Hip Hop Sketches

I really want to start entering these sketch contests.  

Unity Stamp Co. has challenges on SplitcoastStampers.com

You can win stamp sets!  Oh how cool would THAT be?!

Right now I'm trying to figure out how to set up an account and get started, I have until Wednesday January 19th to get a "card or other stamped project" ready to submit.  Here is the sketch to get our minds working:

This is the first card I came up with...It seems too simple. 

Not a WINNING design so I'm going to try and get more creative this weekend.

I love the color though--bright & cheery.

I definitely need bright & cheery during this already long, snowy Minnesota winter.

 

Paper piecing can be a lot of work with a little flower like this but the result is so stunning it's hard to resist!

One more day and it's a three day weekend! 

I have a 12 hour cupcake crop in Pine City Saturday.

I can hardly breathe I'm so excited!!!

Love ya.

Here's a sweet and simple card. 

I see these oversized bows on so many scrappy blogs...

I think they are beyond cute but in truth, I find them quite impractical. 

How in the heck can you get a bow that size in an envelope?!

Nevertheless, I had to do one.  Just trying to fit in...

The tiny heart stamp and the cuddly plump elephant are from Stamps by Judith http://www.stampsbyjudith.com/

Sentiment: Unity Stamp Co. Happy Everything

Copic Sketch markers: R20 Blush, C5 Cool Gray

Stickles: Diamond

Scraplifting

I would describe myself as EXTREMELY organized. 

I love making lists, using my label maker and filling Rubbermaid bins to hide junk.

On the other hand when it comes to paper crafts, I create out of order and when the mood strikes!

So, if you've read my previous posts, you know I'm already married.

But today I have some engagement pages to share.

For some reason, unbeknownst to me, I cannot create in chronological order...

So here goes:

My guess is if you are reading this blog you are a scrapbooker and you have probably heard the term "scraplifting" before. But just in case...

Scraplifting (skrap-lift-ing) – The act of copying ideas and designs from another person’s scrapbook page to use in your own pages. Designs or ideas can be copied in whole or in part and is largely subjective.

I like to scraplift just to get me started... I usually embellish with my own creativity.  The first two pages are considered "scraplifed."  The third page is all me...

 Here's a close up... I couldn't resist those darn vintage buttons again!!! 

...Wish I had more!

 The gems I used are from the Imaginisce iRock tool. 

I just started using it but I'm already a HUGE fan.

The patterned paper I used for all three pages is from my favorite: Cosmo Cricket.

And of course my A-W-E-S-O-M-E photographer is Dominique Nelson

from Dominique Nelson Photography

Check her out here:

http://www.dominiquenelsonphotography.com/

You + Me = HAPPY

It was a pretty busy weekend with the baby shower and all (which went fantastic by the way!)  However, I did manage to get two more wedding pages done.  Yay me!

The first page is of my parents and I. 

It is because of their generosity our wedding day and reception turned out every bit as wonderful as a young princess could imagine. 

I had a difficult time filling the space under the pictures;  I struggled with different paper and different ribbon but then it hit me. 

I have seen this ruffled ribbon look on other crafty blogs but have yet to use it so I tried it here. 

I am SUPER happy with the result.  I hope you like it too!

Here's a close up of some vintage buttons I purchased from another crafty friend of mine. 

They added some dimension and a little flair...You really need to see them in person, hard to photograph something so fantastic!

 

I have been looking forward to using the Good Times Vintage Banner stamp set by Unity Stamp Co. and finally had an opportunity. 

I really love how it turned out!

And yes you are seeing the third photograph correctly...

We are sticking our tongues out at each other!  How mature right?!  Yep, that's us!

Dressed to the nines or in jeans and a t-shirt we are always ourselves.

Let me know what you think!

Mr. & Mrs.

So I have FINALLY started scrapbooking my wedding!

Finally!  Only 6 months later...geez Erin.

