CLEARLY INSPIRED

Alan Gratz visit

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 19:26:00 +0000

It has been a while since I blogged. I thought I was going to be diligent about posting weekly but it just didn't happen. Baseball season started at the end of March and it seems those months were a whirlwind. We had a lot of tournaments and travel this year. Before all the baseball action, Tanner and I got to go to the library when Alan Gratz visited.

Both Tanner and I have read a couple of his books. It was nice to hear him talk about how he became an author and his writing process. Tanner was able to have his books signed by Mr. Gratz and his picture taken with him. Working at the middle school library as an assistant has given me the chance to read books Tanner likes and have our own little book club with discussions.

I completed this layout using Becky Higgins phone app called Project Life. If you haven't used it, you should check it out. Quick layouts that look great and can be done anywhere.

Take time to create,

Kim

Hangin' With Cal State

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Sat, 10 Feb 2018 21:25:00 +0000

Tanner's baseball team got to hang out with Cal State Fullerton when they came to the College World Series in 2017. It was fun for the boys to shag balls for this team. I love this layout design that let me choose a feature photo on both sides. The template is another free one I got years ago called MS Template. The paper is DDBN_DM_Paper 1, Igrier_pengielove_pp2 and KMILL_Bkgrd_3.

Now, that I am back scrapbooking I will be taking more pictures during this baseball season. Their team got some new spiffy uniforms with great colors. It is funny how I notice colors more when I am scrapping. There are so many choices for paper and so little time. LOL!

Take time to create.

God bless,

Kim

Don't forget to click on the photo to enlarge it.

Experience Trophy Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Tue, 06 Feb 2018 01:52:00 +0000

Tanner went on a fishing trip with Dad and Grandpa Burmeister in 2016. The trip was in September, so he had to miss a few days of school. We thought this would be a perfect time to go since he was in sixth grade. When he got to middle school and high school it would be harder for him to miss school. It was a perfect GUY vacation.

They had a 13-hour bus ride and as you can see by the first photo in the row he used his iPad to pass the time. We always tease Tanner that he has to have "gamey" with him and he is the one we have to place time limits on his gaming. During this ride there wasn't a time limit, so he was happy to keep occupied with his "buddy".

Once they got there they had a reception with appetizers waiting for them. Tanner had said that is one thing you didn't worry about was food. There was always plenty. They even got to eat the fish they caught.

Tanner was thrilled with his fish and it ended up being the third biggest catch of the week.

The supplies I used to make this layout are:

Template 32 which was free in 2009. I have no idea who made it.

I chose this paper combination for the circles that reminded me of fish scales. After I finally chose the paper, which takes longer than I think it will I forgot to write down the name of the paper. Ugh! I looked through my digital papers on my computer three times and I couldn't find which ones I used. I decided to stop looking and just say they were free seven years ago. Then I had a great idea...if I saved the papers I opened maybe just maybe the name of the paper would appear. It did! Now, I know I don't have to search through my files anymore.

Paper: jbillingsley.kickrainboots - papers 2 &4.

Cancun, Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 00:39:00 +0000

We had so much fun last summer on our Carribean trip to Cancun, Mexico. It was the first time we went out of the country on vacation. We had to plan our trip after baseball season, which ends in July. SO, it was HOT! It was worth it though. Our boys loved snorkeling right off the beach and making their mom squirm talking about all the creatures they saw underwater.

I do not like swimming with fish, but as long as I could see the bottom I was okay. The resort was beautiful and we had fun-filled relaxing days. We were ready to head back to the good ole USA by the time our vacation ended.

In order to see the details of the layout, just click on the photo.

I used a template from J2MT that I got for free back in 2010. I really like how I was able to use a lot of photos on this layout. The papers are DI_MOS_Papers 7 & 8.

I hope you take time to create.

God bless,

Kim

Toadally Cute

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 18:55:00 +0000

This layout is perfect for our youngest son. He is the clown of the family, who always makes me laugh. I hope he never loses his silly side. I have so much fun with him even when we are just shopping for a pair of shoes. He will always make a mundane task a laughable moment.

This Toadally Cute template is from A-Manda Creations. Now, these type of templates are fast and easy. Just open in Photoshop Elements and add your pictures under the template layer. Then resize the pictures to fit the frame and you are good to go. Your page is done in seconds. I don't have many of these templates, but as quick as this was I just might buy some more.

Take time to create.

Have a blessed day,

Kim

Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 01:39:00 +0000

I decided to use one of my free digital scrapbook templates I downloaded WAY back in 2010. This is what I really like about digital scrapbooking. You can keep files for a long time because they do not take much space in your home. They only take up space on your computer.

I got this download from Studio Jen, copyright Jen Caput (2007). I love how I was able to use different paper combos behind my picture. The paper collection was also a free download named DDBN_DBM_Papers 1-12. I love the bright colors with the chocolate brown.

