It's a new blog!

And it's been a while. I've been swamped, BUT I did want to share with anyone who reads my blog about the ABC Christmas Challenge blog. It is a sister site to the ABC Challenge that I Have been following but haven't entered yet. They are having a blog hop to celebrate their "opening" so between tracking Santa and getting everything ready, I'm hopping! And...they have prizes!!!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas. Enjoy the family. I think this might be one of our best ones...my 2 year old is so ready and bright eyed for Christmas it makes me cry.

Sleepyhead

It's always an adventure at my house and taking pics of layouts is no different. I went outside in the late afternoon (duh) to try to take this picture and it is COLD (another duh). My dog came with me and ended up running three houses down so I had to leave my layout ON THE GROUND to chase after him. Luckily it didn't go anywhere. But the quality of the pictures just aren't that good. And the computer I usually use is still on vacation and the other one is slow and just plain wierd...oh well, on to the layout!!

This layout is pictures of my son sleeping. I realized quickly how many I had and just how cute he looked sleeping (don't all babies??). He obviously can sleep ANYWHERE and that's where the layout came from. This is for two challenges again: Just Buggin' (Challenge #14: Layers -Use at least two die cuts and layer them together. (for instance, cut out flowers in two different sizes and layer them on top of eachother, two snowflakes, etc). I cut the "Z"s out at different sizes and two different colors then used dimensionals to pop them off the page and put them slightly angled from each other. The other challenge is Sketchy Thursdays and they had a layout to use.
The patterened paper is CTMH and the solid is just random cardstock (scraps, even), the font is Lyrical Letters (sleepyhead in Jack Sprat, the Z's in Jumbo), and "sleepyhead" I cut out of foam. I don't have a deep cut blade (Christmas, maybe!) so I put the blade at 6, speed at 1, and pressure at 5. I cut it twice.

Boogie

I did this layout for two different challenges. Both challenges are new to me, this is my first entry into each. The first challenge is from Sketchy Thursdays.
They issued a "second chance challenge" and are offering Copics as a prize. I have heard great things about them, but have not seen them nor do I think I could afford them right now! So winning them is about the best chance I have at trying them out! Anyways, they had a sketch they wanted you to use. The normal computer I had to do my editing and stuff on is on vacation with my mom and it's taken FOREVER to get this done. I hope I make it in time! This is my take:
Now, this all works right into ScrapFIT Workout 9: Snowstorm. Their challenge was

1. white space

2. one picture

3. one word title

4. a little sparkle.

With this, I thought the Sketchy Thursday sketch was perfect. I chose a black and white pic of my daughter. and her nickname, "Boogie" comes from her daddy. (Usually it's Boogie woogs, but one word here people!). I used Diamond stickles on the title.

Just Buggin 13: Sew It

Challenge #13: Sew it! Use sewing, faux sewing, or faux stitch stamps on your project!

Here is another challenge entry for the Just Buggin blog. These are pictures of my babies at the Mullet Festival making friends with the alligators. They have no fear, apparently. Ava even tried to take it away from the girl.

I used Bazzil cardstock as the background, DCWV Animal Crackers for the patterned paper, and some random buttons and ribbon I had. The font is Lyrical Letters, (loop de loo) a new cartridge I got from this weekend of shopping! I love it already!! The "stitching" is a brown Bic Mark It. I was going to attempt real sewing, but thought maybe next time. I'm bummed too, bc last week at Practical Scrappers it was stitching too!

Just Buggin #12: Triple Whammy

Challenge 12 -Triple Whammy -use at least 3 Cricut die cuts on your project!!

This project I did using my babies' Halloween fun this year. I did the title using Pooh font (regular), Pooh font (marker), and Hello Kitty (round). I also used a pumpkin from Paper Doll Dress Up for the "o". The wagon is also from Paper Doll Dress Up and I inked the wheels (which as long as you don't zoom in look great :)). The candy was from Christmas Cheer and glittered. I might put more, but after doing just those peices I was pooped!

