ARTiQL8

Love You Card

2012-01-19T20:23:00.002-07:00

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review, September 2011

I love this card. It's simple but it's a demo of a really cool technique.

I custom colored a bunch of UTEE with alcohol inks. I am really impressed with how well it came out.

I love the way the color is variegated. It's so pretty.

I did a tutorial in the September issue of Scrapbook News and Review on how to color your own UTEE with alcohol inks.

That's the kind of good stuff you get in SNR.

And coming SOON we'll be debuting our new forum and magazine formats. And lots of new awesome features including lots of great new tutorials, print AND video.

You HAVE TO check us out.

***

Today was a bit sad because there wasn't a Sketchy Thursdays challenge. We've officially closed the blog.

~sniff~

But we'll keep in touch. Keep up with our Facebook page for updates.

And I'll be bringing you a sketch before the end of January in Scrapbook News and Review, in case you're have Sketchy Thursdays withdrawal.

♥Heidi

SO EXCITED!!!

2012-01-13T17:32:00.002-07:00

COMING SOON!!!!

Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will be debuting new magazine and site formats!

I can't WAIT for you all to see it.

It's sooooo exciting!!!!

You are going to LOVE it!!!!!!

(There're going to be video tutorials! Woohoo!)

Stay tuned.

****

In the meantime, here's a little Valentine-y card:

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review, August 2011

Hope you have a great weekend!

♥Heidi

Thank You - Sketchy Thursdays

2012-01-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye; Stickers: Doodlebug; Journaling Spots: K&Company; Cord: Stampin Up; Glitter: Martha Stewart; Pen: Faber-Castell; Punch: Fiskars; Sketch: Sketchy Thursdays 01/12/12

I'm feeling a bit melancholy today so bear with me.

I'm so thankful to have such a great family who loves me. I love them with all my heart.

Today's layout is based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch:

It is with a heavy heart that I tell you that today's is the last Sketchy Thursdays sketch on the blog as we know it.

Diana put it best on the Sketchy Thursdays post today: "Finding sponsors, keeping up this pace for two and a half years and overwhelming lives for all three of us has found us with a decision we needed to make...there is no secret agenda—just three very tired, overwhelmed ladies that feel we have hit a threshold for this part of our adventures."

I will continue to make sketches for Scrapbook News and Review, Diana will be making them for various companies and blogs and we'll keep the Sketchy Thursdays Facebook page going with ocassional sketches.

Thank you Diana, Julie, every one of our Design Team Members, past, present and guest and most of all, thank you to all those who played along over the years

and made Sketchy Thursdays THE place to be. It has been an honor.

Please stop by the Sketchy Thursdays blog and play along with us this week. We'd love to have you.

♥Heidi

2012: Reclaim

2012-01-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Supplies Art Journal: Canson; Stamps: EK Success; Ink: Tsukineko; Acrylic Ink: Liquitex; Paint: Creative Inspirations; Gelato, Pen: Faber-Castell; Stencil: The Crafter's Workshop; Sketch: Sketchy Thursdays 01/05/12

I'm feeling a shift for 2012.

I'm feeling my creativity shift more toward what I want to do. It doesn't have to conform to what everyone else is doing. (OK, so I've been inching down this path for a while now but I'm giving myself full permission to sprint down that path now. Or even blaze my own!)

I'm feeling a shift toward refocusing on MY body, MY health, MY mind. I'm not going to make any grand New Year's Resolutions to lose weight, curb my potty mouth or reorganize and clean my whole house. I'm just going to let it happen if it happens. (I'm just hoping it does, lol.)

I'm not going to formerly participate in any "One Little Word" or similar projects but I do like the idea of setting the focus.

I'm going to focus on the word RECLAIM.

I'm liking the idea of exploring my journey in an art journal and I'm starting with this spread.

It's based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch:

This week's sketch is sponsored by Scrappy Chics and is accompanied by a color prompt: blue & silver.

We'd love to have you play along with us!!!

Looking forward to an awesome 2012!!

♥Heidi

Scrapbook News and Review February Calls

2012-01-03T15:06:00.004-07:00

The February call descriptions are up over on Scrapbook News and Review.

All submissions are due by January 24.

See THIS LINK for full call descriptions.

Scrapbooking

Free For All (formerly Strut Your Stuff)

6x12 pages

Forever Family

Life is Good

Pets

All About Me: What I Believe In

Color of the Month: Red

KISS (Keep It Simple, Sweetheart)

One Word Title: Possibilities

Recipe Challenge (1 piece of ribbon/fiber, 2 photos, 3 rub-ons, 4 patterned papers, 5 flowers)

Scrap Your Stash: Ribbon

Sketch of the Month

Cards & Stamping

Friendship/Sweet of You

Frilly & Feminine

One Layer

Product Focus: Bo Bunny

Recipe Challenge (1 sentiment, 2 stamped images, 3 buttons or brads, 4 patterned papers, 5 buttons or brads)

Sketch of the Month

Technique of the Month: Mists & Mica Powders

Digital Scrapbooking

Free For All (Formerly Strut Your Stuff)

Instagram Photos

Splatters & Sprays

Templates

Style: Modern & Graphic

Mixed Media

Please note: All mixed media calls are for artists of all styles and categories including traditional paper, hybrid or digital.

Arch: Girl Power

ATC: Asian Inspired

ATC: Free For All

Inchies: Grid of 9

Come play along with us!

♥Heidi

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:44:00.002-07:00

Hope 2012 brings you lots of love...

creativity...

and childlike wonder in your world...

Happy New Year!

2012 Welcome

2011-12-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

Cardstock: Colorbok; Patterned Paper: American Crafts, Frances Meyer; Journaling Spot: Advantus; Stamp: Stampin Up; Markers: Copic, Stampin Up; Stencil: Plaid; Other: Flower

I'm looking forward to a brand new year. While there was nothing particularly bad about 2011 there was nothing particularly noteable about it, either. It was just "there" mostly.

I know it's cliche but I'm looking forward to making some changes. Body, mind and environment. We'll see how it goes. LOL. See? I'm already starting on one of my changes - to be more laid back.

This layout is based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch:

I knocked it on it's side and condensed it a bit but hey, like we always say over on Sketchy Thursdays...our sketches are for inspiration. They're a starting point. We're so laid back, LOL!

Do you make resolutions?

♥Heidi

Hope your holiday was bright...

2011-12-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.

The weather here was perfect. Clear skies, cool days - short sleeve weather in the sun, crisp nights. The kids were so excited and really had a blast.

Every year, by about 4pm on Christmas day I'm so ready for it all to be over. Except for the tree. I'm happy to pack up all the other decorations but never the tree. I'm always sad to see it go and it's usually the last thing I pack up. I hold off as long as I can...as long into January as I can swing it. I think it's the atmosphere. The soft light. And there are so many memories associated with the ornaments.

This layout is from last year's Scrapbook News and Review holiday sampler. I love this one. The clean and simpleness of it. The yummy colors. The gorgeous corrugated flower by Precocious Paper. The tree and title are actually on a tranparency overlaying the rest of the layout, except for the flower, of course.

I'll be sad to see the old tree go again this year but I'm so ready to move on. I have lots of reorganizing to do and finally some time to start doing it.

If I don't talk to you again, have a happy and safe New Year!

♥Heidi

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!

I apologize for not being around much in the last couple months. I've been super busy with all the manufacturer events on Scrapbook News and Review. I had tons of fun doing them (I think I participated in 26 manufacturer events) and made, for the most part, between 5 - 12 projects per event. I hope you were able to stop by and take in all the amazing work all the SNR staff made.

We're finally done for this year so it's now back to business as usual. I'll be turning my focus back to creating regularly for Sketchy Thursdays, submitting regular projects to the SNR magazine and lots of fun new tutorials and articles for SNR as well. We've got a lot of great stuff planned for you this year in the Education Department of SNR and you won't want to miss a bit of it!!!!

There's a subscribption sale going on right now - a full year of Scrapbook News and Review for $19.99!

That's like 24 issues for less than $1 each because we release twice a month! How amazing is that??!!!!

Plus, in addition to all our regular eye candy, tutorial and article features in scrapbooking, cards, stamping, mixed media and digital, we'll be bringing you a few more months of manufacturer inspiration in the form of articles in the magazine. Trust me, you don't want to miss it!!!

Don't miss the sketch I made for Sketchy Thursdays this week:

We're giving our Sketchy Designers a little holiday break so this sketch will run for two weeks, through December 28. There's an awesome SRM Stickers prize pack up for grabs, too. Trust me, there are enough stickers of various themes in this pack to get you through a good deal of your 2012 scrapping or card making. I love SRM Stickers. I can always find just the perfect sentiment.

As mentioned, I've been so busy with SNR that I haven't had much time to make other stuff so all my 2011 holiday projects are in the magazine...but here's a cute one from last year:

As seen in the Scrapbook News and Review 2010 Holiday Sampler

The trees were inspired by the Dr. Seuss style. Plus, of course, gotta get some yummy holiday glitter and sparkle in there!

If I don't "see" you again before then, have a very happy holiday!!!!!

♥Heidi

Huh? December?? Who stole November??!!

2011-12-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

Seriously, who stole November?

It was 11/1 and now it's 12/1. What the???!!!!!!

I had a very busy month creatively in November although every single last stitch of it was for Scrapbook News and Review so I can't share any of it here for a few more months. But you can see a lot of it on their Fall Events forum. Right now the Lindy's Stamp Gang (I especially love the 80s themed artwork!), I Brake For Stamps and EK Success Celebrate Fall and Thanksgiving events are still up until Saturday. Check them out! I have several entries in each event.

This is my favorite pic right now of my favorite people. It was taken at the fall festival at the kids' school.

Speaking of Lindy's Stamp Gang, I used quite a few Lindy's Starbursts and Moon Shadow Inks on this layout. Just look at how shimmery and sparkly their products are:

This is based on the sketch I made for Sketchy Thursdays this week:

Well, I hope to share with you a lot more often this coming month than last! Fingers crossed. :)

♥Heidi

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be a part of Tessa's Precocious Paper Attitude of Gratitude event.

Attitude of Gratitude is a month-long event in November designed to encourage you to express gratitude on a daily basis. Tessa will be sharing her own thoughts on her blog, as well as uplifting quotations, stories, articles and videos, Her hope is to inspire those who participate to have a more grateful heart, and in turn, happier life.

Last year I looked forward to Tessa's posts and I can't wait for them this month, too. Tessa is such an inspiration, such a beautiful person. I am thankful to call her my friend.

This year I am going to join Tessa for her Attitude of Gratitude project. I am going to try to blog my gratitude daily and throughout the month I am going to add to a mini gratitude journal which I will share with you along the way.

I am going to be using Tessa's Precocious Paper Attitude of Gratitude kit:

Kit includes:

♥ Handmade Mini Album - 3 chipboard pieces, 2 distressed cardboard pieces, one metal ring, 4" by 6" finished size

♥ 2 Fabric and Felt Flowers

♥ 2 Sewing Pattern Petals

♥ 1 Denim Twist Flower

♥ 1 Blush Jersey Twist Flower

♥ 1 Full Set of Sweet Spots (10 pieces, exclusive to kit)

♥ 1 Navy Tulle Clothespin

♥ 1 Pink Raffia Clothespin

♥ 1 Green Raffia Clothespin

♥ 2 Leaves

♥ 1 Large Shipping Tag

♥ 2 Paper Sacks

♥ 1 Glassine Envelope

♥ 1 Template (for page shape, not pictured)

Let me tell you, if it's possible, this kit is even more awesome in person than in the picture above. I am so in love with all the shaped journal pages and Tessa's flowers and Sweet Spots NEVER disappoint.

Today I am sharing the title page for my journal:

Gratitude is the Best Attitude

Supplies Flower, Leaf, Trim, Chipboard: Precocious Paper; Stamps: Rubber Soul, Stampin Up; Ink: Ranger, Tsukineko; Paint: Delta, Liquitex, Making Memories, Plaid; Acrylic Ink: Liquitex; Decoupage Medium: Plaid; Gelatos, Pen: Faber-Castell; Mist: Lindy's Stamp Gang, Studio Calico; Other: Dictionary page, gesso

The majority of this piece is paint supported by ink. I'm loving playing around with my Gelatos. They have the perfect colors for creating my little girl's skin tone, pouty lips and rosy cheeks.

My all-time favorite flowers of Tessa's are her Sewing Pattern Petals because they're just screaming out to be customized. I went subtle on this one giving it a healthy mist of gold and brown.

(Keep an eye out for more of "my girls" soon. I'm hoping to get a variety of them up in my Etsy shop ASAP.)

Please, join Tessa and me in this month-long exploration of gratitude.

