The power is ON!!! Must KETCHUP!!!

Seriously peeps! Three and a half days without power was something that we really did not expect! lol! Power started to come back on in our neighborhood really early this morning, around 1am... but we were left for last, we were starting to think that maybe they forgot about us, lol! But if finally came on around 10ish this morning! Such a releif! We were truly blessed that this was our only problem! Really made us appreciate the little things in life! How precious every minute is! and how spoil we all really are! hee hee! 

Now that we have done most of our errands today, grabbed some much needed groceries and a bite to eat! I've got a few crafty things to share with you :) SO grab a snack AND a drink, it's going to be a long post, I have a card and 2 - heArt Journaling entries!!! I really missed being online! But, priorities first! My boys will officially start school a week from today, 2nd grade orientation on Friday and Kindergarten orientation on Tuesday, busy, busy! Gotta get those sneakers too... digressing, sorry... here are my creations :)

This week, The Pink Elephant's Challenge is to do some paper piecing!!!
I heart paper piecing! and decided to use my Greeting Farm My Guy Stamp Set for it and My Mind's Eye DP...  

Such a handsome fella! I started this right before our lights went out, had to do the gluing parts with a flashlight, you can see that there is glue smudged everywhere, lol! shhh, don't tell ;)

I am entering my card into the following challenges that are still going on, lol!
I had created this card for 4 other challenges, but I wasn't able to post it in time ;)
- The Pink Elephant #114: Paper Piecing
- Crazy 4 Challenges #102: Male themed card
- Raise the Bar Challenge #72: Primary Colors (Red, Blue, Yellow)

Here's a close-up...

I will never forget this card! :)

Next up, I have my heArt Journaling with The Greeting Farm... 

Week 5: Pieces of Me
Assignment: Create a spread/page using layering and paper piecing techniques. 
Use any stamps you want, colors, etc.

There is a TON of layering going on here! LOL!
This was what I created 2 weeks ago, I just never had a chance to post it here on my blog...
First, I started to draw something, didn't like it, so I Gesso-ed over it...
I always like to add my DP with Modge Podge first! The DP and Stickers came from my latest TE Key Ingredients Kit! Once I saw these papers from Echo Park, I knew that I just needed to create a page about me and my bumble-y blog :)

Some close-ups...

What do you think!? :)

Week 6: Text Me! 
Assignment: Create a spread/page using mainly text and lettering! 
This includes numbers, symbols, handwritten or typed, phrases, etc. 
Use any stamps you want, colors, etc.

I started creating this piece on canvas at my sister house with some friends this last Monday :)
Originally, this lil awesome group was to meet up at my house, but with the power outage, we changed it over to my sisters... then, she lost power too! ugh! Everyone came to hang out anyways, and within 20 mins the power came back on! Yay!!!
I was able to get the majority of it done at her house...
and as you can see above, I brought it home to add some stickers, doodling and rub-ons via flashlight! lol!

Here she is! My "Pretty in Pink Me" on canvas!
First, I Gesso-ed the canvas, then applied my KandCompany DP with Modge Podge
and added the border of crackle paint by Tim Holtz...

I then started on my 'girl'... I used polka-dotted papers for her head, arms, legs and shirt.
I decided to use crepe paper for her skirt, super fun! but hard to stamp on, lol!

The paper itself had a ton of text in the corners,
I also used numerous stamps and Cosmo Cricket stickers and rub-ons all around...

I didn't doodle much this time, wasn't feeling it.
I really love all the rub-ons! I never had a thing for those and don't have anymore!
Must find some more asap! If you have any suggestions as to where I can purchase a bunch of floral, border  and butterfly rub-ons, please do let me know :) Thanks!!!

And here's a view at my messy desk, lol!
It was hard to find things in the dark, oi!

Thanks for sticking this post out with me!
I hope you're all do well! I cannot wait to catch up with everyone within the next few days!
I'm 'off like a prom dress'!!! Gots lots to bake and prepare for our shopping trip tomorrow :)
hugs xoxo 

"friend journaling"

Last week's heArt Journaling with The Greeting Farm... 

WEEK 4 - The Girl in Me

Assignment: Create a spread or a page using the concept of hand-drawn girls. I want you to actually draw a character in your book!!! It can be sketchy, cartoony, realistic, or even stick figures. 
Tip:Try a different medium that you've never used before.

