Number of Photos Blog Hop...............

Hello friends!  Welcome to our photo blog hop!  This is my first time participating in a blog hop and was unsure of the timing.  I tried to use the excuse that I might not be around this weekend, which I am not, and Amanda reminded me that I could have everything ready to go before leaving town.....and, she was right!  Thanks, Amanda!  

I chose to scrap a layout with four photos.  As usual, I scrapped my favorite subject, my granddaughter, Ava!  The photos were taken in September 2010 when she was only 7 months old...time goes too fast!  This is another layout that I finished at my weekend crop last month. 

If you didn't arrive here from Derva, please go to Amanda's blog and start at the beginning.    To visit the next blog, hop on over Steffanie's blog.

Just in case you get lost along the way, here is the order.......
Amanda
Jen
Adele
Heather M
Becky
Colleen
Derva
Carolyn.....you are here
Steffanie
Dana MK
Laura

I hope you enjoy the blog hop and know you will find great ideas and inspiration.  Thanks for joining in the fun!  Be sure to stop by again.

Crop A Ganza Weekend

I survived my first Crop A Ganza....I had a blast and will definitely go again.  Crop A Ganza is held twice a year by a group of fun ladies from a LSS in Andover, Ks., Scrap Funattic.  This was my first time to attend their crop and wasn't sure what to expect.  The start time was 9:00 am on Friday morning and ended on Sunday at 4:00 pm, we were allowed to scrap any time after the 9:00 am start on Friday.

The emails that were sent out the week before the crop kept reminding the scrappers to plan ahead what supplies we thought we couldn't live without, or, to check with our friends & decide which supplies each scrapper would bring to the crop....Cricut, or, other cutting system, lighting, extension cords, small tables, shelves, computer, table decorations, etc, etc.  They also sent a supply list for scrap supplies, clothing items, and, anything a person might need for a two and a half day crop.  The list was very helpful and I have saved it for future use!  Since I had no idea where, or , with whom, I was seated, I took my basic supplies and hoped that I would be able to borrow!
No need to worry....I was at a table with two sisters and one of their friends.   After a short period of time, it felt like we had known each other for years...it is great to have a common interest that brings us together.  My table mates had attended this crop in the past and one of the sisters had already made the table decoration for the decorating contest!

This is one of the layouts that I finished at the crop.  It is a companion layout for the layout which is posted on September 27. 

My original plans for this post was to add some of the photos from the crop, things just didn't seem to work out today.  Feeling very stressed at the moment since I couldn't get the photo placement the way I had intended....the computer & I don't always seem to get along.  

Today is Thursday and that means that it is time for the newest thought at thinking*through*design.  Scrapbooking has changed in many ways over the years. I can honestly say that I am not always crazy about the newest styles, or techniques, but so glad that I decided to give it a try and add dimension to my layouts....it took me a while, refusing at first, but very glad that I fnally gave it a try!  Our newest thought is on dimension and how much it can add to a layout, or card.  Be sure and stop by t*t*d and check out our thoughtful girls projects and read their thoughts, and mine, on dimension.

The photos for my layout were taken in March 2011 of my granddaughter, Ava, and her cousins, Noah and Brooke.  We were celebrating Noah's 2nd Birthday.  I am planning to scrap a companion layout to go with this one at the crop I am attending tomorrow and Saturday in Park City, Kansas.  This will be my first time to attend this event, very excited for all of the classes, visiting, eating, and creating.....I might not get much scrapped, but looking forward to a fun weekend!

 

My second layout was scrapped several weeks ago for Issue Challenge #8 on the Creatingkeepsakes website.  The challenge from Erika was to add an envelop to your card or layout.  I handmade my envelop and tucked a message to Ava inside.  This is a companion to go with a layout that I had already scrapped for her album.

It is cloudy out today....loving the fall weather and the much needed rain that we have received the last couple of days.  Praying for more rain for the farmers! 

 



Combining Blog Post.......

