So Frustrated....BUT new site...

Yes, I am so super frustrated. I have all week not working and I can't scrap one bit. I have my scrap stuff all over the place. I have a ton of pictures and I have no place to scrap. I am FRUSTRATED! There is nothing like a frustrated scrapper who can't scrap but wants to either. I mean, you can be a frustrated scrapper because you have no ideas and you sit down at your scrap place and.....nothing. Nothing comes to mind, nothing works, and you become frustrated. BUT there is something totally different about a person who has ideas, had pictures, has stuff, and can't because there is no place. UGH! I feel like I am going to go postal.

The other night I thought "well just scrap at the kitchen table" so I went and got a few kits that I have recently received in the mail and opened them up and took them all out of the protective wrappings and what happens? Two of the three kids come in with cereal bowls full of ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate syrup. The plop down at the table and start eyeing all the yummy goodness I had just spread out on the table. Their grimy little hands just had to start touching and I couldn't get my yummy papers up quick enough. Yes some got a bit of chocolate on them. (tears) So no scrapping at the kitchen table.

I did accomplish a snapfish photo book for our Christmas pictures for this year. That was fun but didn't satisfy my craving for scrapping.

I tried to crochet, I tried to knit, I tried to sew but nothing can scratch that itch.

I think I am just going to have to take down this Christmas tree that is blocking my scrapping stuff and set my table back up.

Okay so I was guided to this website by my friends at AMR and I love the ideas here. So check it out for great gifts, downloadables, and such. I am going to put a link on my sidebar for it too. The site is Skip To My Lou.

Happy crafting today!

Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

I am becoming adicted and I can't help it. These embossing folders are the BOMB in my book. I can't seem to get enough and I have so many ideas floating through my head when I look at these. I need more more more....

So this one is just too gorgeous. I now wish I hadn't finished my Christmas cards like a good little scrapper weeks ago. I wish I could get this and make more more more.... well maybe I will. Maybe I will get this embossing folder and use it in a layout when I scrap our Christmas pictures. Maybe I will make some cards and send them out in JUNE or JULY for a Christmas in June or July celebration. Oh, see those ideas just keep on coming......

Oh here is where to get them... http://allmomentsremembered.com/osstore1/index.php?cPath=57

Taking Stock!

This year has come and gone. But not without crafty excitement, disappointment, and well stuff happened.

So I decided to take some stock in what I have accomplished and learned this year.

1. I started out the year with a goal to quickly get my Disney World album scrapped so I wouldn't forget a single moment. Turns out we took over 850 photos and well they were just so good. It took me 11 months and 3 albums to complete this project but I stayed true to my goal and didn't scrap a thing until I was done this album!

2. Since I decided to commit to completing the Disney album before I scrapped anything else, I had to find an outlet for my scrapping creativity. I mean there are only so many Mickey Mouses and princesses you can handle before you burst. SO I started cardmaking! This mini obsession turned into something oh so much more than I expected. Both good AND bad.

3. On the Ides of March (an omen???) I joined All Moments Remembered message board and have loved hanging out there. BUT it started and fueled this cardmaking thing. I saw so many talented people and their projects and well, they just looked so enticing that I had to try my hand. I pulled out the stamps (I hadn't stamped in years) and started playing. Well......that brings me to #4.......

4. I became obsessed with stamping. I seemed to have some old school stuff but nothing new and fresh. So I started shopping the $1 spots at Michaels and Joannes. Well, I became obsessed. I mean, they are only $1 right??? Well with stamps you need ink and with ink you need paper and then you need card stock and envelopes.... are you getting my drift????

5. When we started going to the river for a weekend retreat I never realized it would become a crafty outlet for me. They had a craft show and I signed up for it. I did well, but that led me to other things too.

6. I began making hair bows and selling them at the local pharmacy up the street (a good thing)

7. We got a dog and then I started making dog biscuits, fun but not a big seller and my dog can only handle so many cookies.... But I started making dog toys and pulls and tugs too, fun but I have a big box full of them.