Here is how you can be a part of it:

1. Add the image above as a badge to your blog.

2. Blog your thoughts on gratitude daily (or as often as you can throughout the month).

3. Share your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter if you prefer.

4. Write your thoughts in a journal.

5. Collect your thoughts throughout the month and create a layout or mini album to display your gratitude.

Thank you for joining me today. I am truly blessed to be able to share what I love doing with you.

♥Heidi

Imagination at work

2011-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Supplies Cardstock: Colorbok; Stamps: Advantus, Autumn Leaves, Crafty Secrets, Stampers Anonymous, Technique Tuesday, Unity Stamp Company; Ink: Tsukineko; Ink Spray: Lindy's Stamp Gang; Stencil: The Crafter's Workshop

This is based on the sketch I made for Sketchy Thursdays this week:

I'd love to have you play along with us. Get your journal on!!!!

♥Heidi

Post It Note Art

2011-10-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love art made by your kids??!!!! The girl is on a post-it note art kit. Fun little masterpieces contained on one compact square.

Even the background is a collaborative effort between me and both the girl and the boy. We had fun with some water-soluable oil pastels, mists and stencils.

This is based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch:

I sort of flipped it upside down. Oh, you know I can't just leave a sketch alone!!!! LOL!

Be sure to check out the Sketchy Thursdays post this week because today is the debut of the art inspiration from all of our new Design Team!!!! Wow! There is such an awesome variety of styles represented. I LOVE it!!!!!

The kids are on fall break this week so we're just chillin'. Enjoying the cooler (although I'm guessing temporary ~sigh~) temperatures. We're actually in the low 90s/upper 80s right now.

Have a great week!

♥Heidi

Home Sweet Home inchies

2011-09-24T09:54:00.001-07:00

So when I started with Scrapbook News and Review I considered myself only a scrapbooker and a reluctant card maker. As I look back now I see I had burgeoning mixed media tendencies although I didn't know to call it mixed media at the time. SNR has an amazing mixed media department and the staff is spectacular at encouraging your exploration into the genre.

I've discovered I LOVE mixed media. It's so creatively freeing. Who'd have thought how satisfying it is to make a whole piece of art in one square inch, for instance?

Canvas Inchies

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review May 2011

These inchies - and yes, each one is one square inch - are made with sticky back canvas, dictionary page, stamps, ink, paint, markers, glossy medium, cotton and a rhinestone. Whew! I sometimes don't use that many things on a 12x12 layout, LOL!!!

What's really cool is that mixed media isn't all abstract and goopy. It's just as much about the form as the mediums. It's about playing and using products together that you wouldn't normally such as paper and canvas here.

Be sure to check out all the awesome mixed media projects brought to you every month in Scrapbook News and Review. You'll see my name in that section quite often nowadays!!!! I'd love to share my MM adventures with you.

Now I'm proud to consider myself a mixed media artist!

♥Heidi

p.s. Check out my sketch this week on Sketchy Thursdays! I'm rather proud of it. ~grin~

The Next Sketchy Thursdays Design Team

2011-09-21T16:57:00.003-07:00

I can't believe how quickly six months flies by. It's already time for Diana & I to introduce our next Sketchy Thursdays Design Team!

Check out the announcement HERE.

You'll see a few returning faces and a whole group of newbies. We are so excited to have each and every one of them with us for the next six months! Including Diana & I that's TWENTY DT members!!!! So that's a whole lotta inspiration for everyone every week!

******

So, yesterday was the reason I started scrapbooking's birthday.

I can't believe my little man is EIGHT.

I mean, that's half way to driving.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggggggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!

THAT's a sobering thought. LOL!

****

So, tonight is the Studio Calico event on the Scrapbook News and Review forum. Be sure to check it out as I've not only made a few layouts and cards for it using Studio Calico's Countryside collection but I've also made a mixed media plaque that I'm pretty proud of and have a class for you to show you exactly how I made it!

Also, the September issue of SNR is live!!! Check it out!!!

Be sure to check back with me tomorrow for this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch and layout!

♥Heidi

Sketchy Thursdays - and a blog hop!

2011-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

This week Sketchy Thursdays is partnering with the challenge blog ScrapFIT for a fun blog hop.

Supplies Cardstock: Stampin Up; Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye; Glitter Mist: Lindy's Stamp Gang; Paint: Creative Inspirations; Pen: Faber-Castell; Stencil: The Crafter's Workshop; Punch: EK Success; Other: Thread

I just had to show you the yummy detail of both the Creative Inspirations sparkly paint I used to color in the letters in "friends" and also the gorgeous Starbursts mists from Lindy's Stamp Gang. Both of these are my current faves. I just loves me some sparkle!!!!

This week we're all making layouts based on my Sketchy Thursdays' sketch:

AND

ScrapFIT's Workout (prompt/challenge) #52: F Is For Friendship

Friends are the family members we pick out by hand. Let's dedicate this week's layout to a special friend(s). Show us who you hang out with or call when you need to vent!

Because we're having a fun blog hop we've got LOTS of chances to win prizes this week!!!!

1. There's our regular sketch prize, this week a HUGE kit from Burlap & Buttercups.

2. There's also ScrapFIT's Workout prize courtesy of Paper Issues.

3. Leave a comment on the Sketchy Thursdays post for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate from Diana's Etsy store Design by Diana.

4. Leave a comment on the ScrapFIT girls' blog hop for an additional prize. (See the ScrapFIT site for more details.)

We'd love to have you join us for the blog hop and play along with us!

♥Heidi

Can You Help a Girl Out???

2011-09-13T09:24:00.004-07:00

I am woefully bored with my current Pandora music channels. The only time I listen to Pandora is in my crafting room and I'm afraid the repetition of the same old music is affecting my crafty mojo!

Can you help a girl out and give me some suggestions for channels with upbeat, rockin good music?? I want to WANT to get up and dance around while I'm making stuff. I want my head to bob. I want to sing along at the top of my lungs. (Luckily I'm usually home alone when this is going on, lol.)

And even if you don't listen to Pandora, just tell me some of your fave crafting music. I can still get ideas from that.

I'm thinking maybe I should clarify my "kind" of music, too. I was recently asked if I was DJ Jazzy Jeff and I had to come up with my Top 5 list of rock the house songs what would they be and I answered:

One Step Beyond by Madness

Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas

Freedom! '90 by George Michael

I'm Not Okay (I Promise) by My Chemical Romance

Vasoline by Stone Temple Pilots

So, can you help a girl out? I'll trade you a card for your suggestions. ;0D

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review June 2011

This one is chock full of yummy painty techniques and I love the way it came out.

OK, back to my craft room with my same ol' same ol' music. LOL!

♥Heidi

ILU

2011-09-08T06:04:00.045-07:00

Supplies Cardstock: Colorbok; Patterned Paper: Recollections; Flowers: Precocious Paper; Brad: Imaginisce; Flower Center: Prima; Glitter Mist: Lindy's Stamp Gang, Tattered Angels; Pen: Zig; Other: Thread

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Tessa's Precocious Paper flowers? I especially love the ones I can recolor. Case in point, these luscious dress pattern flowers. They started here:

Typewriter Keys White Sewing Pattern Petals

And with the magic of Lindy's Stamp Gang Starbursts in these scrumptious colors:

Autumn Maple Crimson

and

Delphinium Turquoise

You get this:

Seriously, the pictures don't do the Lindy's mists justice. They are so shimmery, rich and vibrant.

This layout is my lament of how grown up my itty bitty baby girlie looks in her Kindergarten photo:

And how skinny!!!! She takes after her daddy, luckily. ;oD

The layouts is based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch. Diana, this one's a keeper!!! I'll be using it over and over.

Remember, you only have 2 more days to submit for the next Sketchy Thursdays Design Team term.

Hope you are having a great week!!

♥Heidi

Make a Wish card

2011-09-05T10:52:00.001-07:00

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review, June 2011

I thought I'd share a card with you today that I made for Scrapbook News and Review a few months back.

The butterflies and everything from the flowers down to the green checked bottom border are from a napkin. I love the way you can still see background through the napkin.

Here in the States it's a holiday, Labor Day, and lots of people have the day off. Hope you're having a great time!!!!

♥Heidi

p.s. Don't forget we'd love to have you contribute to SNR!!! Check out the deets HERE.

Share What You Know

2011-09-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

I think my favorite part of working for Scrapbook News and Review is all the tutorials I get to create. I love the step-by-step, the closer examination of a technique I love to do, the sharing of aha! and oops! moments alike.

Well, guess what? SNR would love to end the year with a bang and have YOU contribute to our magazine, to Share What You Know.

***

We want to end the year with a BANG and the best way we know how to do that is to make it all about YOU! This means that a part of the October/November 2011 Double Issue (our largest issue of the year) will be from our readers.

So, if you love to create and you want to share and teach something that is near and dear to your heart, then we want to hear from you!

Are you known for a certain style or can people spot your projects out in a line-up? Do you have a favorite go-to technique or a “quirk” that you just have to do on everything you create? What’s the one thing that people ask you the most, “How did you do that?”
For this very special call, we’re looking for paper crafters of all kinds – paper and digital scrapbookers, card makers, stampers, altered art and mixed media artists and even those who enjoy making home décor, handmade jewelry and gifts!

Here are the details:

Choose a Style or Technique

1) Style – Share and teach something that is important to what makes your style unique, for example, distressing for Shabby Chic or working on a grid pattern for Modern and Graphic.

2) Technique – Share and teach a technique that you knock out of the park and may even be your “signature” technique.

Submit a Tutorial via Our Automatic Submissions Form

1) Tutorial must have at least four steps to be considered.

2) The tutorial must have step-by-step instructions.

3) The tutorial must include photos for each step in the instructions.

Other Info

1) The deadline is October 1, 2011.

2) The tutorial must be original and cannot be currently posted or found anywhere on the internet. For example, it cannot be content taken from a previous post on your blog or a design team or challenge blog you may be a part of.

3) The tutorial can be about any subject, topic or theme you desire. It can be based on any existing trend or technique available so long as it is your own work, created by you, and you give proper credit to anyone you may have learned it from or been inspired from. We do not discourage “scraplifting” as it is a great way for all paper crafters to learn new things and hone their skills, but we strongly encourage everyone to give credit where credit is due. It’s the honorable thing to do.

More details will be available on the automatic submission form.

The automatic submission form will be available as of September 6, 2011, so put your thinking caps on and get creating. We can’t wait to see your amazing artwork and showcase it in the October/November issue!

If you have any questions before the form is posted, please feel free to e-mail us at specialfeatures@scrapbooknewsandreview.com anytime.

P.S. Nervous about writing a tutorial for a magazine? It’s completely understandable but don’t worry about it. That’s what editors are for. Just do your very best and if your project is chosen for publication, we’ll walk you through it and make you look fabulous!

C'mon...you know you wanna!!!!

Play - Sketchy Thursdays

2011-09-01T05:46:00.004-07:00

Supplies Cardstock: Stampin Up; Journaling Spot: Advantus; Packaging: Prima; Acrylic Ink: Liquitex; Glitter Mist; Tattered Angels; Mask: The Crafter's Workshop; Gel Medium: Golden; Pens: Faber-Castell, Sakura; Other: Tape, thread

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for Tessa's 30th Birthday Precocious Paper Blog Hop! Such awesome displays of creativity using Tessa's gorgeous flowers. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed creating for it!

Here's another inky fun creation, this time based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch:

I'm so glad to see a few new friends along for my little creative ride! I hope I don't disappoint. ;oD

I'd love to see all of you stop by Sketchy Thursdays and play along with us this week!

♥Heidi

Precocious Paper Blog Hop

2011-08-29T05:59:00.013-07:00

Hey there!

I am so excited to be a part of Tessa's 30th birthday blog hop sponsored by her Etsy shop Precocious Paper!!!! Tessa is an amazing person and an awesome artist and I'm so honored to celebrate her birthday with her.

Ah, to be 30 again. LOL!

Twenty designers (I can't believe I'm included among these artists!) are helping Tessa celebrate her birthday with some awesome projects featuring a variety of Precocious Paper goodies.

Truly my favorites!!!

You can join in on all the fun by starting at Tessa's blog here. If you've been hopping along and just arrived here from Julie's blog, you're in the right place!

I was lucky enough to be a member of Tessa's inaugural Precocious Paper Design Team and I can honestly say Precocious Paper flowers and embellishements are TRULY my favorites to work with. So, when Tessa asked if I'd like to help her celebrate her birthday I jumped at the chance for an opportunity to showcase Tessa's beautiful flowers. Anytime and anywhere I can!! For the hop, I have a couple of projects to share with you.

Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Flower: Precocious Paper; Glitter Mist: Maya Road; Markers: Copic; Pen: Faber-Castell; Mask: The Crafter's Workshop; Other: Thread

This layout features a beautiful fabric and felt Lollipop Flower. The PP Lollipop Flowers are so beautiful and HUGE! This one is about two inches across!!! I love the ones in this sampler.