I have been neglecting my blog lately, too many things going on to take time to post my newest layouts....not many, but I have been scrapping when time permits!  Ron had minor surgery on his ankle on 7-23-12 and has been home recouping and going to Physical Therapy.  He is doing better and plans to be back at work on Monday.  Staying at home certainly isn't his cup of tea.  He has told me several times over the last few weeks, "All I want to do is go back to work!"  Praying that he will be able to work next week!  

We have also been gone a lot, mostly visiting family, we just can't seem to stay away from my very busy granddaughter, Ava, for more than a couple of weeks at a time.  We were in Wichita on August 11 and were able to watch Rachelle and Raegen run in the 5K Glow Run which started at 8:45 pm,  a fun race to watch!  Most of the runners wore brightly colored cloths, home made Tutu's, and anything that glowed in the dark!  

Raegen and Rachelle, so proud of you!

Ava enjoyed  wearing mom's medal and glow sticks!

My newest layouts were scrapped using ideas from Club CK Creative Challenges, I combined only two for this layout.  The first challenge was Issue #6-use hexagons on your project.  I scrapped this layout as a companion layout for one that I had scrapped in March for Ashley Horton's Sketch It Out challenge.  Funny thing, I had scrapped the previous layout using the hexagon shape and needed a companion layout for Ava's album, since I don't like it if my opposing layout doesn't match!  Silly, I know, but just can't do it any other way!  The second challenge was Issue #7-to use clocks.  I used the word Time in my title, along with a clock element.  I love the photos of Raegen and Ava on our living room floor when she was only 4 months old.....times goes too fast!  I started with white cardstock, misting it with Cherry Blossom Walnut Ink Antiquing Solution by Tsukineko.  The hexagon shapes were fussy cut with paper from my stash.  I have had this paper for almost four years, very glad to be able to use it, the colors were perfect.

This layout will go in the album to the right of the layout below.  The colors match better than in the photos.

My second layout was scrapped for the newest "thought", mixing fonts, at thinking*through*design.  The layout is a two page layout that I scrapped for Raegen, I am still trying to finish her high school album.  The idea behind mixing fonts is to add interest and texture to your project.  I do like the look of mixing fonts in my titles and added elements.  Along with mixing fonts on a layout, I also like to mix the colors.  I cut the first four letters in the title with my Cricut, the "S" and two "t's" are from the Cuttin' Up cart, the "A" is from the Lyrical Letters cart, and the "e" is a doodlebug design, inc sticker.

I need to journal names, dates, and times for this layout....a great way to keep track of stats for future reference.  Be sure and stop by thinking*through*design and leave a comment, or post a layout.   

It takes 2

I finished this layout several days ago and just now getting it posted to my blog, just not enough hours in the day!   I combined challenges again on Club CK, this time combining only two challenges!  The first challenge was to scrap a companion layout for Project Runway #1.  I had scrapped a layout a couple of months ago of my daughter and granddaughter, and since I like my opposing layouts to match, the challenge from Derva to scrap a companion layout was just the push I needed.  When scrapping a companion layout, I usually scrap with the same colors,  papers, etc!  I decided to use the same Basic Grey as my foundation paper, changing it up a little with a pink/orange color scheme.  The second challenge was Issue #4-create a card, or layout, with a monogram.  

I love the photos on my granddaughter, especially the middle photo, hence the title!  I thought is was so cute, both mommy and daddy getting her dressed to go out for the day!

This is the layout that needed a companion.....thanks, Derva!  As you can see the colors are different, but the design is the same.


Looking forward to the weekend, hoping for cooler weather and much needed rain!  Thanks for looking!

Rainy Day Fun

My newest layout was scrapped using MME's Stella Rose papers and embellishments.  I love the colors and they were perfect for the photos of my darling granddaughter and her grandpa, which she call TaTa, since she can't pronounce grandpa yet!  I did my usual and combined more than one challenge from Club CK.....Issue Challenge #2-to highlight a sun or summer theme, Issue Challenge #3-use a slang word, the sketch is Ashley's July Sketch It Out, and the Weekly Challenge for July 22-28  was to scrap a layout based on the title Proud to be_____, which I added to my journaling.  If I were a faster scrapper I might not have to combine so many challenges.   I am thinking that maybe someday, CK will give out an award for the most combined challenges in a single layout....I might just win that one!

