Kreative Korner

Fun nails.....

2009-06-14T16:41:00.001-07:00

Ok, so it's been two weeks, better than 2 months LOL. So the only thing I have really created with exception of art projects for school have been my nails. I found a really cool scrapbook product and my first thought when I saw it was..."that would be SO cool in my nails!" So that's exactly what I did when I was able to find it to purchase locally. There is only one store that has carried it and I was glad to get it. No one can figure out what it is when they see it in my nails and even try explaining it they don't get it, but then again these are not scrappers either. LOL

The product is called Flower Soft. Have you heard about it or seen it? It's pretty cool stuff. At first when I saw it online I couldn't figure out what it what made from and their site doesn't really say what it is either, so I had to see it first before using it on my nails. It seems to be very fine pieces of resin/plastic--the same kind my hubby uses to make his 55 gallon drums--which means it would work for me. The price is reasonable; however, I don't think I would use this product all the time unless I made cards all the time. I could see using it from time to time in a layout but not all the time. BUT for nails, another story.

So here is what it looks like when embedded in acrylic. I also embedded some real dried flowers to add to it.

I received a lot of compliments on these and again no one could figure how I got the look--which I love! I love having different stylish nails that no one has seen before. Well, I have been wearing these for awhile and they were just taken off to put on another set of fresh summery nails. I'll wait to post those to keep you in suspense, but think "neon."

Thanks for looking.

Holy crap it's been awhile!

2009-05-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I knew it had been awhile since I blogged but holy crap over two months! Yes, it's been a crazy semester--very busy! Of course, my art class was my most stressful class-never enough time to finish the projects, I even got behind me, which is not like me--procrastinate yes, but to be behind, no! BUT I survived. I pulled off a perfect 4.0 this semester so that made me happy :O) Now I have a small "break" before I start a grueling summer session--6 weeks, two classes; English and Math, Mon through Thursday from 7:30am to 1:30pm - yes, I wll be going crazy BUT the good news when I am finished I will graduate FINALLY! It's been a long time coming. Then in the winter I will be transferring to the university for a real degree. LOL

This summer will be going by quickly. After the summer session, I will have another small break before I take on babysitting my niece and nephew for 9 days! Ack! Hopefully I won't lock them in a closet and leave them for their parents to get back. LOL Should prove interesting to say the least. Then a day after I get back from babysitting I start the fall semester working on a few classes to transfer; saving money this way.

So have I done anything crafty in the last 2 months??? Yes, I have.....mostly for class but did manage to squeeze in a project for my mom for Mother's Day. Mom has been finding old pictures and sharing them. So in this project I used one of her pregnant with me to make this 10x10 altered canvas.

My next project, well I have a list of projects that I want to work on.....I seriously need to catch up on my niece's scrapbook; a pile has been sitting for a few months now I need to sit and actually work on them. BUT first I have another baby shower present that needs to be done. My girlfriend is pregnant for the 2nd time and having a boy. SO another baby boy first year book will need to be made. Already got all my papers together, again now need to sit and get it done.

Ok, I will leave you with this for now .....look for my 3D projects to be posted soon. Also, I will post the cool nails I have been wearing...I used a scrap product that not too many people are using...I embedded it in my acrylics--turned out pretty cool.

Valentine's gift

2009-03-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

For Valentine's day this year, I made a little treat jar for my special someone. Very simple and not too gushy since the purpose of this treat jar was for him to take it to work with him. On the back side of the "Love" tag was a short little quote. I used one of Marah Johnson's papers for this project--love her papers!

Hard to see, but I Glimmer Misted the lid with 3 colors (bronze, gold, cranberry) and added a circle punch out (inked edge) of the paper for the top of the lid.

New look for the blog finally

2009-03-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

So I have been wanting to make some changes to the look of my blog since I was very bored with I what I had.....thank god, Heidi Swapp's new site, House of Three has some awesome new blog couture for purchase. Very reasonable plus saves me the time of trying to create something cool especially with my limited photoshopping skills! LOL You can also get banners, which you can edit to customize to you. They offer freebies and this weekend is their House Warming Party--go check it out! Not to mention they give you step-by-step instruction on how to make the adjustment to your blog to install the new layout for those that aren't blog-savvy. It's very easy to do!

Go quickly and check them out!

Mixed Media projects not posted yet

2009-02-18T21:29:00.000-08:00

So I finally got some pictures from last semester's Mixed Media projects. These are some of them I forgot to get pictures before turning them in, but Misty always documents them during the semester.

This project was to use only one item in multiples and you could not see what adhesive was used. Baird had a huge amount of old keys at work that he brought home for me to use. Let's just say using keys, not so easy--no adhesive likes keys! Finally after several failed attempts of adhesives, I settled on JB Weld, which still didn't give me the sculpture I was going for, so I had to work around what the keys wanted to do, and this was my final result. Much to the surprise of my teacher, it became a hanging piece.

This was my least favorite project! So of course, it was chosen for the Winter Student show! Can you believe it!!!!! Only 3 students were picked and I believe I was the only non-art major in the class. LOL I was in shock when she asked me to bring them in for the exhibit! Surprisingly this was my 2nd entry into a student show--years ago, I submitting 2 charcoal drawings for a student show at Mira Costa College only at the prodding of another fellow student, so she wouldn't get rejected alone; however, the committee chose one of mine over hers :O( the irony! her and the instructor forced me to enter and only I got in from our class LOL

Another project that we did was a little bit different and could be confusing at times. You had to wrap and cover an item, making sure you didn't know exactly was used and creating another look for it. Get it? Me either--I'm still confused on what the assignment was, but this was the final result. Again, Baird brought more crap from work home for me to use in a project--this had been sitting around for awhile BUT I finally got to use it. It was a copper spool that some wire came on so I used that as well as an irrigation cap (for the base), scrap paper (to cover the openings), ribbon (to cover the copper), and a little bit of paint to cover up where the ribbon slid away from. I also used vellum for my photos and turned it into an illuminating piece.

Here's the finished piece: The pictures turned out great! Thanks Misty!

Well, our 2nd project for 3D is still underway and not having much fun with it--sucks working with wire! Next week I should have pictures up; hopefully it will actually look like a koi or at least some kind of fish!

New art class

2009-02-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, I took another art class this semester for "fun." This one is very similar to my Mixed Media class; however, this 3D class has a little more guidelines to each product and not as much freedom, meaning you must stick to these guidelines. We have already finished our first project and am starting my next one.

This project was a 3D relief. Only using a 6"x6" foam tile, you must use cereal boxes to cover the foam and create your design. It can be abstract, geometric, realistic, etc, etc. I had several ideas in mind until I went shopping to get my cereal box (which we don't eat so I had to buy some to use) and found this Stater Brothers Rice Crispies box that had this dolphin on it--and loved the idea of using it for my project. I wanted to use boxes where you were not able to recognize what cereal it is was, and I think I was successful in that area. While my design was simple, I liked the outcome. I was afraid of having too much relief projecting out and then realized mine wasn't enough after viewing the others in class. There was such a contrast in work done throughout the class. It was amazing to see especially after viewing last semester's submissions--ours were quite different than theirs.

So here is what I submitted......I have been toying with making some more of these but utilising scrap paper instead! We'll see.

Our next project is out of wire. We must recreate true to scale, either a human or animal figure; can be the whole thing or body parts. Of course, I was leaning towards a cat, because for those that know me, that's my thing! LOL BUT then I thought a koi might be easier as well as a nice added decoration to our koi pond. Since it has to be true to scale my projects should be a pretty good size considering most of our koi now measure to 12"to 18" in length and I might actually be off--they could be longer--they are huge! So look for that project to be posted within the next couple of weeks.

BTW, remember this project my first project; Assemblage from last semester--I had another offer from someone to buy it for their home :O) Who knows, maybe I'll become a professional artist, yeah right! LOL my art teacher told me I need to pursue art instead of business LOLOLOLOL Baird says as long as I can make $$$ he doesn't care! LOL

Been a long time.....

2009-02-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

since I have blogged any creative goodness. So here is what I have completed lately. I was commissioned by a client and a friend for a "first year" baby album for baby shower gifts this last month. One for a girl and one for a boy--my first boy album! They turned out pretty good, if I don't say so myself :O)

BTW, don't ask me why these are posting sideways....never done this before! But you get the jest of it.

Now I need to start working on some layouts for my niece's scrapbook. They are all laid out and ready to be put together, now I just need to sit and get them done. Those should be coming within the next week or so....well, that's the plan anyway. Side note: my sister has become hooked on scrapping for my nephew--woohoo! She calls me every time she scores a deal at the scrap store LOL

Mixed Media final

2008-12-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

I knew I was forgetting to post something....my Mixed Media art final...this turned into an interesting project. We pretty much could do anything we want whether it was revisiting a previous project, incorporating the techniques together, or whatever, which is easy since mixed media can be very vague. So I thought I would put my scrap paper (used a lot of Luxe Design--love them!) to use. I created a background to be hung then created a flower pot and filled it with paper flowers to blend into the background so you wouldn't realize it until you got closer and could identify the actual flowers. Pictures don't show the vase very well. It was a piece of resin which was pulled from a machine from my husband's work. I was finally able to put it to use.

