Card, Tag or Bookmark

Below is a card I made and the end of the DT inspiration work using the Nikki Sivils, Gingerbread Kit for Sketches4All. But, don't worry we have plenty more fun stuff coming up for the new year.

I would like to add a big THANK YOU to Nikki Sivils for the Gingerbread Kit. And, also to Sketches4All's Boss Lady Fia & DT Coordinator Michelle for all their work and preparation.

Altered Frame

I've been scrapbooking for several years now and have learned so many new techniques and forms of paper crafting.  When I received the Gingerbread Land - Nikki Sivils and had to do an altered item for the challenge we currently have happening at Sketches 4 All.  I thought I really want to make a frame.  I have a friend who is currently pregnant and is due in December so I thought it would be perfect! I had so much fun now I want to alter or upcycle everything, LOL. 

Can't Help But Smile

We had some extra time one day and Trin asked if we could stop at the park.  They had a ton of fun, as always, and I got some good pictures. 

Scrapping the Moments - Scrap that Tune - Summertime by Kenny Chesney
Skeches In Thyme - Sketch #62
Sketches 4 All - Rosey's Smile Challenge
Scrapbookers Anonymous - A-Z Challenge, E for Echo Park

Calendar - Trinity

Another page for the calendar we are putting together for my MIL.  LOL, good thing she doesn't read my blog.  This page is a mix of my DD from 3 different places/days.  From left to right; Sacramento, CA horsing around on the train/tracks, at Target in town right after Halloween and at my friends baby shower breaking in the new wagon.

December - Scraplift Challenge
Jen T's December Challenge - Glitter (I used rhinestones)

The Pout

My oldest decided to lay her head on the table and pout because she asked for something and I told her no.  My youngest is in a stage of copying everything Trinity does so he put his head on the table and he didn't even know why.  If sissy does it, he does it.  LOL, I just had to take a picture.

I used the current challenge sketch from The Sampler Kit Club.

My Horse Riders

Ok, I hardly ever buy scrap supplies and try just to use what I have in my stash.  However, I had a gift card and was totally excited to do some scrappy shopping.  I love, love Echo Park and this was no exception.  The playground line was perfect for these photos. 

OLW - My
Sketch Inspiration #249

Christmas Gift Card Holder

I just LOVE this Nikki Sivils Gingerbread Land Kit.  Below is a picture of a gift card holder that I made. The red paper slides out, it's folded and opens up for hold the gift card.

For my December Challenge it's all about the Holiday Spirit.   I made a gift card holder but you aren't limited, you could make a; Gift Bag, Banner, Paper Wreath, Place Card Holder, Etc...The possibilities are endless. 

Plus, we have a sketch challenge on the main forum with an awesome Nikki Sivils Kit Giveaway.  Hurry on over, it ends Dec. 9th. 

Christmas Cookies

A Christmas Layout to kick off our December. 

The Moments - Scrap Your Stash (Christmas/Holiday)

Sketches 4 All LO Sketch Challenge, come over to see all the wonderful layouts from the whole DT.

Sneak Peak

A little sneak peak at what's coming up.

Details: 
Nikki Sivils is our sponsor for December and each person who creates a sketch LO name will be added to a drawing for the Gingerbread Land kit Collection!!

Sketch LO challenge will start on December 2nd and until December 9th at midnight CST!!

Growing Up

Such a wonderful milestone, Preschool.  The pictures are of her first day which was great and she been loving it ever since.  I hope her interest in school and learning continues all the way until she graduates college.  LOL, well here is to hoping.  :)

OLW - Up
Sketches In Thyme #59 - I flipped it.
Scrapbookers Anonymous - Letter is "D" - My DD Layout.

Calendar - Halloween

I'm super bummed that I don't have any Halloween pictures of all 5 grandkids together so this is last years picture of 4 of them at the Pumpkin Patch.

Sketch Inspiration #247
The Moments - Ad/Art Challenge
Challenge #3 - Inspiration Pictures

Calendar - Seth

This is my nephew Seth at my home for my DD birthday party this year.  The two of them were having a great time blowing bubbles in our front yard.