Love, Me Layout

I have been following Scrapping to the Music for sometime but haven't participated yet. I love their concept, as music plays a HUGE part in my life and memories. When I heard the song for this week I teared up a little knowing exactly what I would do. My husband has been working hard to open a new restaurant and it's been rough on all of us. So making this layout really meant a lot to me. Hopefully it might to him too :) The song is Love Me, by Collin Raye. If you visit their site, not only do they have the song playing but a link to the lyrics as well.

I also wanted to use it for PaperPlay, another one that I have been following but haven't participated in yet. The challenge is: "Read all About it" - I want you to use some form of booktext, for example: vintage booktext, script background stamp, newspaper text.

The purple piece behind the photos has been embossed with the Script folder and my Cuttlebug. I then used white Cat's Eye Ink (I think it's actually liquid chalk?) to go over it just a bit.

The layout is also taken from Scrapsketch #184.
The title is cut from Jasmine. I like it, but then sometimes I don't. I think I might just leave it because I don't know what else to do with it? The paper is American Crafts, I think...I got it from our discount scrapbook store.
I think that's everything! Thanks for looking!

Just Buggin Challenge 11: Into the Wild

The challenge at Just Buggin this week was Into the Wild: Create a project with an animal Cricut die cut! If you don't have a cartridge with an animal die cut, make up your own animal, think google eyes!!
I had this done for the week and kept saying, "I'll post it later," and all of a sudden the new challenge is up and I haven't posted it! Sheesh. Time gets away from me sometimes.

This is a layout for my wedding scrapbook focusing on the kids. The cuts are from New Arrival (the animals) and the title is Pooh Font.

Holy cow, I won! (Just Buggin #10)

After being kinda bummed today, my spirits were lifted when I found out I won at Just Buggin!! Holy cow! I am always amazed at other people's projects and although I am proud of mine, the caliber of their stuff is just...WOW! So I check the blog and there I am! The winner!! It seems so petty to some, I'm sure, but I'm really excited about it. So thank you, Samantha, for choosing me, and for everyone who stopped by to check out my entry.

Practical Scrappers challenge

This is my first entry into a Practical Scrappers challenge. It is also a method I have never used before. The challenge there is to use white or colored core cardstock and show it off. To be honest, had Christine not mentioned DCWV, I would not have even thought about it. I STILL had to find the right colors to use anyways! She also mentioned CTMH, which I do have some leftover from a page kit I did at a get together one Friday night. So, here is my layout with the white core cardstock:






These are pictures from when my inlaws came to visit. The kids LOVED the beach even though we didn't intend for them to go this particular day. The bottom "sand" is DCWV Travel stack, the patterned paper at the top I really am not sure...I've had it a long time, the tags were cut from the Citrus 4.5x6.5 stack and I used an emory board on them. The title was cut using CTMH blue...I don't know the official color...and using Opposites Attract. I used the emory board again. I really liked how it gives it a worn, weathered look, like it has been hit with the sun, sand, and waves! I am definitely going to keep this in my line up of things to use!!

Scrapsketch 171: Chop!

We visit a Chinese buffet place where my parents know the owners really well. Ava wanted to use chopsticks and Chong, one of the ladies there made her "training chopsticks." She was a pro! She had so much fun using them. The papers are from DCWV Spring Stack and the title is American Crafts mumbo jumbo stickers I found at Big Lots ($1!) . I inked them withe colorbox ink and outlined them with Bic Mark Its. I used Scrapsketch sketch 171. It's from a week or so ago, but I'm going to add it there anyways :).

Scrapsketch 178: Foto Fun

This is another layout for my Rock the Dress album. This is my wonderful photographer! This album I wanted to have fun with so I really worked to find these papers that are bright and a little whacky! I'm not usually a fan of misspelled words on layouts (or anything for that matter) but I thought it was cute. The background paper is DCWV Spring Stack, the patterned papers are just some I had in my stash, and the title is cut from my Cricut using Hello Kitty Font.

Simple Layout

This is a simple layout I did for my Rock the Dress album. They were pictures taken by my photog of the places we went to take the pictures. The background paper is from DCWV Travel Stack that I found at JoAnn's for (are you ready for this?) $2.97!! For the WHOLE pack! I wouldn't have originally wanted this paper as I don't travel much, but after looking though it, it is cute, and at the price, are you kidding me?

