I'm Just a Girl...In an Altered Art World:)

Using my stash...and lovin' it!

2012-01-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

I'm off on one of my coveted "banker's holidays" today. We are having one of those rare "un-sunny" days here in Sunny Southern California, so what a GREAT day to use some of my scrappin' stash to make a few cards. As usual, the Card Pattern's blog has another amazing sketch this week.

Better yet, this is the kind of sketch that is a frugal scrapper's DREAM! What a GR8 way to use my stash of all those paper strips I kept thinking I "should just toss in my frugal trash bin"...but just couldn't do it, lol.

I used some of my stash from Kaiser Kraft's Madame Boutique line along with a piece from G45's On the Boardwalk collection.

Adding a few pieces of cardstock (some of which came from my scrap bin) made for some really great cards. I often choose papers (when I do buy paper) that can be used for feminine AND masculine cards which is what I was able to do here.

First let's take a look at Card Pattern's Sketch 148:

Isn't this sketch just calling out to be used with your scraps? I just LOVE it!

Since I wanted to make two cards to show that with the same paper, I could make a feminine AND a masculine card, I did just that. I embellished with some flowers I've had FOREVER, and some of my favorite T!m embellishments, some sproket gears that I've been "hoarding".

I changed my cards to 5 x 5 since I really love this size and LOVE to make my own envelopes out of a sheet of regular letter size copy paper.

As I do on most of my cards, below is the finished inside of the card:

Thanks, Card Patterns, for another GREAT sketch!

Happy Belated Birthday, T!m:)

2012-01-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

Being out of the creative "loop" these past few months, I've been re-visiting some of the blogs I just LOVE. One of them is Studio L3. Low and behold, I find it's T!m Holtz's birthday yesterday. So I decide to join in on this week's challenge and make a birthday card for T!m.

Now using my true frugal nature, I am still using ONLY my stash...luckily I have PLENTY of T!m's products I can use to make a card for him. Better yet, it is actually my oldest son's birthday tomorrow, so while I'm making a card "for T!m", inspired by T!m's products, I will again in true frugal style, give it to my son for his birthday tomorrow.

So I get out some of my favorite T!m products and tools...my T!m Tonic scissors, my T!m sanding tool, some idea-ology time pieces and spinners, some T!m timepiece stamps, some paint dabbers, and I'm ready to go.

For further inspiration, I visit the Card Patterns Blog and find that this week's sketch is PERFECT for my card. Although I did follow it "loosely", I was still inspired by the sketch:)

Here is the sketch:

and here is my take on it:

I used some paper I love but have to admit have never used (from my "hoarding" days)...it's Graphic 45 from the On the Boardwalk 8 x 8 paper pack. As stated above, I used plenty of T!m stuff::

Barn Door Distress Ink
Pumice Stone Distress Ink
Ranger Black Archival Ink
Idea-ology time pieces
Idea-ology spinners
2 different T!m clock stamps
Chili Pepper paint dabber
Snow Cap paint dabber

Hop on over to Studio L3 and check out this week's challenge. There are lots of amazing projects to see!

enJOY:)

Let's Start 2012 off right...with Card Patterns!

2012-01-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

WOW, fellow frugal crafters, it's been a REALLY LONG siesta for this frugal crafter! Did you ever LOVE a hobby SO MUCH that you lived it, breathed it, and slept it? And if ANYTHING got in your way...be it work, family or friends, you just got cranky?...well I think that's what happened to me...until July 19th, that is:)

You know, some people get hooked on Facebook, Twitter, etc, but I got way out of whack hooked on my crafting! So there was no other way to fix this than to do it cold turkey...no goodbyes or anything...just "rip that bandaid off" as I always say.

I've always been one of those people that JUMP with both feet in the air and concentrate on one thing so much that I forget everything else around me! I have long been the "queen" of tuning things out and getting lost in my own little world...then something happened last summer that made me re-think how I spend my spare time...I won't go into details, and it's all good in the end, but I decided to spend the last 6 months making NEW memories instead of crafting about the old. It was time well spent, and I am finally ready to get back to the hobby I love best...in moderation:)

When asking what my grandkids would like for Christmas, my daughter says..."Well, Mom...I think they'd love a scrapbook"...and that got me thinking that I need to find a "happy medium" between making memories and preserving them...

So I visited my blog a few days ago and thought, why not start where I ended back on July 19th?...with a sketch from Card Patterns! I have a few January birthdays coming up, and LOVE to make cards, so here we go...and I had a GREAT time easing back into my mojo mode...enJOY!

In true frugal fashion, I used nothing but my stash. One of the things I love to do most is take various manufacturers paper and patterns and put them together in one project. Card Patterns had a great sketch this week, see here for sketch.

Another thing I love to do is carry my card design to the inside of my card. This one is kind of simple and that's the way I like it...more room for my personal sentiment:)

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are looking forward to a year filled with love, happiness, creativity, and good health:)

Card Patterns Sketch 124

2011-07-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

I've been playing along with the Card Pattern sketches over the last month or so and have really enjoyed having the inspiration! It even inspired me to create a few sketches of my own (see recent posts below).

I've also had lots of fun with cards of different shapes, like the card sketch this week.

Here's the sketch:

And here's my "take" on it:

Now, you know me, I just had to twist and turn it a bit...then alter the sketch a bit before I got my final design in place, lol...hopefully, it still resembles the intended sketch...as "loosely" as it is:)

I played with a Tim Holtz stamp, a Studio 490 stamp, a few buttons, some of my Bo-bunny 6 x 6 paper pack to complete this awesome card.

enJOY!

Frugal Sketch 102 Samples

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

I had so much FUN working on samples for my Frugal Sketch 102 today! You see, I decided a while back that I wanted to start writing to my grandkids that live in PA...kind of a way to go back in time to when people used to write letters to each other...on paper, WITH A PENCIL no less, lol...

So I decided to use the Frugal Sketch introduced yesterday as my inspiration for these two cards:

For Alayna's card (the top card), I used some new paper and some REALLY OLD stamps! You see, I've had this pkg of "chick" stamps for AT LEAST 5 years...and haven't even used them yet. Since my granddaughter just LOVES animals, I knew she would think this chick was cute.

For Jayden, I used a Tim Holtz bike stamp (perfect for a little boy's card). I also used a REALLY OLD stamp set for the "Superstar kid" sentiment as well as some REALLY OLD paper from my stash. The birds on Jayden's card are also from a Tim Holtz set. I first stamped the freshly inked stamp, then stamped a few more times without re-inking the stamp. I love the way the re-inked birds just look further away.

Please see the post below for the sketch. If the sketch inspires you, feel free to play along. I hope to put a new sketch up once every two weeks or so.

EnJOY!

Frugal Sketch 102

2011-07-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

I'm back with my New Frugal Sketch 102:)

I'm having so much fun playing with In Design and I just know that my skills will evolve, but while I'm playin' I'm also having a GREAT time designing sketches. WAHOO!

Here is my Frugal Sketch 102.

As you may be able to tell, I just LOVE layering! I think this sketch really gives us all an opportunity to be really creative! Furthermore, it gives us all a chance to dig through those scraps we have and USE them!

I hope you play along AND comment with a link to your creation.

enJOY!

Your friendly Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire:)

My First Card Sketch

2011-07-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

I've decided to "play" this weekend and opened my In Design program which I haven't used in a REALLY LONG TIME. Once I played a bit, I decided the BEST way to practice would be by having SOMETHING to accomplish...and I ended up with my very first FRUGAL SKETCH...now I know it's kind of basic AND I have to admit, I had way too much time playing with "fill" colors, but I'm REALLY PROUD of myself for remembering so much from a program I haven't used in over a year!

So if you are so inclined, feel free to use this 5 x 5 card sketch to design your very own card. Since I don't have one of those fancy linking options, you'll have to leave a comment with a link to your card, but I'd LOVE to see what you've come up with....AND to all of you who prefer to make layouts, I'm sure you can incorporate this into an awesome layout!

Here you go.....the VERY FIRST "Frugal Sketch".

Remember, if you find this, my VERY FIRST Frugal Sketch inspiring, please feel free to leave a comment that includes a link to your project.

enJOY:)

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

After being MIA on my blog for a few weeks, I'm happy to say I had time this morning to whip up a card that I will be sending to a dear friend's son for his 27th birthday. You see, he is in Afghanistan serving in the ARMY and his Mom has requested that we all shower him with birthday cards for his birthday later this month. What a great idea! I was so happy to participate in this wonderful surprise for her son, Joe (or Joey as I know him)...you see, I haven't actually seen him since he was about 10 years old.

Now, I decided early on that I wanted to make a nice patriotic card and first found a great idea on Tim's site. Then I saw a great sketch on the Card Pattern's blog that I thought would work out well.

Among other things, I really liked the size of this card. Now that I make my own envelopes, I can make card shapes I used avoid before. Actually, a business size envelope also fits this size of card perfectly.

Putting all of my ideas together, I came up with this card which is sized 8 1/2 in. long by 3 3/4 in. wide:

So, Happy Birthday, Joe....AND Happy 4th of July EVERYONE!

Card Patterns Blog Entry

2011-06-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't had time to play along with the sketches on the Card Patterns blog recently, so I'm really glad I had time to work on this sketch over the weekend. I love the way my card turned out!

I used some Teresa Collins pp that I had in my stash. I really LOVE the way this card turned out. A bonus was getting a chance to "play" with my nestabilities!

enJOY:)

Havin' a "BLAST" with Cosmo Cricket:)

2011-06-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

The card I made to share with you all today was SO much fun to make! I had a "BLAST" with it:) I started with a piece of Cosmo Cricket "circa 1934" pp and used my limited supplies (of cardstock, buttons, "some" ribbon, etc) to make yet another 5 x 5 card that I'm THRILLED with!

I just love the fact that my stepmother's neighbor (after seeing some of my cards) went over to her house and brought back some "embellishments" from her home to let me use on my cards:) The "snaps" and button were courtesy of her kindness. THANKS, Theresa!

My stepmother also had some scrap material that I used for two strips and a button tie. I think it blended well with this card, don't you?

Here is a close-up of the snaps I used. they were the perfect addition to this card!

I decided to leave the inside of this card "blank" so there would be room for a nice personal note.

enJOY:)

She who listens sees...

2011-06-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

So....I've FINALLY had a chance to view some of the She Art videos for the on-line class I signed up for...well...almost 3 months ago, lol! Christy from Scarlet Lime teaches these classes. Make sure you visit her site. And prepare to be AMAZED!

AND....I have to SAY...I'm a HUGE fan!

Take a look at my first SHE ART creation...I'm AMAZED...and THRILLED...and HUMBLED...and all around, over the top in LOVE with this new venture in ALTERED ART...WAHOO!

I started out using a 6 x 8 canvas for my first attempt. I also decided to use my current TNT kit from the TNT club at Ever After Scrapbooks. Our monthly meeting is this Tuesday and I can't wait to share my new creation!

As I was creating, this piece "SPOKE" to me and the quote just came to me...

I just LOVE this color combination that was inspired by this month's TNT kit. I was also thrilled to be able to use some of what my dear friend, Teresa gave me...pages from an old book...in GERMAN...Thanks, Teresa!

I used some "found items" in this project...specifically:

bubble wrap
rubber shelf liner
paper filling from who knows where (see hair)

I also used the following from my TNT kit:

burgandy flower
letter stickers
two pieces of the patterned paper (one of which is mostly covered)

From my stash:

rub-ons
acrylic paint
filmstrip stamp (stamped on to flimsy packaging)
bling from Prima
Mod Podge
canvas from Blick Arts
Studio 490 stamp
sharpie (black)

enJOY!

One "October Afternoon"...

2011-06-03T04:49:00.000-07:00

I have to say it again...I'm just THRILLED at all of the creations I've been able to complete while on my visit to PA this week! I probably helps that it's been sooooooo hot AND humid out, that it's too uncomfortable to spend any time outside...so what's a girl to do?...WELL...stay INSIDE and CREATE!

I really feel like my "frugal" side is getting some much needed attention, too...Did you ever consider the fact that MAYBE, just MAYBE some of the creative block we sometimes experience is from TOO MANY choices?

This takes me back to being a young mom...I used to say that when kids have TOO MANY choices in toys to play with, they cannot concentrate and just be happy playing with one toy at a time...WELL, I think this same "rule" applies to paper crafting! I used to put some of my kids toys "away" in a closet and would rotate them out every 3 months or so...THEN they always thought they had NEW toys to play with (or old FAVORITES that came back into play). Since we didn't have much disposable income back then, I felt we got alot more out of what we DID have, but rotating it in and out of "PLAY".

Soooooo, since I brought just a FEW pieces of pp with me (about 12 sheets), I've been able to zero in and just get down to business.

Today, I played with my October Afternoon sheets again. Since there were 2 sheets of pp that I brought, both double sided, so it was like bringing 4 sheets. WAHOO!

Here's what I created today:

I did use a few embellies that my stepmom has had FOREVER...those would be the little aqua flower brads...remember them? The ribbon is also from her stash...

I just LOVE IT when a FRUGAL creation comes together!

enJOY:)

Just paper and a great "sketch":)

2011-06-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

I'm still working with limited supplies while visiting family in PA and I have to say, this is REALLY fun! Today I completed another BD card using JUST PAPER (well, and stamps for the sentiment). I used an awesome card a friend of mine made for some "sketch" inspiration. You can find her blog post here. All of Melody's cards are AMAZING, so you should definitely visit her blog if you haven't already been there:)

Here is my card using primarily scraps left over from other cards I've made. I used cardstock and pp from the Little Yellow Bicycle Twig line. I have to say these are some of my favorite colors to work with!

Since I used primarily scraps of pp for this card, I thought I could also use this as an entry for the Two Peas in a Bucket Challenge to produce a card that you can then "mass produce". Feel free to go on over to Two Peas and "play" along:)

enJOY:)

On a "roll" with Little Yellow Bicycle

2011-06-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have yet another birthday card to share today. It's rather simple in design, and it takes me back to a technique I used to use long ago...paper tearing...I'm also using an embellishment I haven't used in a while...embroidery floss.

I'm still having a great time using the Little Yellow Bicycle "Twig" line along with my stamp set I bought recently (but STILL can't remember who makes it, lol). I have also incluced my Cloud Nine Design sentiment stamps.

enJOY:)

Happy Birthday, Billy:)

2011-05-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to have crafting time while I'm visiting PA. This morning I've made a great BD card for my dear hubby whose birthday is tomorrow:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR HUBBY!

For this card, I visited my good friend Gloria's blog and used one of her amazing card sketches. You can visit her blog post showcasing this sketch here. I've also posted a pic of the sketch below:

I decided to follow this one pretty closely because the papers I had matched well with her finished projects and I love how hers turned out.

Here is my "take" on it. I'm so glad that this sketch made it easy to complete a card with a masculine feel.

Thanks for the inspiration, Gloria! Your sketches ROCK!

enJOY:)

Happy Birthday, Mom:)

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

While we are visiting our family in PA, we wanted to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday a bit early since we won't be here on her actual birthday this year.

My husband was going to buy a card for her, but I told him I had the perfect idea for a card for her. I brought some of my October Afternoon pp with me which has this amazing vintag-y feel and was perfect for what I had in mind. I also brought along some darling stamps I bought a while back...and here is the hard part...I forget who made them! I tossed the packaging and just CANNOT remember who makes these stamps which is a REAL bummer since I like to give credit to the manufacturer whenever I can.

Needless to say, if any of you out in Blogland want to give an altered girl some help, please feel free to comment with the manufacturer of these stamps so I can give some credit....I just LOVE these stamps!

First of all, I have to say, I just LOVE this October Afternoon line. The counted cross stitch pattern is such a throwback to my past. I've always been a crafter and remember my grandmothers creating counted cross stitch projects that were AMAZING!.

These stamps were a perfect addition to this card, too. (The birthday wishes stamp is another stamp from my "stash). I stamped the lamp and telephone onto the pp background, and then again on another piece of paper (for the lamp, a yellow background; for the telephone, an aqua background) so I could fussy cut around parts of the lamp and phone to pop them off the page. I also cut around the patterned paper and made my own handcut scalloped edge across the top of this card. KEWL, huh?

The inside of the card is really kewl, too! I just LOVE finishing the insides of my cards now...and the bonus is...when I give them away, the recipients just LOVE these cards...I don't know about you, but I just LOVE the compliments I get when I give away one of my homemade cards:)

The sentiment on the inside of this card is from Cloud 9 design. I just love these "simple thoughts" kind of stamps...they are SOOOOOO inspiring! This quote is perfect for my MIL...she is such an inspiration and DEFINITELY has MORE beginnings than endings!

Happy Birthday to the BEST MIL!

Wedding Card....Take 2:)

2011-05-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Before I show my creations for the day, I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of our military personnel that are risking their lives (and for some, giving their lives) to make the UNITED STATES of AMERICA continue to be the LAND OF THE FREE...

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL YOU DO FOR OUR COUNTRY!

I'm visiting family this week in PA and we are having a wonderful time! I knew I'd have some "down" time while I'm here, so I did bring a few of my scrappin' favs to make a few creations while I"m here. I had made a card for my niece's wedding, but although I was very happy with it, I realized it seemed more appropriate for someone buying a house...good news...the next person that buys a house is going to get an AWESOME card from me:)

So, back to the drawing board I went, and came up with this instead:

I decided to stick with my Bo-Bunny 6 x 6 paper pack (which, yes, I brought with me) to make this card that I have to say, came out really great. The best part is that my stepmother (who I'm staying with) is also a paper crafter, so I "borrowed" a few of her supplies to complete this card (specifically the red cardstock and the red/white ribbon).

Initially, the red wasn't exactly the shade I was looking for, so I used some Red Barn distress ink (that I DID bring with me) to richen the red paper up to what I was looking for.

