Midwest Memories

Imaginisce Card Corner

2012-02-23T08:00:00.018-06:00

A few of the Imaginisce design team members have created some beautiful cards and they're so excited to share them with you. We hope that you will be inspired to get crafty today and make some cards of your own!

Sole Sisters is such a fun collection to create with! So many bright colors and fun designs - I absolutely LOVE the houndstooth paper and Snag-em stamps in this line. I clear embossed the cute flowers stamp onto my green cardstock and surrounded it with fussy-cut flowers and that sweet Sticker Stackers "bff" embellishment. I topped off my card with some red ribbon, punched trim and some white pen doodles.

There are soooo many gorgeous projects on the Imaginisce blog this week. Each day with a different theme.. something for everyone! Be sure to visit and be inspired! :)

Abby

pals - Boys Rule

2012-02-23T05:00:00.004-06:00

Today I'm sharing another layout I created with the February Boys Rule kit. This has been such a great kit to create with.. my kit is pretty much all used up, hardly anything left. That's what I love most about Boys Rule kits.. you get the most bang for your buck because you could literally use up everything! Laura-Lee rocks in gathering items for the kits.. everything coordinates so well together, it's so easy to create many different projects with each kit. Love!

So onto my project... I created this layout featuring my son, Braydon, and his friend, Evan, at the zoo several years ago.

All supplies used are in the Feb. kit except for the yellow cardstock and yellow twine. I added the yellow because I really wanted to bring out the yellow and black of Evan's coat that's also included in the MME papers. I had just enough black kraft-core cardstock to cut out my title alphas and I also added a bunch of white doodles.

This is my last project using the BR Feb kit. But there are more awesome projects on the Boys Rule blog by Jenny and Laura-Lee.. be sure to check em out! I'm sooooo excited about the March kit and if you scrap mostly boys, like me, you're gonna love it too!! I can't wait to share it with you! The reveal will be coming soon :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Abby

congratulations - Artful Delight

2012-02-19T14:24:00.000-06:00

I used to babysit for Joseph.. the cutest little 3yr old boy! It seems like not too long ago that he would come to our house and watch Barney and carry his blanket everywhere. So sweet. His mother and I have been longtime friends since we were young, our mothers have been friends for nearly 35yrs. We're all more like family than just friends. Anyway...

Joseph got married yesterday.

OMG I'M SOOOOO OLD!!! LOL

I made this card for him and his new wife. I wanted to go with fun and cute, rather than lace and bells. I really love the LYB "Paradise" portion of the Artful Delight February kit.. Such sweet colors and fun designs--- love that beige and dark brown ledger paper!! :)

Thanks for visiting me! :)

Abby

seriously, Drake... Boys Rule

2012-02-17T09:00:00.002-06:00

can you BE any cuter??

This is my nephew, Drake, lookin all adorable and super cute. I just love these photos of him so the title came really easy :) This layout was made for the 2nd February sketch challenge at Boys Rule Scrapbook Kits. Here's the sketch...

Laura Lee and Jenny also created FANTASTIC layouts with this great sketch! Be sure to visit Boys Rule and check em out. Hope you'll find time to play with us! :)

Thanks for visiting me!

Abby

New TPV challenge :)

2012-02-15T06:00:00.120-06:00

This February gives us a leap year for 2012, and the challenge at The Paper Variety celebrates by giving us an inspirational photo. I've been a fan of Amy Adams since I saw her on The Office several years ago so I was looking forward to seeing her in this movie, Leap Year :) I finally saw it last year on HBO.. it was a super cute flick, a lot of love and laughs.... and Matthew Goode... Mmmmm.. I'd love to be locked up with him in a room just listening to him all night long.. reading a phonebook. lol His voice/accent.. So hot! ;)

There's a lot of inspiration you could pull from this movie poster. The colors, a couple, a wedding proposal (she's holding an engagement ring), use a movie title/sentiment, even something froggy and more.

For my project... When I see green and gray, I think masculine. Not to mention the fact that I couldn't stop ogling over Matthew the entire time I was deciding what to create lol So it's no surprise that I went with a masculine card using the poster's colors.

I found that my Echo Park "Times & Seasons" kit includes green, red (her hair), black and a grayish blue... Score! And I absolutely love the mustache paper and stickers! I was stuck for a bit on what sentiment to use, but I decided on using "good luck" since the movie was set in Ireland :)

We hope you'll join us for this fun challenge! You could be the random winner to receive this awesome prize donated by our sponsor, Apron Strings Designs...

Isn't it lovely!!??

I hope to see your project linked up at TPV! :)

I'll close with the movie preview for Leap Year. It really is a cute movie, I loved it. I think I'll rent it and love it again :)

Thanks for visiting me,

Abby

Boys Rule Jan & Feb kit layouts

2012-02-14T10:30:00.004-06:00

I was looking through my blog posts today and noticed there are a couple layouts missing. I made them a few weeks ago but didn't post. Shame on me! lol They were created for the sketch challenges at Boys Rule, they were posted there but not here. I think it's a good idea to post on my blog as well. So anyway, here they are...

These sketches were created by Jenny, another Boys Rule designer. She's so talented and makes awesome sketches!

Great sketch! I rotated it and created this..

My son Braydon LOVED this movie! I'll bet he could recite the movie word for word as he's seen it at least 100x lol. I'm a big fan of Jack Black so I had to include him in this page, too :) All of the supplies are in the January Boys Rule kit :) I LOVED that LauraLee included an actual 45 record in the kit and that wooden electric guitar (which I covered both in patterned paper).

Here's another great sketch by Jenny...

And my take...

Braydon's dad always had little Scott-isms like "Chillaxin" or "Stylin' and Profilin'" lol. I like to include lil pieces of his dad in my layouts so he will always be remembered. We lost him 5 years ago and miss him very much. Stylin & Profilin will definitely be on a future page lol I just have to find the right photo :) When I saw this photo of Braydon, I immediately thought "Chillaxin!" so the title was very quick and easy. This page is made from the February kit at Boys Rule and it's loaded with My Mind's Eye Kraft FunDay (click here to see another layout and card I created with this kit). For this layout, I pulled the the yellow, black and red from the photo :) And I had a blast with the red mist and template included in the kit, too.

So there! I think I'm all up-to-date now! :) I'll be back tomorrow with a project for the new Paper Variety challenge reveal! It's a GREAT challenge prompt, so be sure to join in! :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

you are great/amazing - Boys Rule & MME

2012-02-13T16:00:00.017-06:00

Today I'm sharing 2 projects I created with the Boys Rule February scrapbooking kit. This card and layout are kinda "brothers" as they share a lot of the same elements. :) First I made the card and I really loved the stars so I used them to inspire me with the layout. Both projects feature My Mind's Eye Kraft FunDay.. Perfect for all your boy projects! :)

I also used the current sketch challenge at My Mind's Eye for my layout design and I mirrored it.

With this sketch, MME requires that the theme of the project be "You".
All items used are in the February Boys Rule kit, except for the title Thickers and yellow twine. I think I went a little crazy with the pen doodles, but I like how the white breaks up all the kraft and colors. :)
For the 80% MME product requirement in their challenge, the only items not MME are the title Thickers and the Tim Holtz kraft core cardstock. Even the yellow twine is MME :)
Visit Boys Rule to see more amazing projects with this kit! :)

-Abby

Imaginisce & Scrapbook Adhesives Blog Hop! :)

2012-02-13T09:00:00.004-06:00

We are so excited about this week at Imaginisce as we bring Day 1 of our Blog Hop with Scrapbook Adhesives and we're just busting with adhesives to share some projects with you.

Scrapbook Adhesives have many amazing products and the Imaginisce Design Team had the opportunity to work with a variety of products such as 3D Foam Squares, Thin 3D Foam Squares, Photo Corners, Crafty Power Tape, E-Z Runners and the Adhesive Sheets. Their products are archival safe, acid free, acrylic based adhesives (won't bleed through the paper), lignin free (won't yellow paper) and has passed the PAT (Photographic Activity Test). They have been around for over 40 years and have provided the crafting industry with quality adhesives perfect for every crafting need.

For my project, I chose to make this "sweet treats" box.

Supplies: Imaginisce (Geek is Chic papers & die cuts, i-bond & black mini glue sticks); Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L (Crafty Power Tape, 3D & Thin Foam Squares); Other: Compartment Box, Ribbon, Die Template, Border punch, Twine, Scoring board, Gel pen, tiny alphas

I am a substitute for our school district and for the past month I've been working in the Bright Futures Pre-K class. I love this class and always look forward to opportunity to work there. The students are all so darling! Mrs. Shirley, the Pre-K teacher is by far one of the best teachers I've ever met. She truly cares deeply about each one of her students, and her class is a complete joy to be a part of. Mrs. Shirley hands out a sweet treat to each student at the end of the day, usually an M&M or Skittle or candy corn.. and her treat container is a tin can. I wanted to make something for her as a thanks for allowing me to be a part of her great class, so I thought she might like an upgrade to her treat box. :)

Creating with Imaginisce Geek is Chic & 3L Scrapbook Adhesives was a lot of fun. The adhesive is super strong, easy to apply, and I love that the 3D foam squares package includes different sizes. Adhering my patterned papers to the plastic box with the Crafty Power Tape insures a long-lasting project, I was very impressed with the strong hold. I used the 3D Foam Squares all around the rim of the lid to give dimension to my punched border. I was so happy to see how well using the i-bond black glue stick hides the glue job under the black ribbon trim. Loved that! I topped the box with more Geek is Chic paper, fan-fold embellishment, the cutest apple/worm die-cut, tiny alpha stickers and twine.

I gave this "sweet treats" box to Mrs. Shirley this past Friday, and I'm sooo thrilled to share that she LOVED it!! It really made her happy, and that made me feel great. I'm excitedly waiting for the next time I get to work in her class :)

Be sure to stop by Imaginisce and Scrapbook Adhesives every day this week to see all the amazing projects created with these fabulous products! There are giveaways at each blog too! So don't miss out on your chance to win some awesome goodies! :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

Cards with Artful Delight & TPV tutorial :)

2012-02-12T06:00:00.002-06:00

I've had a lot of fun this month creating with the Artful Delight February card kit!

It includes brand new LYB "Paradise" plus Simple Stories, Jillibean Soup and Paper Smooches stamps.. all my faves so it's easy to say I LOVE this kit!

Last week I shared a layout using these goodies, today I'm sharing 2 cards :)

I'm so in love with those scooters.. how cute!! I've noticed I've been adding banners a lot lately for card sentiments.. I just love that banner look.. it really adds a special touch rather than just a circle, square or stamping right on the card.

Today is also my scheduled day to provide a tutorial for The Paper Variety. Visit TPV today to learn how to make your own embossing folder. I made this super simple note card in my tutorial.. it's very plain, but I wanted it that way so the focus is mainly on the embossing :)

Have a great Sunday!

Abby

Music or No?

2012-02-11T16:02:00.003-06:00

Music has been a big part of my life as far back as I can remember. I don't play any instruments professionally, however I can play a few tunes on a piano. What I mean is- I love to listen to music all day long, all types. I like soft rock mostly, but I also enjoy R&B, current pop, country, rap, rock, even classical at times. A lot of important events in my life I connect with what music was popular at the time, I know weird. lol

When I was born it was "Alone again (naturally)" by Gilbert O'Sullivan

When I met my dad for the first time (at 15yrs old) it was "Sweet child of mine" by Guns N Roses

When I got my heart broken by my first boyfriend it was "Could've been" by Tiffany

When my grandfather died it was "In the living years" by Mike & the Mechanics

When I got married to Scott it was "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio

When my son was born it was "If you had my love" by Jenifer Lopez

When Scott died it was "My love" by Justin Timberlake

It's kind of ironic that some of those songs hit on the emotions I was feeling at the time. I played them over and over and sang out loud. I love music and it helps me get through good and bad times.

I recently received a comment on one of my blog posts with a link and a comment "Yep it's that number one thing". I was curious about the link so I clicked it and it was a blog post stating the blog owner's list of 5 reasons why people leave a blog. The number one thing on that long list was autoplay music players. There were many comments on the post stating they agreed, that autoplay music is the worst pet peeve.

I had no clue people hated blog music that much. I actually enjoy listening when I go surfing.. but obviously I am not the norm according to that post.

So.. I have shut off the autoplay function on my playlist and I'm sorry if my music caused anyone any irritation. I've had this blog for over 3 years and no one has ever mentioned anything before. I wonder how many people have been disinterested in my blog just because of the music?