8. I have knitted more washclothes than I care to count. BUT I use them all!!!

9. I have knitted a bunch of scarves, amigorami animals, and crocheted too!

10. Christmas balls, they were fun and I hope everyone likes them for Christmas.

11. Did I mention I finished my Disney album??? yes, just 1 month before we go again! I have also scrapped approximately 25 more pages for the family album too this year, BUT I am still 4 years behind and have only scrapped 4 years total in the 6 years I have been scrapbooking. I will never catch up!!! 4 years in 6 years???? Time is going backwards.....

12. I took over my daughter's bedroom when she moved in with my other daughter and shared a room for a while. The scrap space was nice but she wanted her room back and now I am relegated back in a corner of the family room.

13. I have learned that crafting for craft shows are fun but you never make any money, so it isn't a lucrative business, however I enjoy it and will probably do it again next year.

14. I have evolved in my style and breadth of paper crafting. I find I enjoy it even though I am not an artist or have any true talent, I can scraplift, cardlift, and basically copy others (not for sale) and enjoy the process.

Now I need to start thinking of some goals for next year..... more to come...

The kids did this project!

We are all in the holiday spirit. The kids want to help as much as I want to do it myself. So I bought these foam kits for them to make a little ornament for the gifts as a topper.

They still need a string and some glitter but I think they did a great job!

I am working on a gift basket to give to some family, neighbors, and other sundry friends. I am brainstorming what to put in them. I bought a cute little basket, and it is not big.

Isn't it cute??? The basket is about 8 inches wide by 6 inches deep and 4 inches tall.

And I bought these cute little tins with a curved top.

Wow, the tins look huge in these pictures but they are only about three inches tall and 5 inches wide. They are as tall as they are deep.

So here is what I am thinking. We will have some fruit from Florida so an orange and a grapefruit. I was thinking a jar of apple butter, some sugar cookies, some bourbon balls (maybe) or peanut butter bars, and a handmade washcloth or a potholder. Do you think that is a good gift? Is it enough? Oh, I forgot the ornament I made too. (See the blog entry from Saturday).

Well.....what do you think? do any of you make baskets for Christmas? What do you put in it?

Have to share...

Oh my look at this!!! We can all SO do this! How easy is it to mimic???

It is felt and patterned paper. Oh the possibilities! I think I need another trip to the craft store...

Christmas Cards

You are in luck! I had to open a couple envelopes so I took advantage of it and snapped a few pictures to show you all (all two of you!! Hi Jingle!!) I used K &Co papers and stickers and used a pattern from Sheetload and came up with these.

Hope you are having a creative, scrappy day. Get those Christmas cards out!!

Peanut Butter Squares

This is to die for. It tastes just like a Reeces Peanut Butter Cup.

Ingredients:
Packaged Peanut Butter Cookie Mix
A Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
9 x 13 inch pan

1. Take any packaged Peanut Butter Cookie mix and make it like you would cookies. Press into a 9 x 13 pan all across the bottom (the entire mix)
2. Cook at 375 for about 10-13 minutes.
3. Let cool for 5 minutes.
4. While it is cooling heat put the chocolate chips in a microwaveable bowl and heat in the microwave until melted.
5. Spread over the cookie cake and put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the chocolate on the top hardens.
6. Cut into 2 inch squares and serve. Yum yum!

It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!!!

Yes, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house. We have already put our Christmas tree up and we are in the midst of getting the gifts and packaging ready. It is a very exciting time of year. I just love the Christmas spirit!

In that light, I woke up this morning and decided to embark on a new project. I wanted to paint Christmas ornaments. I know what you are thinking. With really only two weeks for us to be completely and utterly ready for Christmas, I begin a new project when I probably should be working out the recipe list, gift list, and shopping.

You are in luck this time. I took pictures:

They were super easy and done with paint pens. Of course I didn't have any of the supplies so I had to go out and purchase the paint pens and ornaments. These ornaments are not the shiny ones. They have a matte finish. I have limited it to a few designs that I felt confident free-handing.
I think these will become gifts for teachers, neighbors, and friends.