11.17 Sketchy Thursdays
The Moments - Scraplift Challenge
Pinterest Inspired Challenge

Calendar - Audrey

I'm working on a 2012 Calendar with my SIL for my MIL for Christmas.  Anyways, I have 6 of the 12 months to scrap so I decided to start working on it today.  I'm not scrapping the months in order since I have no idea which months are going to be mine.  The pages are going to be about the 5 grandkids.  This is the 4th grandchild, my niece Audrey.

 Sketches in Thyme #60
 The Moments - Pattern Paper Crazy

Hangin' Out With Friends

This is a double I made, super simple and sorry not the best pictures.  I'm putting an album together for my Cousin (really for my Aunt). 

 Current Sketch Challenge

 November Sketch Challenge

Airplane

We went to the USS Midway in San Diego with my Dad, Sister, BIL, Aunt, Uncle and my little family of 4.  It was fun but not somewhere I would of normally taken my 2 and 4 year old children.  But, I think everyone had a good time and I got some great pics of my Dad and my kiddos playing around in some planes.

Sketch Inspiration #246
 
Airplanes by B.o.B ft Hayley Williams of Paramore is this months song for my challenge - Scrap that Song at The Moments.

St. Jude Childrens Christmas Card Blog Hop with Sponsor Nikki Sivils

Welcome to the Sketches 4 All St. Jude Childrens Christmas Card Blog Hop with Sponsor Nikki Sivils! 

If this is your first stop please go back to the beginning at Fia's Blog.

Nikki Sivils sponsored the products: The Gingerbread Land Collection for the DT to create the cards we will be donating to the: St. Jude Childrens Cancer Research Hospital!  These children are receiving treatment for various cancers!! We are excited to add some Christmas joy and smiles to the St. Jude Cancer Children Hospital! To learn more about SJCCH here is the link!

Here are my two examples.

 Sketch #42 from Cardabilities.

No sketch was use for this one.

Please come and enjoy the DT inspirations of the cards we will be donating to SJCCH!!  You next stop is the wonderful Cheryl.  Please leave a comment on each DT blogs and your name will be entered in the drawing for the Nikki Sivils You're A Hoot 12 x12 paper, 289 piece, kit!! 

Happy Hopping!!!

Coming Soon...Blog Hop

I'm super excited!!!  The wonderful Nikki Sivils donated the Gingerbread Land Collection Kit to the Sketch4All DT.  Mine arrived today and I have to say I'm totally impressed and loving it.  I couldn't wait to get home and dive in.  

The blog hop is running through November 12th -15th.  There will be prizes and the DT will be showing off their cards we made with this wonderful kit and we will be donating them to a good cause.

Stay Tuned...

Watermelon

We were at my in-laws for a BBQ when my DD walked by eating a slice of watermelon.  I made her stop so I could get a shot of her eating her watermelon while wearing her watermelon shirt.  LOL, it was great.

Hooray a new month of challenges have been posted.  Go check out my November 1st Scrap Your Stash - Cardstock Challenge.

I don't use Sketchy Thursday every often but when I do I just love how my project turns out.

Sweet & Delicious

We took the kiddos blueberry picking in May.  It's always such a wonderful family outing that isn't to hard on the wallet.

Sketch Inspiration #243
My November Challenge for S4A - Paint.
OLW - Sweet from The Moments.

Complete My List Of Items

I really need to finish putting my list together.  I didn't realize how much 101 items were.  Plus, I wanted to make it realistic because the more and more I read that other people who didn't complete their list in time it was because they added items that just weren't possible.

I have also realized that I should of completed my list before I started my clock.  The items towards the end of my list I won't have as much time to complete.  Oh well lesson learned. 

My Work In Progress Items:
8. Lose two pant sizes and stay in the single digit clothing size. (0/2)
I know it hasn't been a whole month yet but as I was warming up my lunch and I noticed that no one else was around so I weighted myself.  I lost another 2 pounds.  I haven't been eating the best the past few weeks so I'm happy that as least I didn't add weight. My total loss now is 20 pounds.  My clothes still fit although a little lose now but not enough to go to a smaller size.  My number 8 is going to be a real work in progress.