I want to thank the commenter that left that comment on my blog post. This person opened my eyes to consider how other people may feel about visiting my blog.

I'd like to close by sharing my #1 pet peeve... I don't like people that hide behind *anonymous* when they leave comments. If you're going to say something on my blog, negative or positive, you should show who you are.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Abby

Imaginisce - Love is in the air! :)

2012-02-07T02:00:00.011-06:00

It's that time of year again, when all the sweethearts celebrate that pitter-patter feeling.. love. Isn't it grand!? All this week at Imaginisce, we're sharing our "love" projects! Each day, there are new LOVEly layouts, cards, home decor etc! Be sure to visit each day for inspiration and even a couple giveaways, too! Woot!

For my "love" project, I created this layout which features my nephew, Drake, and my sister's niece, Sarai. They look so adorable playing in the garden, smiling at each other.. so adorable!

I used mostly Imaginisce Berrylicious with a few patterned pieces from Happy Camper and Happy Harvest. The large title alphas are actually chipboard letters that I traced onto Berrylicious paper and cut out - I think that's my favorite part of the page :) The little ladybug/leaves and tree were cut with my cricut and I used my i-top tool for that sweet smiling sun. I also added Imaginisce Roly Rosies.. it was my first time making those and it was so fun!! They're addicting.. after I made one, I had to make another, and another lol.. I could've went on and on :)

The Imaginisce design team has created BEAUTIFUL love projects to inspire you in creating your own for this upcoming holiday of hearts. We hope you'll join us! :) Check out the Imaginisce blog to be wowed by all the amazing goodies and be sure to see Monday's post for a sweet giveaway!

Thanks for visiting me! :)

Abby

so happy together - Artful Delight

2012-02-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

My first project with the Artful Delight February card kit is a layout! :) Here is the card kit, isn't so fun!?

I love this kit! And I can't wait to use those Paper Smooches scooter stamps! :) For my layout, I used the sketch from the monthly sketch challenge at Artful Delight.

This is a great sketch! So many ways you can go with it :) I replaced the 3 photo spots with just one photo.

(Sorry about the photo quality, it was a gloomy rainy day and I couldn't get a good bright photo) This layout features my sister and her boyfriend. I love this photo, on a bench, together in a garden.. so lovely. I did use the Paper Smooches stamps for the clouds and the round alphas were fussy cut from the Jillibean Soup paper in the kit :) All items used are also in the kit, except for the title Thickers.

We hope you'll join the sketch challenge, too! You could win the March Artful Delight scrapbook kit!

Thanks for visiting me!

Abby

New challenge at TPV! :)

2012-02-01T07:03:00.001-06:00

Happy February!!

There's a new challenge at The Paper Variety.. it's a fun sketch! :)

I made this layout featuring my nephew, Drake :)

My page follows the sketch almost exactly. It's rare that I do that lol. At first I thought it looked too crowded and too busy.. but the more I looked at it, the more I liked it as is. My nephew is such a cutie, he makes any page look great lol ;) I used Echo Park "Little Boy" - an all-time fave!

TPV welcomes a new sponsor, My Scraps & More!! I love that scrappy store!

For joining the challenge, you could win...

And a $10 gift certificate to My Scraps & More!!

Also, there's an awesome TPV reader only discount to the store! Visit TPV for the code! :)

I hope you'll find some time to join us!
Abby

love/congrats - Artful Delight

2012-01-29T06:50:00.003-06:00

I've been ill, but I took meds daily and worked all week in a pre-k class. My evenings have been spent mostly in bed sleeping. I wasn't feeling at all crafty this past week - but I managed to put together two more cards using the Artful Delight January card kit.. Yay! :)

There was a lot of fussy cutting involved with these cards and I've become really fond of pairing red with kraft- love that combo! Everything used for both cards is included in the kit, except for the Paper Smooches "congratulations" stamp and white cardstock.

There are still cards kits available! See here to purchase yours! :)

Have a great Sunday!! :)

Abby

cloudy day - Boys Rule

2012-01-28T17:45:00.002-06:00

Today I'm sharing another layout I created using the Boys Rule January Gaming Kit. :)

Included with the kit's WRMK "Vintage T" papers is a camo sheet.. As soon as I saw it, I knew I'd be scrapping this photo of my nephew- the paper matches his coat perfectly! It was cloudy at the park that day, so that is where my theme inspiration came from :)

All items used are included in the January kit except for the orange and white cardstock. I decided to open up the denim smash pocket and use it as a paper layer :) The clouds are hand-drawn and cut with edges inked in midnight blue.

There's so much more I could've added to this page (doodles, stickers etc), but I chose to keep it cute and simple.. and I really love the result! :)

There is still time to enter your projects for the Boys Rule sketch challenges! You can find those sketches here and here :)

Have a great evening!

Abby

Artful Delight February kits!!

2012-01-25T22:00:00.002-06:00

The Artful Delight February kits have been posted and they're soooo stinkin cute!!!

They have brand new Little Yellow Bicycle "Paradise" included as well as some awesome Jillibean Soup and Simple Stories! And look what's in the card kit.. Paper Smooches stamps! My fave! Ahhhhhhhh!

Can I get a woot woot!?! :)

SCRAPBOOK KIT

this kit will include

Little Yellow Bicycle - Paradise collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)
Bird In Paradise, Born To Be Wild, Blissful Dots,
Pleasant Plaid, All Natural Leaves, Paradise

Jillibean Soup - Sweet and Sour collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)
Shredded Cabbage, Sour Salt, Crushed Tomatoes, Raisins

Simple Stories - Year-o-graphy collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)
Live Life 24/7, Green/Notebook, Capture This Moment

Bazzill Coordinating Cardstock 12x12 sheet (1 each)
Passionate, Sea Glass, Tangelo, Yellowgreen

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit
1 sheet - Jillibean Soup Sweet and Sour Soup collection - Pea Pod Parts Die Cuts
1 package - Little Yellow Bicycle Paradise collection - Paper Flower Kit
2 - Flora Doodles flowers
4 1/2 yards - Pink Paislee (Mist)-a-bles
2 - Jenni Bowlin - Doily Flowers - Creme
3 - Little Yellow Bicycle Paradise collection - Stick Pins
1 package - Jillibean Soup - Burlap Chipboard Alphabeans
1 sheet - Simple Stories Year-o-graphy collection - Calendar Cardstock Stickers
1 sheet - 12x12 Natural Sticky Back Canvas

CARD KIT

this kit will include

Little Yellow Bicycle - Paradise collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Born To Be Wild, Blissful Dots, Pleasant Plaid,
All Natural Leaves, Paradise

Jillibean Soup - Sweet and Sour collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Shredded Cabbage, Sour Salt, Crushed Tomatoes, Raisins

Simple Stories - Year-o-graphy collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Live Life 24/7, Green/Notebook, Capture This Moment

Bazzill Coordinating Cardstock 8 1/2x11 (4 each)
Buttercreme, Sea Glass, Yellowgreen

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit
1 - Paper Smooches Stamp Set - Spiffy Scooters
1 package - Little Yellow Bicycle Paradise collection - Paper Flower Kit
1 package - Jillibean Soup Typography - Cool Beans Buttons
1 box - 1/2in Glue Dots
2 - Jenni Bowlin - Doily Flowers - Creme
3 - Little Yellow Bicycle Paradise collection - Stick Pins
4 yards - Totally Twill ribbon - Creme
5 yards - Wild Rose Grosgrain ribbon - 3/8in
1 sheet - 8 1/2x11 Natural Sticky Back Canvas

I chose to go with the card kit.. I haven't received it yet but I can NOT wait to get this in my hands and start creating! I already have lots of ideas... hurry, hurry, mailman!! :)

I'm positive these are going to sell out fast so hurry over to Artful Delight to preorder yours before they're gone! :)

-Abby

happy birthday - Artful Delight

2012-01-22T06:00:00.005-06:00

Today I'm sharing a card I created using the January Artful Delight card kit. I think there may be a kit or two still available, click here to pick up one of these gorgeous collections for yourself! :)

I tried something different with my card, I wanted to use mostly cardstock instead of patterned paper.. although I did fussy cut that small heart from the Jillibean Soup Hearty Barley paper.

I used my Cuttlebug and embossed the cardbase for something new-to-me and I love the Basic Grey/Hero Arts stamps set included in the kit!

Tomorrow, the 23rd, is the last day to enter your project at Artful Delight based on this sketch...

We're loving all the entries so far but it would be great to see more!! And if you're the randomly chosen winner, you receive the Artful Delight February scrapbook kit! I was given a sneak peek at the February kit and it's AWESOME! Trust me, you'll really want this kit!! So find some time and get your layout entered! :)

Have a great Sunday!

Abby

Boys Rule - Gaming Kit

2012-01-18T21:00:00.001-06:00

Tonight I'm sharing some layouts I created with the January Boys Rule Gaming Kit. This kit is loaded with WRMK's Vintage T collection and so much more.. it is awesome! I love all the papers, especially the stitched papers and the embellishments that Laura-Lee added are perfect! I've been having a great time creating with the kit. This kit is currently sold out (Woot!) so I hope you were able to get one! :)

My first layout follows Boys Rule's first January sketch. It's a great sketch and I hope you all will play along :)

This is Braydon from a few years back.. and one of my absolute favorite photos of him. It may be difficult to spot, but there's actually a Griffin emblem on his jacket so I knew right away that I would use the photo for this collection :)

Most all of the papers were distressed by inking the edges with the Midnight ColorBox ink included in the kit. I used the Smash pocket folder as a photo mat and also cut the product strip off of 2 of the paper sheets and used those as embellishments. I really like how this turned out :)

My next layout was a new challenge for me! I'm a self proclaimed over-embellisher. I like to add a lot to my pages. When in doubt if you have enough.. add more!! Right?! lol Well for this layout, I challenged myself to make it clean and simple and I'm so glad I did!

This page was created entirely out of paper and ink.. with one small sticker. Although I LOVE all the great embellies included in the kit, I really wanted to let these photos take the stage. I love the grungy look it has.. all of the paper is distressed and slightly inked. And the quote is a new favorite shared with me by my bestie, Suz. I'm thinking I should try simple pages more often :)

Have a great evening!

Abby

Imaginisce - Sole Sisters!

2012-01-18T01:00:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year again.. when devoted scrapbookers and paper crafters are excitedly watching for the latest and greatest in scrapbooking collections to be introduced.

Well .. I have a treat for you!!

This week at Imaginisce, we're having a release party for Sole Sisters, a gorgeous new line bursting with color and girlie designs. You can see the entire collection here. It has everything you need to create projects about and for all the special gals in your life. Shoes, purses, flowers, lipstick, necklaces.. it's full of fun!! :)

Here are a few projects I created using Sole Sisters :)

Don't you just love all that color and those big funky flowers!?!

I found a little mini-purse at Michael's.. perfect for this collection! I couldn't wait to get it home and decorated! :)

And lastly, a picture frame I altered to celebrate girlfriends and friendship. So fun!!

There's a party goin on this week at Imaginisce! Every day we're featuring items from the collection as well as FABULOUS projects created by the Imaginisce super talented design team. You really should check out all the projects.. they are WOW! And you could win the entire Sole Sisters collection, too! Woohoo!

Hope you'll join the party!! :) :)

Abby

party! Artful Delight

2012-01-15T08:00:00.002-06:00

(this is my 2nd post for the day. Scroll down to see a card I made for the current TPV challenge)

Happy Sunday!

We're enjoying our 4day weekend though it's been spent mostly at home. We had a snowstorm come through Thursday night, dumped alot of snow and caused us to lose power overnight. Friday was spent getting the house (and ourselves!) warm again. So this weekend we've been house bums lol Braydon has kept busy drawing, watching movies etc and I've been scrappin alot. It feels great to be able to start and finish a project in one sitting than to do a little bit at a time over the length of a few days :)

Today I'm sharing a card I made using the Artful Delight January card kit.

I'm having alot of fun with this kit, loving all the kraft, colors and designs. I know I say that every month, but it's really true! lol

I love how this card turned out.. such bold color and contrast. And I really love those cotton candy and ice cream cone stamps.. so cute and fun! And of course I had to add a lot of doodles lol :)

The Artful Delight team and special guest designer, Suzanne, are creating awesome projects with the January kits! If you have some free time, you should definitely visit the AD blog and check them out. Lots of inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by!

Abby

New challenge at TPV! :)

2012-01-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

If you love rosettes or other fan-fold embellies, this challenge is for you :)

I love fun challenges :)

For my project at The Paper Variety, I made this cute lil card for my son for Valentine's Day.