Christmas in just a few weeks!! Update on Craft Show

And I am not ready yet. In years past I have gotten most of my Christmas shopping done the weekend before Thanksgiving. Then I scan the Black Friday ads and end up doing a lot of exchanges and returns and re-buys that weekend because of the sales. So not this year. I decided to wait until Black Friday to BEGIN my shopping. We are on a tighter than tight budget this year so I really have to watch my pennies. But today the Monday before Thanksgiving I am feeling a bit out of sorts. I feel like I am behind the curve for shopping and such.

I have three weeks before we go to disney world again and that isn't much time. December 13th is out due to us seeing Santa in the morning. I can use that afternoon but really want to be done done before then. I had thought of doing some holiday shopping on line this year but just haven't mentally gotten there yet either.

I really need to get my act together. I think I know what is bogging me down and I hope to have that cleared up tonight. It is that the Christmas tree isn't in the family room. We thought of putting it in the living room but it looks so lonely in there and we don't really use that room so it isn't in a place that we can sit and enjoy the tree. It isn't in the room that we live in. So here is the problem. All my scrapbooking and crafting stuff is in the corner where we usually put the Christmas tree. That means that I have to clear out all my stuff and put it somewhere so we can move the tree down there. I considered swapping my scrapbook stuff to the living room which isn't such a bad idea but then that room really is a more formal room and I tend to be messy with my stuff so it isn't quite the right place. So at this point I have to pack it all up. Yup ALL of it. And that is what I am going to do tonight. I started yesterday and I am about a third done. Tonight it just needs to go somewhere.

Just to get you in the mood for decorating your house, here are some links that you might like!

http://bucketideasforchristmas.blogspot.com/ (too many trees for me but I picked up an idea or two anyway) Scroll all the way down to the big pictures. there are soo many trees!!!

http://www.100daystochristmas.com/ cool give aways and lots of ideas on what to do to get ready for Christmas.

~~UPDATE ON CRAFT SHOW~~

Remember by goal for the Craft Show this past weekend? Well I hit my goal, sort of. I said I would like to make $150 but would be happy if I broke $100. I ended up making $130! I think that is pretty good since there weren't nearly as many people as I had thought there would be. I was really hoping for more people but they just weren't there. I suppose the economy has everyone not shopping anymore. I didn't sell any scarves and I thought they would be big sellers but not a one. Guess what everyone is getting for Christmas this year?? Sh, don't tell....a SCARF!

Oh, and while sitting there during one of the many lulls, I remembered that I forgot my camera AGAIN! sorry for no pics... :(

The Craft Show this Weekend and a Fleece Scarf Pattern

I am ready, I think for the craft show this weekend. I haven't done this one at the church right up the street from me, so I still feel like I am a newbie to all this. I am not sure how it is run and I haven't been to it in years past myself so I am really really new. I bought a table (6 feet, I think) and I am sure I will end up needing or at least wanting more space. I know I am rambling but I need to get the nerves out.

So this afternoon I am to go set up my space. I have all my supplies and my merchandise. I am taking fleece scarves, fleece dog toys, dog biscuits, hairbows, and some cards I had left over from previous craft shows. I am also taking the pencil toppers too. I decided against apple butter since I only was able to can 8 small jars and I am going to give them as gifts this year. But that is a lot on one table of only 6 feet.

I have a stand for the hairbows so that will get them off the table but the scarves take a lot of room and then the cards. Well, I will figure it out when I get there. I need to remember my camera so I can take some pictures for all of my two readers out there. Thanks guys for reading when I blog.

Whew, okay I had a goal to sell at least $150 of merchandise but I will really be happy with $100. I want to make some money for Christmas.

In honor of the giving season I am posting my instructions for making a fleece Boa Scarf! So here it is: I will post a picture of it later for you to see the finished project.

What you need:

2 pieces of fleece patterned, coordinating, or matching colors, 9 inches wide by 48-60 inches long. The bolts of fleece come usually in 56-60 inches long so just purchase 19 inches of fleece and cut in half. I like to buy a bit extra so I can even it up.

a cutting mat and rotary cutter (or plain ole scissors will work)

coordinating thread.