Supplies Flowers: Precocious Paper; Tape: Advantus; Stamps: Rubbernecker, Stampin Up; Ink: Tsukineko; Acrylic Ink: Liquitex; Pens: Faber-Castell, Sakura; Gel Medium: Golden; Other: Chipboard, gesso, newspaper, rub-ons

This piece features Felt Roses in my favorite (and Tessa's!) color combination, red, turquoise and white. I'm in awe of these little goodies - they're so tightly rolled with row upon row of petals. Check out the ones Tessa's has in her shop right now: these, these and these.

Would you like some Precocious Paper goodies to work with?

Tessa has added many new things to her shop as part of the celebration, so be sure to stop by and take a peek. If you use this code during check out - HMBBHFREE - you will receive free shipping and a free thank you gift. (International orders, $5 minimum please. No minimum on US orders.) This code is good through September 5th!

Would you like to WIN some Precocious Paper goodies?

If you complete the entire hop, leaving a comment on every designer’s post, you will be entered to win the grand prize – the September, October, November and December Samplers! That’s a $54.00 value and dozens upon dozens of hand-crafted scrapbooking embellishments.

Follow Tessa’s blog to be entered to win a $20.00 credit to the shop.

Follow Precocious Paper on Facebook, you could win another $20.00 credit.

Tessa is also giving away surprise credits to blog hop participants, so be sure to leave a comment on this post!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Next stop on the Precocious Paper bloghop: Jan Tatomir!

Happy Birthday, Tessa!!!!!!

♥Heidi

None of your beeswax!

2011-08-27T09:09:00.002-07:00

OK, well maybe it is. :oD

I realized I'd never share with you the piece I'd made when I took a beeswax class a couple months ago.

I've been interested in learning how to work with beeswax for a while now and finally got to take a class at a LSS from an awesome duo, Mike and Lesley of Jack & Cat Curio. They're Ranger certified instructors and all around amazing mixed media artists.

This piece is a sandwich of layers of printed material, stamps, a dress pattern and beeswax on a wood base. I stamped directly into the beeswax on the top layer and finished it off with a few colors of Perfect Pearls including interference green which I MUST get my hands on!!!

Here's another view that gives you a little different perspective. The Perfect Pearls made it hard to take a good non-reflective picture.

I will defnitely be playing with beeswax more. I happened to luck out and come across a few jars of it on seriously cheap clearance.

Doing anything crafty this weekend?

♥Heidi

sketchy thursdays sketch

2011-08-25T16:58:00.002-07:00

The sketch I made for this week's Sketchy Thursdays challenge.

Would love to see you play along with us!!!

♥Heidi

I gave in...

2011-08-24T18:58:00.000-07:00

My cool little skater boy.

I love his hair.

He does not.

I think the last time I got it cut was last November. :-O

Think it's about time I let him take control?

OK, so I didn't completely give him control.

We compromised. Short on the sides and back, a little longer in the front (for me!).

I had a HARD time watching.

Oh the humanity! The carnage...

For perspective, take a look at the size of the pile of hair compared to the size of the trash can. We could make a small dog out of it!

Happy boy.

Reasonably happy mommy.

:-)

♥Heidi

Spread Your Wings, WRMK, SRM & SNR August issue

2011-08-15T20:43:00.001-07:00

Lots to share today!!!

First, how about a fun ATC?

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review June 2011

Sooooo totally out of my comfort zone on this one. I like the look of steampunk but when I tried making it, it was haaaaaarrrrrrdddd for me! I'm pleased with the results, though.

Second, it's time for another manufacturer event over on the Scrapbook News and Review forum. (Actually, the event went live on Saturday...I'm a little late letting you know about it. Imagine! Me, late! Never!)

This time is is We R Memory Keepers!! I was lucky enough to get to work with both the Fiesta and the Yankee Doodle lines. Love them both!!!

I'm so in love with the layouts I made for Yankee Doodle.

Be sure to definitely stop by to check out my tutorial on making a 3D pin using a stamp from the Fiesta line. Trust me, it's cute, cute, cute! And I made an ATC using the same stamp that is definitely going up on my wall of faves. Let's just call it Punk-a-Doodle-Doo, LOL!!!

Third, we have THREE manufacturer events coming up this week: SRM on Wednesday and Nikki Sivils & Prickley Pear stamps on Saturday. As a teaser, I have a mini tutorial for SRM on the SNR front page that looks good enough to eat. Check it out!

Finally, Part 1 of the August issue of Scrapbook News and Review is now available. Lots of seriously fun and beautiful artwork in there. The crafty world has some amazing talent out there!

Hope you are having a great week!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

♥Heidi

OMG, I almost forgot! I also just announced the Sketchy Thursdays Design Team call for our October to March team. Check it out here!

Just the 3 of Us + TaDa!

2011-08-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

A little bit of fun for this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch:

Sorry to make this so short & sweet but I'm in the kids' classrooms today. Fun! Plus today is picture day so I'm probably more nervous than they are!

Have you checked out the newest manufacturer event going on over on Scrapbook News and Review?

TaDa Creative Studio!!!

I have to admit I wasn't familiar with this manufacturer before we started planning for this event. But I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Seriously quality products. Love their die cut papers. And I had so much fun working with the Big Top collection. Check out the event...I have 2 layouts in the "Inspiration" thread and 1 tutorial about making a really cool textured banner. (I have to say I am super proud of both the banner and my Ferris wheel layout!) The event will only be live for a week so head on over there! Check it out!!!! (Plus there's a chance to win a $150 gift certificate to the scrapping online store of your choice!)

Crate Paper Event

2011-08-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

So excited for our first event to be taking place NOW - FREE!!! - in the Scrapbook News and Review forum!

Our first manufacturer is Crate Paper and wowee wow wow is all I can say! There are over 100 scrap pages, cards, ATC, canvases, tutorials and classes for your inspiration using four of Crate's paper collections.

Check it out now! The inspiration will only be available in the forum for 1 week.

We'll be having many more manufacturer events in the SNR forum over the next few months, every Wednesday and Saturday at 6:00pm EST.

Please, join us! Check out the amazing artwork!!! Aaaaaannnnddddd...don't forget to leave some love or even ask some questions over at the event for a chance to win a $150 gift card to your favorite online scrapbook store!!!!!!!

8.04 Sketchy Thursdays sketch

2011-08-05T22:16:00.000-07:00

How cool is this week's Sketchy Thursdays' sketch?

We'd love to have you play along with us!!!

The September Guest Design Team Challenge is also live.

Just remember...our sketches are for your inspiration. They're a spring board. But the bottom line is...just have FUN with them!!!!!

Have a great weekend!

♥Heidi

Adore

2011-07-28T07:31:00.016-07:00

A sweet little layout for my sweet little girlie. She's beginning her second week of Kindergarten today! I can't believe how quickly time flies.

This layout is based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch:

We'd love to see you take on our sketch! Play along with us!

Just trying to get back into the swing of things with school. So loving the routine again and the kids are properly tired at bedtime. Woohoo!

♥Heidi

So Excited

2011-07-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

Supplies Cardstock: Best Occasions; Alpha Stickers: American Crafts; Stamps: EK Success, Glitz Design, Studio Calico; Ink: Stampin Up; Paint: Making Memories, Plaid; Pens: Faber-Castell, Sakura; Other: Drywall Tape, Playdoh container, tape

Today is the first day of school for my kids! Specifically, it's the first day of Kindergarten for my daughter! Big kid school. She's so excited. We went to meet her teacher and explore her classroom on Monday. Yesterday we got all her school supplies ready (water bottle, backpack and lunchbox - isn't that owl the cutest lunchbox ever??!!) and she did a dry run trying on her first-day-of-school outfit.

Had bunches of fun playing with paint and ink.

This layout is inspired by a digital ATC made by Katherine Hansen, a fellow Scrapbook News and Review staffer, and uses the sketch I made for this week's Sketchy Thursdays challenge.

Come play along with us this week! Our sponsor is October Afternoon!!!!

I'm off to almost FOUR hours of uninterrupted playtime in my scraproom.

Bliss.

♥Heidi

Sketchy Thursdays sketch

2011-07-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

I am so loving the sketch I made for this week's Sketchy Thursdays challenge. I'm just bummed I ran out of time before I could make a layout for it myself. Oh, trust me. This one is going in my file to be used at a later date. I love it! (Modest much? LOL!)

Anyway, check out what the Sketchy Thursdays DT made for your inspiration HERE. They did an awesome job!!!

T-7 days and counting.

The day my kids go back to school.

I.

Can't.

Wait.

Ever see that Staples commercial at back-to-school time with "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" song playing with the kids trudging up the aisles and dad gleefully going up the aisles? Yep. That's me.

♥Heidi

Artful Mental Synthesis

2011-07-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

I don't do it very often but wish I did more.

Working with metal, that is.

I LOVE it and have a giant stash of metal and metal working tools to show for it.

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review, April 2011

Here's a fun little pendant I made a few months back for a tutorial I did for Scrapbook News and Review magazine. The tutorial shows how to age copper chemically. It's really easy to do, albeit it takes quite a while.

There are lots of other tutorials in the magazine each month in addition to the average of 400 pieces of eye candy. That's a TON of inspiration for less than $5 a month!!! I mean, I average around 8 tutorials a month alone and there are 4 or 5 of us who do tutorials so that's a lot of bang for your buck! We cover a wide range of topics from scrapbooking to card making to stamping to digi to mixed media, everything from beginner to a little more advanced.

Speaking of Scrapbook News and Review, the August 2011 calls are up! Check them out HERE!! Topics such as summer fun, on stage, paisley & harlequin stamps and more. SNR's goal is to showcase a wide range of styles from beginner through advanced so never discount your work. You can't get published if you don't submit!! Come on! Give us a try!!!

♥Heidi

Special LIttle Memories

2011-07-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many times I've scrapped this pic of my daughter at her 1st birthday party but I just love it so much.

I took this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch and knocked it on its side.

I already had the base of the paper made with the glittered border and thought it looked a lot like the banners on the sketch.

Come play along with us on Sketchy Thursdays!

Hope you are keeping cool this summer.

♥Heidi

Celebrate

2011-07-03T09:35:00.001-07:00

For those of you in the United States tomorrow is the 4th of July, Independence Day, a day to celebrate America and being an American.

This weekend over on the front page of the Scrapbook News and Review site we're celebrating with some fun projects using the We R Memory Keepers Yankee Doodle line.

Come celebrate with us - all the way down to your toes!

♥Heidi

peeking out from under my rock

2011-07-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

~waving hi!~

Yes, I'm still here. LOL. Been doing lots of planning and organizing. Stuff I'll be able to share with you later this month.

I thought I'd share with you a card I made for the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

You may recognize it as the one I shared that I made the cover of the magazine!!!! This is by far my favorite card I've ever made!! Lots of misting, pastes, gels, inks and rub-ons. I'm just so in love with the color combo, too.

April 2011

The June tutorials are up in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. Check it out!

June 2011

There are lots of fun ones this month including creating textured butterflies, lots of different paper flowers, adding vintage flair to hardware store finds, creating a ceramic stucco background (LOVE it!) and a few from me like stamping with watercolor crayons, using a stamp alignment tool and creating custom ink pads and foam stamps. I've also done some testing and comparisons of embossing static pouches. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with June's tutorials section!

Did you know Scrapbook News and Review Magazine published TWO TIMES A MONTH??!!!!!! There is tons of yummy eye candy published on the second Sunday of the month and then as if that isn't enough we publish oodles of tutorials and primers on the last Sunday of the month. Can't get that much content in just one print magazine!

Plus did you know we share lots of tutorials, sketches, eye candy and fonts on our front page every week? Oftentimes, around holidays (hint hint) we'll also run holiday-related shows.

AND we have a hopping forum where we share lots of tips. Check it out!!!

****************

So, Diana says I must be allergic to double-page layouts because I'm always "too busy" to create a Sketchy Thursdays layout whenever there is a double-page sketch.

Hmmm...maybe she's right, LOL. Of course, I'm aware I can use only one side of the sketch if I want (and you can, too) . LOL!!!

I hope you have lots of awesome, fun plans for the weekend and if you are in the States, hopefully you have a 3-day weekend!

♥Heidi

Mwah!

2011-06-23T07:07:00.047-07:00

I love catching these adorable moments. It's something hard to remember amist all the sibling animosity that at the end of the day they really, truly do love each other.

This layout is based on the sketch I made this week for Sketchy Thursdays:

I'm so loving the rhinestone designs on my layout. I made them with the Imaginisce i-rock.

Seriously, this is a fabulous tool! Sooooo easy to use and I sure do love my bling so the i-rock is a dream come true. Check it out on the Imaginisce site.