I tried something different.. instead of having my rosette on top of my card, I created a framed window and tucked it behind :) There is A LOT of dimension on this card so it can house the rosette inside.. so it's great that I'll be adding it in a gift bag rather than mailing it :) I used the Bo Bunny Crazy Love 6x6 pad and chipboard pieces. I think it turned out really cute.. hope my son thinks so too :)

Speaking of Bo Bunny.. they're sponsoring this Paper Variety challenge! Just check out what you could win for playing along...

This is the "Enchanted" collection and it's a BEAUTY! Sooo pretty!!

I hope you'll find some time to join us at TPV!

Abby

2012-01-08T12:00:00.001-06:00

I've been having a lot of fun this month creating with the Artful Delight card kit. I love kraft and bright colors and this kit is full of them :) You could win the AD January scrapbook kit when you play along this week at Sketch Inspiration! How cool is that!? Just lookit all that you could win..

Here is the Sketch Inspiration sketch...

Isn't it a beauty!?

Trisha from Sketch Inspiration asked the Artful Delight design team to play along and we were all excited to accept the invitation! :)

Here is my take on the sketch using the AD card kit..

We hope you'll check out all the amazing projects that the AD design team created following Trisha's awesome sketch. They're sure to inspire you to join the Sketch Inspiration challenge! Here are links to their projects.. give em a look.. you'll be glad you did :)

We hope to see your project at Sketch Inspiration!! :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

Imaginisce January Challenge :)

2012-01-02T01:00:00.002-06:00

I am so so excited to bring you this post today! It's my first project featured as being on the 2012 Imaginisce design team :)

It's a Winter Wonderland! :)

Every month, Imaginisce hosts a crafty challenge and this month we're looking for projects which include a winter theme :) You can create and enter any type of project (ie: layout, card, altered project), but it must include at least 75% of Imaginisce products. If you're the chosen winner, you win Imaginisce goodies! Fun, huh? Yes, indeed! :)

For my project, I created this layout of my son, Braydon. He LOVES to play in the snow and I love to watch him have so much fun. It hasn't snowed yet in Illinois this season, but when it does, I'm going to join him out there.. maybe make a snowman or have a snowball fight.. I can't wait! :)

Supplies used: Imaginisce: Santa's Little Helper papers & die-cuts, Imaginisce: Animal Crackers papers, Imaginisce: I-rock gem setter & jewel hot rocks, Cricut: Winter Woodland cartridge, Martha Stewart: Loops border punch, American Crafts: Thickers, Marvy: White gel pen, Bazzill: White and kraft cardstock.

Be sure to visit the Imaginisce blog today and see more inspiring projects from other Imaginisce designers. Gorgeous!

I hope you'll play along with us! :)

Abby

Happy New Year! & My 2012 word

2012-01-01T06:45:00.007-06:00

Happy New Year!!

Peter Tork!! Ahhhh!!

How many of you remember The Monkees??

omg I was so in love with Peter Tork! I was born in '72, a little too late to watch the series in it's hey day lol But I watched reruns during the late 70s and 80s when it was on after school every day. Peter has always been my favorite Monkee. ~insert long swoon here~ Imagine my giddy school girl squeal when I found this gif. Ahhhhh!!! lol

I'm so excited about 2012, I just know good things are ahead for me and my family this year! Y'know when you can just feel it in your bones that something great is about to happen? No? Well maybe you're not psychic like me lol :P I'm kidding. But I know it's going to be a great year!! :)

Like most of you, I've been thinking lately about what my 2012 word was going to be. It was honestly a struggle because there are so many things I want to do, to improve, to create, to provide for myself.

But then it hit me. My word. And it hit me like a Mac truck!
CAN.
My 2012 word is can.
For many years, I've felt "I can't" in so many areas of my life.

I can't make new friends.
I can't ride a bike.
I can't swing at the playground with Braydon.

I can't eat healthy.
I can't take a weekend trip out of town.
I can't sing.
I can't exercise daily.
I can't date and find love again.
I can't try new things.

These and much more have restricted me from living a fulfilled life. I used to think that my son is all I need to be happy. Well, truly, he is.. but I want & need more.

I can exercise.. I'm not immobile.
I can take trips.. "Just go!"
I can play with Braydon... "Just do it!"
I can sing.. "Who cares who's listening!"
I can make better food choices!
I can put myself "out there", meet new friends and date again.

I need to prove to myself that I CAN do things I thought I couldn't.. or things I was to afraid to try. I just need to believe in myself and go for it!

Remember this part in Toy Story (sorry, I tried to get a shorter clip!) where the toys meet Buzz.. and Woody tells Buzz that he can't fly?? Then Buzz takes a leap of faith and proves (not so genuinely lol) that he can. After his crazy flight, he lands on the bed and proclaims,
"Can!"
If you watch, you might want to pause my music playlist at the bottom of my blog.

I want that to be me in 2012! Can is my word.
And I'm going to surround myself with positive thoughts and positive people to make it happen!

Abby,
who's going to go back to swoon over Peter Tork again :)

This is my 3rd post of the day. Scroll down to see my projects for Artful Delight and The Paper Variety :)

hide & seek - Artful Delight

2012-01-01T06:00:00.009-06:00

This is my 2nd post of the day. See my post below this one to check out the new challenge and my project for The Paper Variety!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today Artful Delight is kicking off the new month/year with a new January kit. It's gorgeous and full of lots of My Mind's Eye, Studio Calico, Jillibean Soup and more! This month I received the card kit.. I love all that kraft.. isn't it awesome?

Hurry to purchase yours.. the kits are selling fast! Last I checked, there was just one scrapbook kit and 2 card kits left! Plus, today Leeanne is going to announce some amazing discounts! So be sure to visit the Artful Delight blog to take advantage of a great sale! :)

Also today begins the new January AD sketch challenge. I must say I'm super excited about this particular sketch because yours truly designed it! :) I can't wait to see everyone's interpretation of it. If you're the randomly chosen winner, you'll win the February AD kit! :) And just so you know, I was given a hint of what the February kit will include and it's AWESOME!! So I hope you all play along this month! :)

So here is the sketch...

Pretty, huh? Thank you! :) lol

And here is my take..

As some of you may know, this is my nephew, Drake. He is so stinkin' cute, he thought no one could see him hide behind the tall weeds/flowers. lol It was so adorable. I used the card kit for this layout, which includes patterned papers in 6x6 so I had to do some paper piecing and measuring, but I like how it turned out. I didn't want to over embellish this layout (something that I often do!). I wanted the focus on this sweet lil boy so I just added a few flowers that I fussy-cut from paper and a few of the kraft butterfly stickers. The Studio Calico mask was fun to play with, too! :) I don't normally like to make boy pages with flowers, but when the photo calls for such, I go with it :)

I would LOVE to see your take on the sketch!! I hope you'll join us at Artful Delight! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Abby

Challenges resume at The Paper Variety!

2012-01-01T05:45:00.125-06:00

I'm so thrilled that The Paper Variety is back for a new year and a new design team! We took a break over the holidays but we're back and better than ever!

Why are we better, you ask? lol Because there are a lot of changes! Nice changes! Like I mentioned, a new design team - these gals are fabulous! We've totally revamped the blog.. everything is so much easier to navigate now. :) And instead of weekly challenges, they're now twice monthly so you have more time to create and enter your projects. Also, we have DAILY inspiration that include designer projects and tutorials too!! Plus... Yes, there's more! Plus.. monthly giveaways on our Facebook page! And no worries, not everything has changed.. we still have great challenge prompts and great sponsored prizes! I really really hope you all will join us! You'll be soooo glad you did!! :)

Today begins a new challenge and it's a fun one!!

I LOVE this color theme! Black & white with any color is just gorgeous!! I had so many ideas rolling around in my noggin.. should I create something trendy, or fun, or whimsical? Well I switched gears from happy & fun and decided to go with an elegant sympathy card.

Everyone needs sympathy cards on hand and not too often do we think to make them. I thought it would be a nice card for this color theme :) I used my Serenade Cricut cart to cut the spray and the white butterfly is the ever so popular Martha Stewart punch. The purple butterfly is actually a Martha Stewart clear stamp....

I tried something totally new-to-me and used Ranger's PUFFS (a gift from my sweet friend, Kim!) It works just like you would use regular embossing powder, with your watermark stamp pad and heat gun.. although PUFFS leaves a neat fuzzy surface.. almost like flocking... or even like a shag carpet! lol I love it!! Thanks Kim!!

So what do you win if you enter this TPV challenge? Look at this beauty!

An October Afternoon "Farmhouse" collection!! Isn't it gorgeous!?!? Yes, it is!

We hope you'll join us for ALL the crafty fun at TPV! :)

Abby

Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge

2011-12-30T22:00:00.002-06:00

So I was blog surfing today and came across the latest Sparks Challenge at Paper Smooches. I LOVE Paper Smooches stamps, they're sooooo cute!! I have a few of their sets.. but I've never joined in on one of their blog challenges before. I thought I'd give it a try today :)

Here is the prompt, a photo inspiration....

I love the rainbow colors and black & white (gray) combination on projects. It really makes the color say "Hey! Look at me!!" Here is my take on the sparks challenge...

I have 3 PS sets: Sentiment Sampler, Word Up and Surf & Turf... and I used all 3 on my card. I popped up the "I love you" and the special fish for dimension and also added some black & white twine. The rainbow paper is from Echo Park "Summer Days" 6x6 pad. :)

I'll be giving this card to my son. He's always showing what a special kid he really is and I think he'll love it. :)

Click here to see more of my cards using Paper Smooches stamps.

I'll be back Sunday with an Artful Delight project using the January kit, and also a project for Paper Variety as we resume challenges for 2012!! And please join me on Monday when I share my first DT project as a designer for Imaginisce 2012! I'm so excited!! :) :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy New Year!!!

Abby

My 2011 Faves :)

2011-12-29T00:05:00.005-06:00

A couple more days and 2011 will end. I can not believe it's almost 2012 already! Seriously, where did it go!?

I'm happy to share, that although 2011 zoomed by, I succeeded in creating many paper crafts :) I'm guessing it's in the ballpark of about 70 layouts, 65 cards and a few projects. That isn't a huge amount but I'm so thrilled because I probably got half of that amount done in 2010. And I predict in 2012 it will double again! :) Woot! I'm really looking forward to keeping busy doing what I love :)

I've never posted a favorites list before, but I thought it would be fun and I had a nice relaxing night flipping through all my 2011 projects. I thought maybe my scrappy style might have improved over the last 12 months, but honestly, I can't tell any difference.. maybe you can. And if not, that's okay.. because I like my scrappy style just like it is :)

So here are many of my 2011 faves :)

Wow, that's a long list lol I have SEVERAL more I'd love to add, but I'd be here all day adding them :)

Here are some of my favorite 2011 cards..

Again... many more I could have chosen but I just have too many faves!

I hope you enjoyed them :) I'd love to check out YOUR 2011 favorites. If you posted a list, please leave me a comment with your blog addy so I can come see them :)

This will be my last post of the year.. but..

I'm starting 2012 with a bang! :) I have 3 posts scheduled for

New Years Day (Woot!),

all sharing projects I've been working on lately. I hope you'll come back and visit :)

Happy New Year! :)

Abby

just because - Artful Delight

2011-12-27T06:00:00.002-06:00

This weekend begins a new month at Artful Delight with new scrapbooking and card kits shown in my previous post. I'm really excited about January's kit and I can't wait to start creating with it :)

But before I can play with my kit, I have to share the last card I made with AD's December card kit. I'm really happy with it. I think it's a nice card to cheer up a friend or just send a hello - just because. Once again, the 3 Cs have triumphed (cute, colorful & clean lines) lol.

Design inspiration came from Kelli's super cute cards at Bee Craftee. I love her 3C style, too! :) I was happy to pull out my Cricut for this adorable butterfly. She's from the Live Simply cart and she has alot of dimension. She almost looks like she's going to fly off the card :) Love it!

I have many crafty projects to keep me busy this week! This weekend and into next week, I'll be sharing my first Imaginisce DT project (Yay!), and we'll be resuming challenges at The Paper Variety with our new design team (Woohoo!). I'll also be sharing an Artful Delight project using the January kit (Yay!) and I might share my first Boys Rule DT project, too! (Woot!)

I have alot to prepare for and do these next few days.. I love it! Crafty hands are happy hands, right? :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Abby

Artful Delight January kit reveal! Yay!