My thanks to everyone at Club CK for the great challenges.  If you have not ever participated in any challenges on their website, be sure and stop by for some great fun and ideas!  Thanks for looking and have a great day!

1st 4th of July

Today is Thoughtful Thursday at thinking* through* design, the newest thought is splattering!  I have done a little experimenting with misting on my layouts but this is my first time splattering!  I must say, I had fun splattering my new colors.....had to make a trip to the LSS, an hour away, for the colors that I needed for my layout!  

Since I was scrapping my granddaughters first 4th of July, I planned a star/red, white, blue theme.  I decided to try splattering on white cardstock, just to see if I like the effect.  I liked it so much that I cut my smaller stars and the tag from my first try, no sense in wasting any paper or mist!   After misting the cardstock with both colors, I removed the misting tip from the bottle and tapped the end across my hand, getting the larger drops of mist.  

Be sure to stop by t*t*d and check out the layouts and thoughts from our Thoughtful Girls!  Please share your layouts with us and ask your friends to join in the fun!

Sweet Dreams

After following a discussion on the Creating Keepsakes message board about scrapping with the popular hexagon shape, I decided to give the octagon a try.  I scrapped a layout in March using the hexagon, fussy cutting each one, and loved the layout when finished.  

Although this looks like a two page layout, it really isn't!!  It is the result of the fact that I like my layouts to match the opposite page, I make sure to scrap with the same, or similar pp, when scrapping a layout for the opposing page.  Silly, I know, but it works for me.  


I started with the left layout and decided to continue the octagon theme for the right layout.    The only thing that I didn't like about the octagon shape was the large space between the die cuts.  I added buttons and rhinestones as a filler and a little bling.  I used MME's lime twist Charmed and BG Picadilly, Kraft paper, the bunny chipboard and date tag are from BG, and the title was cut with Cuttin' Up Cricut cart.   

 The octagon die cut is from the George and Shapes Cricut cart.

Here is the layout that I scrapped using the hexagon shapes.  It was for Ashley Horton's March Sketch It Out Challenge at Club Creatingkeepsakes.  

It has rained a little this evening and would love to have it rain all night.....it's hot and dry here in southwest Kansas.  All rain will be greatly appreciated!  It's time to start my next project!  Have a great weekend!

"Thoughtful Thursday" 


The newest thought at thinking*through*design is grounding photos.  In scrapbooking, grounding is the art of creating a foundation for our photos, giving them visual weight that pulls the viewer's attention to the main focus on our page....the photos.  


I used a sketch from Sketch Support for my layout.  Love their sketches and hope that they are back soon.  

Be sure and visit us at thinking*through*design  and check out our Thoughtful Girls layouts and their thoughts on grounding.  We would love to hear your comments and hope you decide to share your layouts.  Have a great day! 

Thoughtful Thursday!


A little reminder to stop by thinking*through*design for the newest thought.  This week it is all about fussy cutting...a neat way to make embellishements for your cards and layouts.   The photos and instructions are easy to follow for fussy cutting a simple, or intricate design.   Also, for cutting out a stamped image.  Great layouts and thoughts from seven Thoughtful Girls!

Snuggle


The sketch for my newest layout is from Pagemaps...such a cute sketch!  I am trying to catch up on some older photos of Ava, it's hard to believe these photos are almost two years old.  She came to visit this past weekend and entertained her Grandpa and I, she is a true blessing in our lives.  


I am trying to do more hand stitching on my layouts and decided to scrap the Fabulous Friday Challenge at Frosted Design, to stitch on a layout by hand, or with a machine.  Since my scrap area is in our family room, DH gets to experience my creative process, usually from start to finish.  Last night as I was stitching on my layout, he gave me a strange look, then ask me what I was doing?  He has seen me cross stitch for years, but I think he thought maybe I had lost my mind, stitching on paper!  No telling what he might see next!  


Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Berry Sweet Girl

I am back with my newest layout.  I scrapped both layouts for challenges at Creatingkeepsakes, love the challenges, inspiration, and talented ladies at CK.  