I really love the way this turned out and can't wait until I get to give it away to my niece and new nephew-in-law next week. The stamps I used for this card are from Inkadinkado.

Feel free to leave a comment:)

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Birthday, Sean!

2011-05-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

My "middle" child turns 30 tomorrow...so, I ask...what does that mean to me? Well, it definitely means that I now have 2...yes, I said 2 children in their 30's...now HOW did THAT happen?

It seems like only yesterday....yes, I'm sure you know how the story goes, lol...

Well...HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY, SEAN!

And here's the card I made especially for you:)

and of course, the inside...

hmmmm. the inside pic looks a bit brighter than the front pic...and I used the same functions in Photoshop for both...interesting, very interesting...

Supplies:

Some REALLY old paper from my stash...some Bohemia from My Mind's Eye (yes, I still love the Bohemia papers) and some Blue Raspberry Paisley from Deja Views...and of course some Bazzill Cardstock.

The stamps are from a set I've also had forever and don't have the packaging for anymore...sorry.

The HB is a sizzix alphabet die cut. I bet I've had these for 8-10 years...AND I still go to them from time to time.

I added a little stickles and some homemade embellies and some ribbon from my stash...and voila, my card was complete.

enJOY:)

And so the story goes...

2011-05-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

What a PERFECT time for an "and the story goes..." card:) It's that time of year when WEDDING BELLS are ringing and buying NEW HOMES are on many FAMILIES minds...

So, I've been in a "NESTING" mood lately...ya know the kind that put you in the mood for buying a place of your own to call home? BTW, heavens NO, I'm not thinking of nesting in the traditional way, lol...no more babies for this FRUGAL Scrapper...unless they are more grand babies of course:) (hint, hint, Dan and Stephanie)...I'm just saying that my love of having NO maintenance issues by renting a condo are being upstaged by my need to FINALLY hang something on the walls AND to let go of the feeling that things aren't PERMANENT.

Anyway...I have a VERY SPECIAL niece who is getting married in two weeks, so I thought I'd work on a card for her...due to my "nesting" mood, I decided to use some of my favorite Studio 490 stamps...now I know I've had these for a while, but they ARE exactly what I just had to use for this card.

So onto the card (oh, and THANK YOU, Karen for your inspiration).

In addition to the theme, I decided I wanted to limit the colors on my card to natural colors. Since BUILDING a life together starts with a VISION, I like to think that the color comes LATER.

and so the story goes...

Of course, I'm continuing with my decision to ALWAYS finish the insides of my cards...sooooo...

and they lived happily ever after...THE END

I made sure to leave some space on my card for a personal message to my niece and my new nephew-in-law.

Supplies:
Studio 490 Stamps SCS031
Studio 490 Stamps LCS018
Random stamps from the Carson Stamp Show (measuring tape and buttons stamp)
Bazzill Cardstock
K & Company patterned paper
Ranger Archival Ink - Coffee
Ranter Distress Ink - Wild Honey
Buttons from my stash

enJOY:)

Goin' Masculine...with CARDS:)

2011-05-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Hello out there, blogland:)

Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire here with a VERY IMPORTANT announcement...after 2 straight years of Frugal Scrappin' monthly classes at Ever After Scrapbooks, this Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire is taking some time off...yes, it's time to regroup, refocus, and rejuvenate over the summer....but WAIT a MINUTE!

There's ONE more chance to JOIN the Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire (aka Lori) and here awesome sidekick, Karen for our LAST class of the season!

What better way to sign off for now, you may ask? How about some AMAZING masculine themed cards?

We will USE SCRAPS as we complete 4 masculine themed cards. In addition, as my friends Gloria and Melody have taught me...it is REALLY IMPORTANT to finish the insides of our cards. It's amazing to me to see what a difference it makes in my cards when I finish the inside of a card. Now you will get a chance to do so, too.

Please join Karen and I for our LAST CLASS on Thursday, May 26th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This class, like all Frugal Scrappin' classes is sure to be a HIT!

Below are the class samples:

We will use some awesome papers from Graphic 45, Little Yellow Bicycle, and Paper Loft. Also included will be Tim's Sizzix die cuts, distress inks, paint dabbers, archival inks and more!

Here is the supply list:

Frugal Scrappin’ 5/26 Supply List

Ranger Archival Ink-Coffee (or some other brown ink)
Distress Ink – Corduroy Brown, Scattered Straw, Forest Moss (or other similar colors)
Gold Paint Dabber
Tape Runner
Glue Dots
Pop Dots
Paper Trimmer
Scissors

Now, go on and give Ever After a call at 760-630-2767 and sign up soon! As you may know, our classes have been known to sell out fast!

I look forward to seeing you in class:)

Two Peas Card Challenges

2011-05-02T05:50:00.000-07:00

Two Peas in a Bucket ran a month long event called 30 Days of Stamping & Cardmaking for the month of April. There was alot of inspiration and tuturials and I wish I had the time to play along every day, but alas, life sometimes gets in the way.

I did, however, get a set of cards done that embraced a few of the challenges throughout the month. I'm so happy with these cards that I have already sent them out to loved ones. As part of my "word of the year", CHALLENGE, I am trying to share my love of all things altered by actually sending my cards out. No longer will I have boxes and boxes of completed projects under my crafting table!

What is the purpose of creating all of these beautiful cards, if I don't plan to share them, right?

So here is the card set I made over the last few weeks (you'll notice you've already seen one of the cards).

I consider these cards a set because I used the same patterned papers on all of them. On the first card, I used the paper strip technique that is great for using all of those scraps we all have around. I was able to also use some of the flowers I've had for "years".

The card in the middle is the one I already posted about. If you scroll down, you will see it in more detail.

The last card I made especially for my friend, Denise. Denise and I have been friends for YEARS and I don't see her much anymore since we now live almost 3000 miles away from each other. I do want her to know, though, that I do still CHERISH our friendship.

On this last card, I used one of my favorite Tim Holtz Alterations Dies and layered my patterned paper similar to the first card, as paper strips...with a twist:) I also used the CHERISH stamp that I've had for YEARS and never even opened! (shame on this Frugal Scrapper, lol) I finished off by using these really cute "typed" letter stickers that Cosmo Cricket makes. They are soooo much fun and are the PERFECT size for use on cards.

Enjoy!

Can't wait to craft again:)

2011-04-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

Hello out there:)

I've just been on the most wonderful trip with my stepmom, daughter and two of my grandchildren. I'm still in the last hotel with a flight scheduled for later today that will take us home so I thought I'd drop a note here in blogland since I haven't posted in a while.

I have so many awesome pictures to craft with and have seen so many inspirational art pieces to help get my creativity kicked into high gear...now to just find a quiet place to craft...soon, I hope:)

Our trip started out in San Antonio, Texas with a visit to the Riverwalk and the Alamo. Then off to a "dude" ranch (really a guest ranch since THEY do all the work and WE have all the fun!). We went horseback riding, played miniature golf, swam in their awesome water park...with a wave pool and lazy river...all the ambiance of the beach...without the messy sand, lol. Of course, s'mores ended each evening around a campfire.

Lots of entertainment included, too. We had a champion roper, wagon rides to a "ghost" town, saw hats get branded (as well as some wooden play guns). There was even a chuckwagon dinner with an old fashioned "shoot out" at the ghost town.

The Texas hill country and the Bandera area is beautiful. The Flying L Ranch was great and I recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of western adventure with modern conveniences.

I will be back with some amazing scrapbook pages...which I'm thrilled to get back to since I haven't scrapped in quite a while.

Come on back for a visit, ya hear?

Happy Scrappin'!

All Dressed up, creatively sewing, and Two Peas Card Challenge

2011-04-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

I've been following the new card challenges over at Two Peas and this challenge sounding interesting so I thought I'd give it a try. I've only completed one card so far...and I have to say, I've gone WAY overboard with the actual challenge (which is to use pop dots on your card).

First, I decided to get my "new" (new to me, but actually secondhand) sewing machine out to play:) I'd been admiring my friend Melody's cards from afar (well actually, I've been able to see the originals, but Melody always makes me give them back, lol)...anyway, I've been wanting to try sewing on my cards for a while and FINALLY did it today!

Here's a sneek peek:

Now, I did realize that I need to buy more thread...and probably need to use something that is thicker than normal sewing thread...so back to Melody I'll go for more advice:)

I've realized that I've also given you a sneak peek into how I altered two of Tim's dies...the rosette die and the hanging sign die:) More on that further down...

Here is the entire dress:

I used some old Cosmo Cricket paper I had (and STILL LOVE) to form my "dress". I used the rosette die to make the skirt and then cut the die apart and laid it in layers on the card. I also used the hanging sign die (the hanger part) to make my stand for my dress form. Oh yes, and I got my dress form here. It was the perfect size for a card. I printed the dress form picturs from the post and drew around it with a black sharpie. Since the sharpie went through my paper, I turned it over and used the back of the picture for my template...genious, huh?

I just LOVE how this entire card turned out!

I can tell this is NOT the last time I'll put sewing on a card! Of course, also based on Melody's advice, I did finish the inside of this card (and sewed in there too), but forgot to take a picture of it...

And ya know, I still just LOVE this sentiment...and how the angle on this picture makes it mean even more (to me anyway)...

Oh and BTW, if you've been here before, you know I've totally changed my blog around...again...and don't ya just dig how this card matches my new color scheme? Gotta love it "when a plan comes together"...

Happy Scrappin'

Frugal....REALLY?

2011-04-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Hello all:)

I've been thinkin' about something that a VERY GOOD friend of mine mentioned to me the other day, so I thought...WOW, if this AMAZINGLY insightful friend of mine thought this...I'm sure it's crossed the mind of many other of my blogging buddies...and this is now my question of the day...

FRUGAL...REALLY?

Now I'm sure you all know that there are two things that are very "Close to my Heart" when it comes to paper crafting...FRUGALITY and TIM HOLTZ products...and the question came up about how I tie these two things together...and this is a VERY good question indeed:)

So I decided to reflect on what I mean, and thought I'd share a few things with you on my interpretation:)

Now, I do have to admit...I don't consider ALL of Tim's goodies to be frugal and those are items I typically use sparingly on my projects. That being said, there are MANY things linked to Tim's name that I do find to be VERY FRUGAL purchases. I NEVER go anywhere without these products. When I think of FRUGAL, I think of "cost per use" basis shopping.

My top 10 are (in no particular order)

1. Distress inks & stains

I've been surfing the web this morning looking at some AMAZING projects and am hardpressed to find ONE that doesn't use at least ONE of Tim's products...Distress inks are definitely up there at the top...a paper crafter should NOT live without them:)

2. Alcohol Inks

Now, you know that the challenge has always been how to "paint" metal, glass, plastic, and other non-porous surfaces, right? Well, alcohol inks do a TREMENDOUS job on these surfaces...and the best part is that the coverage is transluscent so the character of the surface is still evident. I now by MOSTLY white/cream pearls and rhinestones and change the color as needed with my handy alcohol inks.

3. Perfect Pearls

These awesome powders work tremendously well with distress inks when applying them directly to your project...they act kind of like embossing powder as it clings to the distress inked areas and are set with the Heat Tool....but better yet, when mixed with a little water in a mini mister, they become an awesome glimmery spray. I just love using the spray technique because I can apply my distress inks to my project with more control for color and then spray my perfect pearls concoction to add the perfect level of glimmer.

4. Ranger Archival Ink

My FAVORITE ink for use with stamps when I want a really CRISP finish (perfect for sentiment stamps and flourishes, etc). Stamps with alot of detail are also great because this ink doesn't "bleed" on your paper.

4. Distress tools (all are in this category such as the applicator AND the sponges)

Now, if you know me well, you know I started out with "frugal" distress ink/alcohol ink tools...but now???? I have to admit I have a separate distress tool for each color of distress ink I own...why, you may ask???? My second "frugal" philosophy...TIME IS MONEY, lol...I was tired of having to switch my sponges each time I wanted to use a new color of distress ink (plus, have you ever tried to "label" sponges with the color they are?) Now I know there are some amazing ideas for keeping the sponges with the inks, like attaching a velcro piece to the bottom of the ink pad and attaching the sponge to it when not in use, but again, TIME IS MONEY...and I'd still have to keep switching them, lol...

5. Mini Misters

What can I say here? Mini Misters are a MUST HAVE! The can be filled with water, blending solution, perfect pearls concoctions, etc. I use these ALL the time!

6. Heat It Tool

The quietest, but most effective heat tool I've come across.

7. Paper Distressor

NOT distress a paper edge??? It can't be! I distress EVERYTHING!!!! I do sometimes use scissors, but normally tear the paper MORE than I intended, so this distress tool is the BEST!

8. Tonic Scissors

The BEST scissors I've found for the price. LOVE THEM!

9. Alterations Dies

Now, I know you do need some sort of diecutting maching to use these...but you can now find them secondhand, so no need to fret...I use the alterations dies ALL the TIME...remember cost per use basis??? I'm talkin' pennies with these since I use them so much...the best part is that they don't just cut through paper, they can cut through chipboard, corregated cardboard, fabric, fun foam, aluminum (think soda cans)...plastic (think packaging), etc.

10. Texture fades

I just LOVE these embossing folders for altering paper and adding texture to my projects...another MUST HAVE.

My cost per use philosophy:

Let's use the Heat It Tool as an example since that's probably the most expensive item on my top 10 list...It retails for around $25, but I've probably used it about 200 times since I purchased it...so we're talkin' about $.125 per use. Now I could have purchased a less expensive heat tool, but they are MUCH louder AND tend to blow my projects ALL over the place while the Heat It tool is VERY quiet and while it really HEATS, it does so without blowing my projects around.

If you have any questions, or have other suggestions for uses of my top ten items above, feel free to leave a comment:)

Under Construction:)

2011-04-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all of you wonderful, amazing crafters and artists:)

Happy Saturday!

For those of you that have visited my blog for a while, you know that I have a "kind of" ADD when it comes to my blog...every so often, I just have the need to "re-construct" the appearance of my blog...

My added CHALLENGE (remember this IS my WORD of the YEAR, lol)...is that I now work full time (well, I have for the last year, actually)...and this is the FIRST time I've had the urge to change my blog since going back to FT work...so......I just haven't found enough hours in the day to complete my latest construction project...SORRY for the kind of messy appearance, but I KNOW what I want to do....

It's just a matter of LEARNING how to do it!

If I can pull it off (getting what is in my "altered artist" head) and getting it onto my blog...this MAY be the last time I try to re-construct!

If anyone knows anyone who knows how to create blogs (you know, like altering HTML & stuff like that) and would LOVE to assist me in this re-constrution, please feel free to let me know...

Thank so much for visiting, and have a VERY BLESSED day!

Missing you...and a Bo-Bunny sketch, too...

2011-04-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

O.k. fellow bloggers...I'm certainly glad my hubbie doesn't blog...or facebook...or any other of that social media stuff...because...well...I have to say I really MISS him this week...now I do know how to pull up my "big girl panties" and and definitely NOT a "needy" wife, but ya know, I've had to do alot of stuff that is usually done FOR me...ya know...like laundry, and cookin' and cleanin'...I know, I know, I'm spoiled, but there ARE things I do, too...like creatin' great MESSY ART...(and yes, I DO have to clean up my own ART room)...

So....I bought a Bo-Bunny 6 x 6 paper pack yesterday...it's kinda "dark and serious"...and took me to a place I don't go often...a "deep" place...I think that's why I never got into the Harry Potter or the Twilight CRAZE...way too "deep and dark" for me, lol...

Anyway, from the paper pack, I decided to go to the Bo-Bunny site to see what challenges are out there that I might partake in...and low and behold, I see a card sketch challenge that "spoke" to me...so I print out the sketch and go back to my paper pack, fan through, and a thought comes to mind...why don't I make a "missing you" card for my hubbie???

So there you have it...it's a bit "darker" than what I usually do, but I'm tellin' a story with this card...not one that I'll bore you with, but it's a story just the same...it'll be my little "secret"...except for my friend Gloria, who I spilled the beans to and now probably thinks I'm totally off my rocker, hee hee....little does she know...I really AM off my rocker...my ART rocker, heehee...

O.k., so here's the sketch:

Here's my "take" on it:

Along with some close-ups:

and the link to the challenge if you'd like to play along:

Bo-Bunny card sketch challenge

I used the Bo-Bunny Timepiece 6 x 6 paper pack for this card.

And remember...ART saves CREATIVE minds:)

One Stamp Three Ways

2011-04-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've been lurking over at 2 Peas in a Bucket recently and have found that they are expanding their site to include more for card makers. I think it's a great idea since card making is so popular right now.

WAY TO GO, 2 PEAS:)

With that in mind, I've decided to play along with one of their challenges....using 1 stamp 3 ways...

I have one stamp in particular that I use alot, so I knew I already had one card made that I posted a while back, but I like it so much, I thought I'd incorporate it into this challenge and just use the stamp 2 more ways.

Here is a picture of all 3 cards:

This is a stamp I've had for a while from one of Tim Holtz' sets. This stamp is perfect for many different ideas. As you can see, there are 3 distinctly different feels to each card, all using the same stamp.

For the card on the left, I used the stamp with 3 different distress inks: Broken China, Peeled Paint, and Pumice Stone. I used these colors to match with the patterned paper in the background and LOVE how this card turned out. Of course, I used another stamp from Studio 490 as well as one of Tim's metal embellishments. I added some ribbon from SEI to complete the look. It's very subtle and soothing in my opinion. Here is a close-up of the stamping:

Next I made a card using another technique I just LOVE! I started with a piece of glossy cardstock, spread some alcohol inks on my craft mat (colors were Citrus, Sunset Orange, Sunshine Yellow, Pool, and some gold mixative). Then I just laid my glossy cardstock face down and smooshed and swirled the paper until it was completely coverd. I then used my FAVORITE black archival ink by Ranger. This ink is so vibrant and shiny and I just LOVE to work with it. As you can see, this card has a very different feel to it...kind of a Fall/Autumn feel. See below for close-up.