2011-12-26T13:00:00.001-06:00

I'm so happy to share with you Artful Delight's new January kit! Leeanne sure is starting 2012 off with a bang! Just look at these fabulous kits full of My Mind's Eye, Jillibean Soup and Studio Calico! I'm LOVIN all that kraft and the stencil and stamps and all of it!! Woot! :)

SCRAPBOOK KIT

this kit will include

My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)
Admit One, Pinwheel Party, Celebration Paper, Front Page News,
Remember This & Picnic Paper

Jillibean Soup - Hearty Barley collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)
Canola Oil & Quick Cooking Barley

Studio Calico - Memoir collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)
Cupboard, Wallpaper, Homestead, Book Jacket
Linen &Flower Bed

Coordination cardstock - Bazzill 12x12 sheet (1 each)
Kisses, Papaya, Kraft, Avalanche & Strawberry Splash

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit1 package - My Mind's Eye- Kraft Funday collection - Happy Days Circle Garland
2 - Jillibean Soup - Brown Felt Blossoms
10 - Studio Calico - Cloud Chip shapes
1 package - My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday collection - Everyday Fun Rhinestones
1 - Studio Calico - Huey's Masks - Intertwined Circles
1 sheet - Studio Calico - Kraft Butterfly Stickers
1 package - My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday - Happy Days Layered Stickers
1 package - American Crafts Thickers - Sunrise (chipboard stickers)
1 bottle - Studio Calico - Mister Huey's Color Mist - Cameo
1 yard - Red Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Pink Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Creative Impressions - Red Crepe Ribbon

CARD KIT
this kit will include

My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Admit One, Pinwheel Party, Celebration Paper, Front Page News
Remember This & Picnic Paper

Jillibean Soup - Hearty Barley collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Canola Oil & Quick Cooking Barley

Studio Calico - Memoir collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)
Cupboard, Wallpaper, Homestead, Book Jacket
Linen & Flower Bed

Coordination cardstock - Bazzill 8 1/2 x 11 (4 each)
Kisses, Papaya & Strawberry Splash

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit1 package - My Mind's Eye- Kraft Funday collection - Happy Days Buttons
2 - Jillibean Soup - Brown Felt Blossoms
10 - Studio Calico - Cloud Chip shapes
1 package - My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday collection - Everyday Fun Rhinestones
1 - Studio Calico - Huey's Masks - Intertwined Circles
1 sheet - Studio Calico - Kraft Butterfly Stickers
8 note cards & envelopes - Jillibean Soup - Kraft
1 stamp set - Basic Grey/Hero Arts - Life of the Party Birthday
1 bottle - Studio Calico - Mister Huey's Color Mist - Cameo
1 yard - Red Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Pink Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Creative Impressions - Red Crepe Ribbon
1 1/2 yards - White Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon

Head over to Artful Delight soon to purchase your kit, I have a good feeling these will sell out quickly! :)

I'll be back tomorrow with another card created with the AD December kit. And I dusted off my Cricut for it, too! My friend, Suz, will be so happy! She's always trying to encourage me to use the Cricut more often. :)

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Abby

so happy for you - Artful Delight

2011-12-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

Today I'm sharing another card I created with the Artful Delight December card kit. The card kit is now sold out (Yay!) but there are a couple scrapbook kits left which include the same as the card kit, just on a bigger scale and a few more items added. Hurry to purchase here before they're sold out, too! :)

So here's my card...

I really love how it turned out. This card design was inspired by a card from Kristina Werner that she created last year. I love Kristina's cards, I get a lot of inspiration from her blog (if you haven't noticed already! lol)

Is everyone ready for Christmas!?!? I am! Well sorta.

All of my shopping, decorating and planning is finished. But this is the first year in probably 15 years that I didn't send out any Christmas cards. *GASP* Not even any store bought ones. December went by so fast and I lost track of time and then it just became too late to send any out. Maybe I'll send out some Happy New Year cards instead lol. I feel so bad about forgetting, I'm sure my family is probably thinking I must be ill or something. lol Nope! Just got busy and forgot. I'm human. :)

Hope you all are enjoying your week. Only a few days left till Santa comes! Yay!

Abby

thank you - Artful Delight

2011-12-18T06:00:00.048-06:00

Today I'm sharing a card I created using the Artful Delight December card kit!

The 3 Cs are my favorite type of projects..

Cute, Colorful with Clean lines :)

I added alot of dimension to this card and also used glossy accents (included in the kit!) on the flowers. Aren't they darling?

There are a few card kits left to purchase, so if you love this beautiful collection as much as I do.. head on over to Artful Delight to grab one for yourself :)

Also, there are sooooo many fabulous projects to inspire you on the Artful Delight blog, created by AD's awesome design team. Do check them out, you'll be glad you did :)

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Only one more week until Christmas!! *Gasp!* This month flew by!!

Abby

Pinch me!!

2011-12-16T07:41:00.000-06:00

Cuz I must be dreamin! lol

Check this out!

(from the Imaginisce blog)

It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you the

2012 Imaginisce Design Team.

Abby Laubenstein (Illinois, US)

Adora Concepcion (Washington, US)

Cari Locken, DT Co-ordinator (British Columbia, Canada)

Diana Fisher (New York, US)

Guiseppa Gubler (Utah, US)

Heather Leopard (Texas, US)

Ilene Tell (Delaware, US)

Mary Ann Jenkins (California, US)

Shelley McDaniel (Texas, US)

Tiffany Hood (Utah, US)

Rebecca Keppel (Arizona, US)

Rosangela Philippsen (Curitiba, Brazil)

Regina Mangum (California, US)

Rhonda Van Ginkel (Minnesota, US)

I've been keeping the secret for a couple days and I STILL can't believe it! Congratulations to all the fabulous ladies! I'm so happy and eager to get started. It's going to be a fantastic 2012!!

Happy Friday!

Abby

Bad, Good & Great News.. plus some projects :)

2011-12-12T12:55:00.002-06:00

So the bad news is my hard drive crashed recently. I lost so much data and so many precious photos that I had taken in the last year. I was so heartbroken. I've always known the importance of having back-up files, but I never took the time to make sure I was covered. Something so horrible could never happen to me, right? Wrong! No one is ever safe, so PLEASE make sure all of your photos are saved elsewhere! I'd hate for that to happen to my friends, too.

A few pieces of good news.. I saved my hard drive so if I win the lottery someday, perhaps my photos can be saved. I decided it was cheaper to buy a new pc than try to have my old one fixed. So a new pc is on it's way! Yay! And my sister, Jessica, has kindly loaned me her desktop to use until mine arrives in a week or so. Yay! Also, Jessica has many of the same photos I lost that she will share with me. Yay! I lost alot that she doesn't have.. but at least it's not a complete loss.. I'll still have some. Thank goodness! :)

So that was the bad and the good.. next is some GREAT news! I'm soooo happy to share with you that I was chosen for the new design team at Boys Rule Scrapbook Kits!! Woohoo! I'm sure you all know that my son and nephew are my most favorite people to scrapbook, so these awesome Boys Rule kits are PERFECT for me! The monthly kits are full of all the boyish goodness that we, mommies of boys, love!! And they're very affordable for all the product that's included. I honestly can't wait to get started! My term begins in January :) Yay!! Check out the Boys Rule blog here.

And lastly, a couple layouts I've made..

This one features my son, Braydon, back in 2000 when he was just 18months. Love these photos :) I used the new Echo Park "Winter Park" collection - so cute!! Lots of dimension on these :)

And the next features my nephew, Drake, last year at Christmas time. I love Echo Park collections and with this layout I used "Holly Jolly Christmas" :)

I joined 2 challenges for the top layout :)

Scrap it with a song - I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
Lasting Memories - Winter Wonderland

Oh! I also wanted to mention.. The Paper Variety is seeking 8 new designers for the next DT term! Woot! See here for all the details.. I hope many of you will apply! :)

Have a great Monday!
Abby

"Just Because"

2011-12-11T09:13:00.002-06:00

Good morning!

I have 2 "just because" cards to share with you today using the December Card Kit from Artful Delight!

CLICK HERE to see what all is included and pick up one for yourself :)

One of my favorite things in the card kit is the Paper Smooches stamp set "Word Up"

Perfect for these cards to let someone know you care and are thinking of them:

Aren't they sweet? It's always great to have cards on hand "just because".

I know I need them!

Have a great Sunday!

-Abby

Dream Big

2011-12-04T06:00:00.001-06:00

Good Morning!

It's Sunday which means time to show you a project I made with the current kit at Artful Delight. Usually, I'm showcasing the main kit. This month, I'm mixing it up with the cart kit!

Have you seen it? So fun!

CLICK HERE to see what all is included and pick up one for yourself :)

I used this month's Artful Delight sketch to create a card:

Head over to the Artful Delight blog to see what the rest of the designers are making with the December kits and link up your own takes on the sketch!

Have a great day!

-Abby

Sleigh Ride :)2011-11-27T14:32:00.002-06:00
"Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,Ring-ting-tingling too,Come on, it's lovely weatherFor a sleigh ride together with you."
I used the November monthly kit to create this sleigh to hold candies on my desk :)

Leeanne has a few left.. and guess what - they are on sale for just $23.50.. a steal!
The weekend holiday special ends today, so don't miss out.
Save $5 on orders over $10 and FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50.
Head over to Artful Delight to see even MORE deals and discounted prices :)
-Abby

Nature & a friend :)

2011-11-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

So today kicks off a new challenge at The Paper Variety :) It's an inspirational photo challenge and full of so many possibilities!

For my project, I chose to pull the leaves and nature from the image. Here is my take...

I LOVE this photo of my son and nephew, sitting so peacefully by the creek, watching the leaves float by. :) I combined two Imaginisce collections, Apple Cider and Happy Camper, both my top faves :) I also did alot of hand stitching, aren't those leaves the cutest with the stitching? I really like how this layout turned out. :)

If you join us at TPV and enter your project following the photo inspiration challenge, you could be the winner of this awesome prize! :)

Woohoo!

Check out all the other great projects from the TPV design team here :) We hope you'll join us! :)

I hope you all have a wonderfully fabulous Thanksgiving!!! :)

Abby

December Kit Reveal! :)

2011-11-21T09:00:00.002-06:00

I love reveal day! Every month, I'm oooing and ahhhing all over Artful Delight's kits! I'm so glad to be a part of the AD team :)

The December reveal comes a bit early as Thanksgiving time will soon be here and that is during the normal reveal day. So Leeanne is giving us an early treat! Woot! :)

I'm switching gears in December. I've always received the scrapbook kit, but this time I've chosen the card kit. It'll be great for me to try something new at AD! :) As you'll see below, the card kit includes many of the same items as the scrapbook kit, some on a smaller scale and with a few extra goodies added! I can't wait to get my kit and get started :)

SCRAPBOOK KIT

this kit will include:
Basic Grey Picadilly collection (12x12 sheets - 1 each)
Farm Life, Home Sweet Home, Blue Plate Special, Cloth Feed Sacks, Lemongrove Avenue, Bread Box, Eat at Joe's, Fresh Baked Bread, Flap Jack Breakfast

Authentique Gathering collection (12x12 sheets - 1 each)
Together, Harmony, Bloom

Lily Bee Design Head Over Heals collection (12x12 - 1 each)
Slushie, Dreamy

Coordinating Cardstock - Bazzill (12x12 - 1 each)
Turquoise Mist, Green Tea, Red Rock, Jacaranda

Embellishments - sizes and color may vary per kit
1 package American Crafts Thickers - Jewelry Box in White
3 - Basic Grey Picadilly collection Wood Buttons
1 package - Amy Tangerine - Hi Friend Remarks stickers
1 sheet - Authentique Gathering collection Icons
3 - Basic Grey Picadilly collection -Metal Flowers
5 - Amy Tangerine - Field House Paper Leaves
1 package - Basic Grey Picadilly collection - Die Cut shapes
approx 10 yards - Orange Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Light Blue Ric Rac - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Orange Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 Artful Delight handmade Orange Felt Loop Flower
1 Artful Delight handmade Light Blue Felt Loop Flower
2 Artful Delight handmade butterfly embellishments
1 large handmade rosettes (Debbie)
1 handmade circle scallop (Debbie)
2 handmade brown and white flowers (Debbie)
1 handmade orange and white flower (Debbie)
*the picture shows 2 large handmade rosettes but it will only include 1*

CARD KIT

this kit will include:
Basic Grey Picadilly collection (6x6 sheets - 2 each)
Farm Life, Home Sweet Home, Blue Plate Special, Cloth Feed Sacks, Lemongrove Avenue, Bread Box, Eat at Joe's, Fresh Baked Bread, Flap Jack Breakfast

Authentique Gathering collection (6x6 sheets - 2 each)
Together, Bloom

Lily Bee Design Head Over Heals collection (6x6 - 2 each)
Slushie, Dreamy

Coordinating Cardstock - Bazzill (8 1/2x11 - 4 each)
Turquoise Mist, Green Tea, Jacaranda

Embellishments - sizes and color may vary per kit
1 stamp set - Paper Smooches - Word Up
1 package Basic Grey Picadilly collection Wood Buttons
1 package - Amy Tangerine - Hi Friend Remarks stickers
1 sheet - Authentique Gathering collection Icons
3 - Basic Grey Picadilly collection -Metal Flowers
3 - Amy Tangerine - Field House Paper Leaves
approx 10 yards - Orange Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Light Blue Ric Rac - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Orange Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 Artful Delight handmade Orange Felt Loop Flower
1 Artful Delight handmade Light Blue Felt Loop Flower
2 Artful Delight handmade butterfly embellishments
2 small handmade rosettes (Debbie)
1 handmade circle scallop (Debbie)
2 small handmade orange and white flower (Debbie)
1 - 0.5 fl oz bottle of Glossy Accents

ALSO!