Next semester I am taking 3D, so the projects will be similar in concept; however she puts a little more guidelines and structure on each project, so not as much freedom, but I have seen the projects that we will be creating so I have an idea what is expected. I am taking the same teacher again because she is great! Love her! Very motivational, encouraging as well as inspiring! Can't wait to start again! Look for new projects in January.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-19T21:45:00.001-08:00

Well, the holidays are already upon us and it is truly winter in Southern California. Some rare snow footage dropped this week in the moutains as well as some lower areas that rarely see snow. We weren't fortunate enough to have any this year like last year, which is weird comsidering how frigging cold it has been this week. Two weeks ago it was 90 degrees and this week it's been in the 40s--what is wrong with this picture???? Not that we aren't loving the cool weather but come on people, us Californians are not use to dressing in this!

Here is what I woke up to this morning. I had a small glimpse of this yesterday, but there wasn't enough time to grab the camera before the clouds covered it again--today was a different story and sad it's already startting to melt :O(

So for crafty updates. I have not had any time to get any projects that I wanted to accomplish for the holiday, including making cards and getting them sent--where the hell did the time go???? How can it be Christmas already! I did make a few quickie gifts for some special people.

I made this for my friend that refuses to take any type of payment for cutting Baird's hair, so I made her this little wall hanger and picked up a beautiful poinsettia for her.

For my art teacher I had to make her a little something--she has been so fascinated with all of my "scrap" gear that I bring in that I felt I should make her something scrappy. SO I made this banner which was my plan for several other people but obviously didn't happen.

(my little banner holder)

That's it for me......

Holiday Spirit????

2008-12-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

Are you in the holiday spirit yet???? Well, hubby got the lights up and I have yet to decorate inside, but that's only because I have not had time--with 3 projects due for classes all inthe same week I have been a little overwhelmed with school right now. Yesterday was the last of them --all turned in and done! Only 2 weeks of school left, 1 week of lectures and 1 week of finals AND it's over for the semester with a quick break until mid-January. WTH does the time go!

Anyhoo, during all of this chaos I managed to make the invitations for the holiday party I am throwing for Baird's office at our house again. Last year was a huge hit but this year sounds like it might be a quiet one, which is okay with me. I also managed to put on a new set of nails and yes, they are quite festive. Forgot I wore these colors last year too, but oh well I only wear green once a year and this will be it. Love green but not on my hands. LOL

As for other "kreative" projects, I have a lot planned; homemade Christmas cards as well as some homemade gifts for my clients this year. Don't want to say yet what they are since a few may actually read my blog without me knowing it :O) But I have been stockpiling for the last 2 months now it's time to use all of it!

On another note, my sis and kiddies are coming up soon to stay a few nights with us and we plan on doing a lot. The agenda is making cookies for hubby's office as gifts, making my Christmas cards and gifts, a few art projects for my 3 yr old niece, BUT the most exciting part is....my sister wants to scrapbook.....she got the bug BAD. I took her to her first crop (my only 3rd one) and she didn't seem to impressed--a little too quiet for her, but apparently she got into it. She later told me she could see how you become addicted and ever since then she has been shopping like crazy for bargain deals. So I have told her where to go and every day she shops I get phone calls on her "finds." SO her main purpose is to come up here and "kreate." Of course, I had to get her a starter kit for her xmas gift, plus I think I can give up some of my stash now that I have a stash (I like to hoard). Not sure if I can give up Thickers but maybe one pack! LOLOLOLOL

We'll see how much I actually get done LOL --sounds like a good plan *hehehe but with a 3yr old and 1 yr old, things could change.

What are you "kreating" right now?????

GutterGirlz Prompt is up!

2008-11-30T09:14:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's time again GutterGirlz has the new prompt up. I was trying to be sly with my word by not actually using the word. Hope it works and everyone can figure it out.

The PROMPT:

Favorite Four Letter Word

The SONG:

Wendy's Song (from South Park)

The TECHNIQUE/PRODUCT:

Red

New art project

2008-11-07T14:33:00.001-08:00

Yes, it's been awhile since I have last blogged, but it's been a crazy schedule since I started back to school, not to mention the amount of homework that I have had.

So anyhoo, my 3rd mixed media project was to create a game or spoof an existing one. I decided to make up a new game; a simple board game based on golf (which we play), but the main objective of this project was to create and make your own game pieces. This entailed creating the prototype, make the mold (out of rubber), then cast your pieces (made them out of resin). It was definitely something new and nothing that I have done before--it was fun and cool to see the end result. It was not an easy process. My pieces didn't turn out the best but they definitely look homemade which was the purpose.

Here are some of the pictures, but you can see close ups and all of the elements HERE

The board

The game pieces

Trophies

(when playing tournament style)

It was a lot of work, but it didn't turn out to bad....just a little large LOL--larger than I planned. Now I know for next time, IF there is a next time! LOL Now we need to play it--it's still being graded, hopefully should have it home next week to test it out.

I know, I know.....

2008-10-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

it's been a few weeks since I have blogged, BUT I have been real busy. LOL So let's see how much I can get caught up in this entry.

First, after winning a fabulous package from Luxe Designs, I won again within a few days of each other--how cool was that! I never win typically.

Rachel who is affectionately known as the Ho over at Tallyscrapper had a give away on her blog for these cool tags that she made and sells on her Etsy shop AND I won them! I was so thrilled and excited so now I will hoard them and not share, so not to run out of them LOL--that's how I am. Kidding- I can not wait to use these!

So us, GutterGirlz, had the opportunity this month to swap with two fabulous other challenge blogs, Category Stories and Dream Girls. Can't tell you you what the prompt is, but I will show you a sneak peek at my LO for Dream Girls.

Go check out and see what the GutterGirlz did for Category Stories--they are great! And check out what Category Stories DT did on the GG blog. So much talent out there, it is overwhelming.

Also, I have been very busy in my Mixed Media art class--two projects complete already and starting our 3rd one. I do have to tell you that having a great teacher makes all the difference in a class; while I struggle in my Humanities class, absorbing so much information from my Global Business teacher, finishing up my very easy computer class, and am reaping the rewards of my exercise classes--my art class is the one I enjoy the most and look forward to every week. My instructor is passionate about her job and sharing her enthusiasm with everyone that it has turned into my "feel good" class of the week. She has the greatest imagination as well as a creative spirit that you actually find it infectious.

Our first project was "assemblage" using "found" objects. Of course, I had to make it something that would go in my house and match my decor. I think it turned out well. I call it "Imperfections." It now hangs on my wall going down the stairs. I have already had 2 offers to buy it! LOL Want to see some close-ups? go here to see more pictures

The next project was "kitsch." Use a mass production, tacky object and re-create it in paper maiche. Ok, I have never done paper maiche so this was a new experience for me. Baird decided he had to help me with this project, so one Friday night we had a "date" night and paper maiched my project. LOL Go here to see a close-up of his face

You're all probably wondering why I did a big gold cat...well, one I am a cat person, BUT it was also something that I had that fell into the "kitsch" definition. This is a very large scale of my ring holder that sits in my bathroom. LOL A gift from a friend. Not sure where he is going to live yet, maybe I'll give him as a gift to my friend that gave him to me in the first place LOL....or maybe he can sit in Baird's office at work. We'll see :O)

My 3rd project that I started this last week is a game. I had to create a game or mock an existing one--I went with creating a new game. It will be a board game with the theme of golf--at least this way we will play it, since we are golfers. We have to create the game, make the game pieces in 3D including making a mold and casting them in a particular medium as well as design the board. I may be adding some 3D effects to the baord as well, but haven't finalized it yet. The focus this week is making the gamepieces. So this should be an interesting project. Of course, I will post pictures when it is done.

Well, my mind is going blank on any other updates for now.

Holy crap! I won!

2008-09-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Check out what I won! from Luxe Designs....they have this new giveaway--if they miss a day of blogging, they are going to giveaway cool stuff. And this was the first one AND I won it!!! How cool is that.

If you haven't seen Luxe's line of fabulous paper and other fabulous stuff they have, then you need to run over there now!

Loved! and Tagged!

2008-09-08T15:05:00.001-07:00

Wow, I received this from my BFF, but I also get to share the love with others.

Here are the rules:

The winner can put the logo on their blog.
Link the person you received your award from.
Nominate at least 7 other blogs. choosing the 5 that I am also tagging :O)
Put links of those on yours.
Leave a message on the blogs of the girls or boys you’ve nominated.

Also, I haven't been tagged in awhile, but this one is easy that Shirley tagged me on: Just a few simple questions to answer.

Ten years ago:

Living in Orange County working with a great group of people. Not married. Life was easy, no mortgage, spend money any way we wanted to. Golfed whenever we wanted.