Did she just say HAND DRAWN?!?!
Oi, this was really intimidating! I haven't drawn anything of the sort since I was in high school!
I had absolutely no clue as to what I was going to do... then, I got a text from my sis letting me know that one of our wonderful scrappy friends b'day was that weekend, and then the ideas just clicked together :)

I decided to use my first canvas! and Gesso-ed it the night before...
the following morning - play time!!!
I Modge Podge-d scraps of The Girl's Paperie DP all over it... 

It took only a few minutes to dry, I don't use much and I don't cover the whole front with Modge Podge, just the edges to make sure that everything is somewhat laying flat - I wanted to have as much paper as I could to draw on and be able to erase any mistakes ;)

Next step, draw my girlie...  
She was inspired my scrappy friend and a few artists pics that I saw online :) 

Watercolor Crayons!!!
I just discovered how fun and versatile these crayons can be! Loving them!!! 

A few minutes for the coloring to dry...
STAMP TIME!!!
I used The Greeting Farm's Blush Hello, Blush Heart and Splotchy Stamps;
A sentiment from TE Moka Lani Stamp Set and 2 other stamps sets, sorry, but I don't remember where or the names at the moment, lol! Old age, geesh! 

BTW, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink is what I stamped with! It worked, but took a while to dry on the spots that had Modge Podge on it... added some fabric ribbon and ric rac for the edge of her skirt!

Did some doodling too!!!
Another first! and SO much fun and I can see this becoming very addicting!!!
Very :) 

Added some die-cut flowers and dew drops too :)

All fun, bright, cheery!
Just like my scrappy friend
and I truly hope that she loves it just as much as I do!
I cannot wait to create one for myself ;)

Thanks for stopping by again!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend xoxo 

heArt Journaling Week 3... Gratitude

thank you... 

Last weeks heArt Journaling with The Greeting Farm... 

WEEK 3 - Gratitide 

Assignment: Create a spread/page using the concept of Gratitude, appreciation, and thanks. This could be a spread listing your appreciation for anything/anyone. Use any stamps you want, colors, etc. Not necessary to use any TGF stamps, this is YOUR journal, do what you want cuz you rule that journal! Tip: Try adding lots of layers. 

And I did add a whole bunch of layers, lol!
I am definitely not a free hand painter! This tree started off very branch-y and spooky looking! Layers of different paints and such, and I was finally happy with what it looks like now... same thing with the paper heart; it looked a bit plain, added some journaling, then I tried to stamp something in it, but it came out too dark and smudged! So I tried painting over it, didn't work, made it worse! Ugh, lol! Ended up using these ticket stubs to hide it ;)  I had a TON of fun creating this... 

The left side of the page... I have to admit, I am very thankful for my life!
No matter what happens to me, I am thankful and happy to be here, to be able to share with my family and friends, to be a part of their lives... so happy to just be alive :) 

On the right side,
I added my "family tree", I am SOOO very thankful for my sweet boys, hubs, parents and little sister! I could never imagine my life, not one minute of it, without any of them by my side! They are my tree of life! A huge part of my existence :)

I Modge Podge-d the paper heart, acrylic paints, added some Prima flowers and Thickers...
I also used The Greeting Farm's Blush Heart, Splotchy and the lil birdie from the Sunshine Kit!

This week's theme is to hand-draw a girl and use a medium you've never used before!
This should get very interesting :)
I just got some Gesso and a new pen/marker to do the journaling with...
Fun :) :) :)

Thanks much for letting me share today!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)
xoxo 

Update, 2 Layouts and a Card!!!

Ok, as crazy as life has been for me lately, I managed to create these 2 layouts and card while the boys, hubs and pup were napping the other day! I had just received this fab kit from Freehand Scraps in the mail, and being upset that all of my precious papers are stored up right now, I couldn't resist playing with my new kit ;)

As I'm typing now, at midnight!, everyone is sleeping again, and even though they all now have ear infections, everyone's temps are normal! Yea!!! It's been a rough and long week...

and even though my temp at the moment is at 102.3 (I guess since I was the last one to catch it, I have another day or 2 to go), I can't sleep... so, I drank 3 Tylenol's with some water, turned on the tv, watching HGTV (thanks to Mom, I'm hooked! lol!)