And speaking of Imaginisce, they're this week's sponsor on Sketchy Thursdays and the lucky winner of the challenge will win an Imaginisce i-top tool! Very cool!!!!

Hope you are having a great start to the summer (or winter).

Me? I'm just trying not to melt. 113 today. Woohoo!!

♥Heidi

U (Sketchy Thursdays)

2011-06-16T07:17:00.003-07:00

Yes, it's true! An honest to goodness traditional paper layout for Sketchy Thursdays this week!!! LOL!

I took weekly pictures of the boy every week at the minute of his birth for over a year. Sometimes I'd get really cute pics like these, sometimes he'd be sleeping. But it's a great record of his growth over a year.

I'm such a hoarder. The painted tape used on this layout was some I'd used as a mask on another layout a few months ago. The colors go perfectly! See! There's a good reason to be a hoarder sometimes. LOL!

My layout is based on the sketch I made for Sketchy Thursdays this week. Come play along with us for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to E.A.D Designs! Very cool.

Hope you are having an awesome last week of spring!!!

Heidi

Peeny Peenoes

2011-06-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

What??!!

You don't know what peeny peenoes are?

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review, February 2011, Fussy Cutting tutorial

Why, they're pigtails!!!

At least that's what The Girl has called them ever since she could talk.

We've never been able to figure out where she got the name for them but to this day we still call them peeny peenoes.

:oD

Hope you're having a great weekend!

♥Heidi

Sketchy Thursdays

2011-06-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

So loving this sketch Diana made for us over on Sketchy Thursdays today!

C'mon, you know you want to play along!

Smile

2011-06-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review, March 2011

Just a fun, bright little card for a sunny weekend.

I'm frantically reorganizing and purging several different areas of my house right now. I have to do all these areas at once as they all have stuff that's interrelated. I need to move this stuff there and that stuff here, know what I mean? My house has been horribly disorganized since the birth of my son (he's 7-1/2 now) and I'm at my limit. I mean, I'm a slob but there's even a point at which a slob yells "Enough!"

I'm bushed. And more to look forward to tomorrow. But it's a good exhaustion!

♥Heidi

Last Day

2011-06-02T06:33:00.000-07:00

Credits Kit: Paisley Pop by Karen Funk; Font: Century Gothic, Alba Super

My baby on her last day of preschool. She looks so grown up!

Come play along with us on Sketchy Thursdays.

Today is the boy's last day of first grade. Didn't he just start Kindergarten??!!!!!

What do you do to keep your kids occupied over the summer?

Heidi

Did you know?

2011-05-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

You may know that Scrapbook News and Review packs tons of amazing eye candy into each monthly issue which comes out the 2nd Sunday of each month.

But did you know on the 4th Sunday of each month we publish a "Part 2" which includes amazing scrapbooking, cards, stamping and multi-media tutorials?????

Just look what's in store for you in the recently released May Part 2:

Scrapbooking Tutorials

Anglaise Pretties
Coloring Trim
Fabric Butterfly
Fabric Paper
Twisted Fabric Blooms
Adding a 3-D Effect to a Photo
Adding Text to Fabric
Coloring Black-and-White Photos with Chalk
Coloring Black-and-White Photos with Copic Markers
Curly Fabric
DIY Photo Overlays
Fibers Fabric Paper
Fabric Shapes
Ribbon Curling
Twisted Fabric Flowers
Using Dryer Sheets to Make Embellishments & Create Interest

Cards & Stamping Tutorials

Faux Stitching
Fork Bows
Heat Embossing on Fabric
Heat Embossing on Photos
How Do I Attach That? - Ribbon
Stamping on Velvet

Mixed Media Tutorials

An Introduction to Gels, Mediums & Pastes
Adding Cardboard to Your Project
Baby Wipe Background
Canvas Breakdown: A Home
Crinkled Cardstock Background
Gels, Mediums & Pastes Primer
Paper Towel Background

These run the gamut from quick 4-step tutorials to really involved tutorials to informative, sample-heavy articles to amazingly in-depth primers.

I feel so blessed to be a part of the amazing Education team and love bringing.

You are going to LOVE everything you see. Check it out!

A Teacher

2011-05-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

So this end-of-school-year was bittersweet. I'm so excited for my girlie to be moving on to Kindergarten next year but that comes with the price of the end of our 4 year preschool era. And our current teacher taught the boy for a little while and the girl for her entire preschool career. Thankfully, we're friends so it wasn't a final goodbye.

A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.

Lots of collage-y fun. Canvas, paint, gel medium, acrylic ink, drywall tape, dimensional paint, patterned paper, chipboard and rubs-ons, rub-ons, rub-ons! Love me some rub-ons!

The girl graduated a week ago but the boy still goes until this Thursday. His teacher sent out the week's schedule and I'm wondering how they're going to survive it. (Insert major sarcasm here.)

Monday - no school for Memorial Day. We're going to go see a movie.

Tuesday - Morning: play games the kids created last week. Afternoon: play board games and attend a carnival in another classroom.

Wednesday - Pajama day. Morning: watch a movie in their classroom. Afternoon: watch a movie in another classroom.

Thursday - Last day! Half day. End-of-year celebration, class-store shopping sprees, water balloon fun.

Whew! Glad to see there are actually legitimate, academic reasons to go back every day this week.

For all the US folks, hope you have fun activities planned for the holiday weekend. We're going to a bbq this afternoon. Fun!

Happy Memorial Day!

♥Heidi

Obaachan love

2011-05-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Credits Digi Paper, Flowers, Ribbon & Stitches: The Write Stuff kit by Audrey Neal; Button: Paisley Pop kit by Karen Funk; Font: Carbon Type

Sketchy Thursdays are becoming digi Thursdays for me, huh? I promise I've not gone totally digi. It's just most of my traditional layouts have been in Scrapbook News and Review recently. Do you subscribe? You should! So much amazing inspiration and tons of awesome tutorials. Speaking of...the July calls are up. I'd love to see you published in SNR!! Check out the calls. Anyhoo, I promise I'll share more traditional layouts soon. ;oD

I realized I have very few layouts made with the kids and their Obaachan. Gotta spread the love. ♥♥♥

So I went sort of clean and simple on the sketch this week for Sketchy Thursdays:

Hope you like it and I'd love to have you play along!!! This week's prize is an awesome vintage-y pack of goodies by Vintage Street Market.

It occurred to me just a little while ago that one week from today is JUNE!!

What??!!!!

Where has this year gone?

Hope you have super fun or relaxing plans for the Memorial Day weekend.

♥Heidi

Party Dress

2011-05-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

How about a fun card today?

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review March 2011

The base paper is some faux handmade paper I made. Later this week I'll share how I made it.

I love using cupcake liners as design elements. Could NOT pass up this adorable patterned one. Perfect for a skirt!

Have a great day!

♥Heidi

she knew she could conquer the world

2011-05-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

I've really been getting into mixed media and collage lately and recently took Christy Tomlinson's online course "She Art". I learned lots of great tips in the class and while I've been incorporating the ideas into lots of original stuff I just had to make one of the SheGirls from the class for my mom for Mother's Day.

SheGirl template and phrases by Christy Tomlinson

This is created on a 6x12 canvas and includes paint, ink, rub-ons, patterned paper, soft gel medium, acrylic ink, dimensional paste, dictionary pages, corrugated, stamps, drywall tape, a CD and I'm sure a ton of other stuff I can't remember right now.

Lots of rub-ons, a stamp and acrylic ink used on this CD.

Acrylic ink mixed into soft gel medium applied with a foam stamp. I'm loving how mixed media is helping me to re-embrace my HUGE collection of foam stamps that haven't seen the light of day for at least a couple, three years.

I love TONS of texture. Drywall tape is my go-to tool right now. Soft gel medium and acrylic ink applied over a drywall tape mask and then inverted and used as a stamp, too.

The scariest part of making a SheGirl...the hair. I started out trying to make this one look like my mom's hair but I couldn't get it blond enough so she's a major dirty blond here. LOL. Paint and ink.

I love how the boots and the grass came out. The boots are made with corrugated. The grass is dimensional paste mixed with paint and combed on. Lots of fun rub-ons. The edges of the entire thing are swiped with Tsukineko Brilliance ink, BTW. Have I mentioned how in love I am with Tsukineko? Luscious, luscious inks!!!!

I went with the floaty, swirly skirt for this girl. Love mixing all the patterns. And rub-ons, stamps and ink, of course.

Hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed making it.

♥Heidi

We're Not Going to Take It

2011-05-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Credits Border & Digi Stamp: Starbrite kit by Polka Dot Pixels; Staples: Paisley Pop kit by Karen Funk; Fonts: Carbon Type, Sidewalk

The girl's first makeup kit. She needs a little work.

Based on the sketch I made for Sketchy Thursdays this week:

Be sure to check out what the ST DT made with this sketch. Some of my fave layouts ever. Great stuff!

Sorry I've been so MIA lately. I've got lots of stuff to share but have had little time to share.

Today was the girl's last day of preschool. She's officially a Kindergartener now. So excited!!!

Have a great weekend!

♥Heidi

These Boots

2011-05-05T07:13:00.020-07:00

Credits Patterned Paper: Limon kit by Dana Zarling; Journaling Block: Doodly Journal Spots by Angie Kovaks; Fonts: Century Gothic, Champignon, Elephant; Brush: Splatter by Corelila

My daughter wears those boots everywhere, with EVERYTHING. She inherited them from her older brother who wore them for a couple years also. I have a pic of her at about 2 wearing them with only a diaper on. They come up about mid-thigh. LOL. I will be sad when these boots no longer fit. I'm going to have to immortalize them somehow.

Diana knocked this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch out of the park! Love it!!! I know I'll be using this one over and over again.

Have a great weekend!

Aaaaah...

2011-04-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

Aaah...what a beautiful sight! Two children napping in the middle of the afternoon. And not yelling. Nor running around. Nor teasing each other, pinching, hitting, kicking, breaking things, moving furniture around, creating "potions" with Pixy Stix and popcorn, "cleaning" the bathroom mirror with foam soap, etc, etc, etc.

Aaah...

Wow, that picture was taken almost 3 years ago and that may have been one of the last times I witnessed the beauty that is afternoon napping.

I made this layout a while ago, too and used it to base this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch upon:

Hope to see you over there playing along!

♥heidi

Scrapbook News and Review April issue is out!

2011-04-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

The April 2011 issue of Scrapbook News and Review is out today.

I'm so excited because that's MY card on the cover! What a fabulous surprise this afternoon when I clicked onto the SNR website!

If you have a subscription, the issue is available now and it is an awesome one! The submissions this month are just gorgeous.

If you don't have a subscription, click here to check out how to get one. Trust me, this is one case where you definitely get your money's worth and then some. There are always at least 400 pieces of inspiration every month and actually you get two magazines a month - "eye candy" and inspiration on the second Sunday of the month and then tutorials and papercrafting articles on the fourth Sunday of the month!

Hope you had a beautiful and relaxing Easter.

♥heidi

Loved

2011-04-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Credits: Digital Paper & Border: Limon kit by Dana Zarling; Word Art: Be You kit by Karla Dudley; Photo Editor: Picnik.com

I am in love with this pic of my son. If you could see the entire picture, he's standing there while my husband is tying his shoe. I love the snapshot of downtime...he's usually larger - and LOUDER - than life.

This is based on my sketch for Sketchy Thursdays this week:

Sorry I've been so MIA lately. I've been busy, busy, busy creating lots of fun stuff but ~sniff~ I can't share any of it with you yet. Stay tuned...I promise I'll share some stuff I made the last few months in the next few days.

I've also been trying to get ready for Easter. The Easter Bunny does baskets and then hides TONS of eggs. EB's been trying to find stuff to put in the eggs besides candy. So far EB is stumped. EB thought about hitting the party store but then thought about how much useless party stuff is hanging out in the room I am currently trying to clean up. Ugh.

We'll be coloring the Easter Eggs Saturday. Then the family comes over here for dinner on Sunday.

What do you do for Easter?

Hope you have a great one!

♥heidi

Sketchy Thursdays

2011-04-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Time once again for your weekly dose of Sketchy Thursdays yumminess!

Another awesome one by Diana!

And even though two-pagers are hard for me I really LOVE this one and wanted to play along. Sadly, it wasn't in the cards this week. This one is definitely going into my "to do " file for later, though.

Be sure to check out all the amazing inspiration by our DT!

And we'd love to have you play along with us. This week's sponsor is Sweet Peach Crop Shop - this week's winner will get their cool April kit!

Hope you are having a great week!

♥Heidi

The F-Word

2011-04-10T01:00:00.001-07:00

Damn thing sneaks up on you...

My Sunshine

2011-04-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

(Credits coming soon...)