I am head over heals for this Crate Paper Restoration Collection. I have plans to do more wedding pictures with this fabulous stuff...Also, I'm challenging myself to use stamps on my pages and not just on my cards. I'm surprised; I like it so far! 

Amazing how pictures can bring back memories...

My husband makes me laugh like this a lot.

I think he was telling me he could see down my dress. LOL 

Create Yourself!

With hopes to attend graduate school denied.
With job interviews and opportunities scarce.
With daily fear of complacency. (What if THIS is it?!)

I refuse to accept that THIS is it.

Now, more than ever, I need to LIVE by this saying.

Maybe I took it too literally.

I create blog posts.
I create cards.
I create scrapbook pages.
I create a home.
I create through cooking.
I create friendships.
I WILL create opportunities!
I create_______.

What does "creating" mean to you?

Labels: Paper by Crate Paper (Restoration Collection) Stamps by Unity Stamp Co. (Be Mine and Quote Bundle Pack)

Echo Park Love

Two CERTAINLY is better than one...

Can you believe the stores are all decked out for Valentine's Day already? Wasn't it just Christmas--like, yesterday?!

Huh.

Well, if the stores say it's time to start planning, I better get movin'!

My husband and I aren't really into celebrating the holiday (if you can call it that) but this quick sassy little card just kinda happened. And he came to mind!

So, I think I'll give this card to him. Might tell him how much I appreciate him, how much he means to me or how grateful I am he is in my life...

OR... Maybe we complicate things?

Maybe I could keep it simple (like this card) and just say:

"I love you."

Twine!!!

I absolutely love, L-O-V-E to receive packages in the mail.  In fact, I just really love mail.  Even as a kid I remember running to the mailbox to pick up the mail... not sure what is it is exactly; just one of my simple pleasures. 

Anyway I ordered some fancy dancy twine today!  I really wanted to add the Caribbean color to my 'happy new baby' card I posted earlier.  So I caved and bought the sampler pack.  Now not only will I have every color to play with, I will get a package in the mail!

Oh the anticipation!

http://www.thetwineryblog.blogspot.com/

Butterfly Baby

I guess with the shower coming up in less than FIVE days...YIKES!... I have babies on the brain. I made a simple card using stamps only. Of course I went with a Unity Stamp Co. set: Happy Everything. I couldn't resist adding a little Stickles to the "special" boy butterfly {as if he needed anymore attention!}

P.S This card is just as cute with a pink butterfly. 

Have a happy day!

Undeniably You...

Another Christmas gift from my Mama; Undeniably You by Unity Stamp Co.  How could I not pair such adorable stamps with Cosmo Cricket paper?  A match made in heaven I say!  A little Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Ink on the edges and VOILA! A simple card for one of your favorite girl friends--now the problem is which one do I send it to?!

Brrrrr!

I thought you might need a winter card to warm you up on this chilly day... 

Those roly poly snowmen are from Unity Stamp Co. & Jillibean Soup's 'Jolly Good Fun.' I am sure I will get LOTS of use out of them--too cute!  

I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing holiday weekend. 

Happy New Year!!!

Baby Shower Decor

Saturday will be my first time hosting a baby shower. I'm hoping every thing goes smoothly. **fingers crossed**  My friend is having a boy and is due in February. I wanted her to feel E-X-T-R-A special and the only way I know how to do that is to get crafty! Apparently this shower is about firsts as this is my first diaper cake and first banner (and her first baby!).  I also wanted to personalize the prizes so I made little tags with the Mother-to-be's name and the date of the shower. What do ya think?!

I ADORE this little guys face!  He's from the Cricut cartridge Everday Paper Dolls. The actual banner triangles are from the Tie the Knot Cricut cartridge.  I can't believe I have never made one of these before!

These polka dot diapers were actually an accident.  Because I don't buy diapers...well, ever. I assumed they were all white?!  Nope. These are Up & Up Target brand.  I used size 2 for the bottom layer and size 1 for the middle and top layers.  I got the "accessories" from Michael's.