DT Work

My stint as GDTM for NoelMignon.com is officially over.
I had a blast working with those girls and Noel for the month, she is an awesome person to do design work for.
Here are the last of my projects that I haven't shared.
All the details are on the Layouts and Projects blog.
That Thank You card is for you, Noel.
Thanks for picking me to bat for your team for a month!

And her new kit, Cotton Candy, is up on her site and if you need a reason to take a peek, I would say there are 20 pieces of patterned paper inside and check this out:

My buddy, Michele

This is my buddy Michele.
And I am now officially amazed that I have only 2 pictures of us together and we both look good in both pictures.
I am pretty convinced I can now only take photos posed next to her.
I love the way this LO turned out, totally simple with just a hint of sparkle on the butterfly with stickles, Michele loves the glitter.
And it is totally true.
She does totally get me.
We've been bestest of friends I think since the moment we met and we have so much in common, it is insane.
And she listens to my complaining all the time, like a trooper.
And lets me razz her to no end and takes it like a champ.
Yeah, I total love her.
She makes me look good in photos and is an awesome friend.

All the details about this page are featured over at the Noelmignon Projects Blog!!

My Mini Garden

I definitely do NOT have a green thumb!
I try and try to keep things blooming and they always die on me.
I luckily still have one house plant, Pauly the Palm Tree.
Corey the Cactus is still alive too, but that doesn't really take any sort of skill.

For a little project on the GDTM for Noelmignon.com, I used these little pots I got at the Target $1 spot and look, they're even growing!!

For all the details about this project, go to the Projects and Layouts website.

Day Late and $1 Short

I am a chaotic person by nature.
I've got that kid.
I work almost full time in a dungeon office.
I pick up an extra kid after work every day and am responsible for him maintaining average grades as well as my own kid.
We eat a home cooked meal almost every single night, nothing extravagant but it still requires preparation and heating of some sort.
I try to maintain a love life with the man, mostly with just phone time (ok, that sounded bad) but occassionally I may even lay my eyes on him.
And it is just the way of my world.
Do I love it this way? Nah.
Do I kinda like it? Yeah, kinda.
I think I would be easily bored without it all, the constant motion, the underlying stress of each day.
It's the adult ADD.
I never would've admitted that before but I am really starting to come to terms with me.
I'm OK that I am a tad crazy, always.
And that I am unorganized and spazztic.
And constantly late.
Wait, that part of it, the tardiness, I don't enjoy as much.
At all.
I am your friend that will send your birthday present or card a month (or more) late.
I am the one always late to meet up.
Punctuality is not one of my talents, at all.
I'm just happy when I meet my deadlines occasionally.

And as the GDTM for Noelmignon.com this month, I am happy to report, I made my first deadline, thank god!
My submission for the Manly Challenge over there, you have til Friday to get your entry in and possibly win your own spot as GDTM for June.
Or if you want a little more permanent spot on a DT, she is having a call for that as well and all the details are HERE.
I can say, having been on the team for the past few weeks, it has been a breeze and the girls and goodies are fabulous, so if you're looking for a great site to do a little work for, I can't recommend her enough.

This page was made with the Scenic Route Providence line, completely. The only extras were the little buckle and the black chipboard from American Crafts.
LOVE those chipboard pieces!
Design is based on an Ali Edwards in one of her books, not the Life Artist, probably the patterned paper one, I love that book.

I know I am sucking at this whole blog thing(see above) but I am way busy these days with work, the new store (which I do not own, am just working there once we open, if ever), that kid, trying to find a house (did I mention that?) and still watching that devil child afterschool.
So bear with me.
And if you wanna see what I am doing, thinking, up to...Check out my twitter on the right side of the blog and also here.
Just more of my daily ramblings and nonsense.

Little Mr. Smarty Pants

I realized when coming up with one of my latest layouts, I never even mentioned that after the weeks of science fair bitching, I never even mentioned that the kid placed 4th.
Duh!
Well, he did.
His project was 4th in the fair which is 4th through 8th grade, so I was pretty impressed with myself...I mean him, I was impressed with Max.
The top 3 spots were held by 7th and 8th graders and so it was a big deal that he won.
He missed going to the regional fair by one spot and for about a month kinda wished that 3rd place kid would come down with chicken pox.
But now that he has his taste of the limelight, this may have been what sparked his whole new outlook on his school career and put us where we are now...approaching an entire summer of school by choice.
He's totally not my kid.
I was not like that at all as a child.
As parents we stress getting good grades and the importance of education but by no means are strapping him to set of Encyclopedia Britannica's each night and telling him, "Memorize!"
It's all him.
And it makes me proud.
And a little freaked.