Five things on today's to-do list:

work on art project

finish laundry

make dinner

watch the Raider vs Broncos game tonight

get organized and pick up the house

A snack I enjoy:
use to be microwave popcorn, but can't eat it anymore, so now it's pretzels, red vines

Things I would do if I were a millionaire:

travel

golf more often

no more debt

set up college funds for nieces and nephew

donate money to animal shelters

Places I have lived:

San Diego County (San Marcos, Escondido, Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside)

Orange County (Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa)

San Bernadino County (Fontana)

Oregon (Lowell, Springfield, Mohawk Valley)

Hawaii (Waikiki, Diamond Head)

5 people I am tagging: AND I am passing the love onto as well (see above for rules)

Adrienne

Cheryl

Rhonda

Lorelie

Heidi

Ok, off to let them know they have tagged!

We Spy: You Spy Week #30

2008-09-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a few weeks AGAIN--seriously where does the time go! I can't believe I missed last week's prompt: FOOD--seriously me, miss food--impossible! LOL Instead of catching up I will try to move forward and keep up.

So......without further ado' here is this week's prompt: TINY

Seriously one day I will be able to actually get just one photo of the prompt instead of adding multiple pictures! LOL

Sexy new prompt from GutterGirlz

2008-08-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

OK, so here is the reveal for the 30th prompt:

THE PROMPT:

Es Ee Ex!! That's right, girlz. S.E.X.

THE SONG:

Get Naked by Lil' Kim and Tommy Lee

THE TECHNIQUE/PRODUCT:

FingerPrints

Here is the cover to mine: if you want to see what's underneath....you will have to pop in over at GutterGirlz and also check out the other girlz, their take on this challenge. Be warned! no children should be in the area of viewing.

Let me know what you think!

Sneak Peek!

2008-08-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the reveal for the next GutterGirlz prompt and let me tell you I think this is the most risque one yet!

Check back or go to GutterGirlz for the full reveal. More than likely I will only show the cover page and not show the whole project here on my blog--I am going to make you work for it and you will have to click over to GG to check it out completely.....OR maybe not--I haven't decided yet *lol*

Here's a sneak peek at mine!

Reveal! GutterGirls Project

2008-08-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here's the reveal of my project--this was completely out of the box for me and my style. My style as I have mentioned numerous times is "simple" and I am true to the word. But I just went for it and "did it"! I used the lyrics from the song, "Break Stuff" by Limp Bizkit, so you should know there is some "language" in these lyrics, so you have been forewarned. The lyrics seemed very appropriate on the way I have been feeling lately.

August Prompt Information:

THE PROMPT:Blabber Mouth

THE SONG:Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit

THE TECHNIQUE/PRODUCT:Duct Tape (any color)

You need to check out the other projects completed for this prompt at GutterGirlz--you will love it! This group of girls are so talented that I feel like such a novice, which I still consider myself--it truly is an honor to play with them in the gutter!

Again, my project for the next prompt should be a little risque, but I still need to get the photos for it......guess I need to be extra nice to dh so I can get the shots that I need! LOL

Sneak Peek time again!

2008-08-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

for the Gutter Girlz challenge blog! I wasn't scheduled to submit for this upcoming prompt, Friday August 15th, but the idea of playing with duct tape (whoops--gave away the product/technique!) was too tempting so I had to do something unusual from my normal "simple"style AND I think definitely came out of my box and did something different for me!

I will tell you that I used the lyrics from *&^%$#@ (not giving that away!) for this project. It definitely fits the way I have been feeling lately--I didn't add journaling like I originally planned, because for me the words said enough.

Check out the blog on the 15th and the 30th for August's prompts. I will tell you that the prompt on the 30th will be getting wild. I have a very risque project planned, providing I can get my dh to participate in the photo session! Hopefully it will come out as I envision it in my mind!

We Spy: You Spy Week #25

2008-07-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Another week has gone by already for the Spy challenge and this week was another easy one......FRIENDS! Again, too easy--I have some great pictures of friends! So here are a few that I must share--using only one is too hard, so I must share a couple.

Our friends at my husband's Surprise party!

Mark and Shirley left before the group shot was taken

Bestest Friends through Junior High and High School

Been busy "kreating"

2008-07-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

I did so many layouts (for me!) and two altered projects that you will have to go Tallyscrapper to check them out! One of my layouts was even for a challenge! Here are my layouts and my altered all dated 07/28/08. How lazy can I be not to show you them here, WELL for starters....I uploaded them all to TS and then had to delete them because I put them in the wrong category! Wow, a lot of time wasted. So that's the reason I am being lazy and not putting them here too......you can check them out there just as easily if not a better view of them.

Have you remembered to check out GutterGirlz???? Another prompt is coming up on Wednesday the 30th--I swear they are getting better and better each time. You won't believe the fabulous layouts that will be displayed that day by the Design Team---you will be blown away!

We Spy: You Spy Week #24

2008-07-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

This week's prompt was SO easy for me.........HANDS or FEET....for those that know me, know that I am nail technician (part-time), so trust me when I say I have plenty of pictures of hands and feet! *lol*

Enjoy!

Makin' some cards

2008-07-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

For a card challenge over at Tallyscrapper! You can definitely can say my style is "Simple," but that's ok. There were some guidelines to this challenge, so that's why 1) no ribbon and 2) the different shapes. I made these as birthday cards for my mom and aunt since their birthdays are coming up in a few weeks. They'll love that they are homemade or should I say impressed *hehehe

Plus I also need to get better about photographing them. I get to the point that once I make the project, I grab the camera whether it's light or dark out so I can get the pictures uploaded to the computer, because then I have to resize them to be able to post them to Tallyscrapper's site. SO I guess I just rush to get it over with because I know it takes me awhile. I'd scan them but looks so weird to have the clear glassy background--looks kind've funky. **Note to self "take more time." I definitely need better pictures taken if I want to submit them to publications with the hopes that they will publish my work.

Ok, off to plan out my next project. I have a few--had a bunch of pictures developed so I can *gasp* do some layouts! BUT I also have 2 altered projects planned to get done since I didn't have time to get them done last weekend before my sister came up for the week. They are for the kids' bedroom doors.

Off to "kreate!"

COCKtail Recipe Card Swap

2008-07-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Finally, they are done!!!! I committed to making 2 sets (what was I thinking, 20 cards for each set!) of recipe cards for the swap Christine put together awhile ago AND I finally have them ready to be mailed out to her on Monday. This was my first time working on ATC cards, they are quite challenging if you are not use to working on small things, which is ironic since I work on nails and can create artwork on a nail....so why way it so tough! I have no idea! LOLOLOLOLOL

Sorry for the crappy picture, but I scanned them so there wouldn't be a glare on them.

Another prompt is up............

2008-07-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

at GutterGirlz! AND wow, what a response we have had since we started a mere 2 weeks ago. The energy is great and everyone is so excited and anxiously awaiting each prompt! Again, we will have 2 prompt on the 15th and the 30th every month.

June 30th Challenge:

THE PROMPT: I'm a JUNKIE

THE SONG: Shoes by Liam Sullivan

(please don't feel limited by the song, your creation doesn't have to have ANYTHING to do with shoes)

THE PRODUCT: Packaging, wrappers, or logo of your addiction...

I actually had a few things I could have done for the Junkie in me: hair products (#1 addiction), tea, shoes/clothes, but as I was at Bath and Body Works picking up some more shower gel because I had already almost ran out of my new favorite scent AND I saw the bag, I knew exactly I had that I had to do it on gels and lotions! My counter is overflowing not to mention the backups under my counter and what I have in the other bathroom as well--this was the perfect project!

So here is my project that I came up with:

Can't wait to see what you all come up with for this challenge! Check out the rest of the DTs ideas!

We Spy: You Spy Week #21

2008-07-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been missing the weekly We Spy again, but it's only because nothing has been grabbing me with the prompts, not to say the prompts are bad it's just that when I read the weekly prompt I usually have a vision of what my picture will be. I haven't been feeling very photo-creative lately. LOL

This week's prompt, duh! Patriotic! Of course it had to be for 4th of July! hehehe

This was at our local minor leagues baseball game--it was Military Appreciation night, which also happened to be the same night as my husband's surprise party that we had in a suite there. It's hard to see, but the players on the field were wearing camouflage jerseys that were auctioned off that night (of course, we got one!). One of the gentlemen that threw out the first pitch actually entered the military the day after Pearl Harbor! He had an amazing list of accomplishments in his military career that they read off. They also had a flyby of a couple of old war planes--it was very cool!

Sneak Peek!

2008-06-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

June 30th will be the next prompt for the GutterGirlz challenge blog. Due to the huge response (over 2000 hits already) to our launch on the 15th, we (well, really Rachel and we all agreed) have decided to offer TWO challenges a month--how cool is that! So every month on the 15th and the 30th a new prompt will introduced on the blog.

Here is a sneak peek for the 30th. You will LOVE the prompt as well as the song! If you haven't heard it yet YOU definitely have to listen to it and see the video--it's hysterical!

For those that have already played with us in the gutter--your artwork has been awesome and very inspirational. And for those that haven't tried it yet, please come play with us--you will have a blast!

