Monday, December 28, 2009

My Christmas Haul!

Did everyone have a good Christmas? I sure did! I was sick the entire week before and up until Christmas Eve. I am still keeping my hubby awake but feeling much better. My mom and dad spoiled me with a bunch of Christmas goodies! I am itching to play with all of them!!! My sister-in-law also gave me the Sizzix Texture Boutique and the Fabulous Finds Cricut Cartridge. Yay! Check out what else I got!



I hope you like my haul. It is the last one for a while so savor it! Now I have to get busy using all my new products. I will be filming as I experiment with them and use what is in my stash.

What was your favorite gift??

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 12

So, the last day of my Christmas Fun Series! First I thought I would share all of the different cards I made this season. Some I did on the blog, others on my own. Here are pictures of the ones I did not show. The snowman card was made with a sweet treat cup from Stampin Up and was inspired by a lady on Youtube. I forget who but just search sweet treat cup snowman and you should find her. I show pictures with ans without marshmellows. There is a little tag on the inside that pulls out to reveal the marshmellows without ruining the card! I got a call from my Nephews today (they each got one!) and they LOVED them!








Want more great examples of the great talent out there? Well, here is a card I made from a cricut cut file I got from the Cricut community board. There are great ladies there making amazing creations free for everyone to use! I found this tool box using only the George cartridge! Amazing! I don't remember who made it but Thank you!



I am so glad we made it through the Christmas Fun Series! I had fun! Hope you liked it! Thanks for visiting my blog and thank you for watchign! I ask only 1 thing...Please comment more in 2010!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 11

Here is a great idea I learned from Jenn at the Scrap Beach community! I think it is a great way to keep track of what dies you have, where they are, and the size. Thank you Jenn!

I also wanted to play with all my new Tim Holtz Distress Inks! I decided to do the same technique so I would have a reference sample. This way I can take this to the store to match papers with the inks exactly. It;s great to have on hand to tell which color works best. I wanted to show all 3 things I normally do with the inks. I used the ink blending tool, the mini mister droplet technique and direct to paper inking. A distress color wheel - Fun!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 10




Here is a great Christmas card. I love the Merrymint paper! I love the gingerbread man and all the layers. The Martha Stewart bakers twine is so versatile! Love it! It turned out Sweet! Only 2 days left of the Christmas Fun Series. I have 2 great tips for tomorrow!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Christmas Day 9

I have a haul for you today! Some of it is from Sissix, AC Moore, Two Peas and Jenn's Beach buy! I got some great deals! My next haul video will be my Christmas Haul!


I also have to tell you all some very sad news. I have decided to stop watching haul videos and shopping unless necessary. It is one of my New Year's Resolutions. I really have to create with all the goodies I have bought before I go buy more. I was talking with Kathryn and she said the best way to succeed is to stop watching hauls videos and warehouse walks. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 8



Here is simple, quick Christmas card! I used the same ink as cardstock to create a tone on tone effect. Almost like a watermark. I used some Stickles to add some interest and sparkle. I actually loved how simple and classic this card came out! I hope you like it.

Can you believe only 4 more days of Christmas fun? Only 9 days till Christmas! The days are getting shorter and my to do list is getting bigger by the day! How are you doing with your Holiday To Do List.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 7

Today I am sharing a project I made with my Mom for her recipe swap. She had to make (15) 6 x 6 recipe layout. Her recipe was Oriental Broccoli Salad and so we decided to go with the Oriental theme. I think it came out super cute! Check out the video below



It was really fun to scrap with my mom. We had fun scrapping, listening to Christmas music and trying to keep Finn out of the trash bin. I also managed to pull out my Cricut to make a few snowflakes for a Christmas Character display I have. See the picture below!
Stay tuned for another card tomorrow!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 6

OK, so I had a few blog mistakes yesterday! I posted the right video in the wrong post! I have corrected it and will re-post the 6x6 recipe layout post with the video in a day or two! Make sure to check out the last post that actually goes with the Snowman Soup post! Sorry - I had a blogblock yesterday!

For today, the real day 6! I show my new Sissix dies cut chipboard with my Cuttlebug! Anna @ the scrap beach community was unaware you could do such a thing. After looking it up on youtube I saw that there was no such video showing that this is possible! How can it be! I decided it was my duty to share, plus I get to play with my new toys! FUN! I am so excited to be able to cut my albums and paper so the fit perfectly without the need to trim with a craft knife! I can make an album so much quicker now! Well, watch and see! I will show pictures of the completed cat mini ornament as soon as I finish it.
C


These would also be great for coasters, just cover with ModPodge and it is sealed! Fun, quick, and inexpensive gift idea for neighbors or stocking stuffers!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 5

Warning: MOM & DAD Don't watch this video, don't read any further! As you are getting one of these presents, close your eyes...No peaking till Christmas!!!


Ok, everyone else, get ready for a whole bunch of cute! I had my nephew's (Nate 4yrs old, Evan 2yrs old) over this weekend and Dave and I made Snowman soup with them. I forgot to start the video until after the stamping and glittering was done but I still got a few cute moments. My hubby was so adorable with the boys! It went very well, the kids seemed to have fun. Of course the mass amounts of marshmallows didn't hurt!

The details: We used jars from Ikea $2.99 for 4 jars. 1/3 cup of hot cocoa mix, lots of mini Hershey kisses, lots of mini marshmallows and a mini candy cane. I rewrote the peom to make it a bit more special and kid appropriate. The boys used a snowman stamp from Studio G, stamped in Stazon ink. Then they used a zig 2 way glue pen and Martha Stewart crystal fine glitter.

Extra bonus: If you watch the video, you will learn how reindeer fly! Those boys are seriously too adorable for words!

Friday, December 11, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 4

Here is another Christmas card! It came out super cute! I love the houses and the sentiment on the stamp.





