Red, White and Blue with Practical Scrappers

This week is all about the Red, White and Blue at Practical Scrappers. I just had to share a layout with you that I did last year again. You might remember it, but I just love it so much I wanted to show it to you again.

This is a layout that I did at the end of last year to celebrate my husband's amazing military life. After 33 years of service, he retired last October. I could not be more proud of him!!

Please join us over at Practical Scrappers and see what other great Red, White and Blue creations are being featured!

Something Old, Something New with The Kraft Journal

This week The Kraft Journal has a fun challenge! "Something Old, Something New"

So many things came to mind with that prompt. I decided to start a, much begged for, recipe album for my daughter. I decided on 8x8 for the size, I thought that would be perfect for the kitchen. Here's a look at the page I created,

I used a combination of Old and New items along with an Old recipe to create the 8x8 album page. The base of the page is created from Brown Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock. The recipe is hand written on a White Library Card and sits inside of a Library Pocket. This one is for my homemade Spaghetti Sauce that we refer to as simply...Sauce.  The bow is tied from Twill Tape and the little heart embellishment is attached with a Tiny Wooden Clothespin. The paper I used is from Cosmo Cricket and I thought is was just perfect for the Sauce page. I'm not sure if I will stick with the same collection for every page or not, we'll just have to see how it goes along. 

Today is a big day for me. As you read this I am having a much anticipated surgery (if you are reading this Monday morning that is). After several years of suffering with sinus issues, we finally know what is wrong and it's being fixed! I'm not exactly excited about having surgery, but I am excited about being able to breath correctly again. 

I hope you will come and visit us over at The Kraft Journal and join in on this fun challenge. Just remember to follow the rules to qualify for the prizes, either use items from Kraft Outlet or use kraft on your project. 

Stamping on Layouts with Practical Scrappers

Today Practical Scrappers is featuring Layouts with stamping on them. I've done this a few times in the past, but stamps are not the first thing I grab when I'm making a layout. I'm not sure why, I always really like the way they turn out!

Here is a look at a layout I made using some stamping as the background,

I wanted the stamping to be have a more faded look, I didn't want it to be bold or crisp. I used the "stamping off" or "second generation" stamping technique to create an owl and tree background for this adorable picture of little William. The owl is from Hero Arts, the tree is from For the Luv of Art and the stitched line is from Sassafrass Be sure to head on over to Practical Scrappers and see what else has been published in the Stamped Layout catagory posted today, lots of different and inspiring ideas!!

Welcome Summer with The Kraft Journal

It's time to Welcome Summer at The Kraft Journal!

Along with summer seems to come a lot of parties. I decided to create this adorable gift card holder for a birthday party that we recently attended.

I started out using one of the  Small Kraft Pillow Boxes from Kraft Outlet. I decorated it with the Pretty Bird Paper Tape collection. The stripes, leaves and butterfly were all made with the paper tape. The center of the flower is one of my Kraft Outlet fav's, a  Silver Bottle Cap topped off with a button from my collection. A faux stitch line created with my white gel pen finishes it off.

I hope that you will visit us at The Kraft Journal this week and play along with us. Create your "Welcome Summer" inspired project with either items from Kraft Outlet or kraft products to qualify to enter and win prizes.

Father's Day with The Kraft Jouranl

It's all about Father's Day this week at The Kraft Journal. Use items from Kraft Outlet or Kraft Cardstock on your project to join in on the fun! This week I made a layout of my husband and son. I used a TON of items from Kraft Outlet, check it out.

I started out by using an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of  Lunch Bag Kraft Cardstock  as an anchor for the layout. It's decorated with Silver Bottle Caps, Tim Holtz Journaling Tickets and Gaffer Tape (Venice). I also used a few buttons from my stash.  A White Library Card and Pocket were inked up with Old Paper Distress Ink and used for journaling. The pocket was stamped with the 7gypsies ATC Write It stamp for added interest. I also used the little tab punch from Stampin Up  for a few spots that needed that little "something". I surrounded the picture with some lime green stitching on my sewing machine to create a frame since I did not mat the photo. I just adore this photo of my two guys and I really like how the layout turned out. I'm slowly (very slowly) feeling more confident about doing more masculine layouts. Practice, practice and more practice.

I hope that you will join us for the challenge this week at The Kraft Journal. Be sure to visit the blog and see what the other designers created for this theme.

Thanks for visiting and have a fantastic day!

Bargello Tutorial for The Kraft Journal

Today at The Kraft Journal I am sharing a tutorial on the Bargello technique I used on this project,

Please visit The Kraft Journal and check out the tutorial!
Also, there is still time to enter this week's challenge, here are the details...