Black Friday/Holiday weekend specials

Coupon code to use for $5 off (min order $10) - HAPPYHOLIDAYS

There is no coupon needed but there will be free shipping on orders $50 or more. ($75 min purchase and weight limit restriction on International orders)

There will also be some items listed for sale other than monthly kits. This is an American Crafts This to That Value Pack of Adhesive they retail for $19.99 but will be selling for $17.49 (and the $5 off can be used)

There will also be collections packs from Crate Paper - Paper Heart and Peppermint collections as well as the chipboard from those collections. The collection pack will sell for $17.50 and the chipboard will sell for $4.75.

The coupon codes are good Nov 24-27.

Great kits and great sales!!

Click here to order some goodies for yourself! :)

Thanks for stopping by,

Abby

Joy of Christmas - Artful Delight

2011-11-20T05:30:00.002-06:00

I can not believe that Thanksgiving is almost here! November really whizzed by, didn't it? It seems we just had Halloween last week!

One of the many things I love about Thanksgiving is that it means Christmas is soon after lol. ;) Every year I look forward to Christmas just like a child would. I'm full of holiday cheer and excitement :) And I LOVE to create holiday layouts and cards.

Last week I created a holiday layout, and here is another..

This is my sister Sarah and her boyfriend, Matt. I love this holiday photo, they look so happy and in love. :) As with all of my layouts, I added a lot of dimension. It really pops..

Although I love this layout, I have to admit I'm not that pleased with the how I did the journaling.. so I might change that later. Maybe a journaling spot would look better than the strips. Hmmm...

I used the fabulous November kit at Artful Delight. It's full of winter pretties from Prima and holiday goodness from Bo Bunny and Fancy Pants. There are a few kits left whether you choose the layout kit or card kit. Click here to purchase yours today before they're gone!

Leeanne has AWESOME deals on available past kits too, so be sure to check them out! ALSO, currently Leeanne is hosting a giveaway at Artful Delight for some yummy scrappy goodies... don't miss your chance at winning! She always has the best giveaways! Click here to enter! :)

Well I'm off to start my day, I have a lot planned. I like to have my home ready for Christmas the weekend before Thanksgiving (I know I'm early but I LOVE it! lol). So today we're adding the finishing touches to our tree and also hanging up some garland and lights. FUN FUN FUN! :)

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend!

Thanks for visiting,

Abby

Eyes all a'glow - Artful Delight

2011-11-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

Last Christmas was a very happy one in our home :) Well really, all of our Christmases are happy ones, it's our favorite holiday! I'm THAT lady who puts up the Christmas tree way too early and sings holiday songs even before Thanksgiving. I can't help myself, it makes me happy lol :)

Well anyway.. last year my son received a Wii game he'd been salivating over in the store and he was SO excited to finally have it. I'm so glad I was able to get a photo of his excitement, his eyes just beamed! I absolutely love when I see him so happy like this.

For this layout, I used the Artful Delight November kit :) It's full of holiday/winter goodies by Prima, Bo Bunny and Fancy Pants. I used the Bo Bunny "Blitzen" portion of the kit here. I LOVE all the rich colors and fun holiday patterns :)

You can purchase the AD November kit here, or treat yourself to a subscription.. After all, Christmas is coming.. be good to yourself :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

New TPV Challenge - Family! :)

2011-11-09T07:00:00.002-06:00

This week at The Paper Variety, we're celebrating family!

I created this layout for the family challenge.. it features my son, Braydon. He's my one and only and he's such a good kid.. I really am the luckiest mom :)

I recently won this new My Mind's Eye "Kraft Fun Day" collection from the MME blog. It's gorgeous! I was so excited to use it :) This photo really doesn't do the collection justice. The colors aren't 100% true and I hate that I couldn't get it straight. Argh! I normally take photos outside but it has been raining constantly for a week so I had to take a photo inside and I have poor lighting. But.. you get the idea ;) It's an awesome collection!! Thank you, MME!! :)

TPV will award a random challenge winner with this COOL new collection...

Sweet, huh?? ;) Have you been eyeing this EP paper kit as long as I have?? lol Well, you might win it if you play along at TPV! Link up your TPV family project here.

Thanks for visiting!

Abby :)

Love winter!

2011-11-06T09:48:00.000-06:00

Well it's not winter yet, but I'm looking forward to it getting here. Winter is my favorite season.. I love snow, love the colder weather, love bundling up in warmth, love hot cocoa and mittens, winter is so peaceful to me. I can't wait! :)

Today's layout features me! :) I don't make many layouts with myself as the star, but it's always fun when I do. I really should do it more often. I looked through my photos and *gasp* I don't have any winter pics of myself.. it's criminal!! lol So I just used a photo that was taken during winter.. it's all good! :)

I began this layout following the above Artful Delight Nov sketch. I really tried to stick to it, but then it took a few turns in different directions.. I hope you can still see some resemblance though! lol I also used the BEAUTIFUL Artful Delight November kit...

LOVE this kit this month!! See here to order a kit for yourself! :) Join us and enter your layout or card following the Nov sketch here and you could be the winner of an Artful Delight December kit! :)

Thanks for visiting! :)

Abby

New Artful Delight November kit! :)

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

I'm soooo excited about Artful Delight's new November kit! It's full of gorgeous Prima and Bo Bunny and a few other pretties! It's definitely putting me in the mood for the holidays! Bring it on! :)

AD offers two kits.. the layout kit and card kit, and they're both equally fabulous!

Scrapbooking Kit

Prima North Country collection (12x12-1 sheet each)
Red Deer Glacier Roads, In The House, Maine Meadow, Wonderland, Snow Fall, Forest Notes

Bo Bunny Blitzen collection (12x12-1 sheet each)
Dot, Sentiment, Gifts, Patchwork

Fancy Pants Saint Nick collection (12x12-1 sheet each)
Sugar Plum, Joy, Tannenbaum

Bazzill Coordinating cardstock (12x12-2 sheets each)
Snow, Red Rock, Parakeet

Embellishments - sizes and color may vary per kit
1 package American Crafts Thickers - Giggles in brown
1 package Prima North Country collection - Chipboard stickers
1 package Prima North Country collection - Flower Market Flowers
9 brads - Bo Bunny Blitzen collection
1 clear stamp - Prima North Country collection
1 yard Red Velvet 5/8 inch - Really Reason Ribbon
3 Artful Delight Handmade felt flowers
2 Artful Delight Handmade Glitter snowflakes (only one shown)
1 Artful Delight Handmade Felt Spot Dot (circle felt embellishment)

Card Kit

Prima North Country collection (6x6-2 sheets each)

Red Deer, Glacier Roads, In The House, Maine Meadow, Wonderland, Snow Fall

Bo Bunny Blitzen collection (6x6-2 sheets each)
Blitzen Dot, Blitzen Sentiment

Fancy Pants Saint Nick collection (6x6-2 sheets each)
Sugar Plum, Joy

Bazzill Coordinating cardstock (8 1/2x11-4 sheets each)
Parakeet, Snow, Espresso

Embellishments - sizes and color may vary per kit
9 brads - Bo Bunny Blitzen collection
1 Hero Arts - Stamp a Tag set (includes 6 stamps, 2 inkers, 20 tags)
1 bottle Liquid Applique in white - Marvy Uchida
1 package - Prima North Country collection - Flower Market Flowers
1 package EK Success - 3D Dots
1 package Prima North Country collection - Tiny Alphabet Stickers (includes 695 pieces)
2 yards Red Velvet Ribbon 3/8 inch - Really Reasonable Ribbon
2 yards Red Gingham Ribbon 3/8 inch - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 1/2 yards Brown Swiss Dot Ribbon 3/8 inch - Really Reasonable Ribbon
3 Artful Delight Handmade Felt Flowers (not shown)
1 Artful Delight Handmade Felt Spot Dot(circle felt embellishment)
2 Artful Delight Handmade Glitter Snowflakes(only one shown)

Which will you choose?? Maybe both? lol :)

Have a great week!

Abby

Sarah Jo - Artful Delight & Bo Bunny

2011-10-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

Today I'm sharing my last layout made with the October Artful Delight scrapbooking kit. There are a few kits left, so if you love it.. see here to pick one up for yourself :)

Since this beautiful kit is loaded with gorgeous Bo Bunny "Et Cetera", I decided I'd join the Bo Bunny Layout Challenge Friday and use this oh-so-pretty sketch..

Isn't it a beauty!?

Here is my take on the sketch..

Mostly created with the Et Cetera collection from the Artful Delight kit, this layout also includes Pink Paislee chipboard alphas and Jenni Bowlin butterflies. I love how I was able to include alot of contrast while only using shades of 2 colors, brown and red. I hope my sister (the model) will like it :)

In a couple days I'll be sharing the new Artful Delight November kit :) Or if you're too excited and can't wait, you can see it here! :)

Hope you all have a wonderful Halloween tomorrow! My son has chosen to be Batman's Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones style). Do you see a resemblance? lol

Thanks for visiting! :)

Abby

TPV Challenge & some Bella too! :)

2011-10-26T06:00:00.004-05:00

Today begins another new challenge at The Paper Variety :) It's super easy, super fun, and our sponsored prize will get everyone scrappin! Woot!

This week we're sponsored by

Burlap & Buttercups Scrapbook Kit Club!

Rachel has gorgeous monthly kits and she was so generous to offer one for our challenge winner this week! See what you can win....

Yes, I'll take two, please! lol Join us at TPV for your chance to win it! :)

I have several Halloween collections with pumpkins, bats, spiders, ghosts.. but the more I looked through them all and thought about it.. I decided to just go with a simple card with traditional colors. The pattern is from Echo Park "Apothecary Emporium", matched up with some Bazzill and sheer ribbon. CAS!! :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last week I came across a couple layouts that I forgot to post on my blog. I love Bella Blvd products and I applied for their team back in September. I didn't make the cut obviously, but I did create 4 layouts to add to my albums :) I think I already shared two of them, but here are all 4 together...

All layouts were made with just about 100% Bella product. I had alot of fun making these and I was a lil sad I didn't make the team.. but the designers that were chosen were soooo good! The competition was fierce! It's a crazy scrappin world out there! lol :)

Thanks for visiting!

And don't forget to enter your Halloween project at The Paper Variety! We'd love to see all your cute and spooky projects! :)

Abby

Dreams

2011-10-23T05:00:00.004-05:00

Today I'm sharing a layout I made featuring my sister, Sarah. I seem to be making alot of pages about her lately.. I must be missing her or something lol (she's overseas for a couple years.. boohoo!) Anyway, I love this photo of her and couldn't wait to scrap it :)

I attempted this layout a bit differently than my others. I almost always use a sketch, but this time I just glued things down wherever. I like my result :)

I used the Artful Delight October kit which includes much of the Bo Bunny "Et Cetera" collection. However the title alphas are from my stash as well as the Tim Holtz masks. My super sweet friend and fellow AD designer, April, gifted the masks to me last week and I was so excited to use them right away :)

There are still some Artful Delight October kits left, see here to purchase yours. Also, there's a fabulous savings deal if you choose the 3, 6, or 12 month pre-paid plan! Check it out! :)

Yesterday my sister Jessica and her family joined my son and I taking Autumn pictures around town. The sun was REALLY bright and it was difficult to get pictures without shadows, squinty eyes or "washed-out" faces. But we took nearly 400 photos altogether and we were fortunate to get several good shots. Here are some of them...