The last card, the one on the right, I made using one of my newest Tim purchases...ink stains! This was actually the first time I used them and I LOVE them! Whoo hoo, I can guarantee, these will be one of my FAV's! First, using a piece of plain white cardstock, I stamped the image with embossing powder. Next I added white embossing powder (you could use clear, but I really like white better). After heat setting the embossing powder, I used my Broken China ink stains and just rubbed across the entire paper. I'm tellin' ya...I've done this technique using the distress inkpad to paper, but these distress ink stains are AMAZING! Vibrant color without alot of work...if you haven't tried them yet, what are ya waitng for? Anyway, back to the card...after the ink stains dry, just rub lightly with a dry paper towel over the embossed area to remove any excess ink (although I didn't really see any). See close-up below:

Oh, and by the way...I did then add a little mist from my mini mister filled with water and some Pearl perfect pearls. It's really subtle, but looks awesome! As with this last card, it definitely has more of a summertime feel.

LOVE this challenge! Thanks, 2 Peas!

Another Counterfeit Kit Challenge Project:)

2011-03-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

O.k....I have to say, I just LOVE Gloria's sketches. Again today, I just had to use one of her awesome sketches to complete yet another card using my March kit inspired by the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

Check Gloria's sketch out here. Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post for the sketch...trust me, it's worth "scrollin'" for!

I'll also post her sketch here, but DEFINITELY visit her blog, too!

Here's my take on it:

I did twist the sketch just a bit, but was very happy to use the items from my kit to complete this card. The only other thing I added was a piece of coredinations paper that I embossed using one of my cuttlebug folders. I love the way it matches the paper on the top of the card...but in reverse!

enJOY your day!

Gloria's CPC Sketch #99

2011-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

O.k...how many of you out there are old enough to remember "99"?....do you remember what show that is from?....Think back to the 1960's or so....since there was also a movie made recently based on this show, some of you younger peeps may also know....

Anyway, I'm not gonna tell ya what I'm referring to (although I'd LOVE comments with guesses, lol)....no prizes, baby...no sirreeeee, but just some plain 'ole trivia fun...

Sooooo, I was "lurkin'" over at one of my favorite creative peeps blogs today, and fell in love with this sketch she recently did. Her name is Gloria and since it is her CPC Sketch 99, I thought I'd play along...well kinda, anyway...I'm using Gloria's sketch for my card below.

I liked the sketch so much, I didn't even change anything. Go visit her blog if you want to see the sketch. Trust me, you'll be AMAZED at her talent!

I did use my March Counterfeit Kit Challenge kit to make this card. I just LOVE the way one of my patterned papers (the one with the words) lined up perfectly to show the words SWEET DAUGHTER. Since my daughter just had a birthday AND I didn't send her a card...I know, I know...what a terrible Mom, right?...I did call her AND I did send a gift, so it's all good:)

And now? Since I have this beautiful card all made up and ready to go, I'm going to send it to her with a very nice note about how much she means to me...kinda like a bonus birthday wish...because she DEFINITELY deserves it!

enJOY your day!

Tulle Daisy:)

2011-03-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm really making some progress today and I'm really HAPPY about that! I've completed another card using some of the techniques found over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog.

They have this really cool link for making daisies out of tulle (and fabric). Since I've been looking at my tulle supply lately (yes, I do have alot of it), I had planned on surfing the 'net for some ideas...then low and behold...the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog posts a link to a tutorial...I'm tellin' ya...this blog is DEFINITELY right up my alley!

Here is the link: Click here for tulle daisy link. Just scroll down a bit and you'll find the link directly to the tutorial.

Now here is my take on it:

Since the most important part of this card is the tulle daisy, here is a close-up of it.

Now, I have to be honest and say that while I think my very first tulle daisy turned out o.k., I have to also admit, this wasn't my "favorite" project...Will you be seeing alot of tulle daisies in future frugal projects?...Uh...I don't think so...but one never knows for sure, right?

Give this flower a try and stop back and let me know what you think...to ALL my awesome sewing peeps, this just may be right up your alley, 'k?

As always, have an amazingly CREATIVE and BEAUTIFUL day!

Thinking of you Counterfeit Kit Project

2011-03-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Knowing that I'm going to be really busy at my "day job" again this week, I thought I'd at least get a few small projects completed so I could participate in the Counterfeit Kit Challenge for March.

I didn't try any of the specific challenges yet, but did finish this cool card that I want to send out this week:

I just randomly selected some of the pieces I chose from my kit and made this card. You may notice that I did use Sunset Orange alcohol ink to color the white Thickers I chose for my kit.

Enjoy:)

Counterfeit Kit March Challenge:)

2011-03-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well, now...it's ALREADY March 13th and this is the FIRST opportunity for me to really take a look at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog this month! My "day" job has come with lots of demands this last week (and it's all good), but I've come home every night simply EXHAUSTED, and definitely NOT in the mood to sit in front of a computer for EVEN one MINUTE longer:(

...then...came the weekend, whoo hoo! I started the day out by going to the beach with my son and two of my grandsons, only to find out that the camera I brought with me had NO memory card (because I'd left it attached to my computer, lol)...well, luckily we LIVE near the BEACH, and can go again for foto ops...AND my dear Sis is visiting next weekend, so I hope to have some awesome foto ops next weekend, too!

O.k., enough with the small talk...I've put a kit together based on this month's inspiration from Studio Calico. I reviewed the base kit and the add on kits and decided to start with the 1st add on kit since it "spoke" to me. Studio Calico put together a main kit and 5 add on kits this month. Whew! I definitely don't have enough time in my day to produce that much "art" so I've decided to just start with the add on...I'm not surprised that this is sold out on their site because it really rocks!

Here is the inspiration for my kit:

and here is my "take" on it:

Now, I've had MOST of these supplies in my arsenal for AT LEAST 2 years (some actually more like 5 years, I'm sure).

Here's a quick overview of what is in my counterfeit kit:

Patterned Paper:
My Minds Eye - Ooh La La "Simply Sweet"
Making Memories - Animal Crackers "Jack Varnished Dot"
K & Company, LLC - SK Beige Words Flat Paper
K & Company, LLC - Studio K Orange Plaid Flat Paper

Letters:
My Mind's Eye - Laundry Line, Natural "My Boy" Rub-ons
Thickers - Shoe Box (I plan to use my alcohol inks on these to match them to my project(s)

Other embellies:
My Mind's Eye - Bohemia various chipboard quotes
SEI - some left over rub-ons
Dimensional stickers (not sure what company)
SEI - sticker frames and tabs - Paisley & Petals line
Pink Paislee - 365 degrees borderlines
Ribbon - some SEI, other from my stash (not sure what brand)
Kaiser Kraft - Crystal flowers

I'm looking forward to using these Spring colors that I think can be made feminine AND masculine, making way for some AWESOME projects!

I hope you have time to play along this month! Make sure to visit the Counterfeit Kit Challenge blog for all of the luscious additional information, links to free downloads and tutorials, and for some well...just ALL AROUND amazing inspiration!

Color me Resistible...Frugal Scrappin' Style:)

2011-03-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Can I just say WOW, WOW, WOW?

My Frugal Scrappin' partner, Karen Thede, has REALLY outdone herself this month! She has made 4 absolutely BEAUTIFUL cards for our March Frugal Scrappin' class that are going to have EVERYONE leaving class as an ARTIST!

Please join us on Thursday, March 24th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Ever After Scrapbooks for our monthly Frugal Scrappin' class where you will make:

This month you're going to get to try your hand at some great coloring techniques featuring white on white resist paper, watercolor paper and glossy paper, while using Ranger Distress and Alcohol inks. I'll also show you how to make your own resist papers by stamping and embossing images in white.

So pull out your paint brushes, and be prepared to be amazed at your own artistic talents as we complete 4 cards featuring your new found color talents.

Supplies

12" Trimmer
scissors
adhesives, tape runner, pop-dots, glue dots
Water color brush or simple round paintbrush
sponge applicator
Ranger Distress Inks: Any spring colors - I used: Rusty hinge, Wild Honey, Shabby Shutters, Black Soot, Weathered Wood, Dusty Concord, Spun Sugar, Broken China
Alcohol Inks: Sunshine Yellow, Sunset Orange, Purple Twilight, Pink sherbert
Alcohol Ink Blending solution

This class fills up fast, so sign up soon! Remember, this class is frugally priced at only $15

Beautiful Card:)

2011-03-01T19:29:00.000-08:00

I went to Michael's the other day with my very good friend, Karen, and she TOTALLY enabled me! They had some pretty cool stuff on sale, and part if what I picked up was some butterflies on a stick...now who knows what I was planning to do with them, BUT they were cute...they were 40% off...AND they were cute {hee hee}.

Anyway, then I came home and decided it was time to start playin' with my February TNT (Tips 'n Techniques) kit since our next meeting is only a week away. I just LOVE the papers that were part of this month's kit.

Since I forgot to take a picture of my kit before I started chopping it up, I grabbed it from over at the TNT Blog.

Jacquie, our fearless TNT leader always does such a GREAT job with these kits. She's really outdone herself this month, too.

Our main "challenge" (see, there I go again...using MY word of the YEAR...CHALLENGE)...was to use altered stick pins on our projects. If you follow my blog regularly, you know that I've been really goin' to town on these VERY cute embellies:)

Well my card is no exception. Here is my take on this challenge...my bonus?...I got to use one of the butterflies I just bought! Whoo hoo!

Notice the antenna's on the butterfly? I pulled out the boring antenna's that came on the butterfly and replaced them with my own version of altered stick pins. The papers in this project are all from the kit.

I used:

Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Collection - Pixie Post
My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Market Street "Happy Birthday" Tapestry Paper
Quick Quotes Instant Journaling - touch your heart & make you smile rub-ons
Bazzill Card Stock
Tim Holtz Distress Inks Wild Honey
Tim Holtz Stickles Gold
Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks Sunset Orange

I also used one of my new butterflies, and OLD flower from my stash, some stick pins and beads, and some lace from my stash. I finished it off with the stickles and then added a few clear crystals that I colored with the alcohol ink.

Here is a close-up of the butterfly:

EnJOY:)

February Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog Hop!

2011-02-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow crafters,

Welcome to the February Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog Hop:) This HOP is sure to knock your socks off. There are 30 amazing participants this month, so there are 30 opportunities for you to be inspired with 30 different "takes" on this Scraps of Darkness sketch (as shown below)!

Now for my take on it:

Now I have to tell you, I'm famous for "loosely" following sketches and this layout is no exception:)

I did use my February counterfeit kit to make MOST of this layout, and in addition, used some of the mini-challenges throughout the month as follows:

The keyhole diecut is my version of the "faux metal" mini-challenge
The large distressed flower is my version of the "Prima flower look-alike" tutorials
My "non foto" theme is part of the "Putting Pen to Paper" mini-challenge

In addition, I definitely used some of my favorite T!m products including:

Silver paint dabber
Black Soot distress ink
Barn Door distress ink
Peeled Paint distress ink
Alterations diecut (keyhole)
Also notice that I used the "inside" of the keyhole to make photo tabs

I was so happy at how this all came together. Using my stash for a kit is such an awesome and FRUGAL idea! I did also take advantage of the free journaling block download, too:)

Now, so you don't miss ANY of the AWESOME inspirational goodness on this HOP, if you didn't reach this blog from Kylie's Blog, head on back to the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog so you can start from the beginning:)

If you HAVE arrived from Kylie's Blog, that's AWESOME! I want to thank you for visiting and encourage you to leave a comment about your thoughts on my "take" on the sketch this month. You know us bloggers...we just LIVE for comments:)

When you're ready to continue on your travels, hop on over to Milissa's blog for the next stop on this amazingly fun "blog train".

Whoo Hoo!

enJOY!

Altered Stick Pins & Studio L3 CCC #33 Entry...Frugal Scrappin' Style:)

2011-02-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow scrappers/crafters/bloggers:)

I hope you are having a MOST wonderful day today! I have been seeing altered stick pins around for a while now, and I've been wanting to try them myself, but just haven't had the time...UNTIL NOW, {hee hee}.

I'm SOOOOO excited that my dear friend, Jacquie, showed a group of us how to make our own altered stick pins at a TNT group meeting at our LSS. I was so excited and IDEAS just kept running through my head, INCLUDING kicking myself for selling all those BEADS I've had for years at a recent yard sale I had...

Now you all know I have to put my own frugal little twist on what I've seen and I'm very EXCITED to share it with all...as I often say, I know I'm NOT a ROCKET SCIENTIST (well, sometimes in my own little head I think I just MIGHT be {ROFL}...well at least a "scientist" anyway...since, ya know, I'm ALWAYS coming up with new concoctions, AND I'm always all inky and stuff...DEFINITELY, no fresh manicures here, sistah!

So anyway, I went to my local "big box" craft store and bought some corsage pins..ya know, the ones that NEVER hold the corsages on (well at least mine don't)...anyway, I purchased two types...one with ROUND white pearls on the top and the other with TEARDROP white pearls on top.

Then I mosied on over to the bead section...ya know the bead section is now BIGGER than the scrapbook section! What's the deal with that, I ask? I know, I know, there are some AMAZING jewelry makers out there BUT I'm not gonna get into that craft now...no, I'm not, BUT I will use some of their AWESOME beads for my ALTERED STICK PINS!

Oh, and I also bought this whoppin' big pkg of glitter, too...I'm tellin' ya, if I can't find a glitter to match my project now, I've got issues...well MORE issues than I already know I have, lol.

I am now the proud owner of 24 lucious colors of glitter. Here are a few of them:

Now, all I did was cover the pearl tops of my stick pins with some fast drying liquid glue (I use 3-IN-1 Beacon Glue). Then I popped the lid off of a glitter bottle and dipped the pearly tops in for a "swim"...swirled it around a bit, lifted and tapped off the loose glitter and VOILA, I now had a glittery topped stick pin. After adding a few beads, I had an AWESOME new embellishment for my crafting project!

Now, ya know I just COULDN'T stop there, right? So I headed on over to my alcohol ink bin and added some alcohol ink to felt and swirled a few more stick pins around in the felt pad until they were covered.

Check these out! Another use for my trusty alcohol inks...whoo hoo!

Can I just say AMAZING!!!!!!!

Now, if you've made it this far, I also want to show you my Studio L3 Challenge entry for this week. Our challenge was to turn to pg 56 in the Compendium of Curiosities book, and use the altered metal technique. Even though I DEFINITELY altered MORE THAN METAL, I did also complete this challenge.

Here's a close-up of the altered metal (this is a piece of chipboard covered with aluminum foil and embossed with an embossing folder). The colors of alcohol Ink I used are terra cotta, sailboat blue, and sunset orange.

I had a GREAT time making this project. THANKS to Linda over at Studio L3 for ANOTHER AMAZING CHALLENGE!

A "Little" Shout OUT to one of my Scrappin' Peeps!

2011-02-24T00:15:00.000-08:00

Whoo hoo! Happy Days are HERE! One of my most CREATIVE scrappin' peeps has been named to the lastest Spellbinder's Design Team. I was SO HAPPY for Gloria when I heard the news earlier today.

Way to go, Gloria! I can't wait to see all of the AMAZING paper crafts you are going to make as part of the Spellbinder's Design Team.

Kimberly Crawford

Tonya Dirk

Christine Emberson

Judy Hayes

Lesley Langdon

Tina McDonald

AJ Otto

Windy Robinson

Gloria Stengel

Shanna Vineyard

Michelle Woerner

Latisha Yoast

CONGRATULATIONS, GLORIA!

Frugal Scrapper's Homemade Flowers Tutorial

2011-02-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

You know, I think I may have posted a similar tutorial once before, but since paper flowers are still REALLY popular, I'm going to post it again, espcially since this has a bit of a "twist".

First, we start with a scallop circle punch and a paper lunch bag. I love working with a lunch bag for a few reasons:

They are EXTREMELY economical
They have a bit of a "waxiness or glossiness to them
They are a great weight and texture for altering

Then, once the bag is cut apart and 6 scalloped circles are punched, we add some ink. I inked 5 of the scalloped circles with distress ink in Barn Door and one scalloped circle was inked with distress ink in Peeled Paint. Make sure to ink BOTH sides of the scalloped circles.

Next, we crumple them up. You can't crumple them TOO MUCH, so have a blast:)

Now, we'll un-crumple them and layer the red pieces on top of each other and secure with a brad.

Now, crumple them back up toard the center, one later at a time, starting with the top layer. Once you've crumpled them back up, you can "press all of the layers together so that the brad cannot be seen.

Then you can slowly open the layers back up again...just open slowly so that the layers are still a bit crumpled. This takes practice, so if you open the layers too much,you can always crumple them together again and start the opening process again until you get the results you want.

Once your satisfied with the results, take the last scalloped circle (the one inked with Peeled Paint) and tear it right in half. This is where your imagination and inter artist is going to have to get to work. You will play with each half of these scalloped circles until you think they look like individual leaves. I personally play with them until when I "pinch" each end and leave the middle wider, they look like leaves.

My end result is this:

If you want to, you can also add a little "glimmer" to them by spraying them with some sort of glimmer spray (I use my homemade glimmer spray, made by filling a mini mister with water and adding a scoop of perfect pearls)...shake and spray:)

These are the results below:

The difference is subtle and based on how concentrated your glimmer spray is. The reason I LOVE my homemade glimmer spray is because, my color comes from the distress inks and the spray just adds a pearly glimmer, now added color.