This is for the project RAK challenge we had over at the ScrapYourCRAP! blog this week.
Be sure to check out all the great projects with this paper lace and we are giving away some lace to two more people, so head over for a freebie!

Details: Paper Lace, Diecut Paper by KiMemories, Labels by Jenni Bowlin, Creative Cafe stickers, Making Memories Letter Stickers, Doodlebug Letter Stickers, Scenic Route Chipboard Piece for the "cool".

Chipboard Challenge

I'll tell ya all about the birdie tomorrow, I'm gonna try to phrase what occurred in a manner that will be pleasing to aviary lovers everywhere.
I'm just not sure of a good synonym for "oops" yet.

Until then, the challenge this week over at ScrapYourCrap is to use up some chipboard.
I have a ton, so this challenge was one of the easier ones.
I used naked chipboard and inked it up with some white pigment ink and embossed them as well before added some stickers to them.
And also used the new Providence line from Scenic Route that I got from Noel's store and I love the colors.
It wasn't really on my must-have list, but since I have gotten it, I can't stop using it.
I also used some Scenic Route chipboard letters and inked the edges of my patterned paper.
Just a simple LO of Max's dog.
He is always looking for attention and secretly wishes he was a lapdog but at 100 pounds there is no way he sitting in anyone's lap.

The RAK is still open til Friday, so don't forget to leave your comments there!

Just your typical weekend chaos...

Friday night I spent my time entering product for my new job.

Oh, did I fail to mention a new scrapbook store is opening up in my neck of the woods?
Yep, you heard right Illinois residences, a new shoppe is currently underway.
Well, we are working as quickly as possible.
Where, you ask?
Arlington Heights.
When, you say?
After we make it look more like a store and less like this...

There was an 8am soccer game Saturday morning which I did not attend.
Yep, I am the bad parent that opts out of games earlier than 9am for my own sanity.
And then, after that and the world's fastest shower, we headed off to Max's interview which was at 11am.
Parking is a major PITA in the part of town, seriously.
It cost me $11 for an hour and a half!
But the kid did awesome and looked great, so think we may be a shoe in.
The best news I heard was that they had 400 applicants and only interviewed 100, so that alone impressed me.
Now, all we need to do is be one of the 65 they take in the program.
The worst news is that he will be in school almost all summer, full-time, which really puts a damper on some of our normal summer fun.
But he did let me take this picture, in front of the other school building, so as not to embarass him too much.

Then we drove 2 hours to University of Illinois to visit my baby brother.
We usually go down a couple times a year but this was the first time due to our crazy schedules.
We went to dinner, watched Juno with some of his friends and just hung out.
We also walked around campus because it was a perfect day yesterday and I always think this is one of the coolest looking campuses.
These two are really starting to look like twins, they even wear the same shoes!

We walked super far just so that the kid could get one of these...
What?!
Never had a bubble tea?
Drove back home with some of my brother's junk to move back home.
We needed to be back to go to Sunday night dinner, it's our family tradition.
Got back, raced to make this page for the SYC challenge this week.
I was so happy this page took me like a total of 30 minutes, start to finish!
I used the new Scenic Route Providence line I got from Noel's store.
And 24 brads!

And now it is Monday, the weekly chaos starts all over again!
Although sometimes the weekends are more exhausted than the week days!

I see I am now at 40,000 visitors {thanks!} so I will post the blog candy tomorrow, I need some photos of the goods so that you know what you'd be winning, right?

Ballz Challenge

It's 6:47pm, Friday and that extra kid is FINALLY gone.
The mom was supposed to be home Wednesday night but she was booked on American Airlines.
Then there were storms last night.
And today I got to spend all day at home with the boys because there was no school...
so I am pretty much exhausted mentally.

If there is one thing I learned this week, it is that my child is VERY well behaved and every time he opens his mouth to get all teen sassy, I am going to have to remind myself of this long week.