I have a few new Fall themed collections and can't wait to get all these photos onto layouts! :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

MME Layout Sketch Challenge

2011-10-17T09:02:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I joined the My Mind's Eye card challenge (here), so today I thought I'd take a crack at the layout challenge, too! The challenge is to create a layout with a Fall theme and use this sketch...

And here is my take...

This is my son and my nephew at the pumpkin patch last week.

I really wish I could've gotten a better, true-color photo (the colors are much brighter in person).. but it's been gloomy cloudy all weekend and expected to continue the next few days.. so this is as good as it gets :) I used the MME Fine & Dandy "True Blue" collection. It's not really a fall collection, but I thought the teal/orange/yellow/brown colors were okay for Fall so I made it work :) I also added alot of doodling to this page. Sometimes I think I overdo it with the doodles. Maybe I should think like 'less is more', but I can't help it lol Once I draw a little thing, I have to draw somewhere else, and somewhere else.. and it's hard to stop.

Hi, my name is Abby and I'm a doodleholic ;)

All supplies used are from My Mind's Eye except for the cardstock and floss.

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

Imaginisce Monthly Challenge

2011-10-16T16:44:00.000-05:00

For the past several months I've wanted to join the Imaginisce monthly challenge. I LOVE Imaginisce and have so many of their collections and a few of the tools. I was bound and determined not to miss another month! I'm a huge fan of their products and LOVE when I get to play with them :)

This month's challenge at Imaginisce is this beautiful sketch...

And here's my take..

I used the Imaginisce's "Bon Voyage" collection. I had to mirror the sketch because I wanted to use the "Let's Fly Away" diecut and it didn't look right on the opposite side of the photo, but I think my layout follows the sketch well. I initially bought this awesome collection to use with photos of my son, but this photo of my sister and her boyfriend aboard their plane worked perfectly! I'm really happy with how it turned out. :)

All supplies used are from the "Bon Voyage" collection except for the tiny type alphas and the twine.

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

MME Card Challenge 28

2011-10-16T16:25:00.003-05:00

I made this card for the My Mind's Eye card challenge today. I had to follow this sketch and also include a Fall theme...

And here's my take on it...

I used MME's Quite Contrary "Little Boy Blue" collection. I rotated the sketch and I thought that strip in the middle of the sketch could look like a tree branch with those 3 circles as leaves.. so that's what I did :) I also used my Cricut Hoot-n-Holler cart for the owl and branch. All supplies used are MME
except for the "4 Fall" letters.

Thanks for visiting! :)

Abby

Halloween Card Challenges :)

2011-10-15T15:55:00.002-05:00

I was feelin kinda Halloweenie today so I decided to join a couple Halloween challenges :)

CAS-ual Fridays wants to see Halloween projects with absolutely no orange...

I used EP Dots & Stripes paper, the web/spider stamps are from WRMK "Spookville" and the sentiment is StudioG. I've always loved purple and green together :)

Also I created this colorful, too cute to spook card...

I used my Live Simply Cricut cart for the frame, DCWV Ghosts & Goblins patterned paper, La Petites felt 3D stickers and Paper Smooches "Sentiment Sampler" stamps :)

I'm entering this card into three challenges! wow.. that's the most I've ever done with one project, I think lol

My Craft Spot wants projects of black with orange, green or purple.

Paper Cutz wants Halloween projects using stars, circles or diamonds.

And Cricut 360* has a fun blog hop going on right now.. but you have to join the fun to know what the challenge is, it reveals itself as you hop :) Cool idea!

Thanks for letting me share :)

Abby

I hope you both are always this happy

2011-10-15T05:00:00.003-05:00

I am one of four sisters. Sarah and I are in the middle. We're 7 years apart.. I'm older.. and much taller.. but I'm constantly looking up to her. She amazes me by the woman she's become and by all that she has accomplished in her life. She's the only one of us four that completed college and earned a masters degree. She's lived in the US, UK, Greece, Ireland and has visited so many other countries that I've lost count. She's beautiful, funny, has a heart of pure gold, adventurous, generous, extremely smart, kind, compassionate, playful, devoted.. I could go on and on. Sarah really is an extraordinary woman. I wish I could be like her. :)

Last month Sarah left the US, headed for Rwanda. She joined the Peace Corps, her life-long dream. I can't even express in words how proud I am of her. She's amazing. She'll be in Rwanda for more than 2 years. I already miss her terribly. But, she's leaving her footprints where they matter most to her.. and I could not be more happy and lucky to call her my sister.

She started a blog on the day she left and posts a few times a week. Every morning I check it, hopeful for a new entry. She's a great writer and writes in such detail, it really helps me to feel close to her, experiencing all that she is. If you're interested in following her journey, see here.

This is a layout I created featuring Sarah and her boyfriend, Matt, when they visited the Golden Gate Bridge. I used the beautiful Artful Delight October kit.

I love you, Sarah Josephine

I miss you.

Miss you

2011-10-12T09:45:00.002-05:00

This week at The Paper Variety, the challenge is all about anything nautical. The ocean, sea, lighthouses, the beach, sea life etc :)

I made this card for my sister Sarah who is currently on the other side of the ocean serving with the Peace Corps in Rwanda. I miss her a lot, but also I'm so proud of her for fulfilling her life-long dream with the PC.

I used some EP "Splash" paper and also Paper Smooches stamp sets, "Surf & Turf" and "Sentiment Sampler".

If you join me in this challenge, you could win this beautiful kit from WeSCRAP!

Just load your project here before Tuesday at noon est!

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

so happy 2gether :)

2011-10-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

Today I'm sharing a layout I created following the sketch challenge at Artful Delight and using the Artful Delight October kit :)

Just a simple page with few embellies. I love these photos of my sister and her bf so much and wanted them to be the focus :) All items used came from the October kit, except for the "2" which came from a past Artful Delight kit. :)

I'm also entering my layout into the "journaling goes round & round" challenge at Scrap Fit.. I journaled all around in the masked square. :)

Here's the full AD October kit.. go here to order for yourself! :)

Thanks for visiting! :)

Abby

Artful Delight's October kits are here! :)

2011-10-01T18:06:00.000-05:00

The new monthly scrapbook and card kits were revealed at Artful Delight last week, did you see them? :) They're full of Bo Bunny, Pink Paislee, Melissa Frances and sooo much more! Check em out! :)

Scrapbook kit

Bo Bunny Et Cetera collection (1 sheet each)

Extra, Watermark, Stamped

Coordinating Cardstock 12x12 (1 sheet each)

Gingerbread Dot, Chiffon Journal, Decaf Dot, Coffee Stripe

Pink Paislee Nantucket collection (1 sheet each)

Jumbo Shrimp, Clam Chowder, Clam Bake, Crab Cakes

FabScraps Heritage collection (1 sheet each)

Floral, Script 2

Melissa Frances 5th Avenue collection (1 sheet each - single sided)

Pearl, Hattie

Embellishments (colors and sizes may vary per kit)

1 sheet Bo Bunny Et Cetera Combo Stickers
1 sheet Elle's Studio Blank Pennants
1 package Melissa Frances Pink Hydrangea Embellishment
1 Melissa Frances Newstand Medium Frame Resin Embellishment
1 package Bazzill Basics Clear Self Adhesive Jewels
1 1/2 ft May Arts Crochet Ribbon - Ivory
5 Tags - Melissa Frances 5th Avenue collection
2 Prima Classic Lace Crocheted flowers
4 - Scallop Felt Border - Handmade
1 - Handmade Felt Key
1 - Handmade scallop square
5 - Handmade Felt Rolled Roses

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Card Kit

Bo Bunny Et Cetera collection (2- 6x6 sheets each)

Extra, Watermark, Stamped

Coordinating Cardstock 12x12 (1 sheet each)

Gingerbread Dot, Chiffon Journal, Decaf Dot, Coffee Stripe

Pink Paislee Nantucket collection (2- 6x6 sheets each)

Jumbo Shrimp, Clam Chowder, Clam Bake, Crab Cakes

FabScraps Heritage collection (2- 6x6 sheets each)

Floral, Script 2

Melissa Frances 5th Avenue collection (2- 6x6 sheets each - single sided)

Pearl, Hattie

Embellishments (colors and sizes may vary per kit)

1 sheet Bo Bunny Et Cetera Combo Stickers
1 sheet Elle's Studio Blank Pennants
1 package Melissa Frances Pink Hydrangea Embellishment
1 package Bazzill Basics Clear Self Adhesive Jewels
1 yard Baby Blue Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard Light Pink Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard Ivory Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon
3 yards Ivory Satin Ribbon - Really Reasonable Ribbon
5 Tags - Melissa Frances 5th Avenue collection
1 package 3-D Dots EK Success - Foam Adhesive
1 Inkadinkado Stamp Set - Personal Impressions
1 package American Crafts buttons - Neutrals
4 - Scallop Felt Border - Handmade
1 - Handmade Felt Key
1 - Handmade scallop square
5 - Handmade Felt Rolled Roses

Beautiful kits! Hurry to Artful Delight if you'd like to purchase one for yourself! And remember, if you sign up for a prepaid 3, 6 or 12 month subscription, you'll save mucho dinero!! :)

Artful Delight Sept kit projects :)

2011-09-30T00:05:00.001-05:00

Hello! It's sooo good to be back! I was without internet for a bit over a week, very frustrating. But now everything is working alright and I'm so glad to be sharing the projects I've made these past couple weeks. :)

Last weekend was the big Birthday Bash celebration at Artful Delight. I'm so sad that I missed it due to no internet service, I was really looking forward to participating. Boo hoo! Artful Delight celebrated Leeanne's birthday, hosted a great blog hop, introduced the new design team and also offered three great challenges that give you the chance to win AWESOME prizes! The Grand Prize is a 6 month subscription to Artful Delight monthly kits!! Fabulous!! Good news! There's still ONE day left to participate in these challenges and win!! :)

The first challenge is this sketch....

Here is my take on it using the Artful Delight Sept kit...

This is my son.. he's growing so tall, so fast!

The 2nd challenge is this Tic Tac Toe board. Choose any 3 in a row, down, across or diagonally :)

Here's my project.. I chose the bottom row across, kraft, fall theme and border punch..

And the 3rd challenge is to use the colors.. Kraft, Pink & White :) Here is my project...

I know this is super short notice for my blog readers.. but I REALLY hope you can quickly get these challenges completed and entered HERE before midnight EST tonight! You don't want to miss out on your chance to win that 6month kit subscription as well as many other random prizes. See here for all the details! :)

I have a few other projects to share also :) These layouts I put together with the Artful Delight September kit.. and what a great kit it was! I'm so sad to see it all used up lol ;)

My sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend at Roscoe's in Hollywood, CA :)

My sweet little son back in 2000. He still has that precious smile :)

My son and my nephew looking as cute as ever! :)

Thanks for visiting me today! I'll be back tomorrow with another layout to share :)

Have a fantastic weekend!!

-Abby

TPV Challenge and Blog Hop winner! :)

2011-09-14T09:54:00.001-05:00

Hi friends!

Today there is a new challenge at The Paper Variety and it's a real simple one so I hope to see everyone join! :)

The challenge is to use stickers! Flat stickers, chipboard stickers, cardstock stickers.. whatever type of stickers you have!

Our sponsor this week is SRM Stickers and they're offering a great prize package to the randomly chosen winner :) SRM Stickers sooooo kindly provided the entire TPV DT with stickers for our projects. Yay! Here are some cards that I made using SRM Stickers...

Also! Thanks to those of you who celebrated with us last week at TPV for our Blogaversary Celebration! We had so much fun and we're looking forward to many more great years at The Paper Variety :) And thanks for all your comments left during the blog hop, sharing your favorite online scrappy stores! I found so many great new places to shop! Woohoo! :)

The winner of my blog candy is...

How cool is that? That rarely happens lol

Congrats Jessica!

Please mail me at oceans972 at yahoo dot com with your address and I'll get this in the mail to you before the end of the week :)

Hope to see everyone's sticker projects at TPV!

Thanks for stopping by :)

Abby

Supplies Used:

Happy Birthday, TPV! Day 4! :)

2011-09-10T06:00:00.010-05:00

If you're here for the TPV Blogaversary Blog Hop, click here! :)

We're movin right along at The Paper Variety.. today is day 4 of our week long celebration! If you missed any of our previous challenges, hurry over to TPV to play along :) You still have a few days to enter as all projects are due Tuesday at noon.