I hope you are having fun decorating and getting ready for the Holidays. I have been busy! I decided to go with white lights on my Christmas tree this year. A huge decision for me! I have always had a "Fun" tree! Colored lights, silver tinsel, funky ornaments. Even when my Mom decided she wanted a boring tree with white lights, red bows & gold ornaments. I made my parents put up a second tree decorated the fun way! Yes, I was a bit spoiled and got my way.

I knew things would have to change this year because the multi-colored lights would clash with our red accent wall in the living room. I decided I would try the white lights but would not budge on the funky ornaments. I think it came out awesome! Last year I strung red, green and white puff balls on string and made my own garland. It still has a funky flare that tells my life story with ornaments I made in 3rd grade and the my first pair of glasses. I just love the tree and next to the fireplace with the stockings hung on the mantel, it looks like a christmas card. I love it! I never thought I would have such a picturesque house. It is all so exciting.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Christmas Fun day 3

Hey everyone! It has been quite a day! One of our installers had his apartment flooded by sprinklers for no reason. The apartment complex told him he had to move all of his stuff out by tonight or they would throw it out. All because he did not have renters' insurance. He doesn't have any friends or family to help out so my dad, my Hubby and I went to help him move into a new apartment. Did we have to, no, but if you can't go out of your way for someone in need at this time of year, then what good is Christmas spirit.

I was planning on filming a Cuttlebug video but it will have to wait till tomorrow. I was also supposed to decorate the tree, but again that will be tomorrow.

I do have some Christmas fun for you today. Another Card!! I hope you like it and I'll have more fun tomorrow, either another card or the Cuttlebug video.






Thank you so much for watching!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 2



Ok, so now you can see the Christmas Fun Days might not be consecutive. They will be fun though! Here I create a card with an adorable kitty hanging on a tree. Finn loves to do this, so this card is especially perfect! I used Martha Stewart crystal fine glitter which helped take the card to the next level. I really hope you like it!



Stay tuned for more Christmas fun!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Christmas Fun Day 1

So, I have decided to share some of my Christmas projects. I will show some in videos and some with pictures. There will be cards, a planner, gifts, etc. Here is the first:

My first homemade Christmas card! I used a stamp from Stampin up, Bazzill Kraft cardstock, Stampin up from the Earth Elements collection, and Stampin up inks. I hope you like it. it was inspired from a card made by Stamp with Heather ages ago. Thanks Heather!

Stay tuned for more Christmas fun!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

TWS Christmas Tag Swap

So here are the tags I made for a Christmas Tag Swap on the Scrap beach community. I tried to recreate a tag Tim Holtz made on his 12 tags of Christmas blog. I fell in love with this snowman tag. I found a snowman in an Inkadinkado stamp set called Ornate Christmas. I love him. So cute and the scarf is amazing! I did some embossing, painting and resist. And boy did it RESIST me!!! I had a total screw up when I decided to follow the directions! Really, I should know better! I ended up having to redo all of the tags but in the end they turned out beautiful. It was super fun and I hope you like it! As an added gift to you I filmed my mistake and included it in a Part 2 adventure video called My big blooper mistake! I give you the gift of laughter!I hope you enjoy it!





What was your biggest mistake on a project and how did you fix it?

My fix: Trash!

Thanks for watching!

Next up on the blog: Christmas cards and a cool idea for Stampin Up Sweet Treat cups!

~Amy

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme






TodaysMama and Provo Craft are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.




1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year?
Cricut expression
Ikea kitchen rods
A new couch
A acorn free lawn
Bind-it-all

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received?
A necklace my nephew made me

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle?
A year of scrapbook pages for my sister in law

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child?
a Nintendo

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year?
Don't have kids yet, soon but not quite yet!

6. What is your favorite holiday food?
green bean casserole

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays?
christmas cards, christmas mini albums, scrapbook for sister-in-law

8. What is your favorite holiday movie?
Elf

9. Favorite holiday song?
Baby it's cold outside (Barenaked ladies)

10. Favorite holiday pastime?
Shopping on christmas eve with my dad



Want to see those prizes in more detail? Click here.



To enter to win all these cool prizes below simply answer the questions in this meme, make sure to post links back to TodaysMama.com and Provo Craft (use this link: http://bit.ly/4ikY3c ) and tag your friends!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Stampin Up Haul

Hi everyone! I have a haul from dollarscrapbooking.net, Staples and Stampin Up! I am so excited about these purchases! I can't wait to use them!

This is my last haul of the year! I am officially on a buying freeze until 2010. Of course I will show you what I receive from the Beach buy Jenn is hosting and any Christmas presents I receive.

I am busy creating my Christmas tags, Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, Christmas minis...There aren't enough hours!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Another Haul!!!

I know, I have been a bit bad lately. I have this haul and one more on the way, just waiting for the shipment to come in. I am done spending though until after Christmas! OK, enough justification...onto the fun! I went to Michael's and got a few things. I got some great things, a few awesome deals and a great idea. All in all a great trip to the craft store!



My hubby repainted my scraproom today and we are putting the final coat tomorrow. It looks SO much better! I can't wait to get back in there to create. I have some Christmas tags I need to make for a swap. I will be filming it so look for that later this week. I have to wait a bit for the awesome wall unit. My dad has decided to give it to us as a gift for our future baby. No, I'm not pregnant!! Not for a bit. He is just giving the gift a bit early so I can use it for scrapbooking! Unfortunately, he wants to wait until after the open house and take the time to do it right. I will show my new scraproom color but you will have to wait for the magical wall unit for a bit longer! Sorry! I will show what it looks like in the new color though!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Mini Haul!

Hey everyone! I went to Jo-Ann fabric store and got a few things and thoguht I would film a mini haul! I got a great deal on sticky strip from Jody @ http://confessionsofaribbonaddict.blogspot.com/ thanks to Bona's recommendation. Thanks Bona! Jody is a great seller! Shipping was only $5 and shipped out super fast! Great deal!!!