9. Do something for someone else (5 different people) that is completely unselfish. (3/5)
I came up with this idea a while back and finally sat down and did it.  It didn't even start out intended to make my list but I guess that the best part doing stuff in my everyday life not just working off a list directly.  Now I have to be honest this is somewhat selfish.  I made this mini album for my sister and honestly it didn't come out the way I originally envisioned it would but she liked it anyways.  It's selfish because it made me feel really good to be able to give something to my big sister.  She is very sweet and generous and I liked that I could give finally her something in return to show her my appreciation.

Completed Items:
50. Keep car clean for 1 whole month.
Well I'm very proud of myself that I did it!  However, as much as I want a clean car all the time I had a few situations where if my car was cluttered on the inside like normal it would of been helpful.  For example, my Son wakes up at the crack of dawn so he got ready with me but my daughter sleep until it was time to leave.  I knew that I had everything but I needed to grab some shoes for her.  Big surprise I forgot her shoes.  Normally this wouldn't be a problem because I usually have an extra pair in my car.  Not this time because it was spotless.  I ended up giving my Aunt $20 so they could run into Target and pick her up a pair.  The bright side is she LOVES her new sparkly shoes.  They wouldn't of been my pick and I can't believe that my Aunt let her pick those one out but in the end I'm glad that she did.  I'll have to take a picture to post.

Monkeyin' Around

We took a family trip a while back and the San Diego Zoo was part of our vacation.  The pictures are of my Dad and with my kids and the right photo has my sister and BIL in the back ground.  However, my little plan of getting a picture of my son with his giraffe tank top in front of the giraffe exhibit didn't really work out so I did snap a photo of a giraffe and included him in my layout. 

I was watching Jungle Book with my kids the other week and thought how great the songs go with our zoo pictures and the Scrap that Song Challenge was just around the corner on the 15th.  Perfect! 

The sketches from Sketch Inspiration fit my scrappy style perfectly and last weeks #241 was no exception. 

Life is Bliss - Mini

As promised, I finished the mini for my friend and I'm sharing it with you all.  It's super simple but I like the way it came out.  I've also started working on the Thank You cards for her shower too. I'm curious to know what you all think. 

Another Great Contest Coming Soon...

Come join us at S4A, October 10th - 17th, for a fun fall layout & card contest.

Regina, over at The Cutting Cafe has generously donated some goodies for the event. Be sure to mark your calendars! 

Stop by The Cutting Cafe and check out all of the yummy treats.

Hooray!!! Baby Shower Coming Up!!!

Hooray!!!  Baby Shower Coming Up!!!  LOL, and NO it's not for me.  My good friend is having a baby girl.  Can you say crafting, crafting and more crafting.  I'm making her card (see below), a chipboard album (all post soon), thank you cards and possibly a shower banner.  Then I'm going to dust off that sewing machine of mine and attempt some bibs, receiving blankets, burp clothes and these snack bag things.  I have a lot to do and the shower is only a little over a month away. 

I used a sketch from Burlap & Buttercups.  It was exactly what I was looking for when I was trying to figure out what the card should look like.

-8 Pounds and Counting

My Work In Progress Items:

8. Lose two pant sizes and stay in the single digit clothing size. (0/2)

So, after a wonderful comment from my BIL I remembered it's time to weight myself this month.  I don't want to be crazy about weighing myself so I've limited to once a month.  It's helpful that I don't own a scale and have to use the industrial one at work.  LOL

Well, as you can tell from my title I lost 8 pounds this month.  I'm down 18 pounds total since I started this new eating and exercising life style.  I hate the word diet because that seem so temporary.  I think to be able to lose the weight and keep it off you have to change your habits. 

Just last week I started to notice a change in certain areas of my body not much but I have noticed a change.  I still haven't dropped a clothing size but I do think I'm getting close to it.   

9. Do something for someone else (5 different people) that is completely unselfish. (2/5)

Ok, this seems like a small thing but I think it counts.  I'm not crazy tall but I'm tall enough to reach the top shelf at the grocery store.  I often get asked by people to grab something that they can't reach.

