is complete fun.

Check out this fun LO I did of Jack.

Nick's team did not make it through to the next round of the National tourney but we did have a great weekend and here are a few of my favorite action shots.

A header:

I will be back on Monday with some new LO's using Black River Designs products, as well as a few other projects and some very good news!

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th and well wishes to our friends from the north for Canada day this past week!

DT Projects galore....

2009-06-26T05:40:00.000-07:00

I have so many DT projects to share with you!!! My little guy is off at riding camp and it has been just Nick and I each day. Other than some friends visiting, swimming and soccer practice it has been a quiet week and we each had time to do our own thing. For me that meant fitting in some scrapping...

When I go my box of goodies from Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker I fell head over heals in love with these adorable papers. Here are a few layouts using her "My Sweet Cherry Pie" line.

And a detail shot:

I love these pictures of Jack and they worked perfectly for these papers.

Another detail shot:

I also dug out some Black River Designs papers and rub-ons. These papers just may be the easiest papers to work with ever. No matter what I am working on these projects just come together so easily, maybe it is just that I love them so...Keep and eye out in July because all the DT worked on Christmas in July projects. You will love them!
Here are a few from me...

I saved this cute little candy gift tag last Christmas off a gift I received...recycling and it worked perfectly here.

Christmas in July would not be complete without a Christmas Card.

On both these projects I used Plain Jenn's from Creative Chaos. These are my favorite journaling spots EVER and I use them on EVERYTHING! Jenn just announced a new DT Call so get your submissions in. I had so much fun working with Jenn's products and she is a total sweetheart and extremely funny to boot! Good Luck ladies you don't want to miss this chance.

The new English Garden Collection from Marks Paper Company is absolutely gorgeous. I love the colors, my favorites actually green and purple. I really can't get enough of them.

And a Father's Day Card too...

I altered a tin using the June kit from I AM A Scrapaholic. I have a growing collection of pins and thought that this kit was perfect to make a tin to hold them. Cute and functional, definitely my kind of project.

Last but not least how about a little sneak preview of July's kit at Dixie Pieces. I love this kit and you will too! The designers are doing something fun this month - we are having a little blog sneak peak party! Yep-over the next 4 days you can see sneak peaks of the new kit and the design team creations! Every day a new designer will post their sneaks to their blogs! To make it even sweeter - when you leave a comment on the sneak peak posts - you qualify to win a RAK from Dixie Pieces!

So leave me a comment on this post and then check out the Dixie Pieces Forums to see where the blog hop takes us tomorrow! Follow the trail and leave comments as you go. The more comments you leave, the better your chances to wins the RAK!

Prize will be drawn on the 30th and announced on the site and the DT blogs on July 1st - Kit Reveal Day!

This is my beautiful Mom and niece Gabi.

And here is a sneak of 2 projects...

The National Cup soccer tournament is in Jersey this weekend and we will be off to cheer Nick and his team on. His team is undefeated this season and lets hope that streak holds through the weekend!!!! Go Rage!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

A few new projects and Happy Father's Day Honey...

2009-06-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

I know I am a day early but I just wanted to wish my hubby a very Happy Father's Day. Love you! This photo is from a recent Whitewater rafting trip.

And just a few quick projects...

I think these are my favorite pictures of Jack. I know he is my kiddo and I am quite biased but he really is the cutest kid ever, lol! Look at that sweet face.

I love my punches and am trying to find new ways to use them. I think the punched edges really dressed up this card. I love clean lines but it just adds a little "fancy" to a project!

I have had these pictures of my nieces forever and came up with this idea for a LO...what cuties!Here are a few details...

Check out the Plain Jenn from Creative Chaos Etsy. I am so addicted to them.

My mom is planning a trip with 2 of her friends so now I am all prepared with this card. I love working ahead.

With 6 nieces there is always a birthday on the horizon. I made this little altered tin and matching card for the next one. Perfect way to gift a little cash or a gift card (you know that is what the kids want) and still make it a personal gift. She can just slide off the punched wrap and flowers and use it to store earrings or other little trinkets.

I am loving yellow right now and here is a new card using my June DT kit from I AM A Scrapaholic. Mom-Mom will love it for sure.