Anyway, enjoy and I can't wait to show you what I plan to cut with my new blade!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Halloween Photo Wallet

Hi everyone! I saw Stephanie from With a Grin make a small photo wallet from one 12 x 12 piece of patterned paper. I thought it was awesome so I had to try it. I decided it would be a great inexpensive gift for my sister-in-law's birthday! I made her this wallet so she could show off my adorable nephews' halloween costumes. Too adorable!

After filming this video I added an eyelet with a ribbon and tied it to the binder clip. This way when you release the closure it won't get lost. I also added a black prima flower and brad (like the one I had on a spooky album tag). On the brad I added a tiny key with a couple jump rings. It really took the photo wallet to a new level and made it super cute! Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture or film a revised video. I guess you will just have to picture it!



I have also included the video of the tutorial I used to make this awesome homemade item. It is like a mini travel mini album! This is a super easy and inexpensive gift for the holidays! Give it a try! I would love to see what you come up with!

Friday, October 30, 2009

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Happy Halloween everyone! To celebrate I thought I would share the completed Spooky album with you! I really hope my swap partner, Mary, likes it! I am super proud of the way it came out! It was so much fun to make! I am not a Halloween person but through the creation of this mini - I became a fan!

Some info: I mainly used Target $1.00 paper pack and $1 mat stack. I used We are Memories extra large black eyelets on every page to re-enforce the holes. I used 2 round coasters for the inserts. I went to the dollar store for some cool Halloween accents. All in all - I think the mini probably cost around $10 total to make and most of that is from the ribbon. I hope you enjoy the finished product and maybe it will inspire you to get spooky this Halloween.



**What is your favorite candy for Halloween? (Kid: Mike and Ike's, Adult: Snickers)
**Which candy did you get trick-or-treating and either throw away or trade? (Good n' plenty or junior mints)

Monday, October 26, 2009

Pink Minis for the Cure

Speaking of Laura Denison - She is hosting a silent auction on Saturday, October 31, 2009 - November 7 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She has enlisted many great scrappers to take a Pink kit and make mini albums for breast cancer. She is auctioning these amazing creations to raise money for the cure! All proceeds from the silent auction will go to the Susan G. Komen for a Cure Foundation through their Passionatly Pink for a Cure event program.

The pictures of all the Pink Minis will go up on her blog HERE on Halloween adn the bidding will begin! Bidding will end at 6 pm Pacific Time on November 7th. High bidders will be notified after Nov. 7th. They will then go to the event web page set up at the Susan G. Komen Foundation "Passioantely Pink for a Cure" site to make a donation in the amount of their bid. High bidders will receive the mini from the creator as a thank you for their donation! If you want to make a donation you can also do that at the website. The website address is:
http://www.info-komen.org/goto/pink-minis

PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!

To get more people involved she has offered some blog candy to spread the word. Please check out the auction! You never know what goodies you can get for an amazing cause!

Spooky Pocket Page

Hey everyone! Today is have videos showing how I put together the Four pocket page for my Spooky TWS swap album. I learned how to make this type of page from Laura Denison(http://FollowingThePaperTrail.blogspot.com), she is a HUGELY talented woman. She did a tutorial on this and I knew I had to try it. I am sure most of you have either seen this or tried it yourselves. It was SO easy! I love this page and will definitely be incorporating them into a lot of my minis in the future! I hope you enjoy it!

Coming up next in this video series, I'll show the completed album!



Sunday, October 25, 2009

Spooky Album inserts

I was so super excited for these pages. I got the idea from a card made be Kristina Werner for the Year in Cards series at twopeasinabucket.com. I could see it right away - an apple instead of a pumpkin or a Jack o Lantern. I knew when I saw the theme of Spooky for the TWS swap I knew these were perfect. I love how they turned out.

I used a few resources for this mini. I used this free card template from Two Peas and altered it to fit my needs. I used Free paper piecings from scrapbooksetc.com for a skeleton, haunted house and candy. I used these as embellishments and they are awesome! There are great free templates, images and more that are there free just waiting to be incorporated in a mini! I hope you like these page inserts. Stay tuned for a pocket page and the review of the whole album. Coming Soon!



Friday, October 23, 2009

Spooky Page 1

So here I create the first page of my TWS spooky album. I love how this page turned out. I make some custom tags and do some distressing. I hope you like these videos! Next I will show how I make the cool insert pages so stay tuned for that video on Sunday!

I hope you all have a great weekend!



Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Spooky Cover

I am involved in my first mini album swap! It is for the Trade Wind Scrappers swap hosted by Kathryn at the Life at the Scrap Beach Community (See the side button). This month's theme is "Feelin' Spooky". So much fun! I am making 2 albums at the same time because I intend to either keep one or give it someone in my family. I am using the paper I got at Target in the dollar section. I hope you like this first video in the series.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

A HUGE Thank you!

This post is dedicated to a great person! Leslie has been with me from the beginning. She is super nice and very loyal. We chat about TV and crafting, both which we LOVE! Being the kind generous person she is...She sent me a thank you / housewarming gift and I had to make a video showing he goodies she was kind enough to give me. I was so touched! She's super sweet and very talented. She is a Stampin' up demonstrator and has a great blog! Her website is www.creativepzazz.com and her blog is creativepzazz.blogspot.com Please check her out!

Leslie - Thank you so much! I Love everything and love chatting with you! I am so happy you found your way to my blog. Thank you for everything!



Always,
Amy

Friday, October 9, 2009

Finn Friday!!

I was looking through my old Flip videos the other day and came across this one of Finn rolling around in catnip flowers. We srpinkles catnip and fcatnip flowers on the table and he went Nuts. It was so super cute I had to share it. Maybe now you guys will believe me when I say he's a terror. He is playing/attacking his kitty. When I first decided I need to get a kitten my mother gave me this beany baby gray and white kitten with a pink bow. When we went to the animal shelter and saw Finn (a gray and white boy kitten) it was like fate!