I got one layout done today and I had intended on scrapping all day, that didn't happen...
It was for the challenge over at Noelmignon.com.
I know this picture is not the best, a bit blurry.
I got a new lens last week (50mm/1.8f) and I am still getting used to it.
I used some Scenic Route patterned paper and the Making Memories letter stickers that are my favorites.
I also used those washers with the words on them, which have been in my collection for many, many years!
The ribbons are Michaels, Target $1 spot and Creative Cafe.

I am looking forward to my weekend as a mother of one.
I just hope all that talk about getting snow was just another one of those pesky weatherman errors.

Wassa Goin' On?

Man, I am a slacker, huh?!
But I am too exhausted to have been slacking.
I'm just busy...yeah, that's the ticket...busy.

* I am working on stuff for Scrap your Crap.
This week we're all getting felt up...no, not in a back seat kinda way!
So if you've got some felt laying around, come on over and join us.
My LO makes me giggle, look at how little the kid is.
Now we're eye to eye!

* I watched the movie, The Mist last weekend.
It's the one by Stephen King.
I can't stop talking about it.
Watched it twice.
It was a totally commentary on human nature and scary true.

* A very lovely gal sent me one of these to try out and review.
I guess cause she saw my video and knows I have a lot of ribbon.
So, expect to see that coming up next week.

* I'm also catching up on Rock of Love.
But I'm only on season one, still.
Without cable, I have to watch these things on DVD or in this case I bought it from Itunes so that we could watch it on the plane from Jamaica.
I am hooked.
The stripper just got Bret's name tattooed on the back of her neck....omg...I thought for sure he would stop her.
But that would be sane!
And even though I know who he picks at the end, thank you very much Greta, I am still enjoying the process immensely.
"Don't threaten me with a good time!"

* And I went and saw my buddy Michele last Friday all the way in the south suburbs which is a feat in and of itself on a Friday night during rush hour traffic.
We traded some images.
And Joanne showed us how to make this card.

Isn't this stamp cool?!
It's from Outlines stamp company and after lots of coloring with my Copics and cutting, lots of cutting, it look totally cool.
I think we successfully convinced Joanne she needed Copic markers.
And a blog. (just sign up already!)
Until then, you can see her gallery here.

* I also got a challenge done for NoelMignon.com.
And it was on time, for a change.
It was a sketch challenge, if anyone is looking for a good sketch, it is still up at her site and it's a good one.
And she has a new challenge posted as well.
The winner will get a spot as Guest Designer and the topic is balls.
Heehee...I said balls!

This LO is totally Scenic Route.
Perfect Camping paper.
And because it came with letter stickers and coordinating cardstock...this was super easy.
Even those chipboard circles are Scenic Route.
Again, super old pictures that make me laugh.
Man, I was hammered in that group shot but boy was it a fun weekend.

* I am addicted to the group Vampire Weekend.
Love the whole album.
It is exactly my kinda music.
The kid is now appalled that we like the same thing.

* Hell's Kitchen just started again this week.
I am addicted to people cooking and Gordon yelling at them.
I know, it's a sickness.
But there is nothing like high pressured lobster bisque.

That's about it, I think.
Just busy.
Today is sunny and I hear it will be almost 55 degrees...woo hoo, heatwave!
So before it turns totally gorgeous and perfectly 70 degrees I have been crafting up a storm and working on more videos.
Because once 70 hits, there is no way I can be kept inside.

Oh and it looks like I am coming up on 40,000 hits.
Can that be?
Really?
I'm just shocked when one person reads this wackiness.
Well, when that bad boy hits the big four-oh, I am giving away a little prize package filled with all kinds of summery goodness.

E.G.S. Weekly Challenge

(Yes, I read that as eggs challenge too!)

Well, Elizabeth, Greta and I have been trying to use up our supplies instead of continuing on our spend spend spend habits, so we came up with the idea to give each other a challenge a week.
Something that will inspire us.
And keep us on somewhat of a budget.
And force us to use what we got!

Last week we each came up with a challenge.
Yes, three challenges in one week!
It wasn't hard for a change because I had off on Friday, but from now on we are alternating turns and only doing one a week.
Too many challenges and one of us will quit pretty fast.
(I'm referring to myself!)