We Spy: You Spy Week #18

2008-06-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Relaxing is this week's prompt for We Spy: You Spy. When I saw this prompt I knew exactly what I would photograph--the stack of books sitting on my desk waiting to be read. This may be a large stack, but I typically read a book in a day, 2 days tops. If any longeer than that, my dh starts to wonder what is wrong *lol*

For me, reading is very relaxing, especially when they are mindless romance novels. These are my favorite type of books to read when all I want to do is unwind and not have to think about anything. Now don't get me wrong, I like other type of books as well, such as murder mysteries, biographies, etc, etc. BUT the good ole' smut books are good too!

But I did have to include this picture of the baby "relaxing" - actually we were worried he was not breathing he was so still and did not flinch when I ran upstairs to grab the camera and took the picture.

What? Did you think I meant a real baby????? Anyone that knows me, knows that all of my cats are our babies......but Squeakers is our newest member and now the baby--he just turned 1 yr this month, so he will always be the baby. How can you not love that????

It's Finally Here!

2008-06-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

GutterGirlz is officially open!

Go quickly and check out this new challenge blog!

A place to be free and inhibited with your thoughts whether pure or dirty.

Express yourself through your art and share with other women that feel the same way you do.

You are not judged but revered.

You are not criticized, you are encouraged.

You are patronized, but envied.

Show us the real "you!"

Warning: Not suitable for young ones!

It's Coming!!!!!

2008-06-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

A new challenge blog. I was asked to be a Design Team member for this new site--how awesome is that! I think they needed to fill spots , plus I was in on the original conversation on starting it so I am sure Rachel felt obligated to ask me--just kidding Rachel!........BUT I do feel a little intimidated to "kreate" with this VERY talented group of girls.

So I am sure you want to know the name of this new challenge blog, GutterGirlz. This is a unique site and not for everyone. It's a little out there and no holds bar. Please note the warnings for the young ones. Some of the topics are outrageous; therefore, is what I like about it. hehehe Note: won't go public until this weekend!

The launch is this weekend, so mark Sunday, June 15th on your calendar. Come check us out and play along. There are already some fabulous layouts reflecting this month's theme, song, and technique/product. Have I grabbed your attention now!

Plus if you think my picture is hot, then you have to check out the rest of the team!

Summer Banner Swap Finished!

2008-06-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

My summer banner for the swap is done and should be on its way to Rachel for distribution. Very cool idea--everyone makes a summer banner (unattached) and she is going to mix them all up and make a new banner with everyones contribution including a set of flip flops that have been altered. I will say my flip flops looks like a silk flower threw up--I am not happy with them BUT I could not get a visual on what to do. THEN I saw Shirley's (her new blog banner) and WOW! So simple, yet so cool! But then again that is why she is MY mentor in scrapping. LOL

Anyhoo--here is my banner: again, Simple--my style!

Not my favorite on this project, but it's done *lol* Someone need a flower or 2, or 400! bawahhhaaaa

Now I need to start on my recipe cards for the Cocktail Swap over at Tallyscrapper.

We Spy: You Spy Week #17

2008-06-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

Amazing. I am actually caught up and on time with this week's prompt; Numbers

I was very surprised that I was the only one so far to do this obvious numbers picture--our house address. So I dressed it up a bit--gotta love FotoFlexer...if you haven't played with it--you HAVE to try it out! It's very cool and so easy to use!

And I will give you a teaser that I was invited to a DT for a new challenge blog, but the catch is this isn't your typical blog. Let's just say if you have a very open and a little bit of a sick and twsited mind this will be the place for you. A place to express without any judgment or criticism. That's all I can say for now, but look for an announcement and link on June 15th when we go "live."

Reversible Heart Hanger

2008-05-28T09:52:00.001-07:00

Ah' aren't they cute????? I made this reversible hanging heart for Sheri's daughter, Amy for her birthday. Well, actually it was a project I wanted to make and Luxe Design papers that I wanted to finally use, and after seeing their cute pictures thought they would make the perfect subject for my idea.

I'm going to submit this to a magazine when they call for February "stuff." So fingers crossed, but I am realistic and know there are a lot more talented people out than I, but will try anyway.

So have you figured out that I love to make "hanging" things *lol*....I like the idea of making something that someone can actually use and appreciate on a daily basis, instead of making a page, throwing it into a book and look at it once a year--it's nice for years to come, but I like things you can look at on a regular basis. For instance, my BFF, made me this fabulous name banner, so I made one for a baby gift (previous post) as well. I love looking at every time I am sitting at my craft table, not to mention showing it off to everyone that comes in the room.

Of course, this will now be the gift for many to come until I get sick of making these *lol*......actually my next banner project is a Summer Banner Swap that Rachel is having on her blog. A bunch of use will send her our banner that spells out "Summer" with a pair of altered flip flops and she will mix them up and make a new banner out of everyone's submissions to create a new unique banner with the flip flops incorporated--I can't wait to see the outcome. I am still planning my banner a lot of pressure with this fabulous group of talented ladies. Will post it when I get it in a couple of weeks. Ok, that's it for today!

We Spy: You Spy Week #14, #15 and #16

2008-05-28T09:34:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am behind again! And I just realized I skipped a week in between as well (brb, off to click a quick picture for #15)--where do these weeks go? They use to always say the older you get the faster time goes by, BUT I honestly didn't think they meant this fast! There are days that I don't even recall anymore, I look up and it's already the middle of the week. *lol*

Ok, so here is the prompt for Week#14: Flowers

Our callas actually didn't bloom until after this challenge expired--unfortunately with the early heat wave we had most of our flowers got burnt, luckily these started to bloom afterwards.

Week#15: Round

I couldn't find anything round, then I looked around our office, and DUH' nothing but "round" golf balls are staring at me.

Week#16: Shoes

This week's prompt was shoes WHICH was perfect because I had just finished taking pictures of my new shoes that my aunt bought for me. I love them but I still need to break them without torturing myself by getting blisters.

Ok, hopefully I can stay on track for the next challenge prompt--I truly do love these photo challenges. When I see what the prompt is I am always planning that next shot. My dh thinks I am completely nuts but is getting use to the fact that I need to take pictures of everything.

Been awhile but I have been tagged!

2008-05-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

By Ms Gina aka gab423 over at Tallyscrapper!

Bet you weren't expecting your fabulous picture over here, were ya G'???? hehehe Love this picture--she looks like a professional model.

Here are the rules:

Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
Share 4 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Tag 4 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog .

I am a tea drinker (hot and cold), absolutely no coffee--even hate the smell of coffee!
Always said I would have cats and my sister would have kids! I have 3 cats and my sister has 2 kids :O)
I always wear sunglasses even when it is overcast and raining
I secretly started watching Nip/Tuck--OMG I Christian--such a bad boy!

Ok, the next set of suckers, I mean girls will be...............drum roll please.......

Of course, Shirley! She hasn't been tagged in awhile.
Stacey, because she needs to post more often
Top Tally herself, Christine, even though I am quite afraid to hear any more weird things about her, not really but I am very curious *lol*
and last but not least.................how about.................someone not from Tally, my 'Bama buddy, Adrienne!

Check out their blogs-all of these ladies are some the best talent I have ever seen! Ok, off to let them know I have tortured them! hehehehe...even tho' Adrienne will know before I even tag her blog about it! She has a crystal ball over my blog LOLOLOLOL

Baby Shower Gifts

2008-05-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Baby shower time--my client's daughter is having a baby shower, so of course I had to be creative and make something for her that would be unique and no one else will get her.

Unfortunately I am not a baby shower person, so I tend to get people things that no one else might get them OR I have even succumbed to the fact that gifts cards are just SO much easier nowadays. Because first of all why do the stores bother with a registry and supposedly "removing" the items from the list--it obviously doesn't work or the mother-to-be would not end up with duplicates and triplicates of her list. Now this poor mother has to make a trip to the store usually in her 8-9 mth stage and not feeling the friendliest to stand in line to return the items. So anyhoo...............this is the start of my gifts.

I made her a Baby's First Year Album--same concept as my smaller albums that I made in the past for my friend, BUT I think this turned out great! Yes, I am tooting my own horn on this one! *LOL* I won't bore with all the pictures here of every page, but you can check them out here

I made this banner with her name in the colors that she decorated the room in; brown and pink with painted polka dots on the walls--I still haven't seen it so I hope it matches. I "lifted" this idea (a nice way of stealing an idea *hehehe) from Shirley--she made me an awesome one with name for my birthday!

This week I will be attempting to make her homemade bibs and some burp clothes; hopefully they turn out. We'll see, at least I have these great gifts ready to go.

That's it for today--check back to see if I accomplish the next project!

We Spy: You Spy Week #13

2008-05-13T18:47:00.001-07:00

Where did the week go???? I took this picture last week for the challenge and just now got it downloaded in time for Week 14 *lol*.......so I will try to get this week's challenge taken and loaded before the end of the week.

So here is Week 13's prompt: BLUE

This one was easy! My husband's company makes 55 gallon plastic drums and you guessed it--in blue! Most of them are in blue--they do make other colors as well. These are some of the thousands they have stored outside. It's an awesome site---they service the tomato paste industry so this year I believe they will be making approximately over 100,000 drums just for one customer all made before October.

Ok, off to find Week 14 prompt!

Not "Kreative" related

2008-05-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this post isn't related to anything "kreative," but definitely blog-worthy!