... and I'm finally posting my stuff ;)

Aren't these 2 the cutest lil boys ever!?!?!!!

This is Nicky's best bud, Darien :) They really took a liking to each other a few weeks after they started Pre-K... they compliment each other sooo well! It's sooo cute to watch them play and interact with each other! Even though Nicky's a baseball fan and Darien is a soccer fan, they've agreed to not argue about it and do other things instead! LOL! They're both such lovable lil guys :)Ok, so I tried to do the lovely Jacquie's ofFamily and Crafting - Twist & Smoosh Ribbon Technique! Ummm, I think I did the twisting ok, but not enough smooshing...??? LOL! I'm thinking I need to practice some more! hee hee!

"Best Buds" Layout Details:

Kit: Most items are from the Freehand Scraps July 2008 "Flutter" Kit.

Paper(s): American Crafts "Twain" DP; KI Memories Bloom "Canopy" DP;

Bazzill Basics in "Daisy" and White.

Ink(s): Stampin Up Chocolate Chip Ink
Accessories: KI Memories Gel Candy Alpha Script Stickers;

October Afternoon "Detours" Rubber Sticker Charms;

Jenni Bowlin Journaling Card; May Arts Striped Ribbon.

It is extremely rare for me to be in a pic, let alone be in a pic all on my own! lol! I just had to scrap myself!!! ;)
... and this roller stamp that came in the kit was sooo much fun to use! I will definitely be using it a lot, it will be perfect for so many projects, especially for my boys layouts!When I opened my kit, I immediately fell in love with these butterflies from Heidi Swapp! I adore butterflies! They're just perfect for me :)

... I just HAD to add some Primas! I've never met a girl who doesn't love her some Primas!!! ;)"Me" Layout Details:

(Also used Freehand Scraps July 2008 "Flutter" Kit)
Stamps: Glitz Design "Dashes" Roller Doodle
Paper: Bazzill White CS; KI Memories Bloom Dandelions DP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Accessories: Heidi Swapp Butterflies XL Ghost Shapes;

October Afternoon "Detours" Rubber Charm Stickers; KI Memories Alpha Stickers.

Not included in kit: Prima Flowers; The Robin's Nest Dew Drops.

I have a new scrappy rule!!! I am no longer storing leftover scrappy DP or CS! I have finally used most of it up and no longer have the extra storage space for it! So, everything must be used!!!

I just had to use the rest of this Journaling Card from Jenni Bowlin!!! I am loving the simple and clean look that I have been seeing on a lot of other blogs... I just had to give it a try too :) "Hi" Card Details:
Kit: Freehand Scraps July 2008 "Flutter" Kit

Paper: Bazzill Basics "Pear", Jenni Bowlin Journaling Card.
Accessories: KI Alpha Stickers, October Afternoon "Detours" Rubber Stickers;

May Arts Striped Ribbon.

I think that the Tylenol has finally kicked in and that I have tired myself out!

I am finally off to sleep! Hopefully everyone will wake up all nice and refreshed for a fun day at my sisters house! Boys are going to watch movies, while the gals are going to be getting their scrappy groove on ;) We can definitely use a change of scenery away from this messy place!

... btw! I have a ton of more stuff from this kit! I will definitely be creating more with it and I will definitely be buying more kits from them too!!!

Have a fab weekend :*)

Twilight Tuesday Inspiration Challenge #34

I know what y'all are thinking! It's Tuesday, sooo where's the Twilight Tuesday Inspiration Challenge!?!?

Well, it's right here sillies! I went completely out of my Twilight-element with this one!

LOL!

No Red, no black, only a bit of sparkle... :)

We have a summer theme challenge this week created by the lovely Jen of Deconstructing Jen...

"One of the enigmatic things about Twilight is that every book aside from Breaking Dawn revolves around the school year. Twilight ends with Prom and New Moon picks back up as school starts again, likewise with Eclipse. I always wonder what Edward and Bella did with their summer vacations, especially that summer between Twilight and New Moon and as summer is creeping upon us rather rapidly with the summer solstice is just under two weeks away on June 21st I thought it would be fun to celebrate summer this week!"