The bonus on this page is the way the journaling wraps around the circle in the middle of the page. I always think these pages are going to be "uber" fast to put together, but I still take the most time choosing just the right paper combination.

I hope you are finding some way to be creative.

Have a blessed day,

Kim

Vision Board 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 22:07:00 +0000

Have you heard of vision boards? Do you create vision boards? This is my first one. I heard so many of my friends talking about them, but thought I am not going to do one of those. I was not even sure what I should put on one if I made it. It is like New Year's Resolutions, but more detailed.

I used to make a New Year's Resolution and it would last maybe a month. Then life would get busy in some way or another and I would just stop thinking about it and focus on life in general. I decided to jump on board 😁 (pun intended) and make a vision board this year. Once I decided, I knew exactly how I was going to create it. Have you heard about Becky Higgin's Project Life app? That is what I used here. I can create on my phone while waiting for the boys, standing in line, sitting in front of the television, laying in bed at night. Perfect for life nowadays.

I challenge you to create a vision board if you haven't created one yet. I have gotten more done in a day now that I have written my goals down. Don't forget to make your goals SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely).

Have a blessed day,

Kim

I'm Back

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Sun, 07 Jan 2018 00:55:00 +0000

Yes, I am going to start posting again. There might be some questions. What have I been doing? Do I make cards anymore? Do I scrapbook?

I have been involved in many different activities since I have written the post End of Chapter. Mainly, I have been enjoying our two boys and what they were doing. Since they are growing up and don't "need" their mother as much, I have started getting back into my hobbies. Some I don't do and some have changed a little. I have even added some.

I hope you join me again. I am not sure how often I will post. I hope to bring you some inspiration, happiness and just life in general. To answer one of the questions I am scrapbooking, but not the traditional way, so you will definitely see those.

In addition, I see the 3rd party hosting images on my page and am trying to figure out how to fix them. I am hoping my new posts won't have these ugly images on them.

Until the next time, which won't be too long.

Have a great day,

Kim

End of a Chapter.....

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:25:00 +0000

I have ended a chapter in my life that started in 2006. I signed up to be a Close To My Heart consultant then. Over time, I realized my creativity switched from scrapbooking to cards, and resigned at CTMH to sign up as a Demo with Stampin' Up!

During my time with CTMH, I was honored to be on the Design Team of Molly Stamps. Molly Stamps is where I met my friend and mentor Susanna Boyd. She asked me to be a member of her new site, Paper Craft Planet. I was so thrilled to be part of an exciting adventure and talented team.

Last year, my life changed where I could not give the time and effort Susanna deserved, so I resigned from Paper Craft Planet. Now, I have resigned my Demo at Stampin' Up! I have been creating photo books online and see my creativity going in that direction.

I wanted to thank all of you for spending your time with me on my blog. I have appreciated all your comments, suggestions and encouragement over the years.

I will not be shutting down my blog. I will leave it up as a resource for stamping projects for both Close To My Heart and Stampin' Up!. Every project I have made is tagged and listed in the sidebar by stamp set. Just look under Stamping Creations on the sidebar to find all the projects. I hope you are inspired to create.

Happy Everything!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:33:00 +0000

This is our Christmas card this year. I wanted to wish all of you Happy Everything! May the holiday you celebrate be joyous and filled with love.

The back of our Christmas card reads..... Jesus in the reason for the season!

Hoping you have a safe and happy holiday season!

Susanna's Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0000

Today, October 22nd, we are celebrating Susanna's Boyd's birthday with a week-long challenge event that every member on the Planet can participate in! The Super Novas got together and each made a special birthday gift for Susanna's birthday. In honor of this momentous occasion, we invite everyone to post a birthday project or card for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Yes, there are several chances to win some awesome paper crafting goodies just by posting a birthday themed project! Further details can be found by clicking on The Planet Blog. Check out where the party is and join us for a week of celebrations!

I created a three-page layout to celebrate Susanna's birthday. I hope she likes it!

Halloween Bookmark

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:58:00 +0000

I made this cute Halloween Bookmark at my friend, Kim's house. Oh, this would be so cute to have in one of my scary books. In fact, it would be cute to have in any of my books. What am I thinking? I will have to give it to the boys, since I got a Kindle. Oh, I could put it in the Halloween gift for one of the teachers at Westgate. Now, I am thinking!

I stamped the image from Festive & Fun stamp set (Holiday Mini) in black Staz On and used ink and a water brush to watercolor it. Then I ran it through the Big Shot with an Impressions Folder. To make the raised dots show better, I brushed an ink pad lightly over them. Oh, so cute!

Beautiful Thank You

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:49:00 +0000

I made this beautiful card at my friend, Kim's a couple of weeks ago. She had everything cut and ready to go for us at her workshop. I love this technique with the Impressions Folder.

You put ink on the folder and then put your paper into the folder and run it through the Big Shot. The ink does not go into the impression, so it leaves it the color of the paper while turning the paper the color of the ink you use. Soft and pretty!