This weekend we were honored to become godparents again. This time to our nephew, Torin. So after a quick morning of clients we got all gussied-up and made our way to Oceanside to Emmanuel Lutheran Church right down the street from Shirley's old house. The weather was perfect! This made for a very nice day.

After the ceremony we headed back to my sister's house for some grub and family time. My aunt from Kauai has been in town (actually 30 min from me) for my uncle's bone marrow transplant, and after a successful transplant she felt relaxed enough to make the trip down to Oceanside as well to spend the day with the family. This was a great surprise for everyone, including a surprise visit from my aunt's sister-in-law, whom we actually always called our aunt too, since we grew up more around her and her family than my aunt from Kauai--confused yet????? No worries.

So after some food, opened my birthday presents from my mom and sister, and A LOT of spinning with my niece, Jaden........

then we headed back up north late that afternoon for a night at the ballpark finishing off the day with fireworks! Boy, were we pooped that night!

We Spy: You Spy Week #12 / Birthday / Anniversary

2008-05-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

The prompt for this week's photo challenge at We Spy: You Spy happens to be: NEW, which is perfect because it was also my birthday Saturday and I got some NEW stuff.

I got a new Zoom lens for my fancy-dancy camera from my wonderful husband, plus I picked up a new camera bag to put everything in instead of throwing everything in my purse *lol*

And while I was looking for my camera bag, I was heading to find Baird a "skin" for his new Guitar Hero guitar when I spotted this! Yes, it's a Wii....OMG, they only had 6 left out of 108 in a 4 day period, so I made the executive decision and bought it! Of course, we played last night. Kicked his butt in bowling, then played some tennis. (This was a delayed Xmas present since there were none around then!) And yesm I forgot to find a new skin for him--oh well!

We also had our 7th wedding anniversary this last week--it's been a busy week--and I made a romantic dinner, Surf -n-Turf, with a caprese salad and chocolate covered strawberries for dessert--yummy! You can check out photos HERE ( to lazy to post here!)

Altered Books

2008-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

I made some books for Baird's 16 yr old niece, Erin. The first one is a book of the two of them. These are the only pictures that we have--I am sure his parents and his sister have plenty more, but unfortunately we don't. You can go HERE to see the inside pages.

This second book is a journal that I made for her trip to Australia. She was accepted to the Student Exchange program. She will be leaving in January '09, her Junior year of high school to finish out the semester in Australia. Even though she has traveled plenty already at her young age, this will be the trip of a lifetime--what an opportunity she has! You can check out the inside pages HERE that are included in this journal. I am planning on starting a blog for her; hopefully she will use it to document her day-to-day life so we can all read about it before the end of her trip. I hope she takes advantage of this opportunity to see a lot while over there.

Well, I took a break from sewing to make these books, but now I have a few more quick sewing projects to make before May 3rd--well, that's the goal anyway. We will be venturing down South next weekend for my nephew's Baptism--we're the proud godparents! I would like to have some outfits finished to take with me for my niece, Jaden. I got some more cute fabric (Tutti Frutti collection $1.99/yd--great deal, huh' Adrienne!) to make her some more capris. It should go by faster since I already made them once--hopefully I remembered what NOT to do! *lol*

We Spy: You Spy Week #10

2008-04-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

This week's prompt was: EXPENSIVE....needless to say I typically don't show this off, because actually I get embarassed we have this at times......I drive a Jaguar! This is typically an expensive car; however, we got such a good deal on this that we had to have it or should I say dh had to have it. All I wanted was a Chevy Trailblazer *lol*......but for whatever reason he had to have a Jag' so we got one. AGAIN, a really good deal too good to pass up, so that has been my car to drive. AND now I hate to say I am spoiled and love driving it--they are called a luxury car for a reason--they drive really nice. I joke and say we have become such Yuppies! Is anyone a Yuppie anymore or are they Suburbanites now?????

We Spy: You Spy Week #9

2008-04-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Water is this week's prompt at We Spy: You Spy photo challenge. This was a no-brainer--we have a great koi pond with a waterfall in our backyard. So here's one of many pictures from our pond representing water.

Sewing!

2008-04-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Sewing has been my project lately, BUT after a few frustrations I am going to step back and regroup and start some scrapping that needs to get done. But in the meantime here are a few pieces that I have completed. Of course why should I sew for myself when I can sew for my niece! hehehe

This is the old-fashioned wrap dresses--it's all one piece; put over head, button in front and tie in the back, very easy. I was sizing this for her to place the buttons and ties in the back, she wasn't cooperating very well--I mean she is only 2! So you can see she was gathering it in the front while trying to take her picture in it.

Here's the pattern and the end result:

Ok, I am not that good, I didn't make this whole outfit only the pants. LOL I was trying them on her to make sure the waist fit her and it looked so cute with the dress that I bought her that we decided to keep it on her. And check out her Jellys--I bought those for her too--aren't they cute! She LOVES her Jelly shoes! Oh, and excuse the goofy smile this is what she does when told to smile! LOL Anyhoo, back to the pants, they almost feel like linen even though they are cotton--they have a cute little embossed polka dot on them--they turned out really cute. I just may have to make some more of them for her. But not right now

She loves her Jellys so much apparently the other day all she was wearing was her Jellys (backwards) and a diaper!

That's all for now--thanks for looking! Hopefully I will start some scrapping today. If I don't get sucked back into sewing.......I have 2 tops that I want to make for myself!

This tunic in black with a silver/black trim.

And this top with this gauzy material.

All of these patterns say they are "EASY," but we'll see......I am still very much a novice at this sewing thing so it's been taking me a little longer to grasp. Luckily I have a few friends that have been able to help me out.

Photo Challenges

2008-04-06T15:40:00.001-07:00

LOVE photo challenges! They are so easy, plus love getting tips to do certain shots. This week on Tallyscrapper, the photo challenge is to submit an up close shot using your "flower" setting aka Macro on your camera. Just a few easy steps to accomplish the blurred background with a close up of your focal point--so easy, but yet I need instructions on how to do it. NOW I know and now I will use it more often to get the shot I am always hoping for.

This was my submission for this week's challenge:

These were some other candidates that didn't make the cut and/or shots that I was practicing:

I look forward to this challenge as well as the We Spy: You Spy every week. Maybe the photo thing is more of my "thing"--not time consuming and easy to get done.

Happy Birthday Andrea!

2008-04-05T13:20:00.001-07:00

It's my little sister's 35th birthday today.

..not that she will read this, because she is computer-illiterate and I am not saying that to be mean, she truly is. I keep telling her that her kids will be teaching her how to use it. LOL Apparently she has an email address that her husband set up for her a few years back and she never knew about it until a few months ago. Anyhoo. It's her birthday so I thought I would share the journal that I made for her as well as her card. WOW, I can't believe she's 35 today, which only means I am a lot older than her for real now! We use to always tell her that she would never make it past 12! LOL

And the journal I made for her as a keepsake to write down the little stories and memories of the children so she can reflect on them in years to come--she won't be able to remember every cute little thing they do. I wasn't planning on using all Theresa Collins Damask but did anyway. Now I regret not using it on the cover.

I hope she uses it and cherishes. I think it will be a great thing to have to pass on to the kids as they are older or at least to use it as blackmail.

We Spy: You Spy Week #8

2008-04-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am a little behind with this fun photo challenge, We Spy: You Spy..........I can't believe 6 weeks have gone by so quickly. Oh, well--at least I will pick up from here and work with this week's prompt: FUNNY in honor of April Fool's Day today! I did; however, know exactly what picture I would use for this prompt. I have several funny pictures of yes, the cats, BUT this was the first one that came to mind.

Check it out! How funny is this!

And here's Week# 5 : Green

What Have I Been Doing?????

2008-03-20T10:04:00.001-07:00

I got an email this morning from a friend concerned because she hasn't heard from me.......Well, 1) I can't believe that this week is almost over and 2) I guess I have actually been getting stuff done. So here's a bunch of what I have been doing lately beside my job-searching, interviewing, and waiting and the usual laundry, plus I washed 2 cars yesterday.

*Warning this could turn into a very long post!

This Saturday we are going to a 70th surprise party for my client/friend Vivian's mom. She said no gifts, which I couldn't fathom, so I asked her for a family picture to make "something" and she asked me about an autograph board, so this is what I came up with. She will take the glass out for the party so everyone can sign it, but I also made a Memories Journal for everyone to write (each page is stamped differently) a special memory, favorite story, how they met her, etc, etc to share for her to cherish.

Baird wanted to do something for the girls in his office for Easter, so of course I took charge and said I would put baskets together, so here's what I put together. I was going to put girly stuff in them but I don't really know what they like, dislike, etc, so I went with the traditional candy basket, AND apparently it was a hit. Baird got a very nice email from one of the girls this morning, she sounded like a giddy schoolgirl, so Baird told me "I chose wisely!" I was glad to hear--I always like when someone enjoys something that I made for them. Yes, I probably should have taken pictures before I shrunk-wrap them but oh well hindsight being 20/20.