This is one of my favorite pics of my daughter. She was about 2 here. She's got the most adorable, full lips. I monkeyed around with the color on these pics and one of them came up all sunshiney yellow toned.

This is based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch, this one by the lovely and talented Diana:

This is an exciting week on Sketchy Thursdays...today we reveal layouts by our newest Design Team!!!! Head on over to the blog to check out their wonderful inspiration!!!!

We're having a weird weather week here. This past weekend we hit 100 - the second earliest 100 in recorded history here. Lovely. Sometimes we hit sometime mid-April but on average it doesn't happen until early May. And then yesterday it was slightly rainy and around 80. They've got it forecasted for this Saturday in the low 60s. Yes, you read right - SIXTIES. If it comes to pass we will have swung 40 degrees in one week. Very funky.

Well, OK then!

2011-04-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot to write my own blog post for Sketchy Thursdays yesterday despite having written the actual ST post, LOL! Duuuuuuhhhh!!!!

I based this sketch on a layout I made for Scrapbook News and Review a few months ago.

Love by Heidi Myers Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company, Stampin’ Up!; Patterned Paper: EK Success; Glitter Paper: Colorbok; Staples: EK Success; Ink: Clearsnap; Punches: Fiskars, Stampin’ Up!; Adhesive: Scotch 3M; Other: brads, acrylic accent, rhinestones, crepe paper, thread

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review January 2011

To apologize, how about I share the tutorial that accompanied this layout? ;oD

Crepe Paper Pleat Tutorial

Pleats are a great way to add texture, softness or whimsy to a scrapbook layout or card. There are several ways to make a pleat and several materials you can use. Today I’m going to walk you through how to make one using crepe paper and your sewing machine.

Gather your supplies:

Crepe paper roll
Double-sided tape
Thread
Sewing Machine

Step One: Determine where you want your pleat on your project and run a line of double-sided tape the entire length of your desired pleat.

Step Two: Beginning at one end of your tape line, press down the end of the crepe paper and then fold it back toward the end of the crepe paper. Lightly holding the fold, bring the crepe paper back toward the tape line sticking it down on the line to make a pleat as wide as you desire. Repeat until you’ve covered your entire tape line.

Step Three: Stitch down the middle of your pleat with your sewing machine. I usually like to stitch three lines although the number is a matter of preference. Since I was making a playful layout I allowed my lines to weave and cross a bit, although again, this is a matter of preference.

Please note, your needle is going to get a bit sticky because you’ll be stitching through your tape line. No worries. When you’re finished just give it a quick swipe with a baby wipe or damp paper towel to clean off the build-up. (Make sure you’ve unplugged your machine first!)

Step Four (optional): If desired, rough up your pleat a bit by pinching and lifting the pleats.

This method for pleating works just as well with strips of fabric or patterned paper and ribbon. You can also attach your pleat to your project with glue, staples or brads. I have tried all these and for the smoothest, most even pleats I think the double-sided tape method works best.

Fun, eh? Hope you enjoyed my pleating tutorial.

For more tutorials and articles in scrapbooking, cards, stamping and multi-media check out Scrapbook News and Review.

Be sure to hop on over to Sketchy Thursdays to see what our Design Team made for your inspiration with the sketch. Today is the last sketch for the current DT. Let me know how much you've enjoyed their work!!! Next Thursday 4/7 will be the debut of the next DT's work!

Hope to see you playing along, too! This week there's an AMAZING Scrapbook Circle kit up for grabs. Trust me, it's gorgeous!

Hope you have a great weekend planned! We're forecasted for 99 today. I'm just not ready for that yet. Oh, well. The kids are excited that swim season is almost upon us.

♥Heidi

Christy Tomlinson Giveaway

2011-03-25T18:42:00.000-07:00

I am so inspired by Christy Tomlinson of Scarlett Lime. Her mixed media art is simply gorgeous.
I'm dying to take both her online classes:

The She Art Workshop

She Had Three Heart Art Journaling Workshop

Courtney Walsh has a very cool interview with Christy on her blog today. Not only is there lots of amazing Christy eye candy but you can win a spot in the She Had Three Hearts art journaling workshop! Click here for details.

I made a few purchases today with mixed media intentions...some Faber-Castell PITT artist pens, some Sakura white Gelly Roll pens, a Canson mix media book which is going to become my new art journal and I'm hoping is going to get broken in tonight, and a bunch of new stamp sets. I couldn't help myself. I went to Joanns looking for some pens and realized that not only was all their paper crafting stuff 40% off but they are having their Friends & Family sale, too, which gets you ANOTHER 25% off EVERYTHING you buy (including stuff on sale!). Did you know Joanns has a phone app where you can grab their coupons and just show the cashier your coupon on your phone?? That's so cool. And so dangerous!

I also just got Roni Johnson's Teach Yourself Visually Collage & Altered Art book.

This one came *highly* recommended by some of my peeps over on Scrapbook News and Review that I trust their opinions on matters of mixed media. I'm just starting to look through it and I'm jonesing to dive into my craft room. When do the kids go to bed??!! LOL.

The kids are outside playing archaeologists. We've got hot plans to watch the new Suite Life on Deck movie tonight. Oh, the joys of having near-tweens.

Do you have any hot plans tonight? Scrappy plans?

Whatever you do, have fun!

♥Heidi

Celebrate the Season

2011-03-24T06:27:00.045-07:00

Supplies Cardstock: Coredinations; Patterned Paper: Advantus, American Crafts, Jillibean Soup, My Little Shoebox, Pebbles Inc.; Felt Spots: Precocious Paper; Ribbon: Prima Marketing; Stickers: SRM Stickers; Stamp: Autumn Leaves; Ink: Ranger Industries, Tsukineko; Pen: Sharpie; Glitter: Stampin' Up!; Punches: EK Success, Marvy, McGill; Adhesive Sheet: Therm-O-Web; Other: thread

So, how's spring treating you? Ours looked like it was going to start out with a bang with temperatures 15+ degrees warmer than normal. But then it rained on Monday and brought the temps back down into the normal range (about 75 for this time of year) but they're trying to climb again. It's forcasted at 83 this weekend. Ugh.

I had a bit of fun with this layout, cutting up lots of different favorite patterned papers (with a couple of Precocious Paper Sweet Spots and some awesome SRM stickers thrown in there for good measure).

I gave the picture a "burnished velvet" treatment. If you like it you can check out my step-by-step tutorial for it in the April Scrapbook News and Review magazine next month.

This layout is based on the sketch I made for this week's Sketchy Thursdays challenge:

I got my inspiration for this from the way my son's school newsletters are formatted. LOL! See, you just never know when inspiration will strike!

Be sure to check out what the Sketchy Thursdays DT made for your inspiration with this sketch this week. As usual, great stuff! This week's sponsor, Addicted to Scrapbooking, is giving our lucky random winner a $25 gift certificate! Just link your layout up to Mr. Linky in the ST sidebar by 10pm EST next Wednesday 3/30 for your chance to win! Seriously, have you been to the Addicted to Scrapbooking site???? It's awesome! They have TONS of stufff!!! (I believe the official estimation is over 35,000 products!!!!) I have a wish list there a mile long!

Ooh! Did you see we announced the April - October Sketchy Thursdays Design Team line up? I can't wait to play along with this amazing group of talent. I'll be seriously missing our departing DT members, too. :-(

Have a great weekend!!

♥Heidi

Life is Good

2011-03-18T05:35:00.124-07:00

This is a bittersweet post for me. I've got two Precocious Paper projects to share which I LOVE but sadly, these are my last PP projects as a member of her DT. I'm so bummed to be saying goodbye to my DT term. :o( It has been an honor and great fun!!! I will definitley continue to include PP products on my projects, of course, as they're definitely some of my favorite flowers out there!

Supplies Cardstock: Stampin' Up!; Patterned Paper: 7Gypsies, My Minds Eye; Brads: My Minds Eye; Chipboard: Colorbok; Flowers: Precocious Paper; Sticker: SRM Stickers; Pen: Zig

I absolutely love the Precocious Paper Rolled Fabric Flowers. They come in two sizes and are just so elegant. Here I topped a trio of smaller ones with some pretty patterned brads.

Something I discovered about the ivory rolled fabric flowers (which I'm sure also goes for the white and any of the lighter colored ones) is they accept glitter mist beautifully!

I wasn't sure it was going to work...I trepidatiously sprayed this one thinking if I screwed it up I was going to be seriously bummed since I only had 2 to work with. I thought maybe, since the fabric was so shimmery and slick-looking that the mist might just bead up on it or unevenly soak in. Very happily the fabric accepted the mist perfectly.

When I set out to make this next piece I dove into it with just this gorgeous misted flower and a poem composed by my 5-year-old daughter for inspiration. Let me tell you, those were some amazing inspiration as I am so proud of this piece.

Supplies Flower: Precocious Paper; Ribbon: Michaels; Tape: Advantus; Stamp: Delish Designs; Ink: Ranger Industries, Tsukineko; Paint: Delta, Making Memories, Plaid; Glitter Glue: Ranger Industries; Ink Mist: Maya Road, Tattered Angels, Tsukineko; Pen: Sharpie; Charcoal Pencil: General's; Oil Pastels: Pentel; Tool: Stampin' Up!; Poem: "The Flower Grows and Grows" by Kinsey Myers; Other: chipboard, drywall tape, staples

The thing I think I'm most impressed with myself on this is that the mix of paints I used on her eyes is almost exactly the color of my daughter's eyes! I call her "Rootbeer Eyes" because their color reminds me of a backlit rootbeer barrel candy.

It's so hard to photograph anything shimmery. This picture doesn't do the flower or the metallic, shimmery copper color in her hair or eyes justice.
So, one day last month on the way to school my daughter recited a poem for me. I asked if she'd learned it in school. She said no, she'd just made it up. And then she kept reciting it over and over. She even said it for her class. Of course, I had to write it down and I've been planning to commemorate it on a layout ever since. Today, instead, a painting seemed more in order.

The poem begins in the middle of the flower, sprials out of it and down the stem with the "composed by" and the date sprialling through the leaf.

I put in a seed

It started to grow

It grew a flower

On top of its nose

It started to smile

Full of glee

Happily

Isn't that adorable??!!!!! My budding poet! I love the way every line didn't have to have the same number of syllables.

To finish off the page I attempted to make an interpretive sun out of spiraled misted Tim Holtz tissue tape and clouds of drywall tape.

The butterfly is cut out of some spring-themed ribbon.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I loved making it. I don't paint often and don't consider myself a painter by any stretch of the imagination but I really had a great time doing this piece. I guess I just need awesome inspiration first. Now I've just got to find a frame for it and it's going to go live in my daughter's room.

Be sure to check out the Precocious Paper blog for lots more yummy, flowery inspiration from her talented DT. I can't wait to see who will be on the next team.

Hopefully you guys are cooler than we are this week. It got up to 91 yesterday. (Not sure what today was but it felt even worse.) If it were May, or even April, I would've given in and clicked on that A/C so fast but there's something about it being only March that I refuse to on principle. Even for here that's 15 degrees warmer than normal. It's supposed to go back to the "normal" range next week. I'll believe it when I feel it.

♥Heidi

Little Things

2011-03-17T06:20:00.048-07:00

Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Jillibean Soup, My Little Shoebox; Stickers: SRM Stickers; Moondrops: ; Alcohol Ink: Ranger Industries; Glitter Mist: Maya Road, Tattered Angels; Pen: Zig; Other: paint chip, staples, thread

Welcome to another installment of Sketchy Thursdays. And YES! It's a traditional layout!!!!! (Admittedly I almost had a hard time not doing this one digi. I'm hooked!)

I've been holding on to these pictures for, well, 6 years considering this little boy is now 7 and he's 11 months here. Time to scrap those puppies. This was his first trip to the beach. He had a great time. A litle digging. A little flinging. A little eating. (Yup! If you take a closer look at the middle picture his mouth is lousy with the sand he's been munching on.)

Loving my little faux dew drops...there's a tutorial for how to make them coming up in Scrapbook News and Review the last Sunday of March. (Did you hear - we're publishing twice a month now! The second Sunday of each month will be chock full of all the eye candy. The last Sunday OEM will have all the awesome tutorials and paper crafting articles.)

I've been playing with my mists a lot in the last couple days, too. (And I've got blood-red fingers to show for it. The Tsukineko walnut inks are very intense and stain big time. My son freaked out thinking his head was bleeding again when he saw my hands, LOL.)

Of course, this layout is based on this week's sketch:

Sketchy Thursdays is also partnering with SRM Stickers this week. We got to play with some of their newly released stickers. Have I mentioned I love SRM Stickers? Seriously. They blend so well into the background paper.