The other advantage to doing this is that you can then use a heat tool to dry your flower which will stiffen it, similar to starching. Now your flower will hold it's shape perfectly!

Another suggestion is to go back over the tips of your flower with a darker color of distress ink (like Fired Brick or Aged Mahogony) so you can add more depth to the petals.

Stickles can also be added by squirting stickles on your craft mat and tapping your finger in them. Then gently blot you stickled finger over the flower to randomly add more sparkle.

EnJOY!

Putting Pen to Paper...

2011-02-22T00:15:00.000-08:00

What an AWESOME and much needed CHALLENGE for me...ahhhhhh, I get to use my "word of the year" here:)

Putting Pen to Paper...I've always thought scrapbooking, for me anyway, is an EMOTIONAL JOURNEY through the MEMORIES of this WONDERFUL life I'm BLESSED with!

Now, I have to admit...I find most of my EMOTION in the fotos I take...I LOVE IT when one of my fotos exudes EMOTION...but alas, I also need to realize that those who VIEW these FOTOS may not SEE the emotion as I SEE it...possibly because they weren't there with me to EXPERIENCE the emotion firsthand, possibly because they SEE things in a different LIGHT...and quite possibly, it's because I'm just CRAZY WEIRD in how I SEE things, lol...

Sooooo....sometimes, WORDS are needed to BRING the story and fotos to LIFE...Not always ALOT of WORDS, sometimes just a few well placed words will do it...

BUT...what IF there are NO fotos to TELL the STORY you want to TELL? What if you just want to TELL the STORY?...BUT to add the right MIX of EMOTION, how about if you just use EMBELLISHMENTS and ALTERED ART?

OH YES, BABY....this IS gonna be AWESOME!!!!!

I'm gonna put a little twist on the Pen to Paper Challenge over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog...I'm gonna TELL a STORY...and let the embellishments I chose help exude the EMOTION! Whoo hoo! I'm SOOOOOO EXCITED!

Now, the hard part...I can't show you my ENTIRE layout just yet...because, it's also going to be my SKETCH CHALLENGE project!

Without further adieu, here's a sneak peek:)

You'll have to wait until February 28th for the full reveal...but trust me...it's gonna be chock full of "Frugal Goodness", so stop back:)

Frugal Flourish Bling:)

2011-02-21T00:10:00.000-08:00

Don't you just LOVE all that bling out there in the market place? The wispy goodness is just too hard to resist, isn't it? But alas...what's a frugal scrapper to do? Even though there are some AMAZINGLY affordable companies out there, I still find myself asking...how can I do that myself?

Over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog, they have links to some great tutorials on how to make your own flourish/swirl bling for your projects, so be sure to check it out. Here is a direct link to the post.

I have come up with one more way to make FRUGAL flourish templates for your crafting projects. Now, I know this isn't rocket science, lol, and you may have seen this technique before, but since I have not seen it anywhere, I AM considering this a "Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire" idea.

Using one of my flourish stamps, I stamped with black ink onto a piece of chipboard. Then I took my trusty crop-a-dile and using the smaller of the two hole punches, I punched my way around the flourish, spacing the holes every 1/4" or so. I realized that the "reach" on my crop-a-dile was a minor challenge when I got to the middle of the flourish, so I decided to loosely cut around the stamped image so I could more easily punch some of the holes.

Then I got out my trusty stickles and dropped just a smidge into each hole....and...VOILA...my very own FRUGAL flourish bling:) Now you all know that the biggest complaint about stickles is how long they take to dry...so if you don't mind a more subdued blingy appearance, you can use the tip of a toothpick and dip it into some stickles you squirted out on your craft mat to drop into each hole in your template.

Whenever I use a toothpick to apply stickles, besides having more control over where it lands, it dries much quicker because there is much lighter coverage. This is especially helpful with small projects like cards or tags where you don't want the bling to be too overwhelming anyway.

I did find that it was much easier to work from the back of my template because the stamped side was a bit distracting. You can also consider the fact that now you can determine the direction that your flourish goes based on which side of the template you use.

I'm sure you could also use this template to place glue if you still prefer to add crystals or other bling to your project.

Once finished, just clean off any extra stickles (or glue) stuck to the template with a dry paper towel.

Of course, for those of you who are daring enough, you can also just "draw" your flourishes freehand with no template at all:) I've tried it and it works fine...you can always practice on scrap paper first:)

Studio L3 Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #32

2011-02-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've had time to play along over at the Studio L3 Blog, so I thought I'd try to fit one in tonight. It's actually 8 p.m. as I speak, so I guess I'm officially late with my post, but the project is done, so I'll link it anyway:)

Here's my take on page 59 from the Compendium of Curiosities book. I've used this technique a few times (and even taught it) and it was FUN to revisit it. Thanks, Linda for such an awesome challenge!

Faux Metal Embellishments

2011-02-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by a post I saw over at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog where there were links to tutorials on how to make faux metal embellishments.

Now, I know that my "take" on it doesn't "really" qualify as "faux metal", but it's DEFINITELY a frugal approach to the ready made metal embellishments we all know and love:)

You really need to visit the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog and try their techniques for accomplishing great faux metal results.

In addition, feel free to try my idea:) For those of you who have followed my blog for a while, you may have seen me use this technique before. On this post, I want to offer you another tutorial on how to make your own "faux" metal embellishments.

All you need to start with is a few basic items:

A die cut (the shapes that are often metal work best)
Chipboard
Xyron create-a-sticker machine (size depends on the size of your diecut)
Aluminum foil

For this demonstration, I'll use a few different methods that will give varying results.

For this first diecut, I made sure my piece of aluminum foil was no wider than the width of my xyron (in this case 1 1/2 inches)...remember for this to work properly, your diecut must be less than this width, too.

Once the aluminum foil is run through the xyron, gently pull it away from the waxy paper and apply it to a piece of chipboard that was cut just a bit bigger than the resulting die cut.

Next you just run it through your diecutting system and your done! There are a few variations you can also use to get slightly different results. I've shown three different results below.

One was run through with a smooth finish on the foil.

One was run through the xyron using a piece of foil wider than the Xyron opening. As the foil funneled in to the opening of the Xyron, it crinkled, thereby resulting in a crinkled diecut. This is especially cool when working on Halloween projects.

The last one was run through smooth and then run though an embossing folder.

Bonus ideas:

You can use the "insides" of the keyholes as photocorners. Just pierce a hole in the round part and attach with a brad.

You can use alcohol inks on your embellishments to change the color since aluminum foil is a non-porous surface.
You can sand the tops (be gentle because the foil is thin) and then you can use distress inks on them to age them.
You can add stickles, distress stickles, etc.

Enjoy:)

Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog...February Kit Challenge!

2011-02-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you all, this new blog, Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog is my NEW favorite blog right now...I love the way, they allow all of us "frugal crafters" to put kits together using some fabulous kit of the month inspiration...furthermore, though, I LOVE the way they also list MANY awesome kit club websites right on their blog...so whether you are inspired by the creative inspiration of the kits and create your own...or just want a place for a "one stop shop" to visit these awesome kit clubs directly, I think it's a win/win for all:)

In my TRUE frugal style, I have chosen to use the February kit of choice from http://www.scrapsofdarkness.com/, which I have to say, is an AWESOME kit. Here is a pic of the kit:

I just LOVE that frame around their pic...gonna have to find me one of them, lol...

Now here is my "counterfeit" kit right out of my stash:

The first thing you may notice is that I don't have the beautiful large flowers in my counterfeit kit...but see the paper scalloped circles?...now ya know, they WILL become my version of those flowers, right?

Now to try and list my products:

Basic Grey - Stella Ruby Line - Dining with the Daveys - ste - 725
American Crafts (I think) - this was a paper packet (the red/black piece)
Some scraps from Teresa Collins - Travel Line
Pink Paislee - Bayberry Cottage - borderlines
Quick Quotes - Rub-ons
Hambly - Screen Print - All mixed up
Prima - silver swirls & shapes (not sure of the proper name...don't have pkg anymore
Sizzix - sizzlets die - Bird-Swallow
Little roses from The Fabric Barn in Long Beach
Random fibers and embellies from various crafting stores

I will also be using some of my favorite TH products to alter the paper, embellies, etc.

Now to get started on the challenges:)

Go over and visit Counterfeit Kits Challenge and play along:)

Frugal Scrappin' February Class:)

2011-02-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about February's Frugal Scrappin' Class! (You'll need to scroll through my "gab" to get to the pics).

While I was at CHA, I saw a few AMAZINGLY familiar embellies...FLOWERS!...now these weren't just ordinary "perfectly shaped" flowers, you know...they were flowers that LOOKED like they were HOMEMADE...Whoo Hoo!

Now ya know I had to study them for a while to see HOW I could replicate them and make them into a FRUGAL project, and I've done just that:)

I then saw some tips 'n tricks using the Tim Holtz Alterations diecuts (you, too, may have seen some videos on the subject). So we will be making our VERY own STAMPS! Yes, out of fun foam AND "trash" (well acetate packaging). Each Frugal Scrappin' attendee will go home with their very own STAMP!

Also, while at TNT in February, the make 'n take was doing something I've been thinkin' about for a while...making our own decorative PINS! Thank you, Jacquie (our Fearless TNT Leader) for hostessing such a GREAT TNT meeting AND an AWESOME make 'n take! I love it when I can take an idea I've just learned and share it with my Frugal Scrappin' class!

So let's summarize...you'll be learning THREE awesome techniques:

We'll make homemade flowers TWO different ways
We'll make our own homemade decorative pins
We'll make our own STAMP

We will also use some of my FAVORITE products in class:

Gold Paint Dabber
Perfect Pearls
Studio 490 stamps
Paper from one of Tim's Paper Packs
Distress inks

In addition, for a BONUS, I will show you how to use an ordinary brown paper lunch bag to make card envelopes and embellies.

Please join us for frugal scrappin' on:

Date: February 24, 2011

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Place: Ever After Scrapbooks

Cost: JUST $15

Now for a sampling of the cards we will make along with the supply list:

Supply List:

Gold Paint Dabber
Liquid adhesive (that dries clear)
Your favorite tape runner
Adhesive Pop Dots
Distress Inks in Fired Brick, Black Soot, and a cool brown like Brushed Corduroy or Frayed Burlap
Mini mister
Black pen or thin black marker
Scissors
Paper Trimmer
Paper Distressor

Challenge...it's just a word

2011-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

So I've been thinking over the last 5-6 weeks about WHAT my word is this year...

You know...there's alot of BUZZ in the crafting world about chosing "your word for the year"...and I've FINALLY settled on mine (with a little help from my hubby)...

C H A L L E N G E

That is my word for 2011. I LOVE that word...I embrace THAT word...I am PASSIONATE about that word...

Now, I can't wait until this weekend, when I get to CHALLENGE myself to create some AWESOME projects to complete the next Frugal Scrappin' class on Feb 24th.

Stay tuned!

Reflecting on...Frugal Scrapping...

2011-02-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

So.....I've been reflecting lately on the original purpose of my Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire blog...and I've realized that over the last year, I've moved away from the reason I originally started this blog...to share my ideas for FRUGAL paper crafting:)

With that being said (and with a little help from my scrappin' friends), I've been turned on to some AWESOME ideas for frugal scrappin' & paper craftin'.

My friend Jacquie found this awesome blog http://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/ that has GREAT ideas for using your stash and replicating some of those awesome embellishments we all know and love...but, alas...sometimes just cannot purchase:(

FEAR NOT, fellow FRUGAL CRAFTERS, because there is SO much inspiration out there, that we may NEVER need to shop again...well, maybe ALMOST never, lol!

With that being said, I will definitely be bringing this blog back around full circle to what I love to do best...save my hard earned crafting $$ and spend wisely. Now the newest and greatest paper will still be my guilty pleasure....BUT, going forward, MOST of my embellies on my projects will be "copykat" ideas I've come up with (or found on-line) that I will be sure to share with you all.

LOOK OUT Frugal Crafters...put your creative hats on, and join me on this amazing FRUGAL journey!

You definitely WON'T be disappointed:)

Now head on over to http://counterfeitkitchallenge.blogspot.com/ and leave some love...and tell them I sent you there:)...this is DEFINITELY a blog after my own frugal heart:)

Frugal Scrappin' Sneak Peek:)

2011-02-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

One of the things I did notice at CHA was alot of flowers that LOOKED homemade...well you know me, why buy one already made when you CAN make it yourself?

With that in mind, shown above is just ONE of the cards we will make in the Febrary Frugal Scrappin' class that will held on Thursday, February 24th from 6:30 - 8:30 at Ever After Scrapbooks.

Now, if you're really perceptive, you may notice a cute little birdie stamp in the lower right corner...well, fellow frugal crafters, we WILL be making this awesome stamp in class, so you will be able to take one home with you! Whoo hoo! This is an idea I've been thinking about for a while, but my AWESOMELY talented co-instructor actually made this one for me as a gift. THANKS, KAREN...you ROCK, girlfriend!

Since I'd been thinking about this anyway, and I do have the diecut to make this bird, I thought I'd just use this design for our class. It's really cute and will help us start thinking about Spring which is right around the corner...well actually for us in Southern Cali, it's just Spring and Fall all year, but I'm sure you get the drift.

We will make 4 cards in class, some in a different shape (5 x 5) and we will also be using some other FRUGAL products to use with our cards...I just need to feel better so my creative mind can start workin' again:)

enJOY, and check back for more sneak peeks at the rest of the cards...as I design them, they will be posted...and as always, they WILL be AWESOME and will be FILLED with new TECHNIQUES to try:)

CHA Update:)

2011-02-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow crafters:)

I'm back fresh from CHA and right into the worst illness I've had in a long time. I actually had to call out of work 2 days in a row! Any one who knows me knows I just DON'T call out of work...but this illness really wiped me out!

Anyway, I did go to CHA over the weekend, but for some reason thought there were NO pictures this year...go figure that I'd ACTUALLY listen and NOT take my camera. Luckily Heather did have hers and let me use it...now we just have to connect so I can get the pics...before CHA is long gone and forgotten, lol...

There were a few stand out companies for me this year and they are as follows (in no particular order)

BoBunny
October Afternoon
Sassafrass Lass
Simple Stories (this is a new company that JUMPED right out of the box)
Kaiser Craft
Tim Holtz

I'm sure there are others, but I just can't think of them right now...

For Tim, I have SO much of his stuff I still have yet to use, that I'll wait to purchase some of his new items until I can see some ideas on how to use them. While cool, some of the idealology products are a bit pricey and are use once and done kind of things.

I DO have to say, though, that his Shadow Box (the Configuration) is very cool! I have never seen this and LOVE the different shapes and sizes of each opening.

Of course the new Alterations dies are also really cool!

Sorry, I have no pics:(

enJOY your day!

Studio L3 AND 365 Cards:)

2011-01-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Well bloggers, I am spending some time this weekend at the ole craft table, I'm happy to report...I am feelin' kind of a creative block though, so I've decided to try and jump start...well....somethin' with a little help from some of my favorite challenge blogs:) I know I'm double dippin' but a frugal scrapper's gotta do what a frugal scrappers gotta do sometimes...

Since today is my son Dan's 31st BIRTHDAY, yes, I know I look WAY to young to have a 31 year old, lol...I decided to make a card for him...now I don't normally make traditional birthday cards...my cards need to "speak" to me...hmmmmmmm...I often say I need to create things that "speak" to me...now before you call the white coats, I really DON'T hear voices, lol...it's just my inner creative mind at work, heehee...

Anyway, I'm really into dreamin' big, and livin' those dreams...I've been caught WAY too many times gettin' up on my ol' soap box and sayin' "figure out where you want to go (what your goals are)...then back up...and figure out how to get there"...

(disclaimer)...just don't back up so far that you fall off the cliff you didn't see behind you, ya hear?

Anyway, I am SO PROUD of my son and all he has accomplished in his life and I just want him to keep followin' those dreams...and remember....always GIVE MORE than you GET...

O.k...I'm gettin' down off my soap box now, lol...and will show you my card for the day...it's kinda simple and deep...hopefully YOUR dreams give YOU glimpses of LIFE bigger than YOUR own:)

Now, hop on over to Studio L3 AND 365 Cards so you can see the challenges I was tryin' to play along with...then feel free to "pop" back here and leave me a comment...what are YOUR DREAMS tellin' YOU?

Today she becomes...

2011-01-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone out in blogland!

It's been a while since I've had time to create, so today is the first day of the NEW YEAR that I've been able to just chill 'n create:)

I've been meaning to start a scrapbook for Dan and Steph (my son and daugher-in-law), but just wasn't able to find the time to sit and get it started...then I saw a great SKETCH CHALLENGE over at the NEW CropStop Challenge Blog. I'm VERY excited for them. They have created an AMAZINGLY creative blog that I think is just BEAUTIFUL!

The first challenge on their new blog is a sketch challenge. I had printed a kind of artistic picture from the wedding and was looking for the PERFECT opportunity to use it in a layout. Well, the CropStop sketch definitely SPOKE to ME. Of course, my finished projects always end up being very LOOSELY based on the sketch, since once I get started, my creativity just takes on a mind of it's own...

Let's start with the sketch:

My good friend, Gloria designed this sketch and I love the simplicity...it's not overdone and allows you to run with it and make it your own...GREAT JOB, Gloria:)

Here's my take on it:

I had seen this "artistic" take on a photo a while back and really liked it. I was so happy to be able to use this frugal foto in my layout for this challenge...in fact I think this is the first actual layout I've done in months!