Well, my DD and I went to the grocery store on Thursday.  This sweet little old lady complimented how adorable my DD is (which she is adorable), then asked if I could reach that can of beans on the top shelf for her.  Sure no problem and I got to do a good deed for a stranger.  I love that my DD was there to see me do something for someone else and hopeful teach her to help others when needed. 

50. Keep car clean for 1 whole month.

I've been doing really well with this but I do still have 16 more days to go.

Completed:
12. Visit 100 random blogs and leave comment(s). (100/100)

I completed this one but I know I'll never stop my interest in finding cool/fun blogs.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

We got ready to head over and go to swimming and have a playdate.  We went outside to put some items in the car and it was raining.  Talk about a summer surprise.  Needless to say we didn't swim but we still had our playdate.

This is my example for October's Scrap Your Stash: Rub-Ons.  Come over and check out all of the new 1st of the month challenges.

I recently ran across this new site called Burlap and Buttercups.  They have an amazing kit each month, great new challenges each week and so much more. 

Another Mini Challenge it's the Long Title Mini Challenge - Scrapbookers Anonymous.

Twinkle Toes

A few months ago we put my DD in ballet and she LOVES it.  Normally parents aren't allowed in the room but I asked if it would be ok because I wanted to take a few (million) pictures.

This is my example for October...Flourish.  Come over and check out all of the new challenges being posted at S4A.

I used the sketch with a twist challenge from Burlap and Buttercups.  The twist is to use stitching on your layout; I used faux stitching with my pen.

Jess at The Moments had a tasty recipe this month;  French Toast Casserole with Marmalade Syrup. You have until the 15th until the next yummy recipe is revealed.

Now who doesn't like some Bling?!?  Another Mini Stash Challenge -Bling Bling Bling from Scrapbookers Anonymous.

Keep On Playing

My kids LOVE this water park, it's simple but perfect for my 4 and 2 year old kiddos.  Mommy loves it because it's about 30 minutes from our home and it's FREE...LOL.  They get to run around for a few hours.  We bring a lunch and have a picnic and then run around a bit more before nap time.

This is my example for My Challenge #14 for The End of Summer Sketch-a-Thon that is currently happening at S4A.  I used Sketch #56 from Sketch in Thyme.  Come on over and play along, the Sketch-A-Thon ends on Sunday, September 25th.

OLW - Keep at The Moments, I'm super excited because this will be my 3rd month and I get my badge for the OLW Challenge.  This will be badge #3 for me; the first two are for Scrap that Tune and Scrap your Stash which are both my challenges.

Adding more:
73. Buy new photo albums.
74.

My Work In Progress Items:
25. Try 100 new recipes. (17/100)
We made 2 more muffins this weekend, apple and peach. 

I picked up some broccoli on Saturday at the store.  Trinity likes broccoli but for some reason I hardly ever cook it.  It's a great source of fiber which I have been trying to get more of each day.  Voila, stuffed chicken breast, which happens to be one of my favorite things to cook. 

12. Visit 100 random blogs and leave comment(s). (72/100)
On my hunt for some new healthy muffin recipes I came across this blog How Sweet Is It.  My muffins turned out ok.  She has several other recipes that I think I'm going to try.

50. Keep car clean for 1 whole month.
LOL, I'm only on day 2 but so far so good.

Celebrate

I've been having a fun scrappy weekend while my kids have been napping.  Here is another card.

This is a card I made using Sketch #6 for the End of Summer Sketch-a-Thon.

I completed this for September's Color Challenge @ The Moments.  Color challenges are super hard for me so I tend to stay away from them but the blue, black and tan was perfect for a masculine card.

This is my first ever challenge with Burlap and Buttercups they have an AMAZING Kit Club and great challenges each.  This one is for their September Challenge #1 Blocks.

I Got It All Figured Out

Just a little 4th of July fireworks in the backyard at my in-laws.

This is my example for The Moments Scrap that Tune - September.  The song I picked this month is, "Good To Be Me" by Uncle Kracker ft Kid Rock.  It's such a laid-back song.  Come over and play along.

Sketch #237 from Sketch Inspiration.

Buzz...

This is just a little card I made using Sketch #3 for the End of Summer Sketch-a-Thon.