Speaking of blood red and the boy...I'm happy to report he's doing fine. It's a challenge washing his hair but otherwise it doesn't bother him at all. (Gotta remember to make the appointment to get the staples taken out.)

So, are you wearing your green today? Do you do anything special for St. Patrick's Day? We don't although if you have some corned beef and cabbage you want to send my way I'm all over it! Love it! Sometimes I make the effort to make it for St. Pat's but I just didn't bother this year. I do love this day, however, just because green is my favorite color, LOL!

Oh, the May calls are up for Scrapbook News and Review. Check out my sidebar for the link to see the call descriptions. Check out the sketch! It's mine!! :oD

Have a green and lucky day!

Pretty good. We made it almost 7-1/2 years. (warning - graphic pics)

2011-03-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Without a trip to the ER, that is.

I guess we've had a pretty good track record, not having had to visit the ER before.

A playground injury. He was playing tag and ran into the metal playground equipment.

Man, head wounds sure do bleed profusely.

My little trooper didn't cry or moan once. He's my little Frankenstein now...2 staples!

Don't worry - the shiny stuff is antibiotic gel. Mostly.

Pretty gross...I can't get the area wet for 24 hours and as I mentioned, head wounds bleed profusely. His hair is soaked with blood (now dried). I tried sponging it out as best I could. Ick!

So I've driven by several Urgent Cares in my time, always making a conscious mental note of where they are just in case. Yeah, all that cataloguing just flew out the window. My mind went blank. Luckily someone nearby knew the one I wanted to go to. Whew!

OK, enough excitement for me for one day.

Paw Paw & Keegers

2011-03-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

Supplies Patterned Paper: Websters Pages; Flower: Design by Diana; Brads: SEI; Rub Ons: Carolee's Creations; Paint: Plaid; Glitter: EK Success: Other: chipboard negative

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review, January 2011

It's so hard making layouts you absolutely love and then not being able to immediately share them on your blog! I made this layout for the January issue of Scrapbook News and Review which means I created this layout sometime around the end of November or the beginning of December.

I love the way this came out. I've been hanging onto a bunch of chipboard shape negatives for years just knowing they would come in handy one day. I fussy cut one sheet of Webster's Pages paper to incorporate the chipboard negative.

You can see here the dimension to the layout. (Plus get a load of that awesome flower! Design by Diana, baby!)

So, it's climbing into the upper 80s here with the threat of 90 by mid-week. ~sigh~ Not ready for this at all.

Kids are on spring break this week. Lots of fun outdoor activities planned. Woohoo.

I'm excited, though...the March issue of Scrapbook News and Review publishes tomorrow. Lots of awesome stuff in there!!!! Check it out!

Have a great weekend!

Heidi

p.s. Less than one more week for our Design Team call over on Sketchy Thursdays! You know you wanna apply! Do it!!!!!

Last Day

2011-03-10T10:09:00.001-07:00

Credits Digital Kit: Pot O Gold by Raspberry Road Designs; Fonts: Baby Kruffy, Century Gothic, Freebooter Script

This layout shows various activities on the last day of Kindergarten for The Boy last year. (Click on it to see it bigger.) I really love the colors in the digital kit I used, Pot O Gold by Raspberry Road Designs. Incidentally, the main kit is up for grabs as this week's prize on Sketchy Thursdays.

This week we have a double-page sketch:

Remember, our sketches are design suggestions...check out all the different ways our DT interpreted it.

We'd love to have you play along with us!

Also, don't forget we still have a DESIGN TEAM CALL up until next Friday 3/18. We're looking for traditional AND digital scrappers.

I'm so not ready for this...today it is forecasted to be 89 degrees.

89!

Toooooooo early!!!!!!!

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?

I Love You This Much

2011-03-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review January 2011

I love everything about this layout.

First and foremost I love the picture.

I love the pinks and reds and chocolate browns.

I love the block format.

I love all the texture - the glitter and foiled papers, a yummy Precocious Paper satin bridal bloom (my faves!), the crepe paper pleat, the stitching, the metal gromlets, the ruffly ribbon.

And I love the heart punched border.

This layout has hung in my family room since the day I made it.

****

A few announcements:

Sketchy Thursdays is holding a Design Team call for our April - September term. All crafters - traditional, digi, and cardmakers - are encouraged to apply. See this post for details.

Precocious Paper is hold a DT call for the April - September term. See this post for details. I will GREATLY miss being on this amazing team and have been honored to be on her inaugural DT.

Want to get published? See here for the calls for the April issue of Scrapbook News and Review. The call is open through March 12.

In Your Face!

2011-03-03T06:43:00.001-07:00

May 2011 issue

Supplies Patterned Paper & Bling: Paisley Pop kit by Karen Funk; Stitches: Feedsack kit by Splendid Fiins; Word Art: An Unkind Word by Deena Rutter; Brush: Stitch by Boyingopaw

I just discovered these pictures. I don't remember taking them although they're taken from where I was sitting when we went out to dinner a couple weeks ago. LOL. Getting old, people. :-(

This layout is based on the sketch I made for Sketchy Thursdays this week, although I knocked it on its side:

We'd love to have you play along with us!!!!

And check out the Sketchy Thursdays site on Friday for a special announcement!!!

♥Heidi

Sunshine In My Soul

2011-02-25T02:53:00.003-07:00

Today I'm going to showcase a couple of projects I made with some Precocious Paper Sweet Spots. The color scheme of these is Sunshine In My Soul.

The colors are so yummy - sunshine yellows and sky blues with a few adorable butterflies thrown in for good measure. The bases are felt with various embellies such as buttons, pearl brads, flowers and awesome punched shapes.

Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Felt Embellies: Precocious Paper; Ribbon: Stampin' Up!; Stickers: My Little Shoebox; Stamps: Autumn Leaves, Technique Tuesday; Ink: Clearsnap, Stampin' Up!; Ink Spray: Maya Road; Other: drywall tape, staples

Love this pic of my little man right around his first birthday.

Supplies Felt Embellies: Precocious Paper; Chipboard Stickers: American Crafts; Rub Ons: Doodlebug Designs Inc.; Other: scalloped card

I'm annoyed by this card. No matter how I photographed it, lit it, futzed with the settings on my camera or tried to correct it in a photo editing program it shows up blue. It's a really gorgeous dark teal color. But the Sweet Spots look adorable nonetheless. ☺

Check out the Precocious Paper blog for more DT inspiration using the amazing Precocious Paper products.

Have a great Friday!!

♥Heidi

Makin' Sushi

2011-02-24T06:40:00.001-07:00

OK, I promise I'm not permanently moving over to the Dark Side (aka digi) but for some reason I just can't get enough of it right now!

April 2011 Issue

Supplies Kit: Starbrite by Polka Dot Pixels; Fonts: Carbon Type, Scriptina, Trashed

This past Sunday we made sushi together as a family for the first time. The kids really loved it. They had a blast!

The sushi in the background is some of our creations!

(P.S. My countertop is not acid green as is suggested by the pictures. It's a very neutral off-whitish Corian. I just couldn't get the color in the rest of the picture to look how I wanted without having the countertop change to this color. Weird.)

This layout is based on the sketch I made for Sketchy Thursdays this week.

I hope you can play along with us, especially because this week's prize is an awesome one by Blue Moon Scapbooking.

Today I chaperoned my son's first grade class on a field trip to a natural history museum. They had a blast! But I am beat!!!!!

♥Heidi

Happy

2011-02-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

Have you heard? It's Precocious Paper's Etsy anniversary!

If you've never perused the juicy goodness that is the Precocious Paper Etsy store, you really MUST!

In addition to amazing fabric flowers, Tessa also makes some other awesome embellishments such as the felt stars I used in this layout:

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review January 2011 issue.

This is one of my favorite pics of the kids. They dressed themselves alike. They're even holding similar bears.

Love all the SRM Stickers I used as the picture frame, too. Love all the different fonts.

Hope you're "Happy" today, too.

;o)

♥ Heidi

Over the River...

2011-02-19T19:56:00.001-07:00

I really love the red satin bridal bloom by Precocious Paper I used on yesterday's card. I think it's my favorite color of my favorite flowers made by Precocious Paper.

I'd based my card on a layout I'd made for the Scrapbook News and Review Holiday Sampler.

Supplies Patterned Paper: Me and My Big Ideas; Flower: Precocious Paper; Stickers: Pink Paislee; Marker: Stampin' Up!; Pen: Zig; Glitter Glue: Ranger

Seriously, how gorgeous are those bridal blooms?

Check out the Precocious Paper blog for more beautiful flower creations.

It's been raining here all day. Normally I love it when it rains because it's usually few and far between but we've had quite a bit of rain in the last couple months. I'm done with it. LOL.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Jingle Belles

2011-02-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today on Sketchy Thursdays we're bringing you a Second Chance Challenge. We haven't done one of those in a while. Basically, it's a regular sketch challenge on an "off" day and can last longer than a week.

This SCC partner is Jingle Belles, a card challenge site that is focused on helping you take back December one card at a time. The idea is that you can make one card a week for the duration of the year and would essentially have your holiday cards done and ready to go.

Here's my card:

Supplies: Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Paper: Me and My Big Ideas; Flower: Precocious Paper; Ribbon: Michaels; Sticker: SRM Stickers; Glitter Glue: Ranger Industries; Other: journaling spot

Here's the sketch:

It's a card sketch but you can translate it into a layout if you'd like. You have until next Thursday night, 2/24, at 10pm EST to link up in the comments on this Sketchy Thursdays post and also over on the Jingle Belles site. The lucky winner will receive this lovely holiday prize:

Saturday Morning Technology

2011-02-17T09:21:00.001-07:00

May 2011 issue

Supplies: Digital Patterened Paper: Paisley Pop kit by Karen Funk, My Shabby Valentine kit by Karen Funk; Digital Felt Circles, Journaling Block, Staples: Paisley Pop kit by Karen Funk; Stitching: My Shabby Valentine kit by Karen Funk; Fonts: Bad Robot 3D, Registry BRK, SS Play Font

My kids are so technology savvy. And crazy. I love the family pic. Quality time with dad, eh?

This one was made for this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch - definitely a great one by Diana!

OK, I promise. I have not completely switched to digital layouts. It's just all my traditional layouts lately have been made for Scrapbook News and Review magazine upcoming issues. All my others have been made after bedtime when it's easier to work on the computer than get into my scrap room. Besides which my scrap room looks like it violently threw up at the moment. It's buried in the remnants of projects for the SNR March issue and boxes upon boxes of the kids' preschool art projects that I need to ruthlessly go through.

I'll share a few traditional layouts very soon.

Have a great weekend!

Heidi

House of Tomorrow

2011-02-15T07:15:00.000-07:00

Patterened Paper & Journaling Block: Paisley Pop kit by Karen Funk; Stamp: Be You kit by Karla Dudley; Stitching: My Shabby Valentine kit by Karen Funk; Font: carbon type; Poem: "Children" by Khalil Gibran

Love these current pics of my son. He's technology-obsessed.

The current poem challenge over on Scrap That Poetry is "Children" by Khalil Gibran. So much of this poem spoke to me. I am sure I'll use various parts of this one over and over again on my layouts.

Come on over to STP, check out what the DT made for your inspiration and we would LOVE for you to play along with us.

Speaking of love, how was your Valentines Day? I was showered with homemade cards and gifts and lots of love. :oD My hubby also got me a stereo system for my iPhone. My kids quickly broke it in by busting a move, LOL! There's video. I'll try to post it in a little bit.

Long Hair

2011-02-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

Patterned Paper, Ribbon, Stitching, Trim, & Stamp: Starbrite Kit by Polka Dot Pixels; Tape: Tape It Up - Noted by liv.e designs; Brush: Splatter by Corelila; Fonts: Carbon Type, Century Gothic & CK Becky

It wasn't a conscious decision, the long hair. It grew (pun intended) out of my inability to locate a hairdresser that could cut the boy's hair properly. It always came out too short, too bowl-like, too mushroom-y, too something. So I refused to take him to get his hair cut. For about 6 months.

It was so cute. He looked like a cool skater or something. He looked older. The girls (moms included, lol) thought he looked adorable!!!!

I loved it.

Apparently he didn't.

After much whining he finally convinced me to take him for a haircut.

This is minutes before.

When they called his name I grudgingly took him over to the stylist chair, told her what haircut he was looking for, and went back to sulk in the waiting area.

That was back in November. Almost 3 months ago. I haven't taken him to get a trim since. It's starting to get long again.

:oD

This layout is based on this awesome Sketchy Thursdays sketch by the talented Diana!!!!

Plans for Valentine's Day?

Do you get the Scrapbook News and Review email newsletters? You should! Right now we're running a week-long ode to Valentine's Day with a V-day tag and a V-day multi media project (inchie or atc) being sent out in the newsletter DAILY. Each tag and project will also have step-by-step tutorials! I have a multi-media project mailing out in Saturday's newsletter (2/12). It's free to sign up for the newsletters. Go!!!!! Sign up!!!! You'll be glad you did!!!!