I used some of my Basic Grey Capella paper pack along with some of the diecut shapes from the same line. I added some bling from Prima and some ribbon and lace from my stash. Of course, I had to add a bit of "grunge" so I used some bubble wrap and my Espresso paint dabber to add some texture. I also outlined the photo and all of the paper mats with the same paint dabber....oh, and the blue paper???? from one of my Tim Holtz paper packs:)

enJOY:)

Lori, FSE:)

Just chillin' and creatin' today:)

2010-11-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, although I had a WONDERFUL time this last week playing along with some AWESOME challenges, I decided that I needed a break today, lol...

I really LOVE the inspiration that challenge sites give me, but sometimes Ijust want to "set my creativity free" and create for the sake of creatin'.

I spoiled myself and bought a few NEW sheets of patterned paper yesterday (hey, don't tell anyone, ya here?)...as it turns out, when I looked at the details on the sheets of paper so I could give kudos to the paper companies, I found that a few of the sheets I bought aren't that new after all...BUT they are STILL new to me!

Still workin' on my vintag-y style, lol...I did buy some patterned paper that I thought felt vintag-Y to me...I thought maybe they would help bring out the "inner vintage" in me:)

Now, ya know I just LOVE a lucious piece of G45 paper...and the "Once Upon a Time" line is just to die for!!!!!...well not really, but in those "Once Upon a Time" stories, the PRINCESS always survives, right?

So then I added a piece from Foof-a-la (I have to be honest and say I've never heard of this paper, but since I do like the paper I bought, I'll have to look them up).

Then I added some things from my stash, like the gold pearls, a REALLY OLD sizzix diecut, and a scrap that quickly became a rolled flower (instructions that I found can be viewed here on Irene Tan's blog).

And what about this close-up of this Christmas tree? This TOTALLY reminds me of the cut-out sugar cookies I used to make. Since I glued the paper over corregated cardboard before diecutting the shape, I got some really good dimension on this tree. Adding a bit of distress ink helped make it look even better. When I added the finishing touch of the beading, it really reminded me of those little confection balls we used to add to our cookies...one of the things I remember most is that they always rolled all around and more ended up OFF of the cookies than stayed ON, lol.

enJOY:)

Lori M, FSE:)

I made it! 365 Cards Day 272!

2010-11-27T23:12:00.000-08:00

Whew! I made it! I finished an ENTIRE week of challenges over at 365 Cards. Whoo Hoo! I have to say, I've had alot of fun this week AND have challenged myself to work "outside of MY box", creatively speaking...and ya know what???? I LOVED it!

Now, today's card was a bit more of a challenge than I thought it would be...my time was a bit limited today. I started at 6 a.m...had to get the ole MOJO going with a "cup of JOE"...then I started putting all of my recipe items together...

Paper piercing...check.
Stitching...check.
Button...check.
Die Cuts...check.
5 x 5 card...check.
Stick pin...check.
Stamping...check.
Distressin'...check.
Dimensional Sticker...check.
Lace...check.

Whew...even though I did officially "finish" this card, I found I was so worried about trying to fit everything in that I realized I didn't really make a great piece of ART. It was kinda like I used the same canvas and randomly made sure each element was included, but without the normal flow I like to use...

BUT...I DID finish!

Do I think this is my best creation?...NO. Is it vintag-y?...YES (at least somewhat). Did I get all of the elements in?...YES. I'd love to try a project like this again, and with experience doing a challenge like this, I just KNOW, I could eventually...create a masterpiece:)

Thanks again, 365 Cards, for all the fun!

enJOY,

Lori M. FSE:)

365 Cards Day 271 AND Crop Stop Monthly Card Sketch:)

2010-11-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

Wow! I've been workin' overtime tryin' to STRETCH myself and CREATE cards with a more VINTAG-Y feel. I defininitely think I"m getting there (with a little help from my friends over at 365 Cards, of course).

When I woke up this mornin' and found that today's card challenge is vintage + lace, I thought....Whoo hoo! I just made a card with lace and was gettin' ready to post it this morning...and GUESS WHAT??????

It's VINTAG-Y + LACE!

A dear friend gave me a bag of scraps a while back and when I went through it I found a few "vintage" fotos in the bag. I decided to use one of them for this project!

As you probably know, I also LOVE inspirational quotes, and found this quote below (also in this bag). I'd like to think I'm a WISE mother, and definitely gave my kids roots...the wings to fly part, you ask???? I'm still workin' on that, lol....I've been know to say to them "Fly Babies, Fly"...and it worked on my oldest, my wonderful "middle child" keeps circlin' around and coming back to the "nest"...my youngest?...she just tells me "but Mom, it's SCARY out there", lol...

Honestly, though, I'm very proud of ALL of my kids!

Oh, and for those of you who are wonderin', no this isn't a foto of me, nor is it anyone I know...my friend (the one who gave me the bag of "goodness (scraps)") just LOVES to go to swap meets and probably found them in the bottom of a box:)

Well, I've got my ENTIRE recipe for tomorrow's card over at 365 Cards, so I have work to do:) AFTER, of course, I go to WORK today:(

365 Cards Day 270 and a Happy Thanksgiving to ALL:)

2010-11-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

So, it's Thanksgiving morning and I'm relaxing in my crafting room before our Thanksgiving dinner. I have to say, there are SO MANY things I'm THANKFUL for today and EVERY DAY, but the 1 thing that comes to MIND today is my DEAR HUBBY. I am SO THANKFUL for him! He is a GREAT cook and has ALREADY started the preparation for today's FAMILY dinner!

The Christmas tree is UP, and ready to be decorated by our 3 grandsons...I'm cutting strips of paper so we can make a PAPER CHAIN that is quickly becoming one of the staples on my Christmas tree:) I can't wait for the GRANDKIDS to come for a visit!

I've completed my card for the 365 Cards challenge, but have realized that while I'm challenging myself with the daily challenge, I'm forgetting that VINTAGE is also the name of the game this week. While I won't win any awards for following directions, lol...I'm hoping I can award myself for actually FINISHING something. You see, I always have great ambitions, but rarely have the time to actually follow progressive challenges to the end.

Because 365 Cards has such AMAZINGLY talented DTer's, though, it's VERY EASY be be inspired to play along. Thanks, 365 Cards for another GREAT challenge today!

Today's challenge is hosted by Hannah and her twist is to use a dimensional sticker on your card. Now, I normally do NOT use stickers (not because I don't like them...it's because I prefer to "create" my own)...Like all of us, though, I DO have a stash of stickers AND have some that are dimensional so rummaged through my stash until I found something that matched the paper I had already decided to use (from my "scrap pile", mind you...heehee). So I used some popped up stickers from Sandylion that I've had for at least a few years...again, thanks for the opportunity to put these to good use.

Here's what I came up with:

Now, if you've been following the challenge all week, you will notice that I copied a quote that Kim used...as soon as I saw it, I knew it was one of those quotes that "speaks to me"...A new WORD document and a couple of text boxes later, I've got my quote for this card.

Whoo hoo! I just love it when I can "homemake" my card sentiments:)

enJOY:)

Have a VERY BLESSED Thanksgiving Holiday and BE SAFE:)

Lori M, FSE:)

365 Cards Day 268

2010-11-24T20:54:00.000-08:00

O.k....I'm FINALLY caught up with this week's challenges over at 365 Cards. Whoo hoo!!!!

Here is the card for day 268. The challenge was to use at least one stamp on your card...well, of course I went just a tee bit overboard...I used one of my favorite TH Stampers Anonymous stamps and stamped in Pumice Stone, Shabby Shutters and Tumbled Glass.

I thought the stamp AND the ink colors went really well with yet....you guessed it! Another scrap from my stash:)

I added one of the TH coins AND a studio 490 stamp, some SEI ribbon from my stash and a few TH brads. These are some of my favorite colors to work with so this was very relaxing to make:)

One other thing I REALLY have to tell you that I keep forgetting...first a question...Can you TELL that my FOTOS are much BETTER lately???? I know that's a LOADED question, lol...so no need to answer:) I went to the Photo Expo in Del Mar a few weeks ago and bought my very first Christmas gift...FOR ME, lol...I bought a Tamaron lens that is AMAZING! Wait til you see the close-up of one of the photos in this set of fotos. I'll just say WOW! It's a 60 mm lens 1:1 (like I really know what that means, lol)...but I'm learnin'!

O.k., now on to the fotos:

Hmmmmm....the direction of my dreams....well that would be to become a FAMOUS ARTIST...in the altered art/mixed media category...now, how KEWL would that be?

Now for the close-up...I was able to actually hold the card at arm's length with one hand and take this foto with the other hand. Whoo hoo!!!! The ONLY problem with this lens you might ask????? It's sooooo sharp, I may not want to see fotos of myself with this lens...talk about emphasis on my "wrinkles"...hee hee...yeah, I have 'em:)

200th Post and a 365 Card Challenge, whoo hoo!

2010-11-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can't believe this is my 200th post! How cool is that? I just LOVE my BLOG:) Now, I've been blogging for a little over 2 years now, and I'm sure some of you out in blog land have MANY more than 200 posts in that much time, but for me this is TRULY a milestone...you see, I tend to jump in with BOTH FEET when I get into a new interest....then when the novelty wears off, I peder out....

I do have to say, I've had a few "breaks" in my blogging over the last 2 years (when my "other" life has gotten the best of me, lol), but I'm really PROUD of ME for sticking with this AMAZING hobby!

Thanks to all of you who have been following (and a few of you...you know who you are...that have been "lurking" along the way....Hey, I have an idea:)....wouldn't it be REALLY KEWL to have 200 followers, too? Since I'm not an OVERLY TECHY person...I'm not sure how to combine my fb followers and the blogger followers...It appears as though I have almost 100 followers between the two but I'm sure some are duplicates...so...it may be a bit harder to really know how many followers there are...hmmmmmmm...well I'm going to start working on a goal to increase interest in my lil ol' blog. Any ideas are greatly appreciated:) I want to do something original...so I'll have to put on my thinking cap...I can smell the "wood" burnin' already, heehee.

O.k., 'nough of that, I need to get to my project for 365 Cards...of course there is TONS of inspiration out there, and this was no exception. I do have to say that I liked the sample so much that I simply "copied" it (well, the sketch anyway). Here's my project:

I think by now, you all probably know that I just LOVE inspirational quotes...I know this one is by no means original, but ya know...sometimes ya just have to go back to the simple things...those things ya REALLY KNOW, but still FORGET to DO!...I'm just sayin'....

In true frugal scrappin' style, I'm still forcing myself to use "just the scraps, ma'am"...Here I found some REALLY OLD Rusty Pickle paper, some Cloud Nine Designs paper, as well as some that I have NO IDEA who's it is because the nice strips on the edge of the paper are missing. I added some ribbon I've had for YEARS and some roses I picked up a the Fabric Barn in Long Beach.

Thanks, 365 Cards for giving me yet another inspirational project to create from.

enJOY:)

Lori, FSE:)

Vintage, it is:)

2010-11-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided I just couldn't let this vintag-y thing go, so I decided to give it another shot and try...again, lol...to make a vintag-y card.

I ACTUALLY didn't EVEN distress the edges of my paper! AND, I made my FIRST (of many, I'm sure) 5 x 5 card!...well, I actually think I DID make one other 5 x 5 card (with an Easter theme last year) so, officially this is my second.

I'm sure you're all going to laugh, but the thing I like about sqare cards is that they are like "little" scrapbook pages:) I was thinking I could probably whip out one of my sketch books and use it as inspiration for a card...kinda one of those "I shoulda had a V8" moments...like I said, you're probably laughing right now because I didn't realize that....sometimes my frugal scrappin' mind has to circle around ideas for a while before they sink in (kinda like the way the plane circles around the Philadelphia airport every time I go there)...round and round it goes, when it stops, nobody knows...

O.k., on to my card...I kinda repeated Gloria's challenge over at 365 Cards, using a hat pin (or 2, hee hee) and I have to say, I like this card MUCH better than the 1st...now I LOVE my T!m stuff, but sometimes a girl has to branch out, ya know?

I'm stickin' with my "scraps" challenge though...I used a piece of SEI paper, a piece of Cosmo Cricket paper, and other stuff from my stash to make this AWESOMELY inspiring card:)

I love the papers on this card. The reason they feel vintag-y to me is that I can see the wallpaper in my grandmother's home now....from when I was little...maybe not as bright, but definitely with the same patterns.

I've seen "rolled" roses recently but have never tried to make one myself. My frugal scrappin' partner, Karen, is using this technique in our upcoming frugal scrappin' class in December, so I thought I better give it a try...now I can't tell you how I made it (although I'm sure most of you have done these already), but if you want to learn, come on over to our Frugal Scrappin' class on December 9th at Ever After Scrapbooks and we'll show ya.

And in the true fashion I just learned from Melody and Gloria, I've finished the inside of the card. Thanks to you both for being such an inspiration to me!

Hmmmmm.... I wonder if I can replace my 365 card entry from day 267 with this one...awwwww, I'll just let it be:)

enJOY:)

365 Cards Day 267 AND Studio L3 CCC #23

2010-11-22T19:47:00.000-08:00

Whew...two challenges that I REALLY wanted to participate in are complete...and I found out a few things about myself...you see, I THOUGHT my style was vintag-y...the operative word is THOUGHT, lol...but when I TRIED, REALLY TRIED to do a vintag-y card, I found myself VERY inTIMidated, lol!

Now, that doesn't happen often, ya know...I do have to say that I am normally a very HUMBLE person, but inTIMidated????....uhhhhh...not usually, lol....LONG STORY-SHORT...apparently, my STYLE is NOT vintag-Y at all! GRUNG-Y, yes, but vintag-Y, not so MUCH.

I'm gonna show you my card, but don't laugh, now, ya hear? I know it's a STRETCH, but maybe...just MAYBE if you squint and turn your head this way and that...you'll see just a wee bit of vintage in this card:)

I do think I followed the rules about only using my card for the 365 Cards AND only 1 other challenge:)...and using a pin on my card, so it's just the "vintag-y" part that may be a bit of a stretch, lol...

They(365 Cards) are having an AWESOME blog hop this week with a really cool grand finale challenge...it's a progressive recipe challenge and is proving to be alot of fun! You travel from blog to blog and collect "recipe" items that will then be used on the last day (this Saturday) as the recipe to make Saturday's card. Cool, huh? Now there are some other rules you'll need to follow, so visit here and get started:)

I am enJOYing my time to play along with challenges, but have also found that it's TOO HARD for me to incorporate more than one challenge into one card...do you know I saw a card this morning (wish I could remember where because it was REALLY cute...and there must have been a list of 10 or more challenges that one card was going to be entered in....gee wiz...I would have never finished even that one card! Too much pressure for me:)

Oh, so for the second challenge...this one was very EASY for me...it's for the Studio L3 challenge where we are turning to page 40 in our Compendium of Curiosities book and working on the double distress technique.

What fun this was! Thanks again Linda:) You ROCK, girl!

The colors of distress ink I used were:

Victorian Rose (see I really DID try to do vintag-y)
Stormy Sky
Old Paper (see, see, I really did try, lol)
Frayed Burlap (y'all)

Now, ya know I can't tell ya how to do this technique...my lips are sealed, you're gonna just have to buy the book...trust me...it's worth it!

enJOY:)

Lori, FSE:)

Simon Says Stamp Challenge-Sparkle!

2010-11-22T06:57:00.000-08:00

I've been "lurking" on the Simon Says Stamp challenge site for a while now, and have finally had the opportunity to play along. Since this is the first challenge I'm participating in, it's a bit intimidating, for sure...all those entries and the challenge...Sparkle...what does that mean? The DT samples are AMAZING and I've seen some pearls and some rhinestones on the cards...I also noticed that they are all square cards. I have noticed that many cards are square these days, so I must just be behind the times (which is normal for me, lol)...I didn't have my first microwave until well into the 1990's, lol.

Hmmmmm...I must not have been a good lurker if I still have questions...well, I'm gonna give it a go with my first card in the Sparkle category:)

Still going with my own challenge of the day, to use just scraps...I found parts to an old TNT kit from a challenge group at Ever After Scrapbooks. It's probably a year or two old, but I still like these papers. I decided to stay with a masculine theme, but also challenge myself to make a "romantic" card.

The sparkle on this card is black rhinstones and perfect pearls spray. Perfect Pearls spray is normally hard to see in photos, but I think the close-up below does a good job of showing it off.

I thought this #'s stamp was perfect for what I was trying to achieve...since it's a "love" card, I thought the inside would say something like "let me COUNT the ways"...

enJOY:)

Lori, FSE:)

365 Cards challenge:)

2010-11-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

As you can probably tell based on my posts today, this was a great day for challenges for me:) It's been way too long since I've spent an ENTIRE day to myself, just creating and having a MOST WONDERFUL time!

Shall I dare to admit that I'm still in my "jammies" even though it's 4:40 p.m. and I've been up since 5:30 a.m.?...too late I already "dared", lol. Well, this MAY just BE my last post TODAY...and it's one that I'm MOST proud to POST...

The challenge over at 365 cards begins with a sketch...then sweet Gloria shared some lucious G45 with the design team members so we'll get all that G45 goodness all week, whoo hoo!...sooooo with my li'l ole challenge I gave myself today...to just use scraps...I think....hmmmmm...do I even HAVE any G45 scraps to PLAY with?

Then I come across 1...just one scrap piece of G45 that is actually a halloween sheet, and the ole brain starts churnin'....then I think...hmmmm...Gloria and I just had a conversation yesterday about one of T!m's new dies that she JUST wasn't sure she NEEDED...and I look at my G45 sheet and think, HEY this kinda looks like that film strip die (ya know, the one Gloria doesn't think she needs, lol)...at least until she sees what I have done with it, ROFL...ya know Gloria and I have been "known" to ENABLE each other a bit, hee hee...

So enough ramblin'...here's my take on the 365 Cards Sunday sketch...oh, I guess I should show you the sketch first...