Just Buggin' #10: Just Bling It!

It's been some time since I've been able to scrap and take pics of it. I've been itching to do it the past two weeks! My husband took the babies to visit his family so I have the first part of the day to myself until I have to go to work. (boo). I did the Just Buggin' Challenge: Just Bling It! Use glitter or glitter glue on your die cuts. If you do not have glitter, opt for rhinestones, glitter brads, etc. to add bling to your die cuts! As always, at least one Cricut die cut must be used on your project.

This is a picture of my husband and I after we were married. We were on a stage and the best way down was to jump! I just love the moment our photographer caught it. I blinged the snowflakes with Stickles (top and middle) and the bottom one was done with Martha Stewart glitter. They were cut from Christmas Cheer. The title is Opposites Attract and I used a white gel pen on the embellishing. I used dimensionals on the snowflakes to make the stand out a little.

An up close of the snowflakes with their glitter.

I also used a sketch from Scrapsketch; scrapsketch challenge 25 from last Friday.

Just Buggin Challenge: Card

Last week it was anything BUT a card, this week it was A card. Specifically one from the Cricut cartridges. They have such cute cards that I would love to use, but I've talked about my card phobia before...

Anyways, I knew I wanted to use the snowflake one from Stretch Your Imagination and had it planned out and everything. Then I thought, "let me look to see what else there is..." And sure enough, I found the pumpkin. I thought he was adorable and fairly simple for a starter like me.

I used regular orange cardstock and black cardstock. I cut the card at 5 1/2" I decided to glitter the "Boo" and the pumpkin's eyes. I used Martha Steward Onyx. I Love that stuff. Then I felt the card was too plain so I repeated the eye shape as a border at the bottom. I'm pretty happy with it, although I don't feel like I did much!

Birthday Mini Album

For my best friend's birthday I decided to do a mini album. I thought about it after reading the most recent challenge at Just Buggin'. It was to do anything but a card. I assume it is because many people do cards, and since I do layouts all the time I would do something different than that. I got these instructions from the Cricut messageboard. It is so easy to make, the decorating is what takes the time!!

This is the front. I used Paper Pups to cut out the "Happy Birthday" and shadow.

This is one of the flaps. Nothing exciting, I really liked the stripes and I found this quote and thought it was cute.
This is it almost open.

She LOVES Sleeping Beauty and I Found this paper. It doesn't really match, but I had to put it on here for her!

You may recognize this picture. :) But the present behind it is from Stretch Your Imagination. I cut it at 4 inches and on Shadow. "Party Time" and the martini glass are both from Cuttin' Up. I pop dotted the martini glass so it would stand up a bit.

This is a picture of her. The crown is from Paper Doll Dress Up cut at 3 inches (I think) using Real Dial Size. The shells are from Stretch your Imagination cut at 4 inches. What you (I) have to remember about the "collections" is that it cuts the whole group at 4 inches, not each individual piece at 4 inches, or whatever you choose. So to get them bigger, I had to cut them a bit larger. Her nickname is Shell so I just used some black stickers to put her name on it.

This was an old picture of us I couldn't resist putting in. Again, I left it pretty plain. I'm not sure if I"m going to go back and do more, but I'm a pretty simple scrapper, so I don't think so. This is it fully open. Not a bunch of decoration, but enough that I think it will be a nice present.

Ceremony layouts

This is a layout of our guests before the ceremony began. I just really loved the way she captured everyone in different parts. The picture is blurry, I'm sorry. The paper is DCWV Latte. No title, I'm not sure if I want one?

This one is fun. It is right before the guys walk down and the ceremony begins! The paper is some I've had for a long time and it has a nice sheen to it, although you can't tell in the picture. "Showtime" is from Hello Kitty font. Very simple.
This layout is of my father walking me down the aisle. I came down to "I Melt" by Rascal Flatts because that is the song Matt sang karaoke every time we went out and the first night we met. The title is Cricut cut "Jasmine" and the paper is Bo Bunny or American Crafts, it is double sided. I found the snowflake brads at Michaels and the sticker is from my BFF and we stickled it :). P.S. Wanna know a secret? See how the picture is cute twice? I measured it wrong and cut it off. I was at a 24 hour crop and my fellow croppers came to my rescue and they helped me "fix" it. As the leader of our crop said, "It's not a mistake, it is an opportunity for embellishment!"