He loves this thing. He sleeps with her, bites her even cleans her. He has loved her since day one, when he was actually the same size as her. It is too cute and I hope you enjoy the video!

P.S. - It also shows the durability of beany babies because he has had this one for 5 years and as you can see she takes a beating and has never ripped (knock on wood!).

Enjoy your Finn Friday video!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Mini Hauls ~ Great deals!

Hey everyone! I have a bunch of little hauls today all lumped into one. I recently went to Target, JoAnn's and Michaels! I found a few things I hadn't seen before! I start my TWS October swap today. (Trade Wind Scrappers - Life's a scrapbeach community). I will be filming pieces of it but you will have to wait till my partner Mary receives it before I share it with you! However a sneak peek at some of the supplies can be seen here. Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A Simple Thank you Card

Hey everyone! I am back! Sorry I haven't posted in a bit but I have been super busy! What with the house, people coming to see the house, our "Welcome to Home ownership" problems, and new TV shows, I have been swamped! I made a bunch of Thank you cards at my crop club this past weekend. I thought I would share one of the more popular super simple cards with you! I finally broke out my brand new Cuttlebug and LOVE it!!! I hope you like the card!



Coming up soon:
a couple of haul videos (including Christmas paper!)
a TWS (scrapbeach swap) mini album, theme: Spooky.
a few Halloween cards
My first house mini album - Part 1

I think by listing out what is coming soon it gives me a To Do List and a push to complete things!

Thanks for watching!

Amy

Monday, September 21, 2009

Fall TV is Back Baby!

Yeah! I am very excited! My Tivo is working overtime this week as all the new shows are premiring! I am most excited to see House as a patient, the Big Bang Theory, I miss Sheldon so much! I can't wait to see the opening "Super Intense" line delivered by Horatio on CSI: Miami, I am all ready to "Suit up" with Barney on How I met your Mother. As you can tell, I have been waiting for this all summer! Sad but true!

If anyone wants to now when their favorite tv shows are premiring or you just want to chat about what's going on this season...let me know! I am know by my family as a walking tv guide.

Don't judge!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Tim Holtz and New Scraproom

OK, here it is...as promised!! I am all moved in. Boxes are basically gone! I show you what I made at my Tim Holtz classes! I had so much fun and learned A LOT!! I can't wait to share some of what I learned and if you see something you want me to share let me know! I called Tim the Willy Wonka of Scrapbooking! He liked that and I made him laugh! He was such a great teacher and I had a blast!! Check out the videos of what I made along with a mini tour of my new Scraproom!





More great stuff to come soon once I get a light!!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

All Moved in!

So, we are all moved into our new house! Everything went smoothly with the move and we are now up to our ears in boxes! Isn't it crazy when you see how much stuff you really own?!? It was such an amazing feeling to sit on our deck with a drink and think, "Wow, this is OUR home!" Awesome!

Funny Cat Story ~

So, Finn was a bit upset about the move. He sat in his litter box for a good 10 minutes meowing until I dragged him out and showed him his cat tower (Something familiar). He was a bit traumatized and didn't come out of the office 6 1/2 hours. He then slowly began to poke his head out and eventually began to sniff and explore the whole house. He loves the stairs and barrels up and down them like a maniac! After he was in the house for a day and 1/2, we thought it was safe to introduce him to the basement. He went down 3 stairs and turned and jumped over the duck work and was running over the insulation in the ceiling of the basement. It was crazy! It was like he knew this spot existed. I certainly didn't see it or think after 3 seconds he would find it! We had to run and get stools to stand on - rip down the insullation and pull him out as he clung to the ceiling for dear life! It took 5 minutes to get him down! I swear never a dull moment with that cat!

Other than that excitement, not much going on except hanging rods and pictures, unpacking boxes and settling in. I think I may have underestimated how long it would take to get my scraproom in order. That has to be one of the last rooms I do and I can't wait to get in there! Motviation to get cracking everywhere else!

I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Bonus Video!!!

Here is what I received from the color swap at my crop club. There were 19 people participating in this swap. We each had to make 19 bags filled with roughly 50 cents of product in our designated color. It was super fun to see what everyone came up with! Check it out! I also show how I finished up my moving card AND a small haul! Not bad for a bonus video huh??

What is your favorite color?



House Update:
We closed on Monday the 31st. Everything went smoothly. We bought a bottle of champagne and my sweet husband, Dave, carried me over the threshold. It was a great moment as we sat in OUR new (empty) home. It hasn't really hit home yet and probably won't until we sleep there for the first time on Sunday. We have been going every night to bring some things and paint an accent wall red in the living room. We move on Sunday and couldn't be more excited! I can't wait to show you the place in a video/pictures.

Amazing Butterfly album blog candy!

You will not believe how beautiful this butterfly album is! Laura makes them herself! She is giving away blog candy, a kit to make this amazing album! Check out her blog candy to find out how to win. Click HERE and her video for the album below.



Awesome right??? I was blown away by her creativity!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

New Blog Candy!

Check out the link for awesome blog candy and to give support to a new blogger! To find out more click HERE!! I just figured out how to link! Wow! Thanks to both Leslie and Kathryn for teaching me how! AWESOME!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

New giveaway details!