I really had fun making this card! I decided since I only had one sheet of scrap G45 paper...and it was Halloween themed...it was going to be a REAL stretch to turn it in to something feminine like the lovely samples on the 365 Cards blog.

So instead, I whipped out my new T!m filmstrip die (and yes, I have to admit FINALLY took it out of the package..you see when I bought these sizzlets dies, I forgot that I didn't have the extended block for my bigshot)...but Ellison warehouse sale came to the rescue, lol....o.k., another confession, I also FINALLY opened the metal gears AND the clock faces....no more hoarding T!m's things now....

So here's my "take" on the sketch...when I saw the filmstrip die...and thought about my relationship with my hubby of 30+ years, I thought....hey we could make a romantic comedy, lol...(for anyone who knows us, it would be loosely based on the "Odd Couple"...and I'm sure you know who would play "Felix" and who would play "Oscar", lol...) Feel free to leave me a comment with your guess, if you dare:)

....WE SHOULD MAKE A ROMANTIC COMEDY...

I painted my metal parts with a copper paint dabber and then once dry, sanded it off. It stands out most on the clock. I also ran the paint dabber around the outside of the card base. I ran black cardstock through the big shot with the filmstrip die then used the inserts in the dies to cut out pieces from cream paper to insert in the filmstrip.

At the last minute, I decided to add another piece of the discarded film strip to place on the other side of the card so it looked more like a "latch" of sorts (to kind of go better with the "purse" theme of the sketch).

enJOY:)

Lori, FSE:)

Card Patterns Sketch 91:)

2010-11-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

What a HAPPY Frugal Scrapper I am today...went to the Ellison Warehouse sale yesterday with some really great friends, bought some sizzix dies at REALLY great prices, and today?...I'm craftin' and havin' fun with my new TOYS....and some great inspiration, too! I haven't "played" along with Card Patterns...well...in WAY TOO LONG! I was inspired by this week's sketch and couldn't wait to play along! Thanks, Card Patterns!

Shown above is Sketch 91. If you have a moment, go visit them to see the samples they have posted from their creative team...very INSPIRING, in deed!

I had alot of fun creating my version of the sketch challenge. In addition to playing along, I have also given myself my own challenge...use ONLY SCRAPS to make cards today...well, I do have to admit that the card bases are from whole sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock, but the rest REALLY IS scraps!

Don't ya just love that viny leafy die? That's one that I just bought yesterday for a whole....get a load of this...$5!...brand new...still in the package...just callin' my name, lol...

I also used one of T!m's new dies, the rosette. And guess what???? It was a bit bigger than I wanted it to be, so....I just trimmed about a 1/4 inch off of the straight edge (opposite the scalloped edge) and voila! A smaller diameter of the still ever so amazing rosette. I'm tellin' ya...if you don't have this rosette die yet, you're REALLY missin' out!

Oh, did I tell you I'm a good "listener", too? Well, not always, but this time I listed to my friend Gloria (an amazing paper crafter) from the Scraps of Life blog who learned from another friend of ours, Melody (another AMAZING paper crafter) the importance of decorating the inside of your card. THANKS, LADIES!

Actually, a long, long time ago...I used to decorate the insides of my cards...but then I got lazy, I guess, lol...anyway, I agree with those two EXTREMELY TALENTED ladies that it DEFINITELY makes a difference in your project when you finish off the inside of the card.

Here is a take on the inside of my card for this sketch:)

enJOY:)

O.k....BACK TO PLAYIN' NOW! I hope you get to PLAY today, too:)

Lori, FSE:)

O.k...I'm on a roll today:)

2010-11-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

Third time's the CHARM, right? Well I just have to report that I have a VERY CHARMING friend visiting with me today. His name is Felix and he arrived last night via the US Post Office, all cozy in a bubble wrap package. He's come fresh from Kenai, Alaska where he had a BLAST going to school and 4 wheelin' in two feet of snow! Sorry, Felix, no snow here:(

Felix wanted to pack his swimsuit for the usual sunny southern California weather, but alas, he needs a raincoat today:)

Felix is traveling aroung the US, journaling his travels as part of a project that my nephew, Blake is participating in. Blake has been out to visit me from Pennsylvania many times, so I'm sure he knows how much fun Felix will have while he is visiting.

Since I'm working on blogging and creating on this rare rainy day, I thought I'd have Felix help me out. He even made his way into one of my pictures.

I'll try REALLY HARD to NOT get glitter all over Felix's paws, o.k. Blake? I'm looking forward to having lots of fun with Felix while he's visiting. I'm sure you'll see him again soon?)

enJOY:)

Lori, FSE:)

Frugal Scrappin' Announcements and fun pics of November class!

2010-11-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

As I try to get caught up on my creating this weekend, I can see that I will be posting multiple messages today, so thanks for stopping by:)

ANNOUNCEMENT:

For the month December, Frugal Scrappin' will be moving up a few weeks to December 9th. The class will still be held from 6:30-8:30 and as always will include some AWESOME projects so come one, come all and have a scrappingly great time!

Karen, my ever so talented sidekick will be leading the December class and has designed an AMAZING project! In true Frugal Scrappin' style, this class will be filled with fun techniques using lots of T!m's products.

Here are the samples of what will be completed in our December class...you will NOT be choosing between these two lovely projects...you get to do BOTH! Talk about a FRUGAL bargain!...AND still for the Frugal price of just $15!

These two projects are just BEAUTIFUL! Karen will be showing you how to use some of her favorite T!m dies to create these amazing projects! You'll be inkin' and sticklin' and creatin' and will leave with BOTH of these projects!

Don't miss out! These classes sell out almost EVERY month, so sign up now by calling Ever After Scrapbooks at 760-630-CROP (2767). Class size limit is 15 students (so we can give you the time and attention you deserve:).

NOVEMBER CLASS RECAP!

We completed our 3 month series where we created a BEAUTIFUL canvas project using various techniques, all using T!m's products.

Since Gloria and Jacquie dressed for the occasion (matching my display board), they agreed to be the models for this photo. Thanks Gloria and Jacquie!

Here we have Holly working on her project. Everyone had such a great time, and came up with their own twist on each ATC. I just LOVE it when my students take their creativity to a level beyond the sample. Kudos to you all!

Here we have our very own Chris who beyond being hooked on Tim's classes, is an employee and T!m expert at Ever After. Chris loves working with T!m's products so much that she brought a friend to class:)

Kelly and niece Kel-An (in background) also had a great time in class. Way to go with those projects, girls...you all ROCK!

A good time was had by all AND this Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire (that would be me) was humbled by all of the talent in this class.

I hope to see you all in the next Frugal Scrappin' class!

enJOY:)

Lori, FSE:)

Sometimes a little rain is a GOOD thing!

2010-11-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

I've learned to LOVE rainy days...since moving to SUNNY southern California, that is...even though when I left Philadelphia 5 1/2 years ago, I packed my scrappin' stuff for the trip (even before my clothes, lol)...I found that these SUNNY DAYS can put a "damper" on my crafting...

You see, in Philadelphia, if it's the weekend AND the weather is PERFECT (sunny and 70's)...you DO NOT spend your day INDOORS! These days can be few and far between and you need to take advantage of the gorgeous weekend weather when you can get it...

Fast forward to 5+ years in SUNNY southern California...where that ole Pennsy mindset is still in my head...with a twist, of course...since ALMOST EVERY weekend in SUNNY southern California is sunny and 70's (well at least on the coast where I live).

THIS weekend, however, we have been graced by rain...lots of rain...(well lots in SUNNY southern California fashion, lol)...soooooo, what's a crafter to do?...Relish in the fact that paper craftin' is on the agenda for the day...whoo hoo!

My first project of the day, you ask? Well, of course it's my Compendium of Curiosities #22 project, hosted by none other that the amazing Linda over at Studio L3. We have been instructed to turn to page 52 in t!ms CCC book to make our project of the week. I just have to say...I LOVE alcohol inks AND I LOVE this technique...Thanks, Linda for posting this awesome challenge! Your project is AMAZING!

Here's my take on it:

Since this IS a RAINY weekend, I thought this stamp from one of t!m's sets from Stamper's Anonymous was the perfect quote. I also used my "rainy" mood when choosing colors for the technique. I used the following colors on the background:

Eggplant
Sailboat Blue
Lettuce
Terra Cotta
Peach Bellini

After I used another one of t!m's stamps, I added some Icicles Stickles to give the illusion of rain. It's usually hard to get a good photo of the glitter of stickles, but I think the pic below does a good job...It realy does look like raindrops:)

I decided to use some lighter colors on the background for the quote (partially because I wanted the quote to stand out, partially because I wanted to give the illusion that the skys were getting brighter.

The colors I used here were:

Peach Bellini
Shell Pink
Willow
Cloudy Blue

I had a BLAST creating this card, and just had to add a little lace I bought yesterday, and a few pearls to balance out the "grungy" side of things...The lace makes me think it's a window dressing and that you are looking outside at the rain.

Enjoy:)

Lori, FSE:)

The Grand Finale:)

2010-11-11T18:23:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to FINALLY share the GRAND FINALE with all of you! My 12 "Tags" of Christmas canvas is finally FINISHED! Can you give me a WHOO HOO!

I just LOVE this project. It has given me such JOY to work on this project...and what an AWESOME way to get into the HOLIDAY SPIRIT so early in the SEASON! I started working on this project WAY BACK in August! WOW!!!! This has been a LONG TIME coming!

Here it is~~~

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about how any of the mini projects were completed.

enJOY!

Finish your canvas with the Frugal Scrapper:)

2010-11-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

November is here, and Frugal Scrappin' is right around the corner...on November 18th, we will complete an awesome 3 month project. Whoo hoo! I can't wait to see all of the awesome student projects:) We're up to 15 awesomely creative students now. LIFE IS GOOD in this Frugal Scrapper's world...

I've finally had a chance to finish the last two "tags" that will complete our "12 Tags of Christmas" canvas project...now I'm sure you've noticed that our "tags" are actually ATC sized individual projects, all using TH products/techniques. This will make an AWESOME wall hanging, perfect for gift giving or home decorating just in time for the holiday season.

Here are the last "2" "tags". The first tag is actually acting as the front of a "door" and is attached to a mini 2 1/2" by 3 1/2" canvas with hinges made using TH grunge paper.

The background is a combination of papers/techniques from a previous class so that we could utilize some of the left over paper and also give the project some flow between each tag.

I've covered the grunge paper with silver paint via a silver paint dabber. While the paint was still wet, I pressed the hinge into some vintage photo distress powder. I've found that the paint dabbers are a great substitute for embossing ink when trying to obtain a random grungy feel with the embossing powder. I heat set the embossing powder and then went back over with a little more silver paint until I got the result I was looking for.

Then I added a bit of silver stickles for some extra shine. I repeated this same technique on the keyhole. Both the hinge and the key hole are part of the TH alterations "hardware findings" from Sizzix.

When it came to the second "tag", I turned the mini canvas backwards so I could use it as a box of sorts.

First I inked the wooden frame of the canvas with vintage photo distress ink. I kept going over it until it got good and dark (kind of reminds me of the "old english" furniture polish). Once the ink was dry, I painted over it with the silver paint dabber.

I let the paint dry, then used a Tonic scratcher tool to scratch some of the silver paint back off, showing the vintage photo ink underneath the paint. I love the vintage effect that was achieved.

I then placed a piece of paper on the back of the canvas and using a paper piercer made a hole in the top of the frame. I took some wire and wrapped it around a "key" (an old sizzix die that I treated using the same method as on the hardware findings).

Using some fabri-tac glue, I pushed the top of the wire into the hole I had made so the key would hang inside the box. To finish, I added a magnet so the "door" would stay closed.

I can't wait until our class when we will complete these last 2 "tags" and put the project together. I'm now heading over to Ever After to add these last "tags" to the project. I'll take a picture of the completed project and post it on the blog later today.

Now for the supply list for November's class:

Paper Trimmer

Distress ink tool

Adhesive (like a tape runner)

Silver stickles

Silver Paint Dabber

Vintgage Photo distress ink (walnut stain would also work)

Fabri-tac (or similar glue) you will need LOTS since this will also be used to put the project together

Vintage Photo distress embossing powder (walnut stain will also work)

Paper Piercer

enJOY!

October & Frugal Scrappin'...what could be better?

2010-10-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe it's October ALREADY! Since we REALLY didn't have a summer here in Sunny Southern California this year, I'm still waitin' for that warm weather, lol...the GOOD NEWS is that our "summer" did allow for extra craftin' and creatin' time:)

I am FINALLY finished the 5 tags we will be workin' on in the October FRUGAL SCRAPPIN' class. Whoo hoo! Class will be held at Ever After Scrapbooks on Thursday, October 28th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This month's it's all about T!m's alcohol inks (well at least on 4 of the tags anyway). I've had loads of FUN (and a little creative block, too) creatin' the October "tags" using alcohol inks in various ways. Let's start with the supply list for October:

October Frugal Scrappin’ Supply List

• Paper Trimmer
• Scissors
• Distress Tool
• Ink Blending Tool and sponges
• Ink Blending Tool and Felt Pads
• Fabric Tac or similar liquid adhesive
• Tape runner or similar adhesive
• Small/large glue dots
• Heat gun
• Stickles in Icicle and Silver
• Distress Inks in Barn Door or Fired Brick AND Peeled Paint AND Walnut Stain or Vintage Photo
• Alcohol Inks in red pepper AND Lettuce
• Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Now that that's out of the way, let's take a look at the "tags" one at a time:)

EnJOY:)

Lori M., FSE:)

"Waterpainting" with Mr. T!m's Distress Inks

2010-10-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

As promised, I'm back with a technique I use often. I call it "water painting" with Mr. T!m's distress inks. Since Autumn has arrived, I decided to "waterpaint" using some of my favorite Autumn inks.

Now for this technique, it is important to position your inks on your craft mat so that they portray the background your are trying to achieve. Since I wanted to start by "painting" my sky and ground, I started with the Forest Moss and Tumbled Glass inks...I swished the inks across my craft mat in a kind of "S" fashion.

I know it's hard to tell in this picture, but I swished Tumbled Glass and right beneath, swished Forest Moss across my mat. Then I spritzed with water using a mini mister water the inks down a bit.

Then I layed a plain white piece of cardstock over the ink. I have found it's best to use a "non" textured cardstock for this type of project.

Then I dry the ink so when I layer more ink over it, it won't get "muddy".

I then took a "tree" stamp from my stash and just inked part of it since I only wanted the "trees on the edge of the project. I used archival Sepia ink for these trees so that the trees would not be effected once I layered more distress ink "painting" on top of what I'd already done.

I repeated my "swishing" technique using Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, and Rusty Hinge distress inks. I added more water using a mini mister and just patted my paper on the ink. I then used one of T!m's decorative corner stamps and decorated the corners of the project using the Sepia archival ink again. The cool thing about the archival ink is that once it's dry, it will NOT react to getting wet like the distress inks do.

I added another one of T!m's stamps to another piece of white cardstock (this time with black archival ink)and "painted" with more distress inks as seen below. With this technique, I just randomly took the ink pads right to the paper, lightly tapping them until I got the effect I was looking for. I used Tumbled Glass, Mustard Seed, and Spiced Marmalade.

Then viola...I added some subtle fibers and one of T!m's coins and I'm finished...

You can find T!m's distress inks here at CropStop.com. You can also find many of T!m's ideal-ology products here, also at CropStop.com. They also carry many of T!m's Stampers Anonymous stamps here.

I hope you enjoyed this short tutorial:)

Feel free to share a link to your project using this technique via a comment to this post:)

Yours creatively,

Lori M., FSE:)

Movin', Studio L3 AND CropStop.com

2010-10-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, fellow crafters...I've definitely gone through "creativity withdrawal" over this last week! My dh and I have spent the last week or so slowly, oh so slowly....moving to our new condo. Ya know, there's somethin' to be said about the difference between movin' cross country and movin' a mile away...

When I moved cross country a few years back, I litereally packed my scrappin' stuff, a few clothes, and traveled cross country in my good ole Honda Accord (well, it wasn't really good ole at the time, it was only 3 yrs old)...anyway...I listened to Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway CD and a Sheryl Crow CD...ya know, the one with the song about Santa Monica Boulevard?...that one...cause I was FINALLY movin' to Sunny California (I'd only wanted to do this since I was 5)...I know, I know, I digress...

Anyway, that move was MUCH DIFFERENT because what I had was what I had...started out fresh in CA...and what ever I left behind was staying there...

This move a mile away is just so slow!!!! We had a two week overlap which we thought would give us plenty of time to thoroughly go through our "stuff"...have I ever said I really DON'T like "STUFF"?...anyway, as the story goes...the "stuff" ever so slowly followed me to the new place...apparently I wasn't "driving" the move "bus"...as my kids and dh decided to move EVERYTHING! Now don't get me wrong...I REALLY appreciate the help we had, it's just that now that my "stuff" has made it to my new place, I may NEVER get RID OF IT!...

O.k., how did I go off on this tangent when I really just wanted to post a project? Oh yes, it's because I was goin' through creativity withdrawal...TODAY is the first day I get to CREATE all day!

Top on my list is a project I wanted to do for two reasons...

#1 I wanted to use it for the current CCC #16 challenge over at Studio L3.

#2 I wanted to use it for a tutorial over at CropStop.com. I'm a guest designer over there for the month of October...I haven't even had time to give this opportunity it's proper attention...THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH, CROPSTOP, for giving me this AMAZING opportunity!

Now for the pic of my project...

The challenge at Studio L3 is to use Tim's Compendium of Curiosities book and go to page 33 where you will find the Wrinkle Free Distress technique. If you don't have the Compendium of Curiosities book yet, you're really missing out:) I just love this technique because there is so much you can do with it. The way I used it here, makes my project look like a watercolor painting. LOVE IT!