Hope you're having a great week!

♥ heidi

This Is So You

2011-02-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

Supplies Digi Patterned Paper, Flower & Staples: Paisley Pop kit by Karen Funk; Digi Stamps: Shabby Valentine kit & Be You kit by Karen Funk; Digi Stitches & Epoxy - Be You kit by Karen Funk; Font: CK Ally's Hand Official

Got another digi layout for you on this fine Sketchy Thursday.

Both the kids got inline skates for Christmas. I was a bit trepidatious giving them to them, especially the girl who's only 5, but they took to them very quickly. I was impressed. They obviously didn't inherit mom's terrible sense of balance (although I've always been good on skates - I can bump into a wall while walking but am perfectly balanced on wheels, go figure). I guess I shouldn't have been worried about the girl - she can do anything she sets her mind to and she's determined to keep up with her brother...and does, VERY well.

The boy really wanted a skateboard, and I would've obliged except everything has to be equal for Christmas and there was no way I was going to give a skateboard to a 5-y-o, athletic or not. But, as mentioned, he took to skating very quickly. It's so cool. Now I just gotta break mine out and go skating with them.

The journaling on the layout refers to the fact that the boy doesn't usually take on new activities until he's sure in his mind he will be able to do them. He studies and thinks first and by the time he finally actually does something, he's usually a pro within minutes.

This layout is based on the sketch I made for today's Sketchy Thursday challenge.

Have a great day!!!

♥Heidi

Loved

2011-02-01T08:21:00.001-07:00

Happy February!

Today's Scrap That Poetry poem, "May You Always Feel Loved" by Sandra Sturtz Hauss, made me reflect on welcoming into our lives both our babies.

April 2011 issue

Digi Papers & Stamp: The Best Things kit by Anita Richards; Digi Metal Charms, Hardware & Trim: Heart Sweet Heart kit by Dianne Rigdon Design; Font: Bookman Old Style, Carbon Type; Software: Adobe; Other: scalloped border

I'm struck by just how similar they look in these pics. LOL! My little Baby Burritos. :oD

This layout is based on my Sketchy Thursdays sketch for this past week.

I'm really on a bit of a digital kick lately. Amazingly, contrary to what I expected, it doesn't take any less time to make a digi layout for me than a traditional one. That's a bit disappointing, LOL.

We'd love for you to play along with us for this poem challenge. Check out the STP blog for the poem. It really is beautiful and full of scrapping possibilities.

*****

Some exciting news on the Sketchy Thursdays front...

To fill the gaping hole Mirjam left behind when she decided to unfortunately step down from our DT (we miss you, Mirjam!) we've asked (and she's accepted) our amazing Guest Design Team Member from December & January, Heather, to join our regular DT for the rest of the current term! Welcome, Heather!

(Which reminds me...keep an eye out later this month for the next DT call!)

Aaaaannnnndddd...we've asked Julie to join our ST team indefinitely as our Social Director. Julie is a social force to be reckoned with so we're going to tap that incredible energy and have her help out with the Fave posts, our Facebook page and , as Diana so eloquently put it, help "...with our social marketing and commenting strategies."

I mean, really, who doesn't love getting a gaggle of Julie smileys in their comments??!! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

*****

Now, tell me...how do you deal with a child who has figured out that you can't disprove a stomachache and employs the doubled-over, grimacing, groaning strategy far too often? Do you just make them go to school or do you give in?

Have a great day!

Anticipation

2011-01-30T10:13:00.001-07:00

I've still got a few holiday layouts I haven't shared with you so I'm going to start sprinkling them in here and there.

Supplies Cardstock, Patterened Paper, Journaling Block & Ribbon: SEI; Felt Embellie: Precocious Paper; Clip: Making Memories; Stickers: American Crafts; Pen: Zig

Originally published in Scrapbook News and Review Holiday Sampler 2010

I think the picture here is so funny because this is the first year the kids really understood the concept of Christmas Eve presents. (That they were getting a present! LOL!) The funny part to me is I know how their faces looked after they opened up these presents. Because, although I want them to have the fun of opening up a Christmas Eve present, I don't want to give away the whole farm, so to speak, the night before the "real" fun. So, the CE presents are cool but not necessarily a toy. In these presents there are robes. Granted, they eventually came to love these robes and still wear them to this day but yeah, they weren't so enamored of them that night. Ha ha ha!

Check out that awesome, gorgeous, enormous felt star on the layout. That's one of Tessa's Precocious Paper goodies. I ~heart~ these so much.

Hope you're having a great weekend.

We're off to yummy sushi for lunch in a bit - one of the kids' favorite!!

- Heidi

Buds

2011-01-27T10:04:00.001-07:00

This is a bittersweet layout, pics of my son with his bestie. They clicked on the first day of school and have been close ever since. My son even takes piano from his bestie's mom!

Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Patterned Paper: Jillibean Soup; Border: Doodlebug Designs; Stickers: American Crafts; Twine: EK Success; Stamps: Technique Tuesdays, Unity Stamp Company; Ink: Ranger Industries, Stampin' Up!; Pen: Zig; Spray Ink: Maya Road, Tattered Angels; Glitter Glue: Ranger Industries; Masks: Ranger Industries; Other: metal charms, thread

I say this is bittersweet because I made this layout as a going away present. His family is moving to another state this weekend. It's a great opportunity for his family but we're going to miss him (and his awesome piano teacher mom!) like crazy. Yesterday was his last lesson and the parting was tearful. Besides the layout, we got him a scrapbook - the same as my son's for 2011 - and a Webkinz so they can stay in touch and play online.

The background is misted over a Tim Holtz overlay and then stamped inside masked by using the negative of the overlays. I also colored in some white Thickers and glittered them up.

Fun with alcohol inks. :)

This layout is based on my sketch for Sketchy Thursdays this week:

The Sketchy Design Team knocked their inspiration for this sketch out of the park this week. Please go check it out!!! And play along with us!!!!

I wish my son's friend and his family all the best in their new home!

I gotta ask...what's your favorite white cardstock? I'm trying to find a nice THICK one I like for layout bases, especially one that'll stand up to misting and paint without warping. Any suggestions? Where do you find yours?

On another note, I think it's so funny that one of my DIGI layouts is on the front page of the Scrapbook News and Review site right now. It's a slippery slope, getting props for my digi work. I bought another digi paper set yesterday. :-O LOL!

Be sure to stop by the SNR forums and front page and give us your opinions on all the new CHA sneak previews, too!

Speaking of CHA, are you going? LUCKY!!!!

And, finally, a big Happy Birthday to the hubby today! Mwah!

Hope you have a great weekend planned and aren't too cold and/or snowy. We've been hovering around the 70 degree mark for a couple weeks now. THIS is why people live here. It just amazes me how we're all willing to suffer through 8 months of hot as hell for 4 months of good weather. LOL.

I've officially crossed over to the dark side.

2011-01-20T07:26:00.007-07:00

I've dabbled in digi in the past. But it was free digi. I was never very committed to the whole idea of making digi layouts so I didn't want to "waste" any money on digi elements or paper.

Well, I officially crossed over to the digi dark side today...I bought TWO complete kits with the full intention of using them for layouts.

April 2011 issue

Supplies - Papers, flowers, trim, and rhinestone: Heart Sweet Heart kit by Dianne Rigdon; Word art: Live Well Word Art kit by Jo Hanna

This is based on the sketch I made for Sketchy Thursdays this week:

We'd love to have you join us and play along. You have until next Wednesday to be eligible to win a really cute kit prize!

Don't forget, we still have our February Guest Design Team Challenge running, too!

Have a fantastic day full of laughter!

Enjoying a Day Off School

2011-01-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

We're enjoying a day off school today for the MLK holiday. (Like we didn't just have 3 weeks off, LOL!)

In just a few weeks we're going to be declaring our intent to return to our school for another year for my son AND enrolling my daughter (finally!!!). I'm hoping to get her in with the same K teacher my son had because we loved her. Here's a pic of my son with her at the meet-the-teacher open house before his first day of K.

I made this a few months ago for the school issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Speaking of which, the January issue is live on the website! I am soooooo proud of so many of the layouts I made for this particular issue. I don't know what it was about this month but I had some great mojo. If you have a subscription go check it out! If not, get one! For less than $5 a month you get a mag stuffed full of over 400 pieces of inspiration, articles, product reviews and tutorials a month.

I'm in the midst of reorganizing and cleaning top to bottom my house. Yes, it's a gigantic task and it's taking/going to take for. ev. er. but it's about time. I've been ruthless with tossing and putting in the donate pile so far which is awesome! (I'm a terrible hoarder.)

Back to the mess!

Sketchy Thursdays sketch up

2011-01-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I wasn't able to play along with Sketchy Thursdays' sketch this week but check out what our Design Team made for you. Some stellar work!!!! So inspriring!

We'd love to have you play along with us. This week's sponsor is Scrappy Jo's Scrapbook Supplies with a Marks Paper Company paper set up for grabs. You can submit your layout based upon this sketch through Wedensday 1/19 for your chance to win.

I was busy, busy, busy this week getting in a few last minute projects for the February issue of Scrapbook News and Review. I have to say I am so loving being an SNR Staffer and besides getting to share my work in the magazine I am learning so much. The SNR Admin and Staffers are quite a diverse and knowledgeable group and we have so much fun!

SNR is having its first ever Staffer Call until February 4! Check out this link for info.

The January issue of Scrapbook News and Review goes live this Sunday, 1/16. I am so excited to see this one. I have to say I made some of my All Time Favorite projects for this issue and can't wait for them to debut!!!

Have a great day!

Heidi

Toot! Toot! CK Baby!

2011-01-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!

I have a layout in the February 2011 issue of Creating Keepsakes Magazine!!!

Page 16!!!!

It's the "CK&Me" layout of the month (where you submit a layout that was inspired by another you saw in a previous CK).

************

Speaking of being published...

Scrapbook News and Review's February call is online now. Check it out! Let me know if you submit!! The deadline is January 20.

I'm so excited to be a part of their new Education Team. We're working hard to bring you lots of quick & easy and in-depth tutorials each month. I'm also helping to get a whole new Stamping section started in the magazine. If you like to stamp -on anything: cards, layouts, multi media - check out the February calls.

I absolutely LOVE working for SNR. I'm learning so much and having a great time!!!

Hope you are all having a great weekend!!

Precocious Paper February Sampler Sneak Preview

2011-01-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out the Precocious Paper shop lately? Beginning this month Tessa is offering monthly limited edition samplers that are to die for. They include handmade flowers, many of which are exclusive to the samplers, plus other yummies such as coordinating ribbon on adorable wooden clothes pins.

The January Sampler includes:

♥ 1 Fabric and Felt Flower (3 inches)

♥ 1 Yo-Yo Posy (1.5 inches)

♥ 1 Aqua Lace and Felt Flower (exclusive to sampler, about 3 inches)

♥ 1 Mustard Yellow Lollipop Lace Flower (exclusive to sampler, 2.5 inches)

♥ 1 Classic Ivory Rolled Fabric Flower (3 inches)

♥ 1 Set of Spiral Felt Flowers in Aqua, Ivory, and Mustard Yellow (exclusive to the sampler, ranging in size from 1 - 1.5 inches)

♥ 1 Daffodil Dyed Cardboard Flower (about 3 inches)

♥ 3 Leaves (about 1.5 inches long)

♥ 3 Ribbon Clothespins with a Decorative Stick Pin (set exclusive to sampler, 4 total yards of ribbon)

Seriously, how cute is that kit??

And there are even coordinating journaling spots and additional flowers in the shop!

I was lucky enough to get to work with the February Sampler, "Sweet On You", which will be available in the Precocious Paper shop 1/25. Here's a little sneak peek at this adorable kit...

I love the color scheme of the February kit. It's all frosting pinks, luscious reds, and cool minty greens, just perfect for layouts about sweet, yummy, pudgy little children.

My daughter is about 3- or 4-months-old in this picture. Man, she was a chunky little thing! She's now a little twig. People often comment how light she is compared to other children her age (or even younger!). She takes after her daddy. :o)

The three flowers and the dotted ribbon are from the February Sampler.

Here my son is 15-months-old. I absolutely love this picture and didn't want to detract from it so I went very simple on the layout.

I think these rolled felt flowers are my favorite ones in the sampler. They're so sweet, like little flower cupcakes. They lend just the right amount of height and softness. The mint ribbon and the heart stick pin are also from the February sampler.

After stitching the edges of the layout, as I was sweeping the thread trimmings off my work surface, I noticed a few of them landed in very cool designs. Serendipity, I say! I transferred a couple of them to my layout and glued them on, careful to not change their shapes. There's the swirl above and the infinity shape below.