I scrapped the left page for Ashley Horton's May Sketch It Out challenge.  The twist for the month of May was to hand stitch on the layout.  It is hard to believe that these photos are almost two years old....time sure goes fast!  I made my own strawberry pattern and cut each strawberry by hand after running red cardstock through my Cuttlebug, love how they turned out!  I hand stitched with red floss the two X's on the title and on the white cardstock to highlight the red in the strawberries.  


I'm sure that some of you know that I scrap mostly two page layouts.  Therefor, when I scrap a single layout, the layout that will be opposite, needs to match!  I know, it's strange, but I can't help it!  Must be a right brain/left brain kind of thing!   

The right page was scrapped for Ashley's June Sketch It Out challenge, very excited that I  finished it early this month!  The twist was to use a solid background.  I choose to use a light green cardstock, misting it lightly.  The title is chipboard from a Basic Grey Olivia Collection that I had had for a couple of years, saving it for just the right layout.  I covered the chipboard with Nana's Nursery/DCWV since the colors didn't match my paper.  I decided to add flags for another challenge at CK.....Erika's May/June Issue Challenge #4 to add flags to a card or layout.  I also made my pink flower by punching a border, cutting it apart, and then gluing it onto a 1 inch circle.  

Funny thing, as I was uploading these yesterday to the challenges at CK, I realized that the colors were perfect for the June Color challenge.  I did it again, covered more than one challenge with my layouts!  I wonder if they give out prizes for the Most Challenges scrapped in a single layout.  















Thanks for looking and have a great weekend.   We are expecting company this weekend, our darling granddaughter and her mommy & daddy are coming to visit.  They just celebrated their 3rd Anniversary on Wednesday.  Very anxious to see them again.

Thoughtful Thursday

Be sure and stop by for the second "thought" at thinking*through*design.... handstitching.  The layouts designed by the thoughtful girls show a variety of stitching ideas that added texture and deminsion to these amazing layouts.  I hope you will take a minute to check out the newest "thought".  

After I finished my layout for t*t*d*, I decided to make a second page, making a two page layout.  I love the photos of my darling granddaughter, Ava, and how this turned out.  Thanks for looking and have a great day!

I thought I should post one of my newest layouts to my blog...add a little excitement and color!  I scrapped this layout in April for two different challenges on Club CK.  As usual, it covered more than one challenge, Ashley's Sketch It Out  for April, with a twist to use Blue, Yellow, and Orange.  Also, for Erika's Issue Challenge #9 to make a button banner. Love how it turned out!  Thanks for looking.

I used a variety of paper on this layout....Recollections Animal Kingdom, BG Aged & Confused Yagabond and Oden Weave, Sassafras Cherry Delicious border, LYB Ivory Text and Golden Flourish.

Be sure and check this week for another "thought" on thinking*through*design.

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Tomorrow is the day........


for the first "thought" at thinking*through*design*  We are very excited for this new venture and looking forward to seeing your creations from each challenge posted.  Be sure and stop by for a visit and Like us on Facebook!  If you have any questions, email us at thinkingthroughdesign@hotmail.com.

I am very excited to be a part of something so positive!  A place for encouragement, sharing of scrapbook & craft ideas, and a place to feel comfortable with those ideas....a place to grow.  Come and share with us.  See you tomorrow.

May 2, 2012


A new adventure for me....a blog!!  I feel a little unsure about blogging, or getting started,  but I guess I will learn as I go along.  


I had been wanting to start a blog for quite some time, just needed an extra push!!  That extra push came when I was invited to be one of the charter members on a new site, thinking*through*design* .  When  approached several months ago by the founder, Erika Hayes, I was a little nervous....no, very nervous.  Although nervous at the time, I am thrilled to have the chance to join a great group of ladies.  This new site will be a place to learn, encourage, and support others in a craft that we love. 

 Encouraging designers to become strong thoughtful artist with a purpose.  Lifting up others before self and making efforts to enjoy and verbalize the beauty of work presented by ALL artist in a kind thoughtful way. To create a safe place where all designs are appreciated and welcome.

I believe that when we encourage others, we grow!!