I will be doing a short tutorial on how I made this card that I will post over at the CropStop.com site. I will come back and post a link to the instructions later today.

Here's to having a WONDERFULLY CREATIVE DAY:)

Lori M., FSE:)

WCMD BlogHop with CropStop, WHOO HOO:)

2010-10-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Whoo Hoo, it's World Card Making Day and CropStop.com is hosting an AWESOME Blog Hop:) Please read below for all the GREAT details!

CropStop's "Around the World" Card Making Blog Hop!

Yes, we are doing it again!

In honor of World Card Making day, CropStop is hosting a progressive blog hop! Starting with the Cropstop Blog, you will visit each of the Cropstop Crew Member Blogs listed below and leave a comment on their creative project. Then, you will have one week to complete a project of your own, using one or more of the products featured in the CropStop Crew Member Blogs and link it in a reply box on the Cropstop Blog. Show us how you can mix and match the products the team is using in your project and if you don't have an item then show us your inventive side with a smart substitution. You do not have to use all the items the ladies are using but show us how creative you can be.

Deadline for linking to the CropStop's "Around the World" Card Making Blog Hop POST is Saturday, October 9th, at midnight Eastern time.

Winner will be chosen by random draw of all that participate and link to the CropStop Blog.

First prize is a $25.00 Gift Certificate to the CropStop Store.

Second and Third prizes will be a $10.00 Gift Certificate to the CropStop Store.

1. CropStop Blog - rules and guidelines http://cropstop.blogspot.com/

2. Veronica/Tattered Angels http://artbyveronica.blogspot.com/

3. Dalis/Cricut http://www.stampergirl.com/

4. Lori/Sizzix http://frugalscrapper.blogspot.com/ YOU ARE HERE!

5. Gloria/Tim Holtz http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/

6. Lisa/Quickutz http://pop-dot-porcupine.blogspot.com/

7. Anneliese/ Cuttlebug http://www.queen-of-the-crop.blogspot.com/

8. Vicki/Spellbinder http://validationofvicki.blogspot.com/

If you stopped by my blog without knowing about this AWESOME Blog Hop, make sure to start at the beginning, so you can participate in this awesome event!

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY...

World Card Making Day began in 2006 as National Card Making Day. Founded by Paper Crafts magazine to bring card makers together at the beginning of the busiest card-making season of the year, it was first held on October 7, 2006. The initial celebration involved the Paper Crafts magazine audience only; however, due to the positive response it received and the worldwide popularity of card making, the holiday became known as World Card Making Day from then on.

Celebrating its fifth year in 2010, World Card Making Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in October. It's a day for the card-making community -- hobbyists, retailers, and manufacturers -- to unite and celebrate the connection and creativity that is the heart of card making.

Make sure that you are part of this "Around the World" card making day by taking part in our CropStop, "Around the World" Blog Hop!!

Here is my project using a set of Winter Sizzix Embossing Folders. I was in the mood to make a masculine card and was thrilled that this set of embossing folders are easy to use for so may reasons. They work well when making Holiday cards, feminine cards AND masculine cards. I started with a piece of Core'dinations cardstock. I embossed and sanded the cardstock to show the blue "core". How cool is that? I then embossed a recycled soda can (that I painted black first) then sanded. I also distressed the edges using a distress tool. I was also happy to use some brads on this card. I haven't used those in a while, but still love the finishing touch. Many of these products can be purchased at CropStop. I have provided links to the supplies available at the CropStop store so it will be even easier to purchase the products I used.

My Challenge, you might ask???? My challenge is to use multiple embossing folders on one card AND emboss something "unique" (ummmmm...like a soda can, hee hee)...make sure the soda can is empty first, though...it may make for a "sticky" project otherwise:)

Oh, and one more thing....if you DO use a soda can, aluminum IS SHARP so be CAREFUL:)

Have fun, and HAPPY WCMD!

Scrappingly yours,

Lori McCausland
Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire:)

Update to post below:)

2010-09-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

As part of the Crop Stop Fall Frolic, one of the challenges was to emboss something OTHER than paper. Now, when I posted this below, I DID use embossed grungeboard, BUT I didn't actually emboss it...SOOOOO, I decided to add a little more interest to my "soda can border" and EMBOSSED it! Whoo hoo! I think the embossing gave it a more SPOOKY appearance, so I juse HAD to POST again:)

They have some awesome challenges over at the Crop Stop Fall Frolic and you have until Sept 30th to upload your work...jump on over....and have fun!

Thanks for visiting:)

Studio L3 and CCC #15

2010-09-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Can I just start by saying....WHOO HOO! I just LOVED the challenge this week over at Studio L3. We turned to page 53 in T!m's Compendium of Curiosities book and WOW, there are some AWESOME projects submitted FULL of all kinds of CRE8IVE GOODNESS!

I had a BLAST makin' my "MONSTER MASH" ATC card...of course, I used some of my "frugal scrappin'" tips while I completed the challenge...see that METALLIC strip across the bottom? Well 1 soda can got RECYCLED, frugal scrappin' STYLE:)

Used on my Martha Stewart border punches and covered it with EGGPLANT ALCOHOL INK...then I took my handy dandy TH TONIC SCRATCHER and my TH SANDING BLOCK to it...LOVE the way it turned out!

Now, while I can't tell you exactly what the challenge was, I can tell you I used SUNSET, CITRUS, AND EGGPLANT Alcohol Inks on the background...and maybe...just maybe involved a silver paint dabber...but that's all I'm SAYIN'....turn to page 53 in T!m's COMPENDIUM OF CURIOSITIES book for more info:)

Oh, and have a HAUNTINGLY CRE8IVE DAY:)

P.S. I have an EXCITING announcement to make...stay tuned:)

Lori, FSE:)

Studio L3 Weekly Challenge

2010-09-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Day for me:)

I have my scrapbooking "studio" all to myself today, so a VERY happy Frugal Scrapper is gonna create ALL DAY! Whoo Hoo!

Here is my entry for the Studio L3 "Compendium of Curiousities" weekly challenge. I haven't had time to participate recently, so I'm SO glad to have this opportunity this week!

If you have Tim's Compendium of Curiosities book, turn to page 58 and play along:)

enJOY a wonderfully ARTful day!

Lori McCausland, FSE:)

Crop Stop Fall Frolic

2010-09-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Hello all...well as usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short as they say, lol...I am determined to do ALL of the challenges during the Fall Frolic over at Crop Stop. Here is a link to the 9/1 challenge. You do need to register at Crop Stop to participate, but once you log on, you should be able to use the links above.

It's a GREAT site, and I look forward to seeing you participate in the Fall Frolic Online Crop.

Here is the sketch they used:

and here is my "take" on it.

As you can see, I gave it my own frugal scrappin' "TWIST"...I started with a piece of yellow cardstock, altered it with some glimmer mist, paint dabbers (using a piece of rubber shelf liner to add texture to match my granddaughters sweater), then I distressed the cardstock a bit using my TH Tonic edge distresser then added a bit of vintage photo distress ink.

Then I altered a piece of laser cut card stock with some glimmer mist AND perfect pearls homemade mist. I added some SEI rub-ons, my FRUGAL FOTOS, a few pearls...and whalaa (how do you spell that, anyway)..my version of the sketch is complete.

enJOY:)

Lori McCausland, FSE:)

First pic of the HAPPY couple:)

2010-09-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well, the day has come and past...what an AWESOME event! I've gone through about 1/2 of my pictures, and boy do I need some practice, lol...either that or I need to NOT critique my own photos so much:)

Anyway, here is the first of what I hope are LOTS of pics we will all cherish for a VERY long time! Introducing...Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McCausland (my son and my beautiful new daughter-in-law).

Whoo hoo! Congrats, Daniel and Stephanie!

enJOY:)

From a VERY PROUD mama:)

More info on September's Frugal Scrappin' Class:)

2010-08-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

FRUGAL SCRAPPIN'

12 "TAGS" OF CHRISTMAS

FRUGAL SCRAPPIN' STYLE

I'm sooooo very EXCITED about the September, October, and November FRUGAL SCRAPPIN' CLASSES at Ever After Scrapbooks in Vista, CA!

This is the FIRST 3 month FRUGAL SCRAPPIN' series where we will work on the same project over 3 months, and at the end will have an AWESOME 12 x 12 CANVAS WALL HANGING just in time for your holiday decorating or gift giving.

This is how this series is going to play out, whoo hoo!:

September 30th we will create the 5 "tags" shown above

October 28th we will create 5 more "tags" (that will be revealed at the 9/30 class)

November 18th we will create the last 2 tags, alter a canvas AND assemble our project

Shown below is the SUPPLY LIST for the SEPTEMBER class:

September Frugal Scrappin’ Supply List

• Paper Trimmer

• Scissors

• Distress Tool

• Ink Blending Tool and sponges

• Heat Tool

• Fabric Tac or similar liquid adhesive

• Tape runner or similar adhesive

• Small/large glue dots

• Xyron X

• Stickles in Icicle and Silver

• Distress Inks in Barn Door or Fired Brick AND Peeled Paint

• Distress Embossing ink or similar clear embossing ink

• Archival Ink in Black

• Acrylic Paint Dabbers in Snow Cap, Pitch Black and Red Pepper

• Embossing powder in Clear and Lettuce

If you are missing any of the needed items from your current stash, feel free to stop by at Ever After Scrapbooks where you can find most of the items. Some items may be limited, so stop by soon:)

Remember, classes run from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and are VERY FRUGALLY PRICED at only $15 per class:)

enJOY!

Frugally homemade Distress ink tools...

2010-08-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

When I first became a HUGE fan of T!m Holtz, I tried a few of my "frugal" tricks including making my own distress ink tools so I could spend more of my hard earned $$ on the inks themselves.

Since there has been alot of discussion on this subject over on the ATT (All things Tim) yahoo group, I thought I'd share a few pics of my version of this tool.

I started with the regular round disk cosmetic sponges, a sheet of fun foam, some velcro (from a fabric/craft store), and some good liquid glue (I used 3 in 1 Beacon glue). I used 2" square blocks as the base for my tool. I found these at a scrapbooking garage sale and picked up a set of 9 for only $2.

As you can see, this "distressing tool" has gotten alot of use (notice the ink that seeped up the sides?). I glued a piece of fun foam trimmed down to size, then attached the "tooth" side of the velcro (this had a self adhesive backing, and I did make sure to buy the heavy duty velcro). I then cut the other side of the velcro down to size and attached it to one side of a cosmetic foam. Then I trimmed the cosmetic sponge to square, too.

I do have to say that the cosmetic sponges aren't quite as good as the TH distressing pads, but hey, when you can get a bag of 100 of these cosmetic sponges for under $5, I'm good with the lesser quality.

These sponges do work for a while, and I noticed when they were "done", I could just pull them off of the velcro backing and glue another sponge on the velcro using the 3 in 1 Beacon glue (fabric tac would also work).

I even got creative and thought I'd decorate my homemade distress ink tools...but the novelty quickly wore off, lol...

Now that I teach "Tim" classes via my Frugal Scrappin' classes, I have "graduated" to the official distress tools, but I still use my homemade tools as well. I have found that my homemade tools AND the Tim tools play very well together, lol...

You may notice that I have also labeled my distress tools AND distress inks...this has REALLY been a LIFESAVER and TIMESAVER for me. I just used a plain white sticker page (with no individual labels) and typed a list using the "table" function in Word. Then I could cut the strips to size. I have just about enough "tools" to have one for each color of my distress inks.

enJOY:)

What's wrong with this picture?

2010-08-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

As my title states...WHAT'S wrong with this PICTURE????? Well, it's that I have ALL this T!M goodness...AND it's STILL in the PACKAGE, lol!

Now, I have to admit, some of it has been "on my shelves" for a while...kind of a "hoarding" sort of thing goin' on here...ya know, the kind where your MIND SAYS...but what if I can't get this stuff any more? Then what WILL I do??? ... then comes a full time job, and a visit from family ... then my son's wedding is right around the corner ... then, this and that ... and then...AHHHHHHH, I just need to sit in a corner with some of my "favorite things" and start creating!

Just one more week until my son gets married ... then a few more weeks after that, all the family is back home on the east coast ... safe and sound (after an AWESOME visit, first) ...then I'm back to scrappin' and creatin' ... I can make it, I can make it....

I'm off to a Phillies game tomorrow (they are playing the Padres out here in SD)...gonna sit above the Phillies dugout...should be fun!

So...Tim's stuff will just have to wait a little longer...hmmmm...maybe I can at least open the packages tonight...

A few more random pics...

2010-08-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

My grandson was definitely letting us know that he had enough of the Getty Center...It was a nice day, but definitely not a TOP 10 for a 5 year old boy...

Just a sneak peek at the bonus at the end of the day...ahhhhh...the Santa Monica Pier under the stars...

This one was taken from the top of the ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier...it's really KEWL...but to think it takes SMOG to make such a beautiful foto...what a shame!

Hope you are all having a GREAT day!

I know I am:)

A sneak peek at what I've been doin'

2010-08-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

I've been busy this week...and a good busy....I have some little visitors that we are getting ready to take to Legoland right now...I have time to post only 1 picture...more to follow tonight...

I took this "artistic view of Jayden eating an icecream cone on Wednesday night at the Santa Monica Pier (not that you can tell that by the photo, lol).

Then I tried a clipping mask that I haven't tried in a while. I learned this from Jessica Sprague a year or so ago. Thanks Jessica!

More later...

A very happy Grandma:)

Frugal Scrapper's "12 ATC's of Christmas" Canvas Wall Art

2010-08-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow Frugal Scrappers:)

It's time to do a final "peek" at the beginning of something AWESOME!!!! Yes, this is my FIRST 3 month series Frugal Scrappin' class! Last summer, I did a 2 month series and had a HUGE success, so I'm back with an EVEN BETTER PROJECT that will take 3 months to complete! Whoo hoo...how about that...splitting up an AWESOME project into 3 monthly VERY Frugal payments! What a recession buster if I do say so myself!

Well here are the samples of the first 5 "TAGS" (or ATC's, if you prefer) that will be completed in the September 30th Frugal Scrappin' class:

We'll start with a traditional Season's Greetings...frugal scrappin' style...now ya know this started out as a plain white piece of paper, right???? Now, I can't "spill the beans" on the AWESOME techniques goin' on here, but you DEFINITELY wanna give this one a try:)

Next...

Now, what's Christmas, unless there's a little Christmas Caroling??? (although, I've been asked to just "lip sync" a few times...can ya get my drift???...apparently my ARTISTIC talents didn't spill over to my singin' abilities, lol)...

Now on to...

A little embossing, a little painting, a little use of "frugal altering" and what do you get????...well, of course an AWESOMELY altered piece of ART!

Let's keep it goin'

Now, we're heat embossin' and distressin' and usin' a little more of my "frugal materials" to make this all inspiring ARTWORK!!!

And for this month, last but not least....

A little bit of "I Believe"...and I "BELIEVE" this is my favorite technique yet!

Now remember, this is going to add up to 12...count them 12 AWESOME ATC size works of ART that we will be placing on a 12 x 12 altered canvas that will be ready for your holiday decorating:)

Our first in this three class series is September 30th and will cost only $15. Come on this AMAZING journey with me...I guarantee you'll enJOY the ride! The class is fillin' up already, so don't miss out!

Call Ever After Scrapbooks at 760-630-2767 for more information or to sign up for class:)

Frugal Scrappin', Studio L3, and Holiday class samples...

2010-08-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Since I'm working on a class sample for my upcoming Holiday series, I've been closely following Studio L3's TH challenges and WOW, have I found TONS of inspiration over there! The crafters taking part in the weekly challenges are SO amazing! If you haven't been there yet, "hop" on over by clicking here. You will be AMAZED at all the talent you see!

I haven't always been able to complete the weekly projects on time, and have been more of a "lurker" these last few weeks...but that has changed...whoo hoo! I was able to complete this week's challenge! (It doesn't hurt that I've taken a "staycation" this week so I can get my crafting "fix", lol). My grandkids are also visiting and my husband has them at the pool right now...whoo hoo...what a GREAT hubby I have!

Here is a pic of my challenge entry. I actually added a technique from a few weeks ago that I didn't complete, so this is doubling up (I covered some old chipboard #'s with old print paper). For this week's challenge, turn to page 36 in your book of "Compendium of Curiosities" for this wonderful technique called Blending Batik.

The bottom torn piece of paper started out as a pale yellow piece of paper...for the technique, you'll have to refer to the book, but I can tell you that I added peeled paint and barn door distress inks...I love the white torn edge and the red plaid pp on the top...I think the "BELIEVE" stamp kind of tells the story I'm trying to tell.

There will be more sneak peeks of the other ATC size "tags" as I go. This Frugal Scrappin' class series starts in September and will run for 3 months. For $15 each month we will work toward completing a 12 x 12 canvas that will hold 12 of these individually created "tags"...kind of the 12 Tags of Christmas, Frugal Scrappin' style...using, of course...all things T!m!

Class Location: Ever After Scrapbooks in Vista, CA (call 760-630-2767 for more info)

Class Dates: September 30, October October 28, and November 18.

Class Times: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Class Costs: $15 for each class

When complete: After completing all 3 classes, you will have an awesome wall hanging that will contain 12 "Tags" (well 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch ATC's) inspired by none other than T!m (and his awesome new design team AND the awesome crafters over at ATT)...