This one is self explanatory. The paper is from ACMoore and the title is HKfont. The ribbon I found at Walmart in a 6 pack for around $2!!
The title to this one is Opposites Attract using Cricut. The big snowflake is Stretch Your Imagination and the little ones are from Christmas Cheer. I know this might be a little moment to many, but to me, the story behind it is funny. I have to figure out how to journal it though...The paper is American Crafts, double sided. I Love that stuff.
Matt's sister did one of our readings. We used a children's book "Love is a Handful of Honey" by Giles Andreas. It is a super cute book we received for our daughter and I just loved it. So I had her read it at our wedding. Our unity candle lighting. We had the song, "I Will Be Here" by Michael W. Smith playing. The title was cut using George. I'm not really happy with it, I might redo it. I guess I shouldn't have shared it yet. The snowflacke is Stretch Your Imagination and the ribbon is from that pack from Walmart! The paper? American Crafts!

Our ring exchange. Purple cardstock and the "mat" is something I Found in the clearance aisle at Michaels. The title is cut from Jasmine.

This was our "Processional into our Future" to Tom Cochran's "Life is a Highway." Title was cut using OPposites Attract and I got the paper from the discount scrapbook store. Can you believe that they had PURPLE SNOWFLAKE paper?? Awesome.

Here is how we got off the stage. I Jumped. And the photographer caught the best shot. The title will be added to say, "Stage Flight". And I have the pic as a 5x7 that I'm considering changing to.

A few pages are missing due to the whole being in storage issue.

Ready for some wedding layouts??

Time to share some layouts from my wedding. The picures turned out so amazing. My photographer is phenomenal. Check out her blog: www.missphom.com/blog . Love it. I felt terrible slicing up the pictures for my layouts, but I'm also not big into just using a photo album either! The unfortunate part is that I left many of my finished layouts in storage. I was hoping my husband would get them, but he couldn't find them when he went to visit last week. *sigh* I'll have to look if I ever make it back. Planning out my album, I have close to 100 pages!! Is that insane? But there were so many great pictures and so much I wanted to showcase I couldn't help it!
This layout is of Matt, my husband. The paper is DCWV All Dressed Up and coordinating cardstock. His name was cut with my Cricut using Mickey Font.

This layout showcases all of the groomsmen. Between the title and the putting on of the pictures I changed my mind, so there are some pictures of Matt I want to change out to focus more on all of them. Each groomsman has his own page (in storage :)) as well. Again, DCWV All Dressed Up and the title is using the Hello Kitty Font, both types of font! (Tangent: I didn't think I really wanted this cartridge as I didn't care for Hello Kitty but it was clearanced at Target for $20 and it turns out I am really happy with it!)

This is a layout of my bridesmaids and me. Again, they also have their own pages, in storage. Sheesh. The paper I got at Michael's IN THE DOLLAR BIN. Surprised right?? It's cute, I think. Sorry for the blurriness my babies were getting restless so I had to hurry. The title "Total BFFs" is using George and Stickled (if you haven't gotten these, don't, you will be addicted! :))

This is my layout :). The paper I bought at a discount scrapbook store, although I don't know the company. My name is cut using Hello Kitty (told you!). I'm going to do better at telling you which layout design I used as a template.

The babies!

All Dressed Up: This is us getting ready for our second child.
Homecoming 2008Brayden's One month layout
Brayden's Two Month layout

DISCLAIMER: Ava really wanted to hold the page for me. It was thebest picture I could get :)

Rock the dress layouts

The big thing after a wedding is a 'Trash the Dress" Session where brides put their dresses back on and get pretty much down and dirty with them. They go into the water, in dirt, anywhere. It was something I wanted to do but we didn't want to "trash" the dress. So I invited my bridesmaids, we went to St. George Street in St. Augustine and ROCKED the dresses! We had such a good time. And of course, they make AWESOME scrapbook pages.

Now, if you've made it this far, thanks :)