Here is the hard part, sew the two pieces of fleece right down the middle together. Put one on top of the other and sew right down the middle, you know in the middle. Then take your roatry cutter and cut fringe about 1 inch wide into the sewed part leaving about an inch before you hit the stitching. Then cut the other side in fringe. Shake out and there you have it. Very easy!! Don't worry I will take some pictures and post this weekend for you to get a visual on this.

Okay wish me luck!

Winner of the Contest and a GREAT DEAL

Congrats goes to Jennifer for the contest from the last post!! I will get those cards out to you this week. I sure hope you can use them. Don't feel bad if you decide to regift them!!! They are a great gift idea.

And now for something completely different: An advertisement.

Everyday I check out Peachycheap.com just to see what the deal of the day is. And for all you Victorian style scrappers out there you need need need to check these out:

Okay here is the link! http://www.peachycheap.com/ Remember it is only for today so hurry!

the holidays are approaching and a CONTEST!!

and I am getting excited. Last night I finished making 23 Christmas cards to send out this year. This is the first time I have made my own Christmas cards and I am excited about this endeavor. I think I need some more, so I will be working on them tonight as well. I will post a few pictures in the coming days.

With the economy in a slump and my husband worried about our finances this year we are paring back our gift buying. We are focusing on the kids and making sure they are covered for gifts but I will be making many of our gifts for family and friends this year.

Some of the ideas I have are:
1. A gift basket of homemade goodies, like cookies, jams or something, breads and fruit from Florida.
2. Crocheted or knitted items, someone might be getting a poncho made with a 'thick and quick' yarn. Perhaps some fleece items to make someone snuggy and warm.
3. personalized card sets, like monogrammed or with a special stamp. Watch out this gift may be yours!!! (read below)

So in honor of the spirit of giving and to help rein in my excitement of the holidays, let's do a little contest. The prize is a set of holiday cards you can mail to others or keep for your self. This set will have a Christmas theme and will have a sentiment on the front and be blank on the inside. You can tuck a note in a gift for the teachers, or use them to spread some holiday cheer, or give them as a Christmas card to someone. OR you can take the whole set and use it as a gift to someone else. However you like this set will come in handy.

Here is what you have to do: Scan through my blog here and get a feel for my craftiness and then leave me an idea or two for other gifts that I can make (quickly or easily is always great) to either include in a gift basket or for an individual gift. And then tell me what you will be making for others this holiday season. I will wait until Thursday evening and then put everyone's name in a hat and get one of my kids to draw the winner! good luck!!

So much to do so little time...

Isn't that the story of my life?!?!!! I sit upon this weekend like there are so many weekends before my deadlines. Well this is actually the ONLY weekend before my big deadlines. Where to start???

Okay, next weekend is the craft show at the River. For that I need to have completed, the fleece blankets I have been making. I have three or four left to do. Then I have a bunch of fleece tugs (dog toys) to finish for this too, as well as a bunch of dog treats. Then I need to make some more hair ribbons, cards, and maybe I will throw in some apple butter too.

Then, the following Monday I have a deadline for sending the samples to New York City. I can't work on them next weekend because I have the craft show and will be at the river. So I can only get them done before I leave on Friday. Which actually moves that deadline up to sometime before Friday. UGH.

AND on top of it all we just went apple picking (beautiful day, fun for all and lots of apples) and I now sit staring at 125 lbs (yes you read that right) of beautiful apples just waiting to have something done with them. They can sit for a week in the bags but they really need to be worked on this week and made into apple pies to freeze, apple butter, apple sauce, and anything else "apple" I can think of. Hmmmm...they are delicious though!

So where to start, where to start??? I think I will begin by finishing up the fleece blankets, begin the dog treat tomorrow and in the process of them cooking, I will get the laundry done and work on the hair ribbons and the dog tugs.

I don't see much sleep in my future anytime soon! Wish me luck!

My Big Break!

Well, here it is. The Etsy store is up and running and Annabelle is jumping for joy because she smells dog treats cooking in the oven and she sees daddy taking pictures of her favorite toys.