Check out the giveaway! I heard of this from Tiffany at stampingattiffanys.blogspot.com!! She is promoting her favorite Etsy store! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6915163 This store is "owned" by Sue who is offering FREE SHIPPING on all new customers. Please stop by her store and visit her blog as well! http://www.suesfabulouslife.blogspot.com/ If you post about sue's etsy store on your blog you will be entered in a chance to win some items from her store a bottle of mist (color to be determined) a package of tattered angels halloween bingo cards and a pack of jenni bowlin mini bingo cards. Please include a link to your site! I tried to but I haven't figured out how yet. I did post the address so hopefully that counts!
Also if you make a purchase by friday You will be entered twice! a winner will be chosen live on friday the 28th. (comments alone are not entered in the giveaway you have to post about hr store and this giveaway on your blog!)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

On the Move

OK, here is probably the last video for a while. I wanted to share the cards I made at crop club this month. I had a lot of fun making them and would love to know what you think. I think I might add some yellow stickles for the rays of the sun. I refuse to finish them and send them out until I have the keys to the new house in my hands!

I have packed up my whole scrap space (So sad!) and have to take a break on the blog front for a while. I have to finish packing, move, and set up My NEW Scrap room!!! I plan to return with a bang though! I will film a video in my new scrap room on September 13th! Why that date you ask? Well, that is when I will share my Tim Holtz experience! I can't wait and will see you then! I'll miss you and you never know I might still post something if I have time. Maybe I'll have time to share what I received from the color swap!

See you soon! I'll miss you! Look out for me though b/c if I have a free minute I will be checking out all of your websites. i am currently obsessed with the Life on the Scrap Beach community! Check out the link on the right side of my blog to join in on the fun!

~Amy

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Color swap

This month at my Cabana Crop club we had a color swap. I had never heard of such a thing but I had a blast making my swap. Check out the video to see both my swap and my mother's swap. There is a cameo by Finn as well! Enjoy!

What might you do for a color swap??

Monday, August 24, 2009

I Love Peachy Cheap!!

I admit it! I just received my package from Peachy Cheap and I am so excited! I ordered the Grab bag for $10. Check out what I got. Make sure to check them out. It is part of my daily routine. They are fabulous! Love them!

Amy

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Crop Club

I have my crop club Saturday and I thought I would film a few videos. The next few posts will deal with what I bring to a crop, the challenge for this month and will conclude with me showing you some of the cards I made/ packing up my scraproom for the Big Move! I hope you enjoy them!

I have only been to one crop since I started scrapbooking. The first time I went I had no idea what to bring. I had just watched a video that Kathryn had made on her life's a scrap beach blog. She showed how she makes page kits. I thought that was a great idea and made one for Nate's car mini album. It really helped.

I have double the trouble while packing because I am packing for me and my mother! We share a bunch of supplies and so trying to fit everything can be interesting to say the least. I remember thinking, "Wow, these people are going to think I am super crazy to be bringing so much stuff!" I was beyond wrong. We probably had the least amount of everyone and we were two people. They had a drop off area for goodness sake! Some ladies took 3 trips before they were done!

I didn't use much of what I brought but you never know! This time at crop I will be making We've moved cards. I think this will require less things than a mini album but you'll have to watch the video to see what I pack. P.S. Try not to make fun of my cherry PJ's!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Hey everyone! I am up to my ears in boxes and packing! I swear it is the worst part of moving! I am a pack rat and find it very hard to give things away. But Melissa has no trouble. Check out her great giveaway on her blog:

http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2009/08/lets-give-somethings-awayjust-because.html

I am sorry I haven't posted in a while but as you can imagine things are CRAZY! We are set to close on my 30th birthday, August 31st and move on September 6th. I have my Cabana crop club this weekend and will be packing my tote along with ALL my scrap stuff! I will probably get 2 more videos in before the move but my blog will be on hiatus until September 13th. More on this later! New video coming on Sunday! See you then!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Cheer Up Mini Album!!

I am really happy with this album. I was inspired in a different way this time. My good friend is going through a tough time right now. Her dad is really sick and she is at the hospital a lot. I had asked a few times if there was anything I could do to help. Nothing was the reply. I really wanted to do something for her and her family and a thinking of you card was just not enough. So I turned to scrapbooking and I decided I would send them a smile.

That was the inspiration. If I get one smile on her face it will be well worth the time, which is very short these days with the house stuff. I wanted the theme to be family but cheerful! I wanted bright colors, words of family, love and home. Her husband is a photographer so he can provide beautiful pictures and while she is at the hospital she can fill in the journaling with her mom. It will give them something else to do and maybe cheer them up a bit.

I used the DCWV Citrus Matstack and coasters from a bar.

Let me know what you think and any suggestions regarding future ribbon/fiber choices.

Still Here!

Yes, I am still here! I have been super busy! We have gone through the home inspection and are nearing the closing date! OMG! It's all happening! We have started packing and putting items toward a yard sale. My scrap area has been taken over with boxes and bags making it hard for me to create! However I have been working on a small mini album for one of my friends who is going through tough times right now. I wanted to cheer her up and thought a mini might do it! I am almost done it and will film a video on that soon (a day or two).

I am planning on making "We've Moved!" cards at my scrap club this month and will show you those when I am done also. I am trying to keep up with the blog during this stressful and busy time so please keep coming back! I will do my best to have at least 1 video a week!


****ALSO CHECK OUT BLOG CANDY ON STEPHANIE'S BLOG @ withagrin.blogspot.com!!! She is giving away the cutest paper bag mini album that she made! Super Cute!!!******


Any suggestions for packing scrap supplies so they don't get damaged or lost?

Any ideas for "We've Moved" cards????

Amy

Monday, August 3, 2009

Yes, Another car album!

I had told you I needed to make two of these car albums for my nephews' birthdays. Here is the second one! I wanted to use most of the same embellishments given they were car inspired and I am cheap. I did think the best way to make it looking different and I thought that was with paper. I found a great paper pack from K & Company called Road Trip that really helped make this one unique. Though the individual page layouts were similar I still think you can tell the difference. I think it turned out great and Nate really liked it.

You will see how I "designed" the front cover of the album in a new way. I think I am done with car albums for a while but I had a lot of fun with these!