Today's challenge is to make a monochromatic project featuring your favorite color :)

If you play along, you could win this Cosmo Cricket collection! :)

So pretty!! :)

I have 2 favorite colors, blue and green. I couldn't decide which to choose so I took the middle road and went with TEAL :) I love teal, a beautiful color and a bit of both of my favorites :)

I love how this turned out! I really like using this design and I can gift this card for several different occasions :)

Hope you're able to join us at TPV as we celebrate it's blog anniversary!

Thanks for visiting! :)

Abby

"gfs" - Artful Delight

2011-09-09T06:00:00.004-05:00

If you're here for the TPV Blogaversary Blog Hop, click here! :)

Today I'm sharing a page that I made following the sketch challenge at Artful Delight :) Hope you can join the challenge too, because the winner receives the Artful Delight October kit! Sweet!

Here's the sketch...

This is a great sketch! It allows many ways to interpret it :)

I used the Artful Delight September kit for my layout.

Love this kit! Full of brand new Crate Paper and Jillibean Soup! There's still a few kits left to purchase, so hurry over to Artful Delight to get one for yourself :)

And here's what I created...

This page features me and one of my girlfriends on a girls night out :) (I'm the one in the dark shirt) I surrounded our photos with the Crate Paper "Farmhouse" portion of the kit. I love those warm colors! I turned the sketch on it's side and added a frame.

Hope you'll find some free scrappy time to join Artful Delight's sketch challenge. We'd love to see your page :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

Supplies Used:

Farmhouse 12x12 Accents	Farmhouse by Crate Paper - Produce	Farmhouse by Crate Paper - Homemade	Farmhouse by Crate Paper - Farmers Market	Farmhouse 6x12 Border Stickers
Farmhouse 12x12 Chipboard Stickers	Cricut Expression	Cricut Plantin Schoolbook	Bazzill Cardstock

Happy Birthday, TPV! Day 2 :)

2011-09-08T07:00:00.002-05:00

If you're here for the TPV Blogaversary Blog Hop, click here! :)

Yay! It's Day2 of The Paper Variety's birthday celebration :) TPV is hosting 5 daily challenges with 5 winners and 5 prizes.. plus a giveaway on the TPV facebook page.. plus a blog hop!! Woohoo! What a party!!

Today's challenge is to create a paper project using your favorite paper crafts company :)

I have so many favorites, it's agonizing to choose just one. I love so many equally, I literally had to choose by eenie-meenie-minee-mo! lol

I recently tried out for the Bella Blvd Design Team. They contacted their chosen designers and I didn't make the cut :( But they're still one of my favorites! I have many of their collections and each time they introduce new lines, I drool and wish could I afford every piece. Their collections are so fun and colorful, just my style! :)

Here is my project featuring my pup, Cooper. Well .. he's not really a pup anymore, he's almost 2.. but he's little so I think of him as a pup :)

I used the Bella Blvd "Tail Waggers" collection. I love all the colors and fun images and patterns :) I also used my Cricut "Live Simply" cart to cut the bushes and the frame :)

I hope you'll join our celebration by creating a paper project using your favorite paper crafts company. You have until Tuesday at noon to enter it here. :)

If you're the randomly chosen winner from this challenge, you could win this great collection of goodies from another on of my favorite companies, Nikki Sivils! This is the "Blueberry Hill" collection and it's gorgeous!!

There are 3 more challenges coming up at The Paper Variety. One each day until Sunday and all projects are due on Tuesday. We hope you'll celebrate with us! :)

And don't forget about our blog hop and facebook giveaway! Lot of prizes and blog candy to be won this week! :)

Thanks for visiting me! :)

Abby

Supplies Used:

Bella Blvd Tail Waggers - Cute Cuts	Bella Blvd Tail Waggers - Chipboard Stickers	Bella Blvd Tail Waggers - Borders N Blocks	Bella Blvd Tail Waggers - Doggy Sweater	Bella Blvd Lovey Dovey - Bear Hugs
Bella Blvd Sophisticates - Ice and Chlorine	Bella Blvd Sophisticates - Pickle Juice	Cricut Expression	Cricut Lite - Live Simply	Gelly Roll White Pen
Bazzill Cardstock

InLinkz.com

Happy Birthday, The Paper Variety - Blog Hop! :)

2011-09-07T07:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to The Paper Variety's one year anniversary blog hop! I'm so excited it's finally here! Woot! :)

This week TPV is hosting 5 daily challenges of our "favorite things" and awarding 5 great prizes! We hope you'll play along with us each day!!

We begin today with a fun blog hop and our 1st challenge which is sponsored by My Favorite Things stamps.

I'm your last stop on this hop :) If you've reached me from Sandi's blog, you're in the right place! If not, you'll want to go back to The Paper Variety so you can start at the beginning. There are many projects to see and so much candy to win - you don't want to skip any blogs in the hop :)

Our first of 5 daily challenges is to create a paper project including stamps - clear stamps, rubber stamps, image stamps, sentiment stamps, digistamps. My Favorite Things stamps is awarding a random challenge winner with a $25 gift voucher to their store!

You'll have until Tuesday noon to enter your project here for a chance at the voucher prize.

My Favorite Things also generously provided the entire TPV design team with stamps to use on our projects. Thank you, MFT! For my project, I made a card using their "Up, Up & Away" stamp set. MFT has so many beautiful stamp sets, clear and digi. You're sure to find many sets or singles to add to your collection ;)

Here is my card..

I went a little crazy with the embossing and clouds lol but I like how the white pops off the blue cardstock :)

Before you go, I have some blog candy to giveaway! Yay! I put together a few items that I won't be using myself so they need to go to a good new home :)

(1 6x6 Cosmo Cricket Mini-Deck, 4 Cuttlebug embossing folders and 3 pkgs StudioG Halloween/Thanksgiving stamps)

For a chance to win my candy just leave a comment telling me who is your favorite online scrappy store. I'm always looking for new places to shop and I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn of a few from all of you :)

My giveaway is just for fun.. but I do hope you decide to join the stamps challenge, you could win a $25 My Favorite Things stamps gift certificate! Just create your paper project using stamps and enter it here. :)

Dont forget, there will be other challenges and prizes daily until Sunday at TPV inspiring you to use your favorite things! All 5 of our challenges are due Tuesday at noon, so stay tuned to TPV all week :) There's also a giveaway on the TPV facebook page! You could win the new My Mind's Eye "Mischievous" collection- so don't miss that!

Thanks for celebrating with all of us! Now go make your stamped project

and join us at TPV this week for all the fun and prizes! :)

I'll be back tomorrow with TPV's 2nd challenge! :)

Abby

Supplies Used:

MFT Stamps - Up, Up & Away	Bazzill Cardstock	Colorbox Chalk Ink - Blackbird	VersaMark Watermark Pad	Zing Embossing Powder - White
Heat Embossing Gun

InLinkz.com

Artful Delight Sept kit reveal! :)

2011-09-03T12:54:00.000-05:00

It's my favorite time of the month! :) I love when I get to show you all the new monthly kit at Artful Delight! Leeanne puts together gorgeous kits, and this month she really rocked it! Both the scrapbooking kit and the cardmaking kit are PACKED with so much brand new Autumn fabulousness! (Is that a word? It is now! lol) Check these out!

Scrapbooking kit

this kit includes:

Crate Paper "Farmhouse" 12x12 sheets (1each)
Countryside, Apple Pie, Cross Stitch, Cupboard, Farmer's Market
Handpicked, Homemade & Produce

Jillibean Soup "Apple Cheddar Soup" 12x12 sheets (1each)
Bite Size Bits, Apple Cider, Milk
Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Green Peppercorns

Coordinating Cardstock - Bazzill 12x12 sheets (1each)
Festive, Walnut, Cheddar & Barkley

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit
1 Jillibean Soup - Apple Cheddar Soup Labels
1 package American Crafts Thickers - Paperback
1 Cat's Eye Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan
6 Recolleections Mulberry Paper Rose Leaves
1 sheet - Crate Paper Farmhouse Collection Accent Cuts
1 sheet - Crate Paper Farmhouse Collection Chipboard Shapes
1 sheet - Crate Paper Farmhouse Collection Border Stickers
approx 2 feet Crochet Lace - Reasonable Ribbon
approx 2 feet 1.5" Jute - Reasonable Ribbon
approx 3 yards Twine - Reasonable Ribbon - Dark Brown

EXCLUSIVE ARTFUL DELIGHT embellishments CREATED by Debbie from Love Lifes Little Pleasures
Will include 2 flowers, 4 cardstock buttons, 1 journal tag, 1 cardstock pumpkin & 1 scallop circle embellishment

EXCLUSIVE ARTFUL DELIGHT embellishment CREATED by Leeanne
1 doilie embellishment & 2 sunflower embellishments

Card kit

this kit includes:

Crate Paper "Farmhouse" 6x6 sheets (2each)
Countryside, Apple Pie, Cupboard, Farmer's Market
Handpicked, Homemade & Produce

Jillibean Soup "Apple Cheddar Soup" 6x6 sheets (2each)
Apple Cider, Milk, Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Green Peppercorns

Coordinating Cardstock - Bazzill 8 1/2x11 sheets (4each)
Walnut, Cheddar & Barkley

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit
3 Jillibean Soup - Accent Die Cut labels
1 Jillibean Soup - Apple Cheddar Soup Labels
1 Inkadinkado Stamp Set - Autumn Foliage
1 Cat's Eye Colorbox Chalk Ink - Chestnut Roan
1 package EK Success 3-D Dots - square dimensional adhesive
3 Recollections Mulberry Paper Rose Leaves
1 sheet - Crate Paper Farmhouse Collection Chipboard Shapes
1 sheet - Crate Paper Farmhouse Collection Border Stickers
1 sheet EAD Designs Fall Stickerz
approx 2 feet Crochet Lace - Reasonable Ribbon
approx 2 feet 1.5" Jute - Reasonable Ribbon
approx 3 yards Twine - Reasonable Ribbon - Dark Brown

EXCLUSIVE ARTFUL DELIGHT embellishments CREATED by Debbie from Love Lifes Little Pleasures
Will include 2 flowers, 4 cardstock buttons, 1 journal tag, 1 cardstock pumpkin, and 1 scallop circle embellishment

EXCLUSIVE ARTFUL DELIGHT embellishment CREATED by Leeanne
1 doilie embellishment
1 sunflower embellishment

And also, September's sketch challenge! This month you are playing along to win Artful Delight's October monthly kit! Woot!

If you would like to purchase September's kit, click here! And there are still a couple August monthly kits left and they are now selling for $23.50! Awesome deal!!

I haven't created a layout for the sketch yet, I just got my kit and haven't been able to get crackin on it yet - but it'll be coming very soon! In the meantime, I invite you to play along :)

Hope you all are having a fantastic holiday weekend! :)

-Abby

TPV's Birthday Challenge! (and Birthday Sundaes!)

2011-08-31T06:00:00.012-05:00

This week at The Paper Variety, we're celebrating someone's birthday! :)

Who's??

Mine!

lol :)

Friday is my birthday and I'll be the big 3-9! Woot!

At TPV, we're celebrating with a challenge fit for the occasion :)

I created this shaped card using my new Live Simply cricut cart.

I love this lite-cart, all the images are soo cute!

I used my Paper Studio woodgrain embossing folder for the trunk, Echo Park Dots & Stripes for the top of the tree and the banner flags, and my Paper Smooches stamps for the fun sentiment. I just had to add googly eyes to that cute owl, too!

I also followed this inspiration photo challenge at Birthday Sundaes.

Such a sweet photo, but I don't own many cupcake themed supplies. So instead I chose to pull inspiration from the flags and all the colors that I could see in the photo.. brown, green, blue, yellow, orange, pink and white! Whew! :)

I hope you join our special challenge at TPV by entering your birthday banner project! You could be the random winner of 2 My Mind's Eye boy and girl "Hip Hooray" collections! :)

Also!

I have to tell you!! :)

Next week, beginning Sept 7th, is

The Paper Variety's

one year anniversary celebration!!

We're kicking off the party with a blog hop, lots of inspiration

and blog candy!

FIVE daily challenges with FIVE awesome prizes!

And a Facebook giveaway, too!

PLUS we're giving away a $20 gift card just for helping us promote!

Isn't it fabulous!?!?!

You don't want to miss this! Seriously!

See here for all the details on how to make that gift card yours!

You have until Tuesday noon to link up your birthday banner project.