I didn't have the store up for a day and I got an offer to put my treats in the goodie bags for a dog event in New York City!!! Yes, I am making samples to put in goodie bags for 150 people. This may be a big break for me!

I just posted my fleece dog toys also tonight so go over there and check it out. Buy something would ya???

A Sneak Peak

Well, not a real peak but just a little snippet about what I have been up to. Check in a day or so here and you will really see what I have been doing!

I am not sure if you know but we got a dog about 6 weeks ago. Now this puppy is just too too cute and the kids love her and she loves the kids. She is a Golden Retriever and she is a perfect pet for our family. My bunch love to pick her up, carry her around, dress her up, and generally touch her constantly. They even pet her when she is eating. In fact, the other day my smallest one was holding the dog's jaw as she was eating (the dog was eating). Well, most breeds I know wouldn't stand for someone holding their mouth while they were eating. They would growl, bark or even BITE at the person interfering with their ability to partake in chow. This dog, however, just let her do it, not barking, growling, moving away, or biting. Nothing. Just kept eating. I don't know of a nicer, kinder, gentler breed of dog. She is perfect for us.

In honor of this wonderful addition to our family, I made her some dog biscuits, well lots of dog biscuits. I have adjusted the recipes that I have found and created some of my own. So now we have more treats than she could ever eat. Thus was created Annabelle's Edibles! I will be introducing a whole line of whole foods treats for dogs of many sizes and shapes and health issues. If your dog has fleas, I have a treat for you. If your dog is small, I have a treat for you. If your dog is large, I've got you covered. If your dog is diabetic, even you can find a treat with me. All are healthy and tested by Annabelle!

Annabelle was also getting bored with her puppy toys and I happened to be making some blankets. I used some of the fleece that I had leftover and made some rope tug toys for Annabelle. Boy, did she go crazy over these! And yes, I went a bit overboard too. She now has way too many and so these will be for sale too. They are perfect for puppies of all sizes and ages. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes to fit your personal tugging needs. Annabelle came to me yesterday with her navy blue one and dropped it at my feet. when I didnt move, she picked it up and dropped it in my lap. She wanted to play. Now these tugs are the first things she goes to for playtime. Doggie tested, they don't shred like thread rope bones and they can easily be thrown in the washer and dryer. They hold your scent on it so the dogs love it. And after the workout she gave that tug last night with my husband, they hold up to some pretty strong tugging!

So, please check back here and at the store for cool toys and treats for your perfect puppy! Oh, if you read this and are dying to get your hands on some treats or tugs and the store isn't open yet email Annabelle at annabellesedibles@yahoo.com, I am sure she has a few (hundred) to spare.

Asian Style Meatball Stir Fry

Okay so bear with me. I know it sounds weird, strange and utterly odd. But this is really good.

Ingredients:

rice, cooked
teriaki sauce
meatballs, frozen pre-made
bag of frozen asian vegetables

Here's how to put it together. Take the meatballs and toss them in a pan on medium heat. When they are about 2/3 cooked through, toss in the bag of frozen veggies. Cover with a lid for a few minutes to allow the veggies to thaw and give off some of its juices. Just when things are looking like they are hot and there is a bit of water on the bottom of the pan from the veggies, add about 1/2 cup of teriaki sauce and stir so that the meatballs and the veggies are covered. If the sauce looks too juicy then allow to reduce a few minutes before serving. You want some sauce for the rice. Then put a scoop of cooked rice on the plate and then scoop the meatballs and veggies on top and serve. Now, how easy is that.

My kids love meatballs and we have them quite often as they are quick and easy to make when they come frozen from the store. This recipe surprised even my pickiest of eaters. For some of the kids I didn't put the meatballs and veggies on the rice because they don't like their food to mingle with each other. They loved the sweet teriaki sauce on the meatballs!!

New Website!

I actually have a couple websites for you to check out.