EnJOY:)

Today's gonna be a GREAT day, so here's a sneek peek & StudioL3 Post:)

2010-08-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

Whoo hoo!!!!! Today's gonna be a GREAT day! For those of you who live in "sunny" southern California, you know that the coast has not been so "sunny" this year! While my hubby and I feel VERY fortunate to be living along the coast in Northern San Diego County, summer has eluded us most of this year:(

Well, that has changed today!!!! I think May Grey, June Gloom AND July Cry has moved on out (at least for today), and the sun is comin' up over the mountains! Whoo Hoo!!!!

I took this picture right off of my deck this morning...at 6:30 a.m.....Ahhhhhhhh, this is WHY I moved HERE!

Hey, are those actually SHADOWS I see there? Wow, it's gonna be hard to go to work today...

I've been workin' on my newest canvas project that I will teach at Ever After Scrapbooks...It will have a Holiday theme and will be modeled after T!m's 12 tags of Christmas...with a frugal scrappin' twist, of course! This will be part of my monthly Frugal Scrappin' monthly class, and will be a series...we will complete this canvas over 3 months in Sept, Oct, and Nov...in plenty of time for gift giving or Holiday decorating. More details to follow...

I've already started incorporating some recycled materials into this project...think soda cans, heehee...add a little paint, a little punchin' (hey, this will help sharpen your punches, too...a frugal BONUS), and a few of my other favorite T!m things..

Now I know this project is NO WHERE near FINISHED, but I couldn't help sharin' a SNEEK PEEK, especially since I could take it on a much eluded SUNNY southern California morning! Whoo hoo!

I think I will also use this pic as my "project" for the Studio L3 CCC#9 challenge...I'm a day late (and probably a dollar short, lol), but hey it gave me the inspiration to used my crackle paint on my new project!

EnJOY!

As always, I love comments, suggestions, and just plain ole..."hey, how ya doin'?" posts...

Have a very BLESSED and sunny DAY!

You favorite Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire:)

Look & you will see...

2010-08-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

So...I have to tell you, I'm SOOO excited that my 12 x 12 canvas using some of my "favorite" things...t!m things, was such a hit at my LSS...I originally made it as a project for the TNT Challenge Club at Ever After where I was a guest leader in July.

Since it turned out sooooo cool, I decided to leave it at the store after the TNT meeting so it could be displayed with all the AWESOME T!m stuff that EA has for sale. Due to the MANY requests I received, I have decided to teach this as a class on September 19 from 12-5. Call 760-630-CROP (2767) and sign up today.

Here is the actual class sample:

Since there is soooo much delicious "T!m" stuff goin' on here, this will be more like a workshop...whoo hoo! I have recently been dubbed "T!m Holtz in training" by EA's wonderful store owner, Camille Akin...Camille you ROCK!

Since most of you know, I ALTER everything (including the kitchen sink, lol)...so I had a BLAST creating this 12 x 12 Canvas AND class sample:)

Feast your eyes on this AMAZINGLY scrumptious work of art! I am SO EXCITED to be able to teach and coach and watch my students as they unveil their inner "T!m". I assure you, you will be SOOOOOO proud of your finished piece of ART!

The theme....Look & you will see...I guarantee, each time you look at this you see something new...

My classes ALWAYS fill up fast (who wouldn't like to work with some AWESOME T!m goodness, huh?), so sign up soon. Space is limited to the first 20 students. The entire 5 hr workshop is ONLY $45. Whoo hoo, what a bargain!

I'd love to hear your comments and hope to see you in class:)

Calling all Frugal Scrappers:)

2010-08-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well fellow bloggers....I have an announcement! No, no, it's not an exciting scrappin' or stampin' announcement...but it's an announcement that has affected my scrappin' time none the less....so....just wanna let all you east coasters and mid westers know that SUMMER has FINALLY arrived in Sunny San Diego! Whoo hoo!!!!!

Now that does have some down sides for those of us who JUST can't stay INDOORS when the sun is out...I haven't CRE8ed in over a WEEK!...I'm VERY HAPPY that Mr Sun has arrived....FINALLY...but sheesh....I've gotta get back to CRE8ing ART!

Lucky for me, my FRUGAL SCRAPPIN' partner has CRE8ed some REALLY AWESOME cards for our FRUGAL SCRAPPIN' class this month:) WHOO HOO, Karen! You ROCK, girl!

Here's a peek at what we will be doin' this month:

Isn't this card just ADORABLE? Karen is becoming such an AMAZING Frugal Scrapper! She has a few FRUGAL ideas up her sleeve that she will be sharing with the class this month, so hop on over to Ever After and sign up before the class is sold out! These classes fill up SIGHT UNSEEN, and we're already halfway full:)

We will be makin' 5...yes...FIVE awesomely CRE8ed vintage cards designed by none other than KAREN, Frugal Scrapper in training, lol...I'm just SOOOOOOO EXCITED and PROUD of KAREN!!!!

We will, of course be using some of our FAVORITE T!m products:

Distress inks (various shades of brown)

Stickles (Icicle and Diamond)

Gold Embossing powder (well, this is Ranger)

Distress Embossing Ink

Snowcap Paint Dabber (or white ink...come on T!m, make us some AMAZING white ink)

Embossing folders (the swirly one and the distressed bricks)

Come on over to Ever After for supplies:)

O.k., so if you made it this far through my rambling, there is a reward...you get to peek at the rest of the cards we will make at the August Frugal Scrappin' class. Remember, Class is ALWAYS (well ALMOST always) the last Thursday of the Month. So that means the August Class is on August 26th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Hope to see you all there!

EnJOY:)

Lori M.

A very HAPPY Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire:)

Studio L3 Distress Embossing Powder Challenge:)

2010-07-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge over at Studio L3 is to use the instructions in T!m's Compendium of Curiosities idea book. The main objective is to use T!m's distress embossing powders.

For the full instructions, turn to page 43 of T!m's book.

Shown below is a simple card I made. I hope to make something more substantial with the powders today, but wanted to at least complete the challenge:)

I also want to show you a close up since it's hard to see the texture of these awesome distress embossing powders in a photo.

Now, I do LOVE my old "regular" embossing powders, but can I say WOW?!?!?! These distress embossing powders are an entirely different "animal". They don't get shiny, they get grungy...kind of like sand paper...the cool thing is that they STAY PUT (well except for the release crystals) that are SUPPOSED to rub off, lol:)

LOOOOOOOOVVVVE IT!!!!

Happy Crafting,

Lori, FSE:)

(Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire:)

Studio L3 Challenge:)

2010-07-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

I went to the Carson Stamp Show yesterday with my dear friend, Karen and we met some great ladies that are members of a yahoo group called "All Things Tim". Actually, I believe one of the ladies created the group. They were very sweet and told me to e-mail them for an invitation to join the group....Thank you, Ladies...I've sent my e-mail and am anxiouxly awaiting your reply:)

Anyway, while I was cruisin' around, I also found this site called Studio L3 where there is an ongoing challenge to use T!m's new "A Compendium of Curiosities" book to complete challenges. Today's challenge is to use T!m's shabby chic technique...one of OH SO MANY awesome techniques found in his book.

I decided to play along and have completed my project for this challenge:

For detailed instructions on how to do the technique, check out page 49 of the book. I chose to use the following:

Plain grungeboard for the "bird cage". I used an espresso paint dabber, then T!m's notepaper stamp with embossing ink. I used terra cotta embossing powder and once dry went back over with a pool paint dabber. Then I ran it through my big shot, using T!m's scallop alterations die. You know me....being the frugal scrapper and all, I just HAD to use the negative cut from the die for the bottom of my "cage".

I covered my grunge page with a snow cap paint dabber, used some of my favorite T!m stamps (frame and floral) with some embossing ink and clear embossing powder. Over top, I used my citrus paint dabber (and a little pool here and there).

I used sepia archival ink on the bird and branch. I added one of T!m's mettal keyholes and scraps from my "bird cage" roof to close in the sides. Once this was done, I spritzed my "new" favorite mist (a mix of water and "pearl" perfect pearls) which gave my cage a nice shiny appearance (hard to see in the picture).

Again, in my typical fashion, I used the key sample from my newly opened hardware findings die, first covering it with my pool paint dabber, then pressing it randomly into embossing ink. I then added some terra cotta embossing powder to make the key look rusted.

I added a couple of buttons from my stash and a stamped phrase...it's all perspective...is the bird really in the cage or are we?

I had fun playing along...now to go post to the challenge:)

EnJOY:)

Lori McCausland, FSE

I'm just a girl in a mixed media world...

365 Cards Color Challenge

2010-07-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't participated in an on-line challenge in a while, so thought it was time to get back into the swing of things...so I visited the 365 Cards blog and thought I'd give the current challenge a try. I have to say I'm not crazy about these colors but hey, that's what it's all about, right? Challenges are a way to stretch your creativity:)

These are the colors we are challenged to use:

and this is what I came up with...I realized I didn't include the blue...better luck next time, huh?

hmmmm...looking at it now, I could have just used aqua buttons...I used a technique I've been wanting to try for a while...I heat embossed the flowers, then covered the entire piece of paper with Dusty Concord distress ink. Then using a mini mister filled with water and some perfect pearls, I sprayed the paper which gave it a shimmery finish. I know it's hard to tell, but it also gives it a kind of suede/leathery look. Kind of cool...

I tried it again using white paper for the background and pumice stone distress ink....I also used a border punch across the bottom. I liked my second attempt MUCH better:)

Don't they say practice makes perfect? Thanks for the challenge, 365 Cards:)

Have a GREAT day!

Lori McCausland, your friendly FSE:)

Can I say....WOW!?!?!?!!

2010-07-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

O.k., fellow scrappers...I know I'm a bit late onto the "ATC Cards" band wagon...and I have to say, I still don't see myself trading them, but using the size of an ATC card as a mini canvas....can I just say WOW????

Now most of you know I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to promoting my artistic talents. but I have to change that today...I have had the MOST AMAZINGLY creative weekend! My favorite scrapbook store in the WHOLE world (o.k., I'm probably living a sheltered life here), but it's my FAVORITE scrapbook store that I FREQUENT more than I care to admit, lol, is becoming quite the spot to buy all things T!m....hee hee...I just giggle with glee when I am able to buy my T!m products at my favorite store.

Anyway, I decided to make some samples of the amazing things you can create using T!m's products...I'm taking this master piece over to the store today, so if you're in the area, stop by and see it in person. It turned out SO AWESOME! Thanks, T!m for making so many amazing products, and thank you, Ever After for carrying them.

So....are you ready for the REVEAL????? Huh, huh?????

Drum roll, please.................

This is my own variety of the artist trays that are so popular these days. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE those artist trays, but in my "true" frugal scrappin' style...they are a bit more than I typically spend on my art "canvas"...so what's a frugal scrapper to do, you ask??????

Well, first you start with a 12 x 12 stretched canvas (I got this one at Blick for less than $6)...then I whip out my trusty black acrylic paint and I go to town...cover it all, crafters...don't leave a spot unpainted....then the hard part...let it dry...

Then start creating...just think, in less time than I could have with a larger art surface, I created 11 mini pieces of art! I started out with each "canvas" being 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches.

I then backed them...some with cardstock, some with grungeboard, some with corregated cardboard. All are 2 3/4 x 3 3/4 inches. All are altered with either distress inks or paint dabbers...or both.

I used the following products on this project:

Tim Holz/Ranger/Stampers Anonymous: Distress inks, archival ink, distress ink blending tool, many of T!m's stamps (and Studio 490 stamps, too), adirondack paint dabbers, textured grungeboard, adirondack embossing powder.

Paper: Bazzill cardstock, Prima pp, Little Yellow Bicycle pp, BoBunny pp.

Other random items: Rhinestones, fibers, ribbon, buttons, brads, metal letters, aluminum foil, staz on ink, flowers, corregated cardboard, match book box.

Another great thing about this project is that I also fulfilled a challenge for the TNT Challenge Club at Ever After....TNT's fearless leader, Jacquie is on vacation right now, so I will be the "guest leader" for the July meeting on July 13th. Come on in and join us...I'll have this project there to share.

O.k., now I don't normally do this, but I'm off to e-mail T!m to show him this AMAZING project. Whoo hoo! Have I said I LOVE working with T!m products lately???

Have a tremendously creative day~

Lori McCausland, FSE

Just the "scraps" ma'am at Frugal Scrappin' in July!

2010-07-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

That's right, fellow scrappers:) Whoo hoo...I'm REALLY excited about July's Frugal Scrappin' class at Ever After. Join us as we go "back in time" and reminisce about those "scraps" we've been hoarding...it's time to bring them out, use them up, and send them out...as awesomely frugally made MAILABLE cards!

July's Frugal Scrappin' class is sure to be a tremendous HIT! We will "PLAY" with our old favorite scraps as we assemble some great FLAT cards, great for mailing...no extra postage necessary! We will use layering techniques that will give our cards DIMENSION without the BULK.

I challenge you to bring your favorite scraps and I will show you some tips 'n tricks on how to layer, use positive AND negative "space", make your own "templates", and more! Of course, in true FRUGAL SCRAPPIN" STYLE, we will use my FAVORITE T!m product...distress inks:)

Below is a sample of some of the cards I've made with some of my favorite scraps...you may recognize these lines from days gone past...a little Basic Grey AND Cosmo Cricket!

As an added BONUS, there will be a little "contest" in class...I'll be bringing out a few of my favorite catch phrases from days gone by...with a word or two missing...all you need to do is fill in the "scrap" for your chance to win a $5 EA gift card!

As always, this class is fillin' fast! Sign up right away! Class details below:

Class Date: July 29, 2010

Time: 6:30p.m. -8:30 p.m.

Price: $15

Supply list:

• You favorite patterned paper scraps

• Scissors
• Paper Trimmer
• Distress Inks (neutrals and colors)
• Brown/Black Archival or Staz On Inks
• Your favorite adhesive (tape runner, etc)
• YOUR CREATIVITY

Can't wait to see you there!

June Frugal Scrappin' Class!

2010-06-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

Many of you may remember that I have gone back to a full time banking job. Although I LOVE this new challenge, I am finding my new schedule leaves MUCH LESS time for my ART...my creativity is still being stretched due to many new procedures and processes to put in place with my new position...BUT....a girls gotta create ART projects, too...I'm right, aren't I, lol?

Well I'm very HAPPY to say that so we can still get busy with the monthly Frugal Scrappin' classes, a good friend of mine, Karen, has joined me on the Frugal Scrappin' trail...we are alternating months so that I am still able to continue the ever popular Frugal Scrappin' classes, but am able to back up and create the class theme and kits every other month now. Whoo hoo! Karen is doing a FANTASTIC job stepping up to the plate as she brings a different creative flair to Frugal Scrappin'.

Since Frugal Scrappin' is now 1 year old....CAN YOU BELIEVE it?...it's important to keep the class fresh and new...and Karen brings exactly what it needs...her style is different than mine, but they definitely compliment each other.

WELCOME, Karen! I'm so glad you're here!

Now on to this month's class:

Come join us this month to celebrate the start of summer!

What a more perfect way than a scene at the beach to get the ball rolling.
As always we’ll be exploring some new techniques and this month is no different. Using Canvas instead of paper, you’ll get to try out Tattered Angels’ new Chalk spray mists to lay the ground work, add to that some Ranger Distress inks, Distress embossing powders and finally a little splash of Stickles for a bit of sparkle and shine -before you know it the basis for your scene will be complete.
Please note this month we’re back on schedule with the last Thursday night of the month.
So come roll up your sleeves and prepare to dig into some summer fun!

This is gonna be SO MUCH FUN!!! You don't want to miss out!

See you in class:)

As always...Happy Scrappin',

Lori McCausland
Frugal Scrapper Extraordinaire:)

Father and Son...ahhhh...and a Little TH...

2010-05-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

So far this has been an AMAZINGLY creative weekend for ME:) And boy does it FEEL GOOD!! When I visited one of my favorite inspirational sites, I found an AMAZING scrapbook page created for week 9 of Thinking Inking with Jennifer McGuire, link here. Jennifer is just AMAZING...she does such a WONDERFUL job with VIDEO TUTORIALS. Jennifer, you ROCK!

So anyway, as the FRUGAL Scrapper Extraordinaire:), I decided to use a minimum of products to sort of replicate Jennifer's project so I could teach it Frugal Scrappin' style:) I had ALMOST everything I initially wanted to use...so in TRUE Frugal Scrappin' mode, I did have to make a few "2nd choices" so I could truly consider this a Frugal Scrappin' project.

Once I finished, I decided to affectionately call this project "Frugal Scrappin' on Steroids"...there is so much goin' on here that I'm not sure I"ll be able to fit this into a mere 2 hr class...with that in mind, I plan to do it as a 3 hr "Frugal Scrappin +" class, lol...

I'm just SOOOOOOO happy with the outcome! With each separate "block" of space, a different technique is done...all using a few of my FAVORITE T!m products. I've used:

Distress Inks in Spiced Marmalade, Broken China and just a little Tea Dye
Adirondack Pain Dabbers in Sunset Orange and Sailboat Blue
Just a little Stickles in icicles

I made these like the common scrapbook page, but will mount them on a 12 x 12 canvas so they can just be hung on the wall. This one turned out JUST GORGEOUS! My frugal techniques were:

Using some old chipboard alpha letters, pulling off the top layer (the color layer) and painting with the paint dabbers.
Using a page out of an old AAA travel book (adhered to a think piece of cardstock for strength)
Using a strip of material I've had FOREVER, I painted it over with a paint dabber, pulled a strip of white paper through my Xyron X, and adhered the material (in a "pleated" style) to add texture. I also frayed the edges to grunge it up a bit.

EnJOY!

Now off to see if EA has any class slots availble to teach this "bad boy, lol".

Link to the TC Travel Ledger Album

2010-05-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hey bloggers, here's the link to the Teresa Collins Travel Ledger 6 x 12 Album. (See post below for more details).

Teresa Collins Travel Ledger Album

enJOY!