Let me know which album you liked best, Evan's (first one) or Nate's (this one)!!?? I am curious.

BIG NEWS!!

Dave and I are under contract on our very first home!!!! We are so excited and if everything goes well with the inspection, we are set to close August 31st!!! My birthday!!! What a present huh? It's all happening! We are showing the place to the parents today and we are super excited!!! Wow, I am using a lot of exclamation points in this post huh?!? As you can tell we are psyched and I have been preparing my mini album from the beginning.

When we first decided to start looking at houses I went tot Michaels and got the house shaped mini albums from their dollar section. I got 3 just in case. I took pictures of the mortgage lady (she was thrilled) and our Realtor. i had him take pictures of us signing our offer and I journalled throughout the experience (like a diary) so I can then edit and pull what I want to use when I make the album. I am planning on taking pictures of the painting, closing, moving, and a few pictures of when we are all moved in. Maybe the last picture will be from our first Christmas. I am so excited to scrapbook this next HUGE step in our lives.

Given that everything is going to happen so quickly, my posts might be a bit more scattered. I will do my best to keep on top of it and find things to show on the blog, pictures and a few videos. Just don't give up on my blog because I plan to show the mini album being made in its entirety in MY NEW SCRAPROOM!! Yes, our house has 4 bedrooms and with no little ones yet, I will have my very own scraproom...a whole room! I am beyond excited and can't wait to share this large new step with all of you!

Any advice for scraproom colors, ideas, housing tips, moving tips, realy anything that could help me feel free to share!?!?!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

My butterfly kisses blog candy!

Check out this new blog candy from Arlene at My Butterfly Kisses! She is celebrating her 1 year blog with a great candy!!! Also check out her blog because she is great. She has great videos, projects and pictures!

My link is not working for some reason (I tried 3 times) but just go to

www.butterflykisseswithlove.blogspot.com

She is great!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Watch me try something new!

Join me as I try alcohol inks for the very first time! I wanted to color some of the metal elements for my new mini car album. Also, I decided I should probably have at least touched alcohol inks before I go to my Exploring alcohol inks class with Tim Holtz. Probably should try it before I explore it right?

I also played a bit and tried the alcohol inks on some things I had lying around and was pleasantly surprised at how good they turned out and how easy! I show a great way to make your own colored staples. I am now imagining all different types I can make, multicolored, green with yellows, reds and oranges...limitless and cheap!!! I love learning new techniques and trying new things with them.

What is a new technique you have tried lately and what were your results?

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Staples...who knew!

I just went to Staples with my rewards dollars and cleaned up! I love the new clips I got. You should definitely go check it out! You won't be sorry!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

More wedding!

OK, so I FINALLY did another Wedding Album page. I had to take a break and try some other things because I was losing momentum and interest. For a while all I was doing was wedding, wedding, wedding! That album has so much meaning and is so important to me that I was feeling pressure. I want it to look great and so I'm super picky about what papers I allow myself to use and how I embellish. I was losing the fun! I just wanted to scrap something bright red, orange and silly for a while. I really needed this fun break while making my nephew's gifts. I got to reboot creatively and now I am back to the wedding with new found enthusiasm!

The paper I used for these Dance pages is the Kaiser Craft Spirograph collection in Phase. I love the circles! I matted the photos on Bazzil cardstock. As Finn points out I cut pictures into circles with my circle cutter adn then cut out circles of the Bazzil for mats. The flowers are from decapitated dollar flowers from Walmart. The accordion album was one I had made a long time ago. (If you would like to see me make one of those on the blog just let me know! They are super simple and super cute!) I still have to add journaling and a fancy title.

I need your help! What should I title this page layout? I have such trouble finding titles, especially for the wedding album! All I can think of is Dances, dancing circles or Do you want to dance? Any other suggestions?

What element do you struggle with?

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Who Me? cat card

Here I create an adorable card for a cat's birthday I am going to. I had so much fun making this card. How often do you have a pet birthday party to attend? I took the opportunity to use a few new stamp sets I had bought for Finn's mini album. I changed the card up a few times because I kept getting better ideas. I love the final result! We are giving the birthday boy Dale, the card and a bouquet of catnip. I made the wrap for the catnip bouquet by taking a piece of 9 x 9 cardstock and stamping the paw print stamp all over it then wrapping it around a bunch of catnip. It came out cute! I hope he likes it and I hope you like the card!










Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Clear Stamp Tip

Here I show you a new thing I am doing with my clear stamps. I am always looking for better ways to store scrapbook items. Right now I have clear stamps in cd cases which I like when the sets fit. I have others in a binder with clear sleeves, but I think the sleeves are too flimsy. Now, I have a few sets in large clip-it-up bags. I just bought a few to try it and so far I like them. I don't have a clip-it-up but I like how thick and sturdy the bags are and they fit Stampendous and Inkadinkadoo stamps quite well. Also, I may add a rod under my ribbon rod for clip-it-up bags. The bracket has 3 holes for rods as you can see in my scraproom video and I am thinking of adding a rod and clipping to that.

How do you store your clear stamps?

How are you appreciated?

I was asked how my family liked the "Car" mini album and I thought it was a great opportunity to share one of the reasons I scrapbook. I love to make others happy. I have always enjoyed gift giving. I do my best to find a great gift that others wouldn't think of and that the recipient will really love. Scrapbooking and crafts in general have helped me do that because the people my life really seem to appreciate the time and work I put into these projects. Here is one of the BEST Thank you's I have received. It was from my sister-in-law, Patty, for the mini album I gave my nephew. It is a great thank you not only because she thought I did a nice job but because she wants to keep it as a memory of Evan's interests at the age of 2. Here is an excerpt from her thank you. You'll see what I mean.