My challenge last week:
Use Holiday themed paper for a Non-Holiday layout.
Everybody buys holiday papers, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day...then it sits and waits for that holiday to roll around again!
Well, no more.
Use up that paper.
Here are a couple of examples to get you motivated!
Mine:

Elizabeth's
Greta's is coming, poor girl has been a sick puppy for about a week now.

So...Join us!
If you are not a scrapper...Try a card.
Ever make a card with Christmas paper that wasn't a Christmas card??
Why not try!
If you play along...let me know, I'd love to see what you do.

Somebody's hubby rocks!!

Last week, Cricket requested one of my little cards I posted for her hubby, apparently he rocks.
But I could have none of that.
I had to make a card all special just for this super rockstar man.
And I love it so much, I almost didn't send it.
Truth.
Every think that?
But it was totally made with rocker hubby in mind and so to Cricket it goes!
{should be there tomorrow!!}
The paper is a gift from Connie, DCWV Rockstar line.
The lady knows me.
I knew this little guy and this paper were a match made in heaven.
The stars are cut from some of the patterned paper and that stamp is from A muse.
He's colored with Copic Markers and the chipboard "u" is from Scenic Route.
I used the Sparkly pen on the words already printed on the paper and it worked like a charm!

Hope the rockstar likes it!

The Jetson Tree

Instead of working on Christmas cards, I created another little paper tree that only took a whopping 20 minutes, start to finish.
That seemed way more achievable than the cards.

I saw this tree on this blog, which by the way is filled to the brim with AMAZING projects especially her star ornament...WOW!, and knew I wanted to try and make one myself.

Searched the web and found Sandi Genovese's template and directions HERE and Voila!

Now if you wanted to make this little tree as a card, because it does flatten, you would have to shrink the template a bit beacuse this little baby is almost 6" high.

I promptly placed this little goody right next to my other paper tree , which is falling apart just as I suspected, and asked the kid, "What do ya think?"
"Looks like The Jetson's tree"
"Wha..?"
"You know, the space family, the Jetsons..."
"I know who the Jetsons are but what do you mean?"
"All those rings and in that crazy paper, looks spacey. Be cooler if it had a robot."

I'm so proud my kid knows who the Jetsons are.
And loves Robots.

Supplies: Cardstock-Bazzill, PP-Scenic Route, Ink-Distress Ink in Black by Ranger, Buttons-from Oriental Trading, Die-Sizzix.

Scenic Route Christmas

'Ol Scrooge McDuck here and I have some Christmas goodies to share with y'all.

Just a quick ornament for the tree using Scenic Route paper and chipboard star. I love these stars because not only are they cheap ($1.50) but they are sturdy.
The little birdie and greeting are stamps from Hero Arts. These babies are clear and wonderful. I am not the biggest clear stamp fan but I can honestly say that these stamped beautifully and are so reasonably priced, I know there will be more of these babies in my future. I inked the edges and added a little bling.
The greeting is stamped on "fake acetate".
If you had real acetate or transperencies you could use those too and just stamp using Staz On ink.
The little bird was colored with the Copics and it was actually easier than I thought, sometimes those markers are not the friendliest to small images.
This little ornament will sit on my tree, which is now up and decorated single-handedly by yours truly, apparently almost 12 year olds are too cool for Xmas trees too.
And one day will sit with all my other scrappin ornaments (these too!) on my very own little scrapbooking Xmas tree so that I can look back at all the old papers and products.
And probably laugh.

Like prepared and organized people, I'm sure many of you are working hard on your Xmas cards or some of you over achievers are already done! (Paula...I'm looking in your direction!)
And then there is me who is wondering if I will ever get cards done at all this year and freaking out about the fact that I don't have all my addresses in one place.
But I have made a couple cards, like this one, so at least two or three people will get a little love this year.

This little baby has a cute little sequined star at the top.

Where did that come from?

I found it in my stash but I assume that you can get them at Michael's or Joann's...right?

And the tree was stamped on that Scenic Route paper and then pieced together.


And I just love this bird because it is so easy to cut out and piece together like I did here.
I used a tiny (1/4"?) punch to make the little ornament and added the string myself with a marker.
And for this little tree card, I used THIS Scenic Route paper and just cut out each tree, stamped the trunk from one of the Hero Arts stamps and then added some glitter with a Stardust Clear Gellyroll Pen but it is hard to see.
I would like to get my hands on one of these Just Glitter pens because these other pens are good but just not glitter enough without the mess of loose powder.