Scrapbookers Anonymous has a ton of challenges this month, it's also their first birthday.  This card is for Sept A-Z Challenge.. show us the letter "B".  Here is a little bee special for you girls and I made sure to have plenty of blue and brown.  

2 More Completed

My Work In Progress Items:
8. Lose two pant sizes and stay in the single digit clothing size. (0/2)
Ok, I haven't lost any pants sizes just yet but I have dropped 10 pounds.  I'm really surprised that 10 pounds wasn't more.  Does anyone know, how many pounds do I have to lose to drop one dress size?

25. Try 100 new recipes. (14/100)
Strawberry Muffins - The recipe that I found had a ton of positive reviews so I thought I would give it a try.  I did make them more healthy with no oil, 1/4 of the brown sugar and whole wheat flour.  They turned out ok but I'm still on the hunt for a delicious healthy breakfast muffin.  Healthy recipe suggestions are more than welcome, not only muffins but dinner ideas would be wonderful too.  ;)

Completed Items:
46. Eat at a restaurant I’ve never tried before.
We are back from our family vacation with my little family plus my Dad, Sister and her Husband.  We went to Oceanside, CA a little over an hour from my house.  A guy at my work recommended Lucha Libre Taco Shop.  There was a line out the door but it was good.

6. Visit a museum.
We went to the USS Midway.  It was fun but I think I would of learned more if I wasn't chasing my two kids all around the ship, LOL.

End of Summer Sketch A Thon

Sketches 4 All is having a End of the Summer Sketch A Thon!

The fun starts tomorrow with one new sketch each day, running from Sept. 8th to Sept. 22nd.  All entries my be submitted no later than Sept. 25th at Midnight.  There will be layout, card and tag sketches so there will be something for everyone.  We will have 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes along with RAKS for the Sketch a Thon. 

Keep an eye out for mine.  I'll be posting a layout challenge on Sept. 21st. 

Skipping Rocks

I was trying to teach my kids how to skip rocks.  Why I was attempting this I have no idea because I'm not good at it.  Now my DH has some skill at this but he was off fishing.  Plus, my son kept picking rocks to toss in that were almost to heavy to him to lift (pic on the far left).

I used a sketch from STM they always have the best challenges happening and such nice ladies that are so inspiring.  Plus, new challenges posted the 1st and the 15th of every month. 

Now that I have done some cards with chipboard for Scrapbookers Anonymous it was time for a layout.  My butterfly, corners, date tag and border around my journaling is all chipboard that I covered in paper.  What do you think?

Christmas in September

Here are a few Christmas cards I made yesterday.

These were inspired by Christmas Card Group Challenge #1 ~ Use A Star!@ S4A.

Since I was on a Christmas kick I kept on going.  But, I incorporated chipboard as part of this months challenge @ Scrapbookers Anonymous.

Back to School - OH YEAH! Blog Hop!

Good morning! I hope you are enjoying your hop around DT blogs so far! My challenges are Scrap that Tune and Scrap Your Stash. 

Scrap that Tune with Trace Adkins - Just Fishin' - You can use the title, lyrics or the theme of the song.

Scrap Your Stash Challenge - Ribbon - You must use at least 4 pieces of ribbon on your layout, card or altered art.

I hope that I have inspired you to play along!

Scrapping the Moments DT
Jess - OLW Challenge - Start Here.
April - Journaling Challenge
Cindy - Die-Cut Challenge and Double Page Sketch Challenge
Diana - Sketch Challenge
Janet - Scraplift Challenge - You came from here, if not go to the "Start Here".
Jessica - Scrap that Tune Challenge & Scrap Your Stash Challenge
Pat - Color Challenge - Click here next.
Resa - Ad/Art Inspiration Challenge - The End.

Don't forgot to check out some of our other monthly challenges: Card Challenge, Heritage Challenge, Recipe Challenge, Pattern Paper Challenge, Friday Night Sketch Challenge, and a Surprise Challenge!

Have fun!

Coming Soon...

Cards for Olivia

Here is my card for Olivia.  It's not much just a little something.  I'm going to be sending it tomorrow.

If you would like to make a card for Olivia please click here for the details...Rodriguez Designs.