'My favorite gifts though, are the room sign and the car book. They are so special. It’s unbelievable how much time you have put into them. Having gotten my own tutorial, I can really appreciate all the detailed work and effort. Evan and I have enjoyed reading the car book together—he really gets a kick out of seeing himself. And he likes to touch the key and traffic light and raised paper—quite a tactile experience! It is such a nice keepsake for him—one that I and he will cherish. It really captures this moment of time in his life and his passions. You did a wonderful job—so creative and colorful. I like how you used the colors in the picture to complete the page but still maintained the theme throughout—everything down to the ‘road’ ribbon. Unbelievable. We hung up the room, I mean, vroom sign and we just love it.'

She is one great with words and might have over sold my album a bit but I was touched by her words of thanks and I am so happy that she and Evan loved it! That makes the 6+ hours worth it!

Note: I asked her if she wanted me to remove the metal pieces when I gave her the album and she said no. She said she would only use it as a book they look at together at bedtime and that way there was no danger.

What was your best Thank you for something you created?

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Tim Holtz

Guess what??? I just got into 2 classes with Tim Holtz at Ink It Up in MA!!!!! I am sooo excited! You had to register for the class and registration began today at 5pm. I was so excited, in fact, that I took a 1/2 day off work so I could be there early enough to ensure placement into the classes I wanted.

I got there at 2pm and strolled around the store for 10 minutes before admitting I was there 3 hours in advance to sign up for the class. After exchanging looks of "Wow, this girl is a bit crazy!" I took my place outside as #1, first person in line!!! I was joined about 20 minutes later by a nice woman who kept me company and took some of the crazy off me.

The women at the shop were so nice. They came out and brought the people in line lemonade, water and cookies! How sweet!

It was totally worth it because, on September 11, I will be attending the "Exploring Alcohol Inks" class and, on September 12th, I will attend the "Patchwork Pandemonium" both taught by the amazing Tim Holtz!!

I can't wait and you can be sure I will have loads of pictures and techniques to share when I return.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Scrapbook Haul - Big Lots, Staples, Dollarscrapbooking.net!!!

Hi everyone! I wanted to share some of the awesome new things I picked up recently.

Anyway, Everything here cost less than $5!!! I just received an order I placed with dollarscrapbooking.net. I love that website! I also wanted to show you some interesting things I got at Staples in the clearance section. And...I know I said I wouldn't go back for a while but...I returned to Big Lots! I actually went looking for the magnetic closures I saw some people had found there but they didn't have them at my Big lots, boo! However I did find some great items!

My other news...I have a (small but cute!) PRIZE!!!! I decided it was about time for me to give something away on my blog! I don't have a large scrap room full of stuff to choose from but I still found a few random things I want to share! Check out my video to see what they are and how you get them.



Tuesday, July 7, 2009

3D Circle card Parts 2 & 3

Here I finish up the card and the decorating, as well as show the completed project. I get a little repetetive from time to time but that's just how the editing worked out! Sorry! I think it came out great and I can't wait to see my nephew's face when he sees how it opens. I know he will love to have it sitting in his room.





I had so much fun with this card. I can't get over how different and fun it is. Also now that I have made it twice I have worked out a few kinks and could probably make it much better and faster next time. I know I will use this style for many different occasions and styles. Post a comment telling me what you think or try it out yourself post pictures and link to them here! Thanks for watching!

Amy

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you all have a Happy Fourth of July! Eat lots of great food, have fun memories with family and friends and of course...take lots of pictures!!!

I have a great project starting on Sunday so check back!!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

3D Circle Card - Part 1

Here is Part 1 of me making a great 3D circle card. This is going to come in 3 parts because it is so much more than an ordinary card. It is more like mini-mini album! I first saw this on lovenstamps youtube video but I have seen it on a few since then. I fell in love with the card!!! I thought it was so creative and different. She showed the card but not how to make it. I played around a bit and figured it out and thought I would share it with you.
The camera angle gets a little wonky from time to time but I think you will still enjoy it and get the idea. I need to find a better way to film these videos. I have a flip an a small gorillapod (a bendable tripod) but no where to hook it so I can film from above like most people do. If anyone has any ideas of how to improve my videos, Please let me know!



Stay tuned for Part 2 on Tuesday!!

DIY Wrapping Paper

I am showing how to make your own wrapping paper using budget plain paper (I found mine @ Target) and stamps! I love the manly look I got for my husband's wrapping paper using Tim Holtz distress ink and stamps!

This technique can be used on plain white paper as well. This is a way to get many occasions of wrapping paper out of ONE ROLL! It can also be used to make a background for a scrapbook page or card. I hope you like it!







Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Mini Scrapbook Haul - Big Lots

Hey everyone! Thanks for joining me today! I took another blogger's advice and checked out Big Lots. I was pleasantly surprised! She said they had Thickers there for $2.00 - She was right! I got 8 packs!!! In this video I show a few other finds from my successful trip. I do have to warn that they spread their stuff around. I found some of the things with the paper and gift wrap. The other finds were all the way across the store with the kids coloring stuff and books. So take a look around the whole store and keep those peepers on the alert for Scrap goodies!!! This is also a great place to get cheap organizational items. I found these canvas tubs for my Alpha stickers (including my new thickers) Check to see if they have spice racks for sale (for brads, eyelets, etc.) They had cute baskets that could also be used for supplies and they were pretty cheap as well!



I am always on the look out for a bargin!! There are so many great ways to save and still get amazing supplies. Here are a few ways I have found so far:

1) Utilize your coupons. I ALWAYS have printed Michaels, AC Moore & JoAnn Fabric coupns in my car. I print them in the beginning of the week and that way if I have something to get I have a coupon. I will also space out trips. I will go 3 times in one week just to get 40-50% off 3 things instead of just one! That is where the printable coupons help because you can print as many as you want! Just search printable Michaels's coupons in you web browser and a bunch of websites will pop up. I have had no problems using www.dealigg.com. They have coupons for AC Moore and JoAnn's too.