I have to confess that her card had a beautiful bow on it and my bow looked terrible, so I put a flower on mine when I got home. Hee hee! I do not tie pretty bows, so I had to improvise.

bird house

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Look at this cute little bird house my friend, Kim made me. Love it!

Simply Sent

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:06:00 +0000

I love the Simply Sent sets in the Stampin' Up! catalog starting on page 192. When you need a card, but don't have the time to make one these are the best. This one is from the Great Day set. All I added was a dimensional to the pink flower, the button with white bakers twine and the ribbon. The stamping was done from me. These sets even come with envelopes.

You can stamp a sentiment on the front. I decided to leave mine card blank, so I can use it for any occasion.

Birthday Envelope

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Isn't this soooo cool!? I love this card that sits inside an envelope. I made this at my friend, Kim's house. For the envelope, I closed it and punch out the top with a circle punch. You only use about 2/3 to 1/2 of the circle. Cute, cute, cute!

Blow Out Your Candles

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:21:00 +0000

This is another card I received from my friend, Kim. I have missed a few of her club meetings, so she gave me some of the projects she has worked on during the summer. This is so cute, because the spinner actually works. I love this stamp set, Take a Spin. Perfect for an occasion!

So Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:29:00 +0000

This is one of the projects we are going to make at the September club meeting/workshop. I love the treat cups! I bought some gum balls for our gum ball machine at home, so I thought it would be a good time to make a this card before the boys chewed all the gum.

The stamp set I used for this card is Something Sweet. There are a lot of ways to use the treat cups with this set.

God Bless You

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:28:00 +0000

Due to the hurricane heading up the east coast, I thought this card would be appropriate to post today. I used the design on page 77 of the current SU Idea Book & Catalog. I love going through the catty and looking at the cards made with the sets I own. I mark the ones I want to recreate. I used a different color scheme. I like to use the colors I already own.

The stamp set is Crosses of Hope and I used the new Stripes Textured Impressions folder.

May God be with those who need His help right now.

Birthday Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:17:00 +0000

Isn't this the cutest birthday hat treat box? I didn't stamp this one. My friend, Kim gave me this, when I went to her house last week. She gave these to her roommates at the SU convention this year. Oh, so cute!

Oh, I think I am going to have to get the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch. Love it!

Photo Booth

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:07:00 +0000

Since I got my MAC, Tanner loves to play on the Photo Booth program. This application fits his personality to the max. Susanna has given us a great template at Paper Craft Planet to scrap a lot of photos. When I saw it, I knew I wanted to use these pics. This was a fast way to scrap a lot of photos that do not need journaling. The pictures tell ALL!

I am host tomorrow at Paper Craft Planet's Scrappy Sunday. I hope you can play along with me next week.

Scrappy Sunday Week 3: Water

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 17:27:00 +0000

This month is all about scrapping those summertime memories. When most people think of Summer, they naturally think of vacations. Travel pages can be hard because we too many pictures to put into one page, or even double spread.

This week, at Paper Craft Planet we are creating layouts that have something to do with water. Here are just a few you can create:

Pools
Lakes
Sprinklers
Ocean

Go through you pictures and find some where you are enjoying the water on a hot summer day. We hang out at our pool most of the summer to get away from the heat. My oldest, Tate loves doing tricks off the board and having us rate them from 1 to 10. I decided to do a layout showing a couple of his tricks.

Happy Birthday Card

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:23:00 +0000

This is the last card we made at club Friday night. This card can be found on page 66 of the new SU Idea Book and Catalog. I changed a few things, but most of it looks just like the card in the new catalog. I can't say it enough...The artwork in the catalogs are a great starting point when creating, especially when you have the same stamp set.

This stamp is from the set Bring on the Cake. The set is great for all the birthday cards I need to make. I colored the letters in with the SU markers to match the DSP. Love it!

Meet My MAC

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:31:00 +0000

Some of you have asked me if I got my MAC, and how it is going with my new toy.

Yes, I did! AND.....I am having so much fun with it. I picked it up last night and took a class there called "out of the box". Since I have never owned a MAC, I wanted them to show me the differences I would have from owning a PC. Today, I am adding all my files from my external hard drive and all the programs I need to transfer from Windows. I am still learning how to navigate through the programs and customizing my desktop.

Here is my new baby:

Close up

Isn't my desktop image cool? Boy, he looks like his dad. Yes, that is a 27 inch screen. I am in heaven.

I hope to do some digital scrapbooking this week. I have one card left to show you from last week too. Now, back to playing with my toy!

Best Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Burmeister) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:18:00 +0000

This card is inspired by the card on page 58 of the new Stampin' Up! 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog. When I am pressed for time (like this week), I always look through the catalog and see if a card captures my eye. I changed this one a little, because I wanted to use the Vintage Wallpaper and Framed Tulips Embossing Folders.

This is just one of the four awesome stamps in the set Take a Spin. I used retired rub-ons for the sentiment "You are the very best ever." to match where the spinner landed.