First, http://www.peachycheap.com/, is a great site with an ever-changing stock. This site offers scrapbook supplies on the cheap but the clincher is that it only offers one thing a day and when that item is all gone then it is gone. The prices are great and it changes daily. I have been checking it daily for the last two weeks but just can't bring myself to buy anything yet. I am waiting for those must have items. Right now I have a ton of stuff and I need to work through my items in order to justify spending more.

Second, I have found a great scrapbook store that offers a fun monthly kit. It is http://www.awalkdownmemorylane.net/. I won a monthly kit from them in a blog candy from http://www.sheetload.blogspot.com/ and I have used almost everything I received. In further research I have found that they offer two monthly kits each month so you can choose one or the other. This is great because sometimes we don't necessarily like the kit offered by other clubs for the month but are obligated to buy it because of a subscription. This one you can choose. Then they have great add ons that you can choose from also. The kits are reasonably priced at around $30 and they come with a ton of paper and embellies. You can also buy older kits too. I really like some of the older ones and currently have two in my shopping cart waiting the $60 I need to buy them. (donations are welcome!!)

Third, http://www.scarletlime.com/ has updated their site. Their monthly kits look gorgeous too and I just ordered mine for this month and can't wait to get it. I love that they have three kits to choose from with three different price points. You can get the larger kit for about $30 or a project kit for about $20 or a mini kit for between $12-14. I have started with the project kit from an older collection and a mini kit from this month. I love choice. What I also love about this site is that you can look at all the projects that were created with their kits but the beauty of it is that you can use your own materials and make the same project. I made an acordian album with their directions, using my own paper and I love it. I will post some pictures soon.

Fourth, http://www.lionbrand.com/, has a wonderful selection of crocheted amigurami( sp?). They are little animals that are fun to make and fun to give as gifts. They are baby-friendly and easy enough to complete while watching TV in the evening. It takes me about 2 hours to complete one creature. (okay maybe 2 1/2 hours) I have made the frog, pig, and turtle. I am currently working on the penguin. The ones that call for a black button for the eyes, I use a black knot from black yarn instead to make them more baby and toddler-friendly. I will post a picture soon of these little guys. Too cute!

Triple Layer Boston Creme Pie

Yes you read that right. Triple layer Boston Creme Pie:

This recipe is so super easy you will wonder why you hadn't thought of it before.

Ingredients:
1 box cake mix (and whatever you need to make the cake from the box recipe)
1 large box of vanilla pudding (and the amount of milk necessary to make the pudding according to the box)Allow to firm up in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
1 container of milk chocolate icing.

Make the cake in two 8 or 9 inch rounds. Let cool on a rack. Slice each cake in half horizontally making 4 layers of cake.

Now, place one layer of the cake on a large plate, spread about 1/3 of the vanilla pudding on top of the layer. Then add another layer of cake. Spread another third of the vanilla pudding on top of that and add another layer. Last third of pudding on top and top that with the last layer of cake. Now here comes the yummy part. Heat the cocolate icing in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until slightly melted but not separated. Stir and then pour on top of the cake. The icing should only be slightly melted, enough to pour and have a slow drip not so fluid that it all runs down the edges of the cake. The icing will slowly drip down the sides. Put the cake in the refrigerater for 1 hour before serving.

YUM YUM!

Some spooky cards and more for the Craft Show!!

First, I made some cards for the craft show. I kinda hope they don't sell so that I can send them so some friends. Or, I will just have to make some more!

And, now for some fun little guys. These were so much fun to make. I will be selling them also at the craft show for $1 each. Aren't they just as cute as could be? It was a bit odd making them. I would put their "hair" on first and then glue on the eyes and nose. Then take my slick marker and I would start the mouth and each one would appear and I would then draw it. They each have little personalities. Funny how something so little and insignificant would gain so much personality with a few googlie eyes and a mouth.

I will definitely be making them again. The foam balls came in a box that also included the googlie eyes. I used multi-colored feathers and pom pom noses. Very much fun and they didn't cost anything hardly to make. I think they will sell very well being the weekend before school starts. The pencils can be used just fine and the heads aren't that heavy as to throw off any handwriting.