Last but not least I want to welcome this new little family to our neighborhood. Mom and Dad are never far from the baby and I got to watch feeding time the other day...so sweet!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Two post in one week...amazing!

2009-06-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

First a shout out to my son Nick who participated in a charity 5K this week and came in 25 out of 168 runners...most of whom are adults. His time was 22:11, so amazing for an 11 year old. He even got to meet his future junior high track coach who took 3rd that day. Here are the official results!

This photo will go on a LO called Determination. That is exactly what this picture says to me.

For those of you that visit regularly you know I must have good news that I want to share to warrant a second post in the same week. Guess what...I do have good news! I will be joining the design team for the new manufacturer Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker.

Check out this amazing team:
The Domestic Design Team:
(they are in no particular order)

1. Charity Hassel from FL
2. Nathalie Leonelli from CA
3. Julie Tucker-Woleck from AZ
4. Deana Boston from MO
5. Jennifer Matott from NY
6. Susan Dupre from TX
7. Jana Eubank from UT
8. Mimi Leinbach from PA
9. Michelle Lanning from CA
10. Laura Achilies form CO
11. Deanna Misner from TN
12. Abbie Torroll from OK

The International Design Team:
(they are in no particular order)

1. Hilde Janbroers from the Netherlands
2. Emeline Seet from Singapore
3. Nadhrah Maidin from Malaysia
4. Mette Kallander from Sweden
5. Kathleen Glossop from Australia
6. Anne Jo Lexander from Norway
7. Ria Mojica from the Phillippines
8. Mieke Nagtegaal from Holland
9. Malin Dahlstrom from Sweden
10. Claude Campeau from Canada
11. Jodi Wilton from Canada
12. Michele Beck from France

Here is a little peek of her first line!

How great is that! She will also have stamps and other goodies to go with her first 6 lines of paper to be debuted at Summer CHA 2009! Big Congrats Nikki!

Since I am blogging AGAIN...I thought I would share a few more projects.

I did my first 2 projects using Black River Designs. I am loving it...so darn EASY to use. Things just came together and I love the results.

And a cute Happy Birthday card!

And last but not least I have a new LO for Marks Paper Company. I still can't get enough of these papers!

Here is a detail shot, check out the jotters from Creative Chaos Etsy. I swear I use them on everything now.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Summer officially starts here in my house today at 12:30 when the kids are done school and I am super excited to see the end of homework even if it is only for a few month! Enjoy!

It has been a great scrappy month so far...and some pictures!

2009-06-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

I have to give a big birthday shout out to my nephew...he just turned 4!
Happy Birthday Jake!

My son Jack is in the throws of horse show season and he is doing just terrific. Here he is at last weeks show. He came home with 4 more ribbons...great job buddy!

I am excited to share that I have 2 layouts in this months Scrapbook Trends. Be sure to check it out...it really is a terrific issue!

I have been in a very scrappy mood lately too. I have been busy with lots of DT projects but also sat down to just scrap for me. This month I love working with my Marks Paper Company products. Here is my first DT LO using the new English Garden Line.

I pulled out some pictures of my nieces and played away...This is my superstar niece playing softball. She is amazing on the mound. It is not unusual for her to throw 15-18 strikeouts a game.

Livi is so adorable and always puts a smile on for the camera...check out the jotters from Jenn Stevens Creative Chaos Etsy, oh how I love them so!

Over at Dixie Pieces the kit this month could not have been better for a mom of sport loving kids. Check it out:

Here are a few projects using it.

Be sure to check the gallery here for lots more inspiration.

The kit this month from I AM A Scrapaholic is literally FABULOUS. Check out all the Chatterbox loveliness. I am looking forward to really digging into this goodness.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Yippee!!!!!What a weekend!!!!

2009-05-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have so much to share I don't even know where to begin. I will start with some really exciting news! I have been asked to join the design team for the manufacturer Black River Designs. It is a Canadian manufacturer started by Christine Campbell, she debuted her first 5 PP lines and 8 sets of rub-ons at CHA Winter 09. I really am thrilled to be part of this amazing team! Check out the other designers I get to work with!

Cari Locken

Virginia Wong

Stephanie Klauck

Lisanne Cote

Aly Dosdall

Lynn Ghahary

Jennifer Matott

My son also had a banner weekend with his soccer team winning the Whitewater Challenge Cup. Here is the team and the coach with their hard earned cup. They are now 13-0-0 and have only had 3 goals scored on them all season. Teams came from as far away as Canada so the competition was pretty stiff! Way to go boys!