Use this week's "It's a Guy Thing" theme to inspire you to create a project and then link it up at The Kraft Journal before 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Sunday June 12, 2011. All participants in our challenges for the month of June have a chance to be featured on our "Feature Me Fridays" posts as well as be entered to win a $15.00 Kraft Outlet Store Voucher! The more challenges you enter this month, the more chances you have to win!



Have a fantastic day!!

Summer Kickoff Blog Hop

Welcome to the Summer Kick-Off Blog Hop!


Practical Scrappers has assembled a great line-up of Blogs for you this week, each with a variety of different ideas to share with you!   Some of the blogs change content daily, so you'll want to check in throughout the week for your chance to win prizes!  The Twinery has provided a giveaway for one person who visits each blog!  Here's all you have to do to qualify:  Visit each blog and then send Practical Scrappers one email telling them a topic that is currently or has recently been featured on each site.  Not hard and it gives you a chance to really check out these great blogs!  To enter send the email to practicalscrappers@gmail.com

Here's the order for the Blog Hop:

Practical Scrappers (Start There)

Papercraft Star (Giving away a Stamp Bundle from TradeFish Designs!!)

Pile It On

Stuck on U Sketches

Getting Cricky

Frosted Designs

Amy Chomas

PCS Challenge and a visit from Beth!

What a fantastic day here in Colorado! Beth is here with me and we visited the oh so beautiful Garden of the Gods today. Here is one of the pictures that we took this morning,

Isn't that just gorgeous!?!

I am so loving having Beth here at my home. We took a few moments to look over some scrapbooks that I completed back in the 90's. It's so funny to look back and see how much scrapbooking has changed over the years. I have some layouts with at least 10 pictures on them and you would never catch me doing that these days!!

For this week's dual challenge we had a beautiful white photo for inspiration and fabulous stamps from our sponsor Trade Fish Designs to use. I created a mostly white and black Father's Day card for this challenge. I created a banner of out neck ties and used a basic Happy Father's Day sentiment. On the inside of the card I used a stamp from the Father Quotes stamp set from Trade Fish Designs. I could not agree more with who ever the "unknown" author is! 

You still have time to join us at Papercraft Star for this dual challenge! Just link up your project by 9pm (eastern) on Sunday, after that the voting will begin.

Memorial Day with The Kraft Journal

It's all about Memorial Day at The Kraft Journal this week!!

You still have time to join in on the fun, just visit the blog and link up your Memorial Day project by Sunday, June 5th by 6pm (eastern). Just be sure to use items from The Kraft Outlet or kraft cardstock to be eligible for prizes.

I chose to make a red, white and blue Thank You card for this challenge. I used Brown Kraft Coverweight Cardstock for the card base and used Decorative Paper Tape as a guide for the stripes. Barn Door distress ink was used to color in the stripes and highlight the red flower. It's all finished of with a shiny silver bow.

I hope you will visit us at The Kraft Journal! 

Giveaway at Practical Scrappers featuring Nikki Sivils!

Nikki Sivils is one of the hottest manufacturers around, and for good reason,  she creates some seriously fun products.  Her designs are bright and cheery, filled with animals and whimsical design.  It definitely stands out with its unique color combinations and coordinated lines.  Today Practical Scrappers is sharing projects from both the designers and reader submissions.  Check 'em out and then get yourself entered to win some Nikki Sivils goodies of your own!  And if you are up for it, she's looking for a guest designer...you can find all the details here!

Nikki has genersously shared some goodies from the "Summer" and "It's Your Day" lines to give away today.  

To enter here's what you need to do:

1) Make sure you are a follower at Practical Scrappers and leave  a comment telling us which of Nikki's lines is your favorite.

2) For a second entry become of fan of theirs on Facebook and tell them Practical Scrappers sent you and make sure you let Practical Scrappers know you did so! Or become a follower on their blog and let Practical Scrappers know!

Deadline for entry is June 1st!

Clean & Simple with The Kraft Journal

This week it's all about Clean & Simple at The Kraft Journal. Sometimes Clean & Simple can be harder than it sounds. Normally I would say that is my style, but when I sat down for this one....clean & simple seemed to stump me..LOL

Here is the layout I created while keeping Clean & Simple in mind,

Sometimes I have a hard time leaving blank space on a layout, I feel like I need to add something. I didn't this time, I kept my focus and knew when to stop adding. Nothing could be more simple than dry embossing strips of Brown Kraft Cover Weight Card Stock and inking it up with Vintage Photo Distress Ink to create a background for a layout. I used several different embossing folders on different widths of paper to add interest. Just because something is clean and simple doesn't mean it has to be boring!
Vintage Dictionary Pages punched with a scallop circle punch created a cute border for the photo and a Buff Post Card Shipping Tag makes a perfect journaling spot.