Hope to see you join us! :)

Thanks for visiting me!

Abby :)

Card Challenges - Get Well

2011-08-31T00:45:00.012-05:00

So my Artful Delight fellow DT member, Courtney, makes gorgeous shaped cards with her cricut. They really are spectacular, you should give her blog a visit. I've always wanted to make shaped cards like she does but I don't have many card cuts on my cricut carts and the ones I do have I'm not a big fan of. So I pretty much thought I was out of luck unless I wanted to go spend a fortune on new carts.

Well.. then all of the sudden I had a

DUH moment!!

I realized that I can pretty much make mostly any cut that has a heavy top or side into a card. All I have to do is just adhere another shadow cut to the back of the first one.

DUH Abby!!

How many of you already know to do this???

And why didn't you tell me??? lol

Sooooo.. I took my new discovery (that practically everyone probably already knows about) and made this super sweet snail card with my new Live Simply cart. :) I also used my Paper Smooches stamps for the sentiment.

I entered this card into four challenges.
Fantabulous Cricut - Splash of Color, Yellow.
My Craft Spot -"Sew Much Fun"
One Stop Craft Challenge - Anything but Square
You had me @ craft - Made it Myself Link Up Party

In the morning, I'll share another shaped card I created using this same technique for the upcoming challenge at The Paper Variety.

Thank you for inspiring me, Court!! :)

Have a great Wednesday!

Abby

Family - Artful Delight

2011-08-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post today.. I'm sharing my latest layout using the Artful Delight August kit :) I think there is one or two left, so if you were thinking about having this beautiful kit for yourself, hurry! And right now, Leeanne is hosting a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE sale! See here for all the details! :)

My layout uses the Authentique portion of the kit - I love these colors and paper patterns, so pretty!

This is my sister and my son back in 1999 shortly after he was born. The picture was taken with a 35mm camera, so it's not the best quality - but I truly love this photo. I love the look on my sister's face while holding him, it's so precious.

All of the flowers were fussy cut from coordinating paper and the bird and cage were cut from my Serenade Cricut cart. Alot of dimension and doodling on this page, too :)

I'm off to get my son up and ready for his first full day of 6th grade. Sixth grade, already? Yikes! He's growing too fast!

Have a great Monday! :)

Abby

Fowl-La-la-la-la...

2011-08-17T05:30:00.000-05:00

There's a new challenge up at The Paper Variety! It's a pretty simple one so I hope to see many of you join us! :)

For my project, I created a fun holiday card using my Hoot-n-Holler cricut cart. I love how these bright colors pop from the dark woodgrain embossed background. I used pink floss to hand stitch a frame :)

The random challenge winner will receive a super sweet prize! This Cosmo Cricket package comes with 3 Mini Decks, Ready-Set-Chip and buttons!

Paper projects are due by noon Tuesday so you have lots of time to create! We'd love to see your project! :)

See here for all the details and to check out all the great DT examples, too!

Happy Wednesday!

Abby

Card Challenges

2011-08-15T07:48:00.000-05:00

Last night I was feelin crafty and decided to join some more card challenges. :) I was blog browsing this past weekend and followed some links to find some new challenge blogs, they all look really great and I'm planning to become a frequent participant - yay! :)

The first one is for Card and a Half. :) They presented this cute sketch..

And here's my interpretation. The challenge is sponsored by Imaginisce and that inspired me to use Imaginisce Berry Sweet :) I also used my Paper Smooches stamps for the sentiment....

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Next up is a card for The Play Date Cafe. They have color challenges every week. Fun Fun!! :)

Here is what I came up with. Just some solid cardstock and I used my new stamps from My Favorite Things stamps :) Love this color combo!!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

And finally a card for Woodware USA clear stamps. I don't have any of their stamps (yet!) but thankfully use of their product isn't required to enter their challenges. I did some searching through past challenges and their prompts are really fun! This week they have a sketch to follow...

Pretty, huh? :) I thought the snowflake was so pretty so I didn't want to over-embellish the card. I used my cricut for the snowflake and the sentiment is from my new set "Winter Wishes" from Scrappy Moms clear stamps :) Love that sentiment!!

There is still time to enter all of these challenges :) Give them a try!

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

River Thames - Artful Delight

2011-08-12T07:40:00.011-05:00

Last year, my sister and her boyfriend went to London and Paris for a romantic getaway. I've never traveled internationally - but my sister has been everywhere! She actually lived in Greece, Ireland and UK for a few years.. and has visited several countries inbetween. I'm just in awe of all her traveling adventures and experiences and she's only 32 y/o! She's accomplished so much in the past 15 years, I'm so proud of her. It's so great that her boyfriend loves to travel as much as she does - AND that he loves to take lots of pictures!! I never have to worry about not having photos of Sarah & Matt! :)

I used the Artful Delight August kit, full of beautiful Authentique and Glitz papers and embellies! I took a leap and made my own scrunchy flower - I don't think I've ever made one before, it was nice to try something new (to me) :)

Click here to read what this kit includes, it's loaded! And also, this month kicks off a new smaller monthly card kit option for cardmakers. Woot! Click here to purchase yours. :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

Card Challenges

2011-08-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

I decided to enter a couple challenges and created these two CAS cards.

The first is for the Fantabulous Cricut challenge, add a bug :) I picked out this Mr Wormy that Suz gifted me. It's cut from Create-a-Critter, so adorable! I clear embossed some apples on the red cardstock and the sentiment stamp is from Paper Smooches.

Next is the card sketch challenge at Bo Bunny.

It's a pretty simple sketch so I gave it a go :) I used Bo Bunny's "Sun Kissed" collection to make this colorful birthday card following the sketch. I paper pieced the prezzie using Sun Kissed paper and faux stitched with white gel pen :)

There's still plenty of time to join each challenge. Give it a try! :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

New Artful Delight August Kit! & A giveaway! :)

2011-08-05T08:30:00.003-05:00

If you've visited Artful Delight the last couple days, you might have seen the reveal of the new August kit. It's a beauty! Take a look..

This kit includes:
Glitz - Vintage Blue collection 12x12 sheets (1 each)
Rose, Stripe, Toile, Polka, Motif, Floral

Glitz - Dance in Sunshine collection 12x12 sheets (1 each)

Floral, Stripe, Damask

Authentique - Journey collection 12x12 sheets (1 each)

Jaunt, Promenade, Voyage

Authentique - Blissful collection 12x12 sheets (1 each)

Felicity, Euphoria, Happiness

Coordinating Bazzill Cardstock 12x12 sheets (1 each)

Sunflower Medium (Prismatic), Caribbean Breeze (Smoothie)
Blackberry Swirl (Smoothie), Walnut Cream (Smoothie)

Misc paper

2 sheets Vintage Dictionary pages from Kraft Outlet

Embellishments - size and color my vary per kit

1 package - Jenni Bowlin - Embellished Butterflies in Black
1 package - EK Success Studio 112 - Black Swirls Glitter Chipboard
1 bottle Stickles - Silver
1 sheet - Authentique - Blissful collection - Tabloids - Element Stickers
1 sheet - Authentique - Blissful collection - Petite Type Square Alphas
1 sheet - Authentique - Journey collection - Petite Type Square Alphas
3 - Tim Holtz - Idea-Ology Journaling Tickets
3 - Tim Holtz - Idea-Ology - Classics Buttons
12 - Jenni Bowlin - Banner Chipboard shapes
2 - Jenni Bowlin - Pewter Stick Pins
3 - Petaloo - Mixed Blooms (blue/green) Flowers
1 yard black seam binding - Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard yellow seam binding - Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard aqua seam binding - Reasonable Ribbon

And beginning this month,

Artful Delight is now offering a monthly card kit, too!

I know all of you cardmakers will LOVE that! :)

It includes:

Glitz - Vintage Blue collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)

Stripe, Toile, Polka, Motif, Floral

Glitz - Dance in Sunshine collection 12x12 sheets (2 each)

Stripe, Damask

Authentique - Journey collection 12x12 sheets (2 each)

Jaunt, Promenade, Voyage

Authentique - Blissful collection 12x12 sheets (2 each)

Felicity, Euphoria, Happiness

Coordinating Bazzill Cardstock 8 1/2x11 sheets (3 each)

Sunflower Medium (Prismatic), Caribbean Breeze (Smoothie)
Blackberry Swirl (Smoothie), Walnut Cream (Smoothie)

Misc paper

2 sheets Vintage Dictionary pages from Kraft Outlet

Embellishments - size and color my vary per kit
1 Inkadinkado Stamp Set - Garden Gate
1 package - Helmar - Zap Dots - 1/4" square adhesive
2 - Jenni Bowlin - Embellished Butterflies in Black
2 - EK Success Studio 112 - Black Swirls Glitter Chipboard
1 bottle Stickles - Silver
1 sheet - Authentique - Blissful collection - Tabloids - Element Stickers
1 sheet - Authentique - Blissful collection - Petite Type Square Alphas
1 sheet - Authentique - Journey collection - Petite Type Square Alphas
3 - Tim Holtz - Idea-Ology Journaling Tickets
2 - Tim Holtz - Idea-Ology - Classics Buttons
6 - Jenni Bowlin - Banner Chipboard shapes
2 - Jenni Bowlin - Pewter Stick Pins
2 - Petaloo - Mixed Blooms (blue/green) Flowers
1 yard black seam binding - Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard yellow seam binding - Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard aqua seam binding - Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard dark grey satin ribbon - Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard navy grosgrain ribbon - Reasonable Ribbon

Both kits are selling fast, so if you're wanting to bring one of these home for yourself, be sure to visit Artful Delight soon to purchase yours!

Also, right now - Leeanne is giving away an Artful Delight June kit! All you have to do is follow the Artful Delight blog and leave a comment. That's all.. So easy! Click here to enter! Hurry - this giveaway ends Sunday night!!

I used my August kit to create this layout of my sister on her prom night 10 years ago..

My sister Jessica has been a tomboy since day one. As a kid, she always played in the dirt, climbed trees, collected bugs, hair always in a ponytail, played basketball. On her senior prom night, she showed up at my house with the most gorgeous and elegant dress, hair swept up and it was the first time I ever saw her wearing makeup. She looked stunning! I cried, of course lol.

I think her wedding day was the only other time I saw her wear a dress again. Now at 28 yrs old, she still wears that ponytail everyday and no makeup. It's definitely a rare sight to see her all prettied up. But that's okay, I have pictures to prove she can be elegant and gorgeous, too :)

I used this month's Artful Delight sketch for my layout. It's a great sketch, very versatile! Join this month's sketch challenge and you can be the winner of the Artful Delight September kit! See here for details and to link up! :)

Thanks for visiting!

Abby

My Dream List

2011-08-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's been almost a couple weeks since the summer CHA ended. I think most of us have spent hours and hours online drooling over all the new collections. I really think this summer was the best CHA release ever. In the past I could count on one hand the number of collections I just had to have! This time, I don't have enough fingers and toes to keep track!

Here are many of my favorites...

Halloween theme

Echo Park - Apothecary Emporium

We R Memory Keepers - Spookville

Autumn theme

We R Memory Keepers - Autumn Splendor

Bella Blvd. - Finally Fall

American Crafts - Night Fall

Christmas theme

Echo Park - Seasons Greetings

Bo Bunny - Blitzen

Simple Stories - 25 Days of Christmas

American Crafts - Holly Day

Echo Park - Holly Jolly Christmas

I was so excited to see that Echo Park now carries stamps! Woot!!

Misc themes

Imaginisce - Geek is Chic

3 Bugs in a Rug - Under the Sea

Crate Paper - Farmhouse

Echo Park - Happy Days

Imaginisce - Bon Voyage

Simple Stories - Happy Day

Well there are 16 collections I've been dreaming about... gorgeous, aren't they? There are at least 10 more that I could add here but I just don't have the time to run all over the net for images. I love the new Jillibean Soup and My Little Shoebox and My Mind's Eye and DCWV and Cosmo Cricket and Fancy Pants and Nikki Sivils and Little Yellow Bicycle and and and....I could go on and on. I was kinda disappointed with Basic Grey this time around. Usually I love most of their releases, but this time I'm not too fond of them.

Obviously, even though I LOVE all these new lines, I won't be buying them all. I'm a school district substitute for Pete's sake lol. But I think I could manage to get a few of them. Maybe I could allow myself one collection each month until Christmas and they would be my Christmas gift to myself? LOL Always looking for a reasonable excuse to go scrappy shopping. LOL

Do you have any favorites?

Sure you do!

Share them with me? :)

Abby