The little stars on top are just Stickles.

Love that stuff, always predictable and reliable, you can never have too much Stickles.

I know that Noel's got the plethora of stickles and Christmas is the perfect time to yank that goop out and make everything twinkle. She's also got the Xmas Scenic Route Roxbury kit available in her store if you love to find it all in one spot!

I don't know who is selling that Hero Arts set but it is called Laughter and Merriment if anyone wanted to know.

Randomness

It's Friday.
Here's what's on my mind...

1. Max got a silver star on the 'ol report card.
Honor roll baby!! Woo Hoo!
It's always his goal to get amazing grades and he actually stresses way too much about it for a kid his age.
I never did that, I just wanted to pass.
He's the kid that wants to be the smartest in class, funniest too, but smartest first.
All the teachers raved about him, as usual, and seem to be happy with him in class, no problems at all...YEAH!
And the baby's daddy met with the gym teacher.
We had to get to the bottom of this "gym situation" once and for all. (who gets a "C" in gym?)
Turns out that her and Max have been butting heads since she made claim that Dodgeball is illegal in our state, which it is not.
Max knows this, he's on a league at our park and it's not a secret underground league that people in the 'hood whisper about.
So she lost credibility with him way back in the beginning of the year, so he likes to challenge her, make her crazy.
Now she did raise his grade from the progress report, so he got a "B" on the report card but I think some of that was because I had requested (unsuccessfully) to meet with her and discuss the criterias for grading in a Chicago Public School gym class.
Baby's daddy did not like the teacher either and instantly understood where Max is coming from with her, not that it makes arguing with your teacher acceptable.
Apparently she is quite righteous and enjoys her power as leader of the school's physical education.
So hopefully now that we have "made our presence known" and Max has been instructed to lay off said teacher or bear our wrathe...things will calm down.
We just can't let gym keep us from a perfect honor roll year, ain't gonna happen.

2. Made one scrapbook page last weekend.
Was in a total scrappin mood, but the 'ol adult ADD took all my creative energy and dispersed it all over the place, so I got a ton of things only 1/2 done.
I like this LO, totally reminds me that no matter how hard I try to get pictures of me and the sibs together, there is always someone missing...Always!

3. I saw these new Gina K stamps and I can't help but think...ewwwww.
I am the first to admit that I have a totally warped sense of humor.
Totally.
I am the first person to start giggling if someone says, "balls".
But bathroom humor is just not funny to me, it's gross.
Too bad too, because they would probably be hysterical to any man.

4. I think I NEED to buy one of these dresses.
So cute and for only $10.50, it seems a crime not to buy it, right?
The red would be perfect for the holidays and it looks light enough to carry over into the warmer seasons, should I need a cocktail dress.
Although, I will probably buy it and then it will sit in the closet with the tag still on like most other things I buy with great intention and no where to go.
Or I will decide I don't like that it's sleeveless.
OR suddenly won't like the red.
Or it won't fit when I actually want to wear it.
We've all done it...admit it!

5. Craft Fair this weekend at my high school.
I'm not working the craft fair circuit this year, decided just to craft for fun, no pressure this season.
But my buddy Connie will be there.
May have to just go to have a looksee at what people are making these days, I'm so outta the loop.

6. I really need to remember how to crochet.
I really only do the needle type crafts in the winter time, seems like a cold weather activity...drink cocoa, watch movies and knit!
Somehow every summer I forget how to do it and need like a mini crash course.
And one of these days I am totally learning how to actually follow a pattern and make something other than a blanket or scarf.
Like one of these or these or maybe even this, if I get really good.

7. I want to make an advent calendar, instead of buying the one filled with chocolate, maybe I could fill it with better chocolates?
But I know the kid won't care, unless it's filled with money.
But I have seen so many great ones, like this one, and this, and this, and this, and this....does anybody else make an advent calendar?
I'd love to see it!

It's Friday...Woo Hoo!
No school Monday, which means no work and I can finally get some pictures of all my goodies with the good daytime light.
Hope everyone has a restfully wonderful weekend.