Be sure to head on over to The Kraft Journal to join in on the fun this week. Plus, you don't want to miss what the other designers created!!

Stand and Salute with The Kraft Journal

This week I  made this adorable Thank You gift bag for a friend that just returned from the Middle East. Non-traditional stars and stripes paper give this Kraft Coffee Bag a fun whimsical feel. Actually, this paper is a non-traditional Christmas paper that I just adore by Scenic Route. I love the colors, stars, stripes and dots and I thought it would be perfect for an out-of-the-box patriotic feel. I tied off the top of the bag with a bow out of Natural Twill Tying Tape. I cut a few stars on my Cricut from the Potpourri cartridge and layered them with pop-dots. I used a white gel pen to make faux stitching lines on the red stars and squares of paper. You can see a tutorial on how I did the pattern with the paper on Splitcoast Stampers right HERE, it's called the Bargello Technique.

Be sure to head on over to The Kraft Journal and check out this new challenge. Our fabulous design team always has the greatest projects to share and inspire!

Papercraft Star Challenge 45

Challenge 45 at Papercraft Star

 With this photograph as your inspiration create a project that includes: At least one die cut or stamped image, A metal element or button and two different patterned papers.

Here is what I came up with for this challenge,

I was really inspired by the bright colors in the photograph. And, this idea was sparked by my Stampin Up catalog/idea book. I used all Stampin Up products here except for the little silver bling and the frame. I really like how this turned out and it is going to be part of a graduation gift for a friend of the family who is already done with her bachelor degree...my how fast the time went by!

I hope that you will join me over at PCS for this challenge. You have until 9pm (eastern) Sunday, May 15th to get your project linked up before the voting begins.

Bracelet Tutorial for The Kraft Journal

Welcome to another tutorial for The Kraft Journal!

Use this week's Buttons and Bows theme to inspire you to create a project and then link it up at The Kraft Journal before 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Sunday May 15, 2011.  All participants in our challenges for the month of May have a chance to be featured on our "Feature Me Fridays" posts as well as be entered to win a $15.00 Kraft Outlet Store Voucher!  The more challenges you enter this month, the more chances you have to win!

My New Blog

Hello my crafty friends!!

I have decided to start a new blog to help with my weight loss journey. I would love for you to join me!! I named it "where do I fit in with THIN".  If you have a weight loss blog, please share the link with me. I am looking for some to follow that will help me stay motivated. My hope is that by having an avenue to vent my frustrations and celebrate some victories I will be able to stay more focused on my goal.

Have a great day!!

Birthday Cards at Practical Scrappers

It's all about Birthdays this week at Practical Scrappers! Today is cards and Wednesday will be layouts.

I made a cute and simple birthday card with this adorable stamp set from Stampin Up!. I just love that display of yummy sweets. I even broke out my, much neglected, Copic markers for this one. Be sure to head on over to Practical Scrappers and take a look at the other birthday cards on display.

The Kraft Journal - Mother's Day

It's all about Mother's Day this week at The Kraft Journal!

I  chose to make a non-traditional Mother's Day card for this week's challenge. Somehow the gushy cards just don't seem to fit the relationship I have with my Mother. I typically stick to more of a Thinking of You theme when I am creating or purchasing a card for her on Mother's Day. I started with a Kraft Blank Note Card and matching envelope for the base. It is decorated with stripes made from Decorative Paper Tape and a layered flower made from the same paper tape. (You can see my tutorial on how that flower was made). Butterflies were stamped and then punched out of Lunch Bag Kraft Text Paper and the body was wrapped in Brown Kraft Baker's Twine. I love the extra added touch of stampin on the envelope to match the card!

Head on over to The Kraft Journal and take a look at what the other amazing designers on this team have created with Mother's Day in mind.

Project PageMaps 15

Happy Wednesday!!

I am back today with another layout for my Project PageMaps. This time I used the 15th sketch found on page 35. It's a 2-photo 8 1/2 x 11 layout. I turned it into a 1-photo 12x12 layout.....shocker huh?

I realized after taking this photo that I didn't complete the date..LOL
I fixed it, the date is now complete. This is the first time that I have used a floral paper for my son. I'm not sure how he will feel about it, but I really like how this turned out. The papers are from the My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose collection. It is full of great patterns and colors for both boys and girls!

Next week I will work with the 17th sketch found on page 40 since I have already used #16.