Sorry the picture is so poor. My camera was running out of juice. It is charging now so check back for more pictures of everything that I will be selling.

So let's list all that I will be selling this weekend.
1. Pencil buddies ($1 each)
2. Note card sets ($10 each set of 4)
3. Hair Ribbons ($2.50 each) - I might up the price to $3.00 so I don't have to make change.
4. Foamie frame kits for kids ($1 each)

Okay, off to make some hair ribbons! I have a bunch to make and so little time!!

I forgot to tell you, check back in the next day or so. I made a very cute crocheted froggie yesterday. He is very much fun! I will post a picture of him tomorrow when my camera charges.

And one more Layout for you

Well just a page but it is still Disney. I have one more day of Disney to go and I am done. Whew. Just in time for our next trip!

The pictures are washed out a bit. I really need to work on my picture taking skills!

Some more interactive Layouts!

Here is my first layout for tonight. It is of our Disney trip and the pictures were taken while we were in Downtown Disney. It is pretty basic but I like the simplicity of the page and the bright colors. The "look" was cut with the cricut and the cardstock and paper is Creative Memories.

This next layout is fun. I love the interactive element at the bottom of the left side. It flips up and there are two other photos inside.

Detail of the photo folder. I completed the page and then put the page protector on and then I use an Xacto knife and cut around the flip up photo. It works perfectly!!
This is the detail of the right hand side. (note to self-remember to take a picture of the layout before you put the page protector on)

I love these photos because the kids are just being themselves. Having fun with each other. They truly are the best of friends.

Above, I cut with the Xacto knife around one of the flowers on the page and tucked the photo under it. Then I stuck a button in the middle of the flower.

Thanks so much for looking!!

This is some cool mini accordian album!!

Check this album out. It is so super cool. I need to get my hands on one or figure out how to make it!

http://pamelasworldofscrap.blogspot.com/2008/08/summer-08-mini-album.html

How awesome is that??? I found the link with directions on how to make it. I think I will have to try one tonight!!!

Here is the link: http://www.scarletlime.com/AugustPK.html

So very very cool! I love that the internet allows us not so creative cats to find how to make or do anything! Thanks for the directions Scarletlime!!

Stay tuned because I will be posting a new layout I did last night this afternoon, so be sure to stop back by before you go to bed!! I promise it will be fun to see.

**I have to say I am liking the interactive page elements I have been incorporating into my pages. I have been learning some new techniques and playing with some items I hadn't ever thought of playing with before. So much fun!**

Fun new Layout!

SO, I am still working on my Disney album but am almost done. I have two more days of funfilled Disney to go and then I am back in 2004 summer.

Here is a new layout I did for the album that I am specially proud of. I love it because it is a folded page. I saw this idea from a friend of mine's album but didn't have the same supplies that she did so I just worked it the best I could. She used a 12x12 folder and since I didn't have one I fashioned two sheets of cardstock together.

I love the fact that the title is on both pages. I also love that my son's face is peeking out from the bottom page.

Tab for opening the page.

Here is the inside of the page.

A letter to my family. I wrote them a letter about how I felt about the trip we took here.

The letter inside.

Above is another layout that I did last night. It is of our meal at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant in Downtown Disney.

Now, check out in the entry below the poncho I made my daughter for her birthday. Thanks for looking!

Very busy!

This is the most recent creation. I made this for my daughter's birthday. It is the Martha Stewart Coming Home poncho pattern from Lion Brand but I didn't do the last three rows to make the big frilly shells on the edges. I just did the first row to give it a bit of a scalloped edge. I think it looks great and it fits very nicely. I am now making another one in green for my other daughter. My son has put in his order for a new knitted sweater. His other one is now too small. My daughter wants buttons on her cardigan that I made her last year. So I need to put some buttons on it. I have just been lazy.

In the scrapbooking world, I went to a great workshop the other night and really enjoyed myself. I learned a bunch of fancy techniques which I will probably never use again but those techniques will at least be on those pages I made. I just need to now make the rest of the pages and get the pictures to put on them, developed.