And one of just my guy!

The weekend did not end there. On to a day of team bonding and whitewater rafting. It was my kids first experience whitewater rafting and they had a ball! Thanks goodness for wetsuits since the water was 55 degrees.

I want to let you know about a a fun scrapping challenge going on that is also for a great cause. Check out Jen Tapler's blog for information on the Stampin' out Alzheimer's Event she is hosting. This is a cause near and dear to my heart since my Dad suffered from Alzheimer's for several years before passing away.

Here is my dad in my favorite photo of him looking so handsome. It was taken sometime around WWII. Also a special Memorial Day THANK YOU to all the military and their family members who serve and sacrifice so much to keep our country free! You are true heroes!

Check out this month challenge at Marks Paper Company. It is a great one with an awesome prize so be sure to give it a try!

The Challenge:

Using 75% of Marks Paper Company’s products, create stitching on a scrapbook page, altered item, home décor item, mini album, you name it. How creative can you be? It is SEW Simple!

The winner will receive a set of Marks Paper Company new paper collection (English Garden), and a sponsored prize by Scrapfreak,

which is a $15.00 gift certificate to their on-line store. Total retail value for this prize package is $25.00. In addition, your winning project will be featured on the Marks Paper Company Blog and in our monthly newsletter!

When your project is complete, post a comment on our blog that includes a link to your blog or on-line gallery so we can view your project. Deadline for submissions is midnight (EST) May 29, 2009. Winners will be announced on May 31, 2009 on our blog.

Check out our website for more information. Please e-mail us with any questions. Good luck and we’re looking forward to seeing your work!

Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

Happy Mother's Day Friends...

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I just wanted to wish all my cyber friends a wonderful Mother's Day! I hope the day was good for you and we are just so blessed to be Moms!

Here is my favorite picture of my guys...I mean, who doesn't love a guy in a tux. So lucky to be a wife and mother to them! Check out my fabulous gift and loving some hand made cards too.

I don't make many cards but this month my DT kit from I AM A Scrapaholic was perfect for some Mother's Day cards.

I also had some fun just scrapping...Check out the Plain Jenn journaling spots from Creative Chaos. I just love them and can stop using Jenn's stuff. I would be totally broke if I was not on her DT, LOL!

I never use yellow and I just love it in this MLS LO...

Last but not least I made this card for my fellow DTer at Marks Paper Company. Molly is right now in the middle of moving from Hawaii to PA. Since she is also on the MLS DT I thought it would be fun to find this card waiting for her in the mail when she arrives later this week. Can't wait to finally get to meet IRL.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Did you see...

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the preview of Marks Paper Company English Garden. It is the new Spring Line. It is so gorgeous and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Here is just a taste...

And Die Cuts...

And Covered Buttons...

Be sure to click on the link to see the entire line!

The kit this month at Dixie Pieces was so much fun to work with. Check out the link to see all the talented DT projects for this month. Look at this gorgeous kit!

Here are a few projects I made with it.
This is one of my favorite photos of Nick.

My totally cute niece Maya!

Nick at the beach.

I am short on time today so I need to run but thanks for stopping by!

My Acrylic Album DT projects and a LO!

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We had last month off at My Acrylic Album so I dug right into my DT goodies when they came. I just love the Acrylic Inchies and decided to alter a tin using them and a kit from Scarlet Lime.

And a good view of the Inchies:

I also used the same kit to do the MAA Half a Heart Album. When it is closed it looks like half a heart.

But open it up and it is a whole heart...how cute!

Here is a quick LO too from a very rainy soccer tournament! It was a rainy muddy mess that day and my husband nearly killed me for taking my camera out in that weather but the shots were so worth it!

Hope all is well and thanks for stopping by!

We have butterflies and a few new LO's...

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Some good news first! I am thrilled to have been chosen as a product tester for GCD Studios. I can't wait to get that box of goodies! How exciting! I am also excited to let you know I have 5 upcoming Scrapbook Trends publications as well as a LO coming up in Memory Makers. Yippee!