And I finally finished this tunic which turned out too big for me, well ok almost done! My sewing machine shot out the needle and hit me in the chest when I was sewing the trim on the sleeve, SO I have one sleeve left THEN it's done. I need to run to Sears and get a new needle since I have no backups. SO here it is (notice how I hide the undone sleeve hehehe)

Tallyscrapper had their one year birthday and with that came some changes to their website including adding some new categories, one being a category for cooking/food pictures, called The Pantry. One fo the challenges right now is "What can you cook?," so this was a quick easy dinner I made last night and submitted; Angel hair shrimp pasta with garlic cream sauce.

While we were eating dinner last night, Baird's niece called to let us know that she was chosen for an exchange student program and will be living in Australia for 6 months starting next January during her Junior year of high school. I didn't know they still did that! LOL...so needless to say she is thrilled and very excited. WHICH changes some of the books I was planning on making for her. I had one planned for a "high school memory" book, which I will probably still do BUT now I am thinking she will need a journal type book just for her trip. So I need to get crackin' on that one too. My list is becoming longer and longer now I need to get started on them.

Well, I am off to get my replacement needle so I can finish this top and get started on one for myself.

Have a great Easter weekend!

Another hanger.......

2008-03-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yep, I made another hanger, but this time it's actually for me. I have been planning this project since I made the others and finally got around to making it. I am in love with black and white papers right now, so this was my first B&W project that I have lined up. I also have planned a book of "Us" that I will be doing in all B&W papers, especially using the new Teresa Collins Damask line. I am waiting to get the rest of my order and I will have the whole collection now. THEN I can start the book.

Here is the hanger that I made of our "children." From oldest to youngest. This will go on the fridge :O)

I have even sewed recently; however, I made my tunic TOO big so I am trying to find a recipient that can wear it. I have someone in mind, it's even her color, so I need to finish it--hemming is all that is left to do (will post that soon). Since I made it too big, I went back to Joann's to get more material to make one for myself that should actually fit this time. They were out of the beautiful coral color that I had previously bought so I went with the basic black and a different trim. Looking forward to making, well, actually wearing it. At least this time around it should go a lot faster since I learned from all of the mistakes in the first one, including some beginner no-brainers duh! Maybe I'll get ambitious and make another summer dress for Jaden, but we'll see. I have too many projects on my list that I need to work on. I should be taking this time that I have right now and getting them done before I finally go back to work. BUT it's amazing how the computer can suck you in and take up so much time, especially the job-searching part of it. I guess I should be grateful that it's lighter out later at least it would appear I have more time in the day to get things done. Sounds good in theory anyway.

Ok, off to finish Easter baskets for Baird's office girls. I'll post those later once they are all wrapped up--they didn't turn out too bad.

Yummy!

2008-03-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

**Edited 03/13/2008; I received a very sweet Thank You card and JuiceItUp card from Richelle thanking me for her cupcakes and the food that I prepared for her going-away potluck! What a nice surprise--I did not expect that! Plus I hear she was told that she should share her cupcakes with the some of the others, at least the small ones--apparently she did not want to share any of them! I guess you can't ask for a bigger compliment than that! I'm glad she loved them!

Yum, yum, cupcakes! Who doesn't love cupcakes??? How could you not! They are SO good. This was my very first attempt at using decorator tips to decorate cupcakes. Frosting was a little thin, but they still didn't turn out too bad for my first time. It was one of the girls in Baird's office last day at work so I made these for her going-away gift. I bought a cake box for him to deliver them to her, so of course I had to personalize the box for her.

New "Kreation"

2008-03-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

For my niece, Jaden. Apparently she has become addicted to M&Ms like her father *lol* The other day while talking to my sister all I could hear is "MM, MM" in the background....and my poor sister was out. Well, the purpose of the M&Ms was potty-training treats--well, that hasn't panned out the way she though it would. So I figured I would make her a cute jar to hold HER M&Ms--we'll see how long that lasts.

Here are some pictures of the finished jar

3-D lady bugs:

Inside the top lid:

Pop-up Flowers:

Off to Target in the morning to fill this puppy up with M&Ms (I forgot them the other day when I was there )

Tagged Again!

2008-02-24T10:30:00.001-08:00

I was tagged again: 7 random things about me, so I will do it one more time, but will be kind and not tag anyone else *lol* unless you want to do it!

when I pump gas I have to round off to the nearest cents, i.e. .68 to .70 > .73 to .75--drives my dh crazy!
I have to spray enough hairspray that my hair won't move---I have very fine hair and style will not stay without product and A LOT of hairspray
I feel the need to check my email every 5 minutes or else I feel I will miss out on something *lol*
I require my daily intake of tea, whether it's hot or cold.
I love to acquire/shop/hunt for "stuff" for new hobbies but rarely follow through on actually doing the new hobby. (except for scrapping I have been better about it)--however, I am trying to force myself to actually follow through for a change.
I speak to my cats like they are actual children that will listen and obey me.
I may be very talkative (understatement), but in large groups or classes I typically am the quietest one and will not voluntarily speak

Ok, that's it for today.......off to a Ducks hockey game tonight! Also, got my first kit from Tallyscrapper, so I might have to start a project tomorrow; hopefully it's still raining so I don't feel guilty. hehehe

"Clip It" Kammie-Style

2008-02-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

There have been several variations on how to hang your "stuff,"i.e. Thickers, stickers, rubons, etc, etc. The true "Clip-It" is very cool but also very expensive. On Tallyscrapper, the girls have posted several different ways to make their own "Clip-It." While the one I really liked which was easy--all you had to was buy it and hang it--I didn't want to put anything in the wall. I preferred some type of stand instead.

Well, since I couldn't find anything I had my fabulous handy-dandy husband make it for me. It turned out perfect. After he made it, I painted it, added some Graphite Glimmer Mist (glittery spray), covered the base in pretty paper and stamped the posts. I LOVE IT! I finally hung everything the other day, BUT ran out of hangers so back to Joann's yesterday to get some more, so today I will hang the rest and finally be organized. In addition, the cost to make it was astoundingly cheaper than the "real" thing.

"REAL" Clip-It

Apparently you have to purchase the base AND the top AND the clips separately

BASE $59.95 Top $34.95 Clips $6.95 = $101.85

"Kammie-style" Clip-It

Board for base $4.89 Square Dowel (posts) $2.29 (enough wood for 2 sets)

Round Dowel (rod) $1.89 Clips $2.25 (on sale) 3 hours of Labor

= Priceless!

I keep telling dh that we need to produce and sell these :O) and make a cool 12x12 Layout holder as well.....maybe one day!

We Spy: You Spy Week #2

2008-02-19T09:52:00.000-08:00

Here's a cool new blog that has photo challenges, We Spy: You Spy. This is easy, they give you a word prompt on a weekly basis and you post that picture and put a link in your comment on their blog. I missed Week #1 by 20 minutes, so this week will be my first week to participate. I like this because, it's different, not much work to it, easy and fun!

So Week #2 the prompt is: COLD

I loved the thought of this one, because I have a perfect picture for this one, BUT the catch with this picture is......it was taken in Southern California in an area which is typically always hot!

WEEK #2: COLD

THIS WAS NOT TAKEN ANYWHERE COLD!!!!!!!

*LOL*

I won, I won!

2008-02-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

WOW, I won my first challenge! Yes, it was the Pet Challenge. I was so proud of my layout. Kat gave me a good run--I checked every hour, every day on my points it was a close match--at one point she pulled ahead of me but by some miracle I actually pulled ahead to win by 14 points. Can you tell I was a little excited to win???? Here's why.........I won this !

Swirls Grungeboard by Tim Holtz

(if you missed what this is, read my previous post)

Can't wait to try this out! These will work perfect for some of my projects I have planned to work on.

My 3 Sons - Pet Challenge

2008-02-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, so over at TallyScrapper they have challenges that go on all the time; you create your design and submit it to the gallery to win prizes offered by the person that presented the challenge. I want to win this challenge so bad!!!!! One, because it's a subject close and dear to my heart BUT also Joni is offering the greatest grand prize, Tim Holtz's Grungeboard. This is the coolest stuff, so ok it's new to me but I am very excited to play with it.

Here's my submission: the requirements were at least one picture of your pet, a heart (to show your love), paper only, no digi, and only one LO submitted. I had fun making this one.

These are my "children" aka my 3 sons! I included a little bio on each one of them, including their birth date, sign, likes, dislikes, and their story. It's hard to read, but you can read the journaling over at the TS site. Click here to read the actual journaling.

(side note: most of the challenges I have entered have been for fun and I did it because I liked the design, BUT this one I really want to win because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, my layout--considering I really don't like doing layouts (like making cards or altered items) this is BIG for me! *lol*)

What is it Grungeboard you may ask????? I said the same thing......then I saw a video demo on it and fell in love with it. It's similar to chipboard (pressed cardboard) either in shapes, alpha, numbers, etc. but the texture is pretty bizarre it's almost rubber-like BUT you can manipulate it however you want to; sand it, paint, ink, crumple it up, twist it, or leave it plain......and it does NOT tear or get ruined. You can pretty much do anything to it and you will not destroy it. I love this considering I was painting some scroll chipboard last night, and trying to get the curves painted I twisted it a bit and started to tear it....so grungeboard here I come!