How perfect is that? An infinity symbol on a layout about how much I love this little guy. And yes, his eyelashes are that long and luscious and they've gotten even longer as he's gotten older. (So unfair, on a boy! LOL!) Just like his daddy!

Check out the Precocious Paper blog to see some samples today by Suzy using the January Sampler and be sure to check back every Friday for additional samples from the very talented PP DT! I'm so grateful to Tessa for choosing me to play along with this talented group and her amazing products!!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!!

Heidi

Mmm...Oden

2011-01-06T07:56:00.002-07:00

I much prefer winter fare to summer, probably because we have such a shortened season here in Arizona so there's not enough time to get sick of anything.

One thing our whole family enjoys is oden, a Japanese soup/stew.

Supplies Cardstock: The Paper Company; Patterned Paper: Aitoh Co., Creative Imaginations, K&Company; Stickers: Pink Paislee; Chipboard: Colorbok; Trim: Making Memories (yellow); Ink: Clearsnap, Tsukineko; Cricut: Create a Critter; Other: thread, drywall tape, trim (black)

Up until a week ago, it had always been made for special occasions by Obaachan, my mother-in-law. I just assumed it was a labor-intensive, secret-recipe sort of thing. Until she gave us the ingredients for Christmas and we undertook its making on New Year's Day. Uh, nope. Suuuuuper easy to make. I can tell you this will be a regular in our menu rotation now! Woohoo!!!!

I realized there really is no exact recipe for this. As my journaling says, "Oden is a Japanese winter dish consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, konnyaku and processed fish cakes stewed in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth." We started with an "oden set" which was a frozen package of various fish cakes and the base for the dashi broth. We added some water to the broth base and then we included in ours the fish cakes, plus sliced up another fish cake our kids love which looks like half a log that's white on the inside and hot pink on the outside, taro balls, enoki mushrooms, konnyaku noodles, sliced daikon radish, and hard-boiled egg. YUM!

I happened to hit an awesome New Year's sale on Cricut cartridges and pretty much purchased the Create a Critter cartridge entirely for this adorable ramen bowl!

I'm not usually one for the cutesy but that's just too stinkin' cute to pass up.

I used some StazOn ink to color that drywall tape you see...it starts out white. I love being able to alter the color of things!

This layout is based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch:

Come play along with us. This week we have a yummy prize from Nikki Sivils!!

Hope everyone had an awesome holiday!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Heidi

Merry Christmas a la Sketchy Thursdays

2010-12-23T07:31:00.009-07:00

Supplies Digital Kit: Jingle Jangle Mini Kit by Polka Dot Pixels; Font: Brush Script Std

Sketchy Thursdays is taking 2 weeks off from the blog for the holidays. However we aren't going to leave those of you with some actual time to create (lucky you!) in a lurch.

For the next two weeks we are running a special Facebook only sketch and prize on our Sketchy Thursdays Facebook Page. Check out the FB page for details.

I used our special Facebook only sketch to make my photo card to include in my Christmas cards this year. Like the layout? Check out the Facebook page for the sketch. You can only see it there!

We'd love for you to come play along with us on Facebook!

I hope everyone has a happy, calm, loving, quiet Christmas!

XO,

Heidi

Holiday Deco

2010-12-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Wow! I've been away a while, eh? 'Tis the season. Lots of things to do, places to go, people to see, things to create (and sicknesses to endure, ugh!).

I haven't gushed lately how GORGEOUS Precocious Paper's product is. Here are a couple holiday decorations I made using some of her holiday blooms.

Here I made a Country Christmas Bouquet Fabric and Felt Flower into an ornament by dipping it in UTEE and then sprinkling it with a chunky Christmas glitter blend.

The Christmas Scroll Fabric and Felt Flowers are the perfect size to top a canning jar! This is a quick & simple but sweet gift to give a teacher, neighbor, or friend.

Check out the Precocious Paper Etsy store. She has lots of gorgeous holiday and everyday flowers and embellishments, as well as some adorable cards and albums.

And don't forget to drop by the Precocious Paper blog to check out what the DT makes for your inspiration.

Hope you are all having a delightful and calm holiday season. I can't believe we are only a few days away from Christmas. Off to make some yummies for the neighbors!

p.s. There's still time to play along with this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch, too. Don't you just love this one?

I was a bit busy last week and skipped making this one...maybe I'll find a bit of time today. I really love this sketch!

Scrap That Poetry Joy

2010-12-10T05:52:00.011-07:00

I'm posting a little early Scrap That Poetry's next challenge. We were going to do a Ho Ho Ho Hop today but you know how life can get in the way of our hobbies and the hop has been postponed. Instead, this is a sneak preview of one of the poems that will be featured on the 15th's STP challenge.

Poem by Marinela Reka:

As you may or may not know about STP challenges, you can use as much or as little of the inspiration poem as you wish, or even just use it's inspiration! For this poem, I focused on the idea of "joy":

Supplies Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Stickers: Jolee's, Making Memories; Pearls: Prima Marketing; Ornament: Wal-Mart; Ink: Ranger Industries, Clearsnap; Other: chipboard sheet

I'm a hoarder. I admit it. And for years I've had sitting in my scraproom a sizeable stash of the negative chipboard sheets that are leftover after you remove all the chipboard shapes. I figured they were too cool to trash but I hadn't used any of them until I recently completed another layout for an upcoming call in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. I loved the way it came out so much that I just had to do it again for this hop!

Trace all the openings and outline of the chipboard sheet onto your patterned paper and carefully cut them all out a little bigger than original size to leave a border for the chipboard to peek through. Then ink the chipboard edges and adhere the cut out to the chipboard. I just love the dimension this gives the layout!

Remember to stop by the Scrap That Poetry blog on Wednesday the 15th for the next TWO poem inspirations and check out what the DT has made.

Thank you again for stopping by!

Heidi

p.s. The special holiday edition of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will publish this Sunday, 12/12! You do NOT want to miss this one, chock full of gorgeous and inspiring holiday layouts, cards, and projects! There are even a few of Tessa's flowers in there! :o) A sneak peek at a couple of my projects in the magazine:

Have a great time on the hop!

Baby's First Christmas

2010-12-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

I am in SUCH a Christmas-y mood. I'm loving playing around with all my Christmas stash including a huge papercrafting kit I purchased from QVC at least 2 or 3 years ago. I don't think I'd played with a single thing in the kit until now. Its childlike whimsy and colors drew me in for this layout.

Supplies - Patterned Paper: Brenda Pinnik Designs Inc., Creative Imaginations, Me and My Big Ideas; Glitter Paper: Colorbok; Ribbon, Trim, Chipboard, Cardstock Shapes, & Brad: Brenda Pinnik Designs Inc.; Acrylic Accent: Making Memories; Die Cut: Deluxe Cuts; Rub Ons: Doodlebug Design Inc.; Dimensional Glaze: JudiKins

I have been wanting to scrap this pic of my son asleep in his first Christmas haul. Yes, I went a bit overboard for a three-month-old. So?!! He was my first baby!!!!!

I'm so excited to be breaking into all my Christmas stash. Some of this stuff is 5 or 6 years old! Always did love these Making Memories clear frames. I've got a ton. I'm not sure I've ever used one before. I adhered it to the picture with some dimensional glaze. I've also got a ton of those Deluxe Cuts laser die cuts. Do you ever go to the Creating Keepsakes conventions? Deluxe Cuts always has a booth where every die cut is $1 and there's always a line a mile long. At least, that's how it was last time I went to a convention maybe 3 years ago? I always walked away from that booth about $40 lighter.

Today's layout is based on this week's Sketchy Thursdays sketch. I can assure you I'll be reaching for this sketch over and over again!!! Diana sure did rock it!

Check out what our wonderfully creative and talented Design Team made with this layout this week! And please, come join us in the fun and play along. You know we always have a yummy prize for one lucky random winner at the end of the week! You have until next Wednesday night to play along.

So, how's your holiday shopping coming along? I've pretty much finished up with the stuff for the kids but I still need to get stuff for everyone else on my list AND wrap everything. The kids get out for winter break next Friday which gives me just one more week to get everything I need to get done without them done. Whew!

Santa Prep

2010-12-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

We have quite a series of rituals built up in preparation for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve.

We make and put out the obligatory Milk & Cookies for Santa, plus a few carrots for the reindeer. We make magic reindeer food and sprinkle it in the front yard so Santa and the Reindeer can find our house. We leave a magic key on the doorstep so Santa can get into our chimney-less house.

I also allow the kids to open up one present on Christmas Eve. It's always one of MY choosing (so they don't open their most awesome and distracting presents just before they are supposed to go to bed) and usually I choose robes or pjs, a video, or a snuggly stuffed animal to sleep with. I feel a tad bit naughty every year because the kids get all excited to get to open a present early but then the presents aren't necessarily all that fun. Tee hee.

I'm really happy with my title area because I finally used one of those definition stickers that I think Making Memories made tons of a few years back. I have them for all sorts of occasions and don't think I've ever used one before. I'm so happy with how tranparent the sticker applied considering they have almost a frosted appearance in hand.

This layout is based on my sketch for Sketchy Thursdays this week:

Be sure to check out the Sketchy Thursdays site to see all the amazing inspiration made for you by our awesome DT.

OK, gotta get back to making layouts. I'm in a frenzy right now. I'll share them as I can. (Most right now are being made for the Scrapbook News & Review January issue.)

What are you working on right now? Holiday layouts? Cards? Presents? Or are you taking a well-deserved crafting break?

Scrap That Poetry Challenge December 1

2010-12-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

How can it be December already??!!

Earlier today I was thinking about something, thinking it felt like it just happened, and then realized it had taken place in January! HOW is that possible??

The current Scrap That Poetry challenge is the poem The Tables Turned by William Wordsworth.

I chose to use the lines,

"She has a world of ready wealth,

Our minds and hearts to bless

Spontaneous wisdom breathed by health,

Truth breathed by cheerfulness.

I've been wanting ot use this paper and flower combo with this pic of my daughter for a while now. I miss that little dress. Are you like me? Do you get emotionally attached to certain pieces of your kids' clothing? I've got waaaay more saved items than I probably should. Oh, well.

Be sure to check out the STP blog for all the awesome DT inspiration!!!

Happy December!!

Ninja Farewell

2010-11-26T10:15:00.001-07:00

I am so sad to announce the demise of the Pink Ninjas blog. Read more about it here.

I am so grateful to Ally and Nely for embracing me and my sometimes weird layouts. Before joining in on their fun I felt like I needed to conform to a certain way of scrapping. Thank you so much, girls, for showing me scrapping is as individual as the person!! I have made some of my favorite layouts for the Ninjas.

I'm also so grateful to have made so many awesome, sweet and wonderfully talented friends during my time on the team.

I wish Ninja Masters Ally & Nely much continued success with their Ninja Addicts kits, which will become their sole Ninja focus.

You At 4

2010-11-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hope yours is going well. Not too stressed. Not too much glutony, LOL.

I make the T-giving dinner every year. I've got it down to a science. I've got a time schedule and everything! Hey, it's the only way I can do it without resulting in a colossal freak out. And, trust me, I can freak out with the best (or worst) of them!!

My favorite thing is the leftovers. Love cold turkey with warm gravy, and all the other fixins. Mm mm good! And, of course, there's attacking some leftover pie straight out of the refrigerator.

Since it's Thanksgiving, it must be Thursday. And if it's Thursday, it's Sketchy Thursdays!!!!

Supplies Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye; Brads & Cord: Stampin' Up!; Rhinestones: K&Company; Staples: EK Success; Hardware: Hillman; Ink: StazOn; Paint: Delta; Glitter: Martha Stewart; Pens: American Crafts, Sharpie; Tools: Dymo, EK Success; Other: metallic paper, metal charm, chipboard, stamp, dictionary page, drywall tape.

I had a blast making this layout. I included lots of fun texture, things from the hardware store, and yummy paint and glitter.

Did you know you can run strips of paper through your Dymo labeler to create custom colored labels? I used some metallic silver paper for my journaling here.

I must admit I made this layout a few months ago for Scrapbook News and Review (September 2010). But it just worked so well with this week's sketch. I must've been subconsciously thinking about this layout when I created the sketch.

And I'm so honored that Diana said she loves this one and will be using it again and again! ~beam!~

Yep, I'm no good at daily blogging. It's been almost a week since I posted my Attitude of Gratitude.

I am so thankful today for my wonderful, loving family! We may get loud and impatient at times, but in the end, we just love each other.

Have a great Turkey Day and try not to spend too much tomorrow on Black Friday!

- Heidi

Is it weird?

2010-11-19T23:12:00.000-07:00

Is it weird to be thankful that UTEE can be remelted again and again?