2) Deal of the day. Two Peas in a Bucket has a deal of the day. This is one product per day that is discounted by 40-75% off! It might not always be something you are interested in, but when it is it can be a great way to save!

3) One item per day websites. There are a few websites such as Peachy Cheap that sell one item a day at huge discounts and when they run out, they run out. This is hit or miss but a great place to check out for great deals.

4) Dollar stores - Hit or miss as well but I have found great things here!

5) Dollarscrapbooking.net - This is a website that has just about everthing for between $1-2. Most os the stuff is discontinued but they do have a few lines where you can get brads, ribbon, stickers, rubons, etc. all within the same line for super cheap!! A great place to get supplies for mini books.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy my mini haul! Please leave comments and let me know if there are any projects you would like me to attempt!

My Inspiration Notebook

This is a tool I often use to help me when inspiration is lacking. Sometimes you get a brain cramp and the creative juices don't flow. When this happens I turn to my Scrap Inspiration Notebook. It holds...well, take a look! I hope this helps you! It works for me!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Summer TV

OK, so I thought I would talk a bit about my other obsession. TV - hence amy v loves tv! I have a husband who is a morning person and goes to bed fairly early and I am a night owl and stay up late. They say opposites attract right? Anyway, after he goes to bed I either scrapbook or watch tv or do both at the same time! I find Summer tv is hit or miss. Most often summer tv is reality based. I don't tend to like reality tv for the most part, but in the summer I have to extend my tolerence. Here are a few suggestions that I have been watching and enjoying. Let me know if you are watching any of them too!

My husband and I enjoy watching Food reality shows such as, Food Network Challenge, Chopped (Food Network), Top Chef Masters (bravo). My husband used to cook at an inn during college so he likes to tell me what he would change and how easy the challenges are. Hey, as long as he keeps cooking me delicious food, I am not going to complain!

We love competing against each other in Jeopardy each night!

Other reality shows we have been watching - Here come the Newlyweds, Wipeout, I survived a Japanese gameshow. These are crazy funny shows. You would think I would get tired of seeing someone take a digger off a big ball into water, or get covered in flour but nope, it delivers laughs ever time!

My guilty pleasures include: The fashion show (it's keeping me happy until Project Runway in August!)and Kathy Griffin: My life on the D-list (That girl cracks me up!), as does The Daily Show and Colbert Report.

I am enjoying Royal Pains,the Closer and Hawthorne but the well is not deep when it comes to non-reality shows in the summer. These are good shows, but I don't know why they can't spread the love between seasons! They have 3 great shows on the same time the same day during the fall but nothing on during the summer! Grrr, it makes me mad!

OK, you are probably thinking wow all she does is watch tv. Not true. I do watch alot but let me explain why. I don't have kids yet, my job stays at work, I work out after work, and my husband goes to bed at 9:30 each night. I am up till at least 11pm sometimes 12am. That leaves 2-3 hours a night of alone time when I am wide awake with not much to do. I don't like video games and I only read books on the weekends and usually not at night. I usually scrap as I watch or surf the internet while tv is on in the background.

I have a TIVO (the best invention EVER!) so I don't miss anything and can watch shows faster without comercials!

I know there are people who don't own a tv or just don't watch but what can I say, It's one of theose things that makes me, me. I am proud to be a couch potatoe! It will all change someday when I have kids...I hear they take up alot of time but for now TV keeps me happy and entertained!

Let me know what you are watching this Summer! What are your favorite shows?

Friday, June 19, 2009

Mater Room Sign

This is a Kid's room sign I made for my nephew. It was made using a wood sign from the dollar store. This is a great gift or project that can be made for under $5.00. You can use this for a kids room, your scrap room, a welcome sign, really there are so many projects you can make inexpensively! It came out great and He loved that it said Vroom! I hope you like it!






I have some great projects coming up! I have some really awesome cards to show you that you will love!! Stay tuned and don't forget to comment!!!

Monday, June 15, 2009

I love cars Mini Album

Here is my first mini album!! (Well, my first solo, without a kit!) I think it came out really good. I think the 2 year old I made kit for will absolutely love it! I have to thank Marion for her button hole technique. She is so clever! Anyway, I hope you like it. Please leave a comment! I have a bunch of videos to come. So stay tuned!!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Butterfly card

I made a similar card for my sister-in-law's birthday. I liked it, so I decided to use the extra materials to make another card for a video.



I know some hard core stampers out there will probably shun me for leaving the sentiment stamping for later but I guess I like to live dangerously! I really like making cards that can be used for more than one use.

I made my grandmother a bunch of cards that had scallop circles on them but the circle centers were all in a small tin. The tin had all different stamped images and sentiments that could be put on any of the different styled cards. They each had double sided tape so all she had to do was peel and stick. It came out great! Here are some pictures of the completed bag and cards. The bag was made from a 12 x 12 piece of paper - I got the idea from the Chic n Scratch blog.













I thought it was fun! I hope you like it!


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

My scraproom

It may be small, but I love it. It is actually 1/2 of a room. I live in an apartment that has no storage, so space is critical. I just got tired of scrapping out of a tote. I could never find anything, had nowhere to work, so ultimately I didn't scrapbook very often. Now that I have a space to create...I am actually CREATING!!!...who would have thought? Anyway, it has some good tips on saving space when you don't have a scrap "Room" and just have a scrap "Space".

Scrapbook Haul & tips

Here are a couple videos I made of my scrapbook hauls and some tips I have found. The best part is most of them were found for a dollar. Dollar Tree or www.dollarscrapbooking.net are great finds for those trying to scrap on a dime, like me!

I have trouble cutting my videos below 10 minutes. I don't know how to speed up videos with the flip so I have to put them into parts. Sorry!

You will notice my scrapbook buddy, Finn. I think cats and scrapbooking were made for each other!