Ok, off to see if I can sucker anyone else into giving me points so I can win this challenge! hehehe

Cali-Tally Dinner

2008-02-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

So, I got to meet some of the girls from TallyScrapper including the ower/founder of TS and the Creative Director, Christine (aka Top Tally) and Rachel (aka TallyHO). I also met Joni (aka Kix), and another Christine (aka Scrappygal). We all met at Pei Wei for dinner as well to celebrate Shirley's birthday, which she didn't know about it! Plus I surprised her by bringing her buddy, Kat with me. We had a lot of fun chatting, taking pictures, eating, and drinking. AND of course there was cake and some gifts!

It was fun and now Christine, Rachel and Shirley are vigorously shopping at CHA, a huge scrapbooking tradeshow (well actually all crafts, but they went for the scrapping sutff) for all of the new releases. Sounds like they have been having a great time as well as shopping their hearts out. Can't wait to see what they ordered as well as their video of their trip!

It's HER Birthday!

2008-02-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's HER birthday, this Friday the 8th (yes, I am posting this early), BUT I had to share so those back East that actually might read my blog will see that it is my BFF, Shirley's birthday! She will be........well, she'll be a year older than me for a few more months until it's my birthday!

Here she is:

Such a cute young thang'

Me and Shirley in Death Valley the summer of our freshman year!

Shirley, "Capt Jack", and our friend Lourdes (whose birthday is next in March)

I'd show you some more pictures of us during our youth; however, I know she will be posting a picture of one of the gifts that I gave for her which will show you how far back we go. Check out her blog HERE

What do you mean I have been "tagged" twice? Two Lists!

2008-02-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have "tagged" by Dawn and Amanda for some lists that are floating around on everyone's blogs. Most of the time I read everyone elses, but I was lucky enough to be tagged by my new friends over at Tallyscrapper.

First List: 10 Random Things about Me (courtesy of Amanda)

I HATE coffee, even the smell of it, BUT I am a tea-aholic
Addicted to the internet (need I say more)
golf with my husband (as much as we can)
have cats, not kids (up to 3 boys now)
love to read, especially trashy romance novels (the trashier the better)
very short and bad temper (don't piss me off)
I am a MAJOR procrastinator (no, really I am)
lived in Hawaii for a short bit (extended vacation really--3 mths)
LOVE NFL (football) and have season tickets to local minor baseball league games
NOT a morning person! (but I am better than I use to be)

Second List: Bucket List; 5 things you want to do before you die (courtesy of Dawn)-random order

find my "niche" in life
travel to Italy, Greece, France, back to the Caribbean Islands (all of them)
retire "comfortably"
enjoy the rest of my days with my husband
stay healthy

Ok, so here are the next 5 suckers, I mean friends that have been "tagged"

It's been that long......

2008-02-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted last--I knew I would eventually slack off. Well, not much going on, except for job-searching which has been quite unsuccessful, which means nothing has been meant-to-be. This last weekend was the Tallyscrapper cyber crop and I actually finished 2 layouts for the challenges going on. Didn't end up making anymore, I decided I wanted to start working on some projects that I have been thinking about. Not that I have started those either, but I am getting there--pictures have been printed, just need to start working on them.

One of the challenges was to be design a layout from a sketch provided--I love these, easier to come up with an idea when there is already a plan in place. Of course, had to use this picture of my infamous niece--LOVE this closeup picture of her--this is my all time favorite of her. Hard to see in this picture, but she has the start of tears in her eyes, my brother-in-law captured this just perfect.

The second challenge included the guidelines that it be a 12x6 or 6x12 size, lime green got you extra points, journaling, and ribbon. I used our pictures from the local minor league baseball games, because 1) had the colors and 2) how many people have seen giant dinosaurs drinking beer! *lol*

These are some cards that I made for some friends this week. I have been collecting more and more stamps and I have wanted to make cards with them. I'm thinking that I like to make cards better than doing regular layouts.

I also whipped a bunch of layouts for my niece's scrapbook that I started--I make the LOs and give them to my sister to put in her book. I owed her several which I actually got done and gave to her last week. I need to work on the pictures of the LOs, but I will upload them soon and get them on here as well as Tallyscrapper gallery. Not very fancy, very simple actually, but she likes them.

I did get pick up a huge stack of "stuff" from Shirley yesterday--she cleaned out here scrap room, and I reaped the benefits of it. As they say "one man's trash is another man's treasure." So yesterday I went through all of it to pick and choose what I wanted to keep before donating it......I kept most of it--she got rid of some REALLY good stuff! LOL I can't wait to start using it--I got a lot of ideas going through it on how I am going to use it. Now I won't be so stingy about hoarding my stuff, I will actually start using it now that I have more variety in my collection.

Well, off to make another post--I have been fortunate enough to be "tagged" by a few of the girls at TS with some fun lists that I need to come up with. My mind is already pondering what I need to put down, of course, I will come up with some really good answers AFTER I post it! LOL

Another altered item!

2008-01-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I made another cute hanger this time for my sister reflecting her and her family. I did a little differently than my mom's........5x7 vs 6x6, rounded corners vs square corners, plus will attach each section probably by hinges instead of looped ribbon. I can already see my work progress into a true scrapper. Helps when you have more toys to play with. Speaking of which, Shirley ordered us the newest toy that every scrapper is dying for "Crop-o-dile Big Bite"......unfortunately, it's on backorder but should be here at the beginning of Febraury--can't wait.

Shirley's coming up tomorrow to get a full set of gels then off for lunch and to check out some cool scrapping stores, The Scrapping Lounge and Scrapping Good Times.

Ok, off to figure out my next project.

Trifold cards

2008-01-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

A challenge on the scrap site, Tallyscrapper, was to make these tri-fold cards. They are suppose to be 3x3, BUT I never conform to the norm' so I made mine a little bigger to become 4x4 instead. Love how these turned out, not to mention how easy they are once you figure out how to fold them correctly.

I will be making more of these.....I think I enjoy making cards and altered items more as opposed to regular ole' layout pages.

My first Layout challenge

2008-01-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

I completed my first challenge for a layout using a "blueprint" for the layout. A sketch was provided then you had to create your own layout using that blueprint--of course, you can do variations, but I figured for my first try I would stick to the blueprint. After about 30-45 minutes of contemplating what I was going to do here it is. I already knew I would use these pictures of Baird, unfortunately they printed a little bigger than I expected so my original layout didn't work, but this was the final result. Tell me what you think!

Some updates on projects

2008-01-06T21:53:00.001-08:00

So, I updated the grandkids hanger for my mom by adding 2 of the 5 kids pictures--they happen to be my niece and nephew

Jaden and Torin

Other projects: On a scrap site that I joined (TallyScrapper), I am participating in an Art Journal which we will be prompted on a monthly basis to add to our journal. I finally finished my cover and this month's prompt. We were to pick any word for us to live by for this next year--well, hello! I already did that so it was really easy for my first month--hopefully, it will be that easy next month. Here were my submissions: the cover and January prompt

But, the best buy of the week was my trip to our local Target for some household items....well, of course I had to stop by the $1 bin to see what goodies they had in stock. Here's what I suckered myself into buying--for a $1 each how could you go wrong!

Well, I have been completely inspired to get some projects done, so let's see how I really feel in the morning *lol*.....I have a few projects in mind, one for my sister, one for me, and one of the challenges on TallyScrapper. Hopefully it's still raining so I have an excuse not to get anything else done! Check back soon--I should another project or two done!

My First Progress of 2008

2008-01-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

I'M DONE-- I actually finished a project within a week of the start of it---actually it only took me barely 2 days to finish it! I started this at the crop yesterday and finished it tonight (only about another hour to finish)

BTW, here are pictures of my cropping buddies:

Me and Shirley(top) Kat and Shirley (bottom)

This is a hanging album for my mom and her husband representing each grandchild by age (oldest to youngest), now mind you I don't have pictures of them SO it will be up to her to fill it in for me. Shirley gave me the small hanger to use (in the small tab it reads "Grandkids") I will be putting a magnet on it so she can hang it on the fridge since hers is nice and clean and has nothing on it. I used some of the colors that would match her kitchen/family room.

Here it is along with a close up of each name:

I can't wait to see it filled with their faces! Hope they like it! Now I'll probably make one for my sister!

Progress is the Word for 2008!

2008-01-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

MY BFF, Shirley read an entry last year on someone's blog about the power of one little word and decided on her word for the year. I was curious if she was going to change her word this year since she has been so fond of her word, Bliss; ironically, this morning she posted her new word for the year, Achieve.

So I was thinking what would MY word be--this was the first word that popped into my mind, Progress and stuck. After reading the definition I was convinced this was an appropriate word for me based on last year's progress or lack of. I always consider myself as a Work-in-Progress so I feel this word is quite fitting to my life. I look forward to making progess this year and definitely trying to move forward with everything!