This is ME Journal Pages

Remember how I am working on a This Is Me Journal that has fabulous challenges over on this blog?
Yeah, I didn't remember either.
I always have great intention about following through on things, but my adult ADD always gets in the way.
Especially when the challenges span weeks or months.
I usually forget.
Or get bored with it.
Or distracted.
This time, I am definitely not bored with this project, just majorly distracted, busy and lets not forget....I have a tumor!
(yes, I tend to overreact and dramatize everything...glad to hear some of you do too!)

But I am trying to catch up on the challenges and besides the doodling challenge, they all appeal to me.
So here are a few pages that I have been working on lately and these challenges are at least a couple weeks old (in case you're looking for them).

This page about a favorite quote was the easiest.I knew exactly the quote I was going to use...instantly.
It's my favorite, from my favorite movie.
"There's such a fine line between clever and stupid."
So true, so true!!
This movie has so many more of my favorite quotes as well and if you haven't seen Spinal Tap, you have really been missing one of the greatest movies ever.
I used a Pink Sugar Pop stamp on this page that I love because not only was it a perfect image but it stamped beautifully.
I stamped it here with black Staz On on a piece of clear packaging (my transparency substitute).



All my pages in this book use the Scenic Route paper and I can't say enough good things about it.
The arrows....the paper....the embellishments....
All are just AMAZING.
You can get all these fabulous products HERE.
And even better yet, there is a kit available, so you don't have to pick and choose yourself...
AND....her whole store is on sale!!!
Yes, I said whole store!!
7 Gypsies!!
Queen and Co. Felt!!
Stamps!!!
Prima!!

Yeah, she's pretty much insane.
But you have til Sunday to take advantage of her temporary insanity!
Tell Noel I sent ya over for the insanity and all, she'll love that.

Owl Swap

I know I have been slacking on the blog lately and I appreciate everyone's understanding about my current stress level with a certain 6th grader. It looks like things may be settling down a little, so hopefully everything will go back to my usual stress level soon. {fingers crossed}

Now that my partner has received my Owl Swap package safe and sound, although a little soggy, I thought I would share the project that almost did me in.
You know those kinda projects, the kind that never seen good enough and seem to take forever to complete.
Well, here's mine. (pardon the pictures, indoor night time pictures aren't the best)

All the projects use Scenic Route Sumner Line. I buy mine in the kit from my gal, Carol and I highly recommend buying it with the matching cardstock, makes any project a snap!
Here are the little extras I added in at the end.
Kept feeling like it just wasn't enough stuff, so I added this little candle and this cute little candy filled can that I made with Michele at a TAC demo with Kimberly.
Hope you don't mind that I changed it to the owl.

This little notebook is just a mini-legal pad with the front cover made from cardstock. I added that PP and the Hambly overlay. How about that stick?!! Like the nature-touch??

This is the card set's little envelope. That big owl is from Hambly, you don't want to know how much it was for one sheet...Sheesh! That paper lace is from Paula, she found it at her Dollar Tree and was so nice to send me some. (and being the boob that I am, still need to shoot her a thank you card, good thing she is in Italy) It is great because it already has adhesive on the back. I made this little holder, but don't ask me dimensions or anything because I just made it, didn't even pay attention.

Here are the cards that were inside with matching envelopes.
See that paper?!! It's the Target Dollar Spot stuff, man, I wish I had bought more.
It was rather thin, but for cards it was perfect and I love the colors and patterns.
Oh, and see that little owl on the cards??
My buddy Elizabeth drew that little guy, isn't he cute!??
Thank goodnes for friends who share their talents because I can barely draw stick people.
This was really the highlight of the whole package.
This is the project I made and then said, "Man, now I don't want to give it away!"
Ever have that feeling?
I made the little book all myself and really this is what took the longest.
The covers and divider pages are chipboard which I designed and cut myself.
That's an overlay over the chipboard cover by Hambly.
Then there were sections for each of the To Do sections, like grocery lists, things to do online, for her daughter....you get the idea. Here are a few....
That little owl is again Elizabeths that I paper pieced. These were the list pages, so she can jot down her lists and then rip them out when she's done.
They were just loose leaf all cut to size and each page stamped with the little A muse owl.

So glad this project is done and outta my house.
I swear I kept looking at it and judging myself, just insane.
And I am happy to report she liked it....phew!

Never realized how hard it would be to find all things owl.
But once everything comes out that I saw at CHA, the owls will be everywhere!!