Creative Challenge:
Your creative challenge this week is to go all out and celebrate summer! You can create a Twilight themed summer piece focusing on Bella and Edward's summer adventures or you can celebrate your own summer plans or a fantastic summer that has passed.

Comment Challenge:
Do you have a favorite summer adventure of your own? It could be from your childhood or currently. Do you have any exciting things planned for THIS summer? Share with us!!!

Remember: Each comment you leave on a Twilight Tuesday Inspiration Challenge this month, you will be entered into this month’s Blog Candy Give Away!!!

My comment... every year, while anxiously awaiting the true summer weather to begin... the boys and I start singing DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince song...

"Summer, Summer, Summer Time...

Time to sit back and unwind!!!"

It has become a new tradition! LOL! Now that the boys are a bit older, it's going to be so much more fun to do a bunch of summer activities! No vacays planned, but we'll be busy!

I decided to alter my last $1 journal from Michael's!

A journal for Bella and Edward to share and write down all their summer memories ;)

Journal Details:

Paper(s): BasicGrey's Wisteria DP
Stamp(s): Unity's February KOTM "endings & beginnings" sentiment.

Ink(s): Spica Black Glitter Marker

Accessories: BasicGrey Fibers; K&Company Wild Raspberry Glitter Layered Floral Accents and K&Company Cut N' Paste Baubles from Memory Works April Express Kit; Stampin Up Tag Punch; $1 Journal from Michael's.

I also made a frame preserving some beautiful flowers that Edward picked for Bella from their Meadow :)
Frame Details:
Paper(s): BasicGrey Wisteria DP; Bazzill; Stampin Up Confetti White CS.
Ink(s): Stampin Up flowers colored with Copic V15 and Stampin Up Markers: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Always Artichoke.
Accessories: Stampin Up Pretties Kit; Fiskar Lace Corner Punch.

Okay! Time to see what the rest of the team came up with ;)

Beth, Stamp Insanity

Dani, Count Your Beautiful Blessings

Eve, This is Bliss

Jen, Deconstructing Jen

Julie, Stars Fall Creations

Rebecca, Bella Carta

Tonya, Stamp Happens

Guest Designers:

Alison, Alison's Random Thoughts

Donna, Donna's Diary

Jacquie, Family and Crafting

Thanks for stopping in today :)

Don't forget to check out the Twilight Tuesday forum!

Stop missing out on all the cool stuff that's going on in there ;)

Jillibean Sprout Contest and Sissy's Scrap Challenge

TGIF!!! Even though I sometimes don't look forward to Saturday mornings 'cause we have to get up early for T-ball! ;) I'm still happy it's Friday! it has been a very rainy Friday, but I've been too busy to dwell!

Well, actually, not 100% true - I did dwell on it for about 20 minutes this morning when I got stuck under a downpour holding big bag of dog food, broken umbrella and car keys lost in the bottom of my purse :) Good times! lol

Ok, moving on ;)

Here's this week's Sissy's Scrap Challenge! A Layout Sketch made by little sissy, Sara (of Scrap Happie!).

And, I finally decided to use my Jillibean Journaling Sprouts that I received in one of my Memory Works kits!

Jillibean is having a Journaling Sprout Contest!!! Winner will receive a $100 cash prize! How awesome is that! (The contest deadline is June 15th.)

... and here's what I finally created!

There isn't much to it! I flipped the sketch around a bit! I wanted all of my pics to fit on one layout!

This was Nicky's first bus trip to his first field trip to a local farm! We had so much fun!

He was suppose to go on his second bus trip to his second field trip to a local small zoo, but was cancelled because of the rain... there were a lot of sad lil faces sitting in class this morning!

I made a second layout to save the rest of the trip stuff (permission slip, etc.)...

Details:

Paper(s): Colorbok Friendly Forest Photo Mats and DP.

Stamp(s): StudioG Alphabet Stamp Set.

Ink(s): Stampin Up Basic Black Marker and Spica Glitter Marker.

Accessories: Colorbok Friendly Forest Chipboard, Alpha Stickers and Flower Brad; Jillibean Journaling Sprouts; Stampin Up Corner Punch; Creative Memories Rounder Corner Punch.

Thanks for looking!

Can't wait to see who joins in with us this week :)