Definition:

prog·ress /noun
* a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage: the progress of a student toward a degree.
* advancement in general.
* growth or development; continuous improvement: He shows progress in his muscular coordination.
* forward or onward movement: the progress of the planets.
* the forward course of action, events, time, etc.
* to grow or develop, as in complexity, scope, or severity; advance: Are you progressing in your piano studies? The disease progressed slowly.

—Synonyms 1. advance, progression. 4. increase; betterment. 11. proceed; develop, improve, grow, increase.

What's your one little word?????

Went to my first CROP!

2008-01-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

Wow, I finally am one of "them".......I went to my first crop today--wasn't sure what to expect but it was great fun AND I actually got a project 95% done! Pictures to come later once I finish it (which should be tomorrow).

Met some very nice ladies at the LSS in Hemet, Scrapbook Corner, were Shirley's friend Kat works. I was able to check out some of their work as well as listen to their banter about what projects they are working on.

I look forward to some more crops, but maybe something more local since I drove an hour to get to this today. Luckily, it was holiday traffic so I was able to fly down there.

What did Santa bring you?????

2007-12-26T20:40:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I was VERY good this year. Santa brought some very nice gifts this year, including a new digital SLR camera--very fancy camera! Between the two of us we can turn it on and then we are lost. *lol* So I have lots of reading and experimenting to do. BFF, Shirely knows of a class coming in January; hence, I will be attending that if I haven't gone crazy yet.

Some of the other "big" items that Santa brought were:

new chair for craft table

big cutter and cutting mat

new CriCut cartridge; "Zooballo"

slab of scrap paper; stickers, new exacto

rolling printer cart stand for my desk

tons of clothes; slippers; movies

Santa did real good on his shopping for me. But then again Santa was also kind to dh as well--he scored a new Dell computer, which means I can get my old laptop back and can put it in the craft room so I can IM and try out the new CriCut program while working in there. BUT now I may need a bigger table to work on *lol*---it's never ending! hehehe

Oh also, here's one of my new toys that snuck in here before Santa-time--hum, I wonder where that came from....oh, yeah --I wanted it so I bought it!

Now off to check out the online sales for scrappin' stuff!

Too cute not to use!

2007-12-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

How cute are these........I definitely see something done to them!

I got these from a friend of mine for xmas....they were filled with different yummy flavors of cocoa from none other than Starbucks. My only vision of this gift was "how can I alter them????"" Oh, oh--I am hooked!

My Finished Memory Book

2007-12-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

My Memory Book finished for my good friend, Sheri. This was a very special book to me. Sheri has sent me pictures throughout the year of her family's adventures and I knew that I should not discard them for some reason and this was the reason why. I wanted to create special something for her this year and this was the result of it. She had a lot of changes in her life including her oldest son graduating from college, youngest daughter graduating high school and moving to USC for her first year at college at the same time her middle daughter decided to study abroad in London for a year; in addition, she semi-retired from her job at the local high school. Needless to say there were a lot of changes and I thought a reflection of the last year was the best way to highlight it. I presented the book to her this last Saturday and she was quite moved (she cried! my goal--it worked!) I was very happy that she enjoyed it. She gave me the greatest compliament and told me it looked professionally done--woohoo! Here are some pictures--I didn't take a picture of every page--there were too many!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T10:19:00.000-08:00

Finally finished!

2007-12-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally finished the second book to my series of 2 for my dear friend, Barbara. I made these for her grandkids. Barb has a habit of re-gifting anything given to her, so I thought if I personalize something especially to touch on something very close to her heart she would not give up this gift. Apparently it worked, she was thrilled to receive this gift that I had handcrafted for her. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to see first-hand her expression, but my darling husband said she was ecstatic and showing it to everyone in the shop (she's a hairstylist). So the gift was a hit! Here's the finished product. Also, I made a few discreet changes to the first book too. In addition, I made custom tags for her including adding some crosses for her faith.

Now onto my next project (see previous post with Memories book) that needs to be finished for this Saturday to give to my friend as her Xmas gift. I have had several visions in my head how I am going to finish it, so hopefully this help get it done quickly. More posts to come on this project later. Then I need to come up with another project--I have a few ideas!

My First Digiscrapbook page

2007-12-09T21:05:00.000-08:00

My first attempt at digi-scrapping. Of course, I didn't go through the expense of a really good program such as PhotoShop--dh would kill me if I spent that much on a program to "play" with so I found an inexpensive one that from the pictures looked like the pages were realistic but actually really looks a lot like clip art. BUT what the heck, I'll play with it any way and see how creative I can get.

This is a picture of my niece that I took on my sister's birthday when she was 6 months old--I love this picture! Needless to say I have several pictures of this child! *lol*

Sewing Inspiration

2007-12-07T18:01:00.000-08:00

One of the other people that I have been inspired by is Adrienne--a wonderful VERY talented girl down south in 'bama! After reading for blog for some time now, once she started sharing her sewing projects I was very "inspired" to start sewing myself. Once I delved into all the patterns that are out there I got crazy and started buying patterns and material to start some sewing projects of my own. Now mind you I haven't sewn since junior high, but what the heck! Now my mom on the other hand could not understand why after all these years I have decided to sew --quite simple! I am tired of not finding clothes to fit me right, so I figured I'd make them myself. So now the journey begins.......I actually took a couple of classes at our local Joann's to get started. My first project was a pair of pj bottoms that is actually a pair of summer pants but whatever, I made them out of very cute kitty material and they fit so that's all that matters. My second project was a cute summer top from Simplicity that of course I had to choose a difficult material to start with but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am one that can not conform to the norm in a class, I always make it more challenging, just like my golf game, but that's another story.

NOW, my top that I made came out and actually can be worn; however, I made the wrong size so my BFF was the recipient of my second sewing project--she was kind enough to accept it, but not quite sure if she has worn--if not, no worries I wouldn't blame her it wasn't perfect.

Here's how it came out--maybe she'll be kind enough to show it off so I can post a picture of on a model

Oh yeah and I made this for my niece:

(like my feet in this pic *hehehe)

Well, I have a few more projects cut out and ready to sew so that's on my project list too. One project at a time!

My first memory mini album

2007-12-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

So, I have created my first memory book inspired by Shirley. She had created one for her youngest son, Erik, of his school pictures. Since all the kids I know aren't in school yet I thought it would be a good idea for the grandmas to have baby pictures; therefore, being a fancy brag book for them. I created this for a friend of mine based on her granddaughter. Plus I am starting another one for her newborn grandson. These kids are her life and after the first of the year they will be moving far away from her, so I thought she would love to have this. All she has to do is add their pictures to each slot according to their age.

I will be making many of these for my mom and sister.

The other project I have started for another friend of mine who has gone through a lot of changes with her family this year--children graduating, children moving out, etc. She has sent me numerous pictures of their adventures this year and I thought a perfect way to remind her of those special times would be with her own special memory book---here's a sneak peak.

Now I have to finish creating the pages to insert--trust me there will plenty of pages in here. Hopefully, I will have this one done by next week.

The Beginning of this New Craziness

2007-11-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I keep being told by Shirley (my BFF) that I need a blog....."why?" I ask. Ok, let me start off by saying that I am actually a blog lurker. I read several blogs on a regular basis but yet typically never respond or comment. Some of these blogs get SO many responses I figure they can't remember us all so I will just enjoy reading about them. BUT I guess it's only fair that I now share--even though I have a pretty boring life--typically nothing exciting goes on in this household.

I have been inspired by several of these bloggers as well as my BFF--I always tell her "I thought I was the creative one" BUT boy was I wrong. She does some incredible things. I am very envious of her work as well as all of your creative souls out there.

WELL, I spent the day with Shirl' this last week and "created" all afternoon SO in the end she gave me the "bug" well, actually she "inspired" me.......I have now copied her and created my own craft room (not as grand as hers, but a start). BTW, YES, that is a CriCut--my newest toy, compliments of BFF, Shirley. I have already scoped out more cartridges that I want--she included 4! I tried showing off my new toy to my DH but as Shirley said--"they don't understand!" So true, so true!

This last Saturday I spent a crazy afternoon in Joann's shopping up a storm for several projects on my list. Actually I always have "projects"--I shop for them and never seem to get to them. Let's see I have taken a knitting class, crochet class, then Sewing Class I and II and have dabbled with "scrapping," not in the sense of these grand pages created by the wonderful design teams out there, but have done my share of pages for my niece's album, as well as created cards and now invitations by hand. SO what the heck--let's get crazy with everyone else.

Here's my most recent "project" that I finished tonight--hand-made invitations for my husband's office party that we will be hosting at our home this December. Pardon my photography, I need to perfect the close-up shots for my projects.

Actually these are my second set of hand-made invitations--my first were for my sister's baby shower a few months ago--check these out:

Well, let me share with all of you how I do create in another art form........I am also a manicurist. One of my specialities is "colored acrylic," so I will share my latest creation that I am currently wearing for the holidays. Keep in mind I do not airbrush, paint or use pre-made tips--this is all created from colored acrylic as well as objects such as dried flowers, real crushed shells, etc.......enjoy!

Ok, that's it for my first entry of my new blog. I look forward to more projects, more insirations as well as more blog entries! Thanks!