Last weekend was another craft show at our campground. I sold a bunch of hairbows again. It was interesting because people didn't buy just one they bought 4 or 5 at a time. I made a bit over $100. I felt so sorry for this one older woman who had some really nice crocheted items, baby blankets, dish cloths, potholders, and placemats and such. They were such nice items but she wasn't selling them at all. I bought a few things from her truly because they were so nice and the price was perfect. How can anyone refuse a beautiful placemat for only $1??? I bought 5! I am such a big spender.

There is another one in a few weeks and I need to make some more hairbows!!

What are you working on?

I have been busy working on my Disney album and making knitted dishcloths. I also made a cute shopping bag. It was crocheted and came together nicely in a couple hours. I think it took me about 3 hours to make start to finish. I am pleased with it but thought it might be a bit bigger.

I have also been thinking about signing up for a few more craft shows this fall. I have an email into one place and hope to hear from them soon. It is a "judged" event so they have to approve my craft before allowing me to sell.

I have only a few more days vacation before back to work for me. So with my precious few days I want to make the most of them and get my Disney album done, done, done!

CREATIVE MEMORIES

I have officially signed up as a Creative Memories Consultant. I had let my status lapse last year and had mainly used it to purchase supplies and items for personal use.

I have attached a link here: My CM Website

...and on the sidebar. No, I am not going to stop making cards for my Etsy site but this will give you, my readers an opportunity to purchase CM products directly from my website and have it sent directly to you.

May I suggest:

1. If you need to organize your photos: the Power Sort Box, or the Power Sort Mini Box.

2. If you are more into digital Scrapbooking: the FREE StoryBook Creator Software! And then once you create a book upload it for printing! Or send it to others through email and they can view it on their computer for free!

3. If you are a traditional scrapper: the bundles, which save you a bunch of money.

4. If you LOVE Disney try this: the albums, the bundle and the punch!

5. If you have no time but love kits try these!

Check out the awesome mini catalog with all the new products in it.

Thanks for looking and enjoy shopping!!! I am happy to answer any questions you have.

Oh, if you haven't heard yet. All the CM 12X12 albums are now true 12 inches by 12 inches!!! Check them out!

New Hairbows

Yup, that is what I have been working on. They are ribbons on ponytail holders and look so super cute on a ponytail. I have posted these two in my etsy shop and have several more in many different colors and styles.

I have sold two more card sets this past week, not through my etsy store which I am a bit disappointed but from showing them around and them seeing them in person. I think you just have to see the cards to appreciate them. My pictures do not do them justice in the store. I am slowly working toward the Labor Day craft show at the campground again. I will be working on more hairbows and hair ribbons for that as it was a big seller. I will also be working on more card sets, and plan to enter a craft show in the fall here in town. I just hope that I will have enough stock to handle it.

My New Etsy Shop

Okay, I did it!! I am official now. I have posted a new store at Etsy. Here is the link: Whitney's Cards & Gifts

I have posted a bunch of card sets and will be posting my hair bows soon. If you have special orders or see something you like but want another color, contact me through the store.

I think this will be fun!!

Craft Show Cards

I signed up to be in a craft show this past weekend. I did pretty well, came out with $100 in my pocket to fuel my paper addiction!! I had made individual cards like these:






And card sets of four:



And hair bows! I made these last year and had intended to sell them on line and at a local shop. I never got around to it and so Kenneth suggested that I take them with us and see if they sell. He made the peg board display for me and they sold like gangbusters!

And I also sold my zucchini relish (tastes just like pickle relish). I sold all but two jars and those I gave to my mom when she came by.

The individual cards didn't sell as well as I would have thought and I probably won't put these out next time. The card sets are the way to go as well as the hair bows. That is where I made most of my money. I actually got a couple orders for a few card sets too!

Well, now I have a bunch of cards left over and card sets. So I am officially opening an etsy store to sell my wares!! Card sets are $10-$12.50 and hairbows are $4.50 each! Once I get it all up an running I will post a link to the etsy site. I am signed up for another craft show Labor Day weekend too and plan to do a few more in the fall.