A few weeks ago I told you about us raising butterflies. Well they finally hatched and this past weekend was release day, just in time for Earth Day! Of course they quickly took to the Weeping Cherry Tree.

And the Pansy's I had just planted.

I dug into my MPCo. goodies and made a few new LO's. I love the MPCo. grow a flower challenge going on. Be sure to check out the blog post here for details.

Here is the flower I decided to grow:

And another one with my boys and their cousin.

I hope you got a chance to print out the freebie printables...love them! Here is one I used on this LO:

I just love the DT kit this month at I AM A Scrapaholic. Here is a LO I made with it. I love scrapping with Spring, Summer and water pictures so I am geared up to take lots of new pictures.

Last but not least check out Lisa's blog. She is offering up a great RAK...very fun. That about sums it up...thanks for stopping by and Happy Earth Day!

Marks Paper Company "Grow a Flower" blog contest and a layout...

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Check out Marks Paper Company first blog contest, here are the details!

Our first blog challenge comes to you from Patty Schaffer, our super talented design team member & coordinator.

Spring is Patty's favorite time of the year. She loves the warm days after a long, cold winter. She loves opening the windows and letting the nice breeze blow through the house. But most of all, Patty loves the flowers. So many pretty colors and smells – they make her happy! With that said, you can probably guess why she has chosen ‘Grow a Flower’ as the first challenge for the Marks Paper Company blog!

The Challenge: Using 75% of Marks Paper Company’s products, create a flower(s) on a scrapbook page, altered item, home décor item, mini album, you name it. How creative can you be? Put on those garden gloves and get growing!

The winner will receive a set of each of the Marks Paper Company paper collections (August and Old Fashioned Courtship), Digital Kits for both lines and a sponsored prize by Short Cuts - SheetLoad of Cards,

which includes five (5) each of Clear and Frosted Card Blanks (10 pcs), five (5) each of Clear and Frosted Full Sheets (10 pcs), two (2) each of Gift Card Holder Folders in white, ivory, kraft and black (8 pcs). Total retail value for this prize package is $30.00. In addition, your winning project will be featured on the Marks Paper Company Blog and in our monthly newsletter!

When your project is complete, post a comment on the Marks Paper Company blog post that includes a link to your blog or on-line gallery so we can view your project. Deadline for submissions is midnight (EST) April 29, 2009. Winners will be announced on April 30, 2009 on our blog.

Check out our website and for more information. Please e-mail any questions to contactus@markspaperco.com.

Please visit Patty's blog to see a step-by-step tutorial on how she created the flower shown above.

Good luck and we’re looking forward to seeing your work!

There is also a digital freebie available on our website. Get it now until April 21st.

What a great opportunity that is...be sure to give it a go!

Life has my time for scrapping down to a minimum so I don't really have much to post. I did do this layout a few weeks ago so I will share it with you in the hopes that next week I will finally get time to play. Check out the journaling spots from Creative Chaos, you just gotta love them.

Here are a few details:

Thanks for stopping by!

Big stuff happening at Marks Paper Company and a layout!

2009-04-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

This month there will be alot going on at Marks Paper Company. Today the new Digital/Hybrid Design Team was announced.
Congrats to these very talented ladies:

Maggie LaMarre
Michele Ciola
Patricia Komara
Cathy Pascual
Deanna Kroll
Cindy Gilchrist
Pamela Young

Marks Paper Company is excited to celebrate the addition of our new
Digital/Hybrid Design Team throughout the month of April! We’re inviting
you to celebrate with us!

From April 1st through the 7th MPCo will offer a Free Digital
Template Giveaway and 25% Off All Digital Kits! All month long there will be freebies, discounts and challenges so keep an eye on the blog for all the details.

Fellow MPCo DTer Jennifer Davis is teaching a class at Paper Studio. 100% of the proceeds made from this class will be donated to support the aid of Parkinson's Research, so be sure to check it out. It really is a great cause and the cards are beautiful. Just check them out...

Charity Hassel is the guest designer this month so be sure to check out the gallery for her beautiful projects.

I have been asked to join the design team at Dixie Pieces. I am totally excited...and their kits are just totally yummy. Check out the April kit...

I leave you with a new LO I did of my son Jack, I know I am his mom and all but that kid is so full of personality...and totally cute too!

A few details...

Thanks so much for stopping by!