I hope you are having a fabulous day!!

The Kraft Journal - May Day

Monday brings us the beginning of a brand new week and a new challenge at The Kraft Journal. This week the challenge theme is May Day. Now, I had to google May Day to read some information about the holiday. All I could come up with was the May Pole and I couldn't figure out what to make. I actually learned a lot about the history of the holiday and was really quite surprised. One of the websites I visited said this, 

"One of the most popularly known May Day traditions is to hang a basket full of spring flowers and/or other small gifts on a neighbor's doorknob. The trick is you don't want the neighbor to see you! If you get caught, you are supposed to get a kiss."

That's where I got the idea to make a mini basket! This basket is made out of a toilet paper roll cut in half, yes it's very small. I weaved Lunch Bag Kraft Cardstock strips that had been inked with Vintage Photo Distress Ink onto the roll to make the basket. I then attached another strip of the cardstock with some pink brads for the handle. 

Here is another angle of the little basket so that you can see more of the weave and the little brad. I layered some paper flowers and felt leaves that I had laying around in my stash to fill up the basket. 

I chose the "For You" sentiment from Stampin Up (because it was one of the only stamps I had that would fit..LOL) to put on a Round Metal Edge Grungy Prim Tag. I attached it with a pop dot to finish the little basket off. This was used for my daughter's Easter Basket. We don't do large baskets anymore because the kids are older, don't need candy and only really want money anyway. I  just put the money is a small coin envelope and placed it inside the basket.

Please visit us over at The Kraft Journal and see what our other designers came up with for May Day!


Kraft Outlet Supplies:

#926 Round Metal Edge Grungy Prim Tag
#202 Lunch Bag Kraft Cardstock

Practical Scrappers and Project PageMaps

(this is my 2nd post for today, scroll down if you are looking for my Kraft Journal tutorial)




I've got a 2 for 1 post for you today. I combined my project for Practical Scrappers with my Project PageMaps. I had to skip the 13th sketch, it just wasn't working for what I had in mind. I used the 14th sketch found on page 33. It's a 3-photo 12x12 sketch but, as usual, I modified it a bit ;)

It's all about "Little Girls" today at Practical Scrappers. I couldn't resist combining these super cute papers from the My Mind's Eye Fine & Dandy collection with the even more cute photo of my daughter back when she was 18 mos old. It seems like yesterday but that photo is about 18 yrs old!!

Here is a look at us yesterday,

Okay, back to the layout.....

I used some of the trim and brads that go along with this collection and added a few flowers that I made out of tissue paper and a scallop circle punch.

Be sure to head on over to Practical Scrappers and see what the other designers came up with for "Little Girls".

The Kraft Journal - Paper Tape Flower Tutorial

Thank you for joining me for my tutorial this week at The Kraft Journal. This week we have a fun challenge going on. The challenge  theme for this week is  Easter.  Use this week's theme to inspire you to create a project and then link it up at The Kraft Journal before 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Sunday April 24, 2011.  All participants in the challenges for the month of April have a chance to be featured on the "Feature You Fridays" posts as well as be entered to win a $15.00 Kraft Outlet Store Voucher!  The more challenges you enter this month, the more chances you have to win! 

My Computer is Sick :(

My computer is sick and going to the doctor today. Hopefully it will be all better by the end of the day or tomorrow. I will be back on Wednesday with a post for The Kraft Journal, Practical Scrappers and my Project PageMaps for this week.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!

Practical Scrappers

I am happy to tell you that I have been invited to be a member of the Practical Scrappers Design Team! This is a great place to visit and I have submitted quite a few of my layouts there for their digital publication. If you have never visited Practical Scrappers, NOW is the time...there is a giveaway going on!!
Just click on the banner and it will take you there, today is day 2 of the giveaway so don't wait too long!!

You will see some projects from me in about a week, be sure to come visit me and see what I can come up with.

Have a fabulous day!!

Project PageMaps 1-12

It's Wednesday again...already.....wasn't it just Wednesday a day or so ago? Time just seems to fly faster and faster!! Someone or something knows that my 40th birthday is around the corner and is pushing me closer and closer to it!! Well, I don't mind turning 40 very much anymore because I am getting a fabulous birthday present. Yesterday my husband gave me a few surprises!! It was our 10 yr wedding anniversary and he surprised me with not going to work last night and a meal at my favorite mexican joint and a ride on the Harley. That right there made for an amazing day!! But, to top it off, he asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told him that I wanted Beth to come for my birthday party. Guess what...he is making it happen!! Beth will be here for my 40th birthday...seems only fitting since I was just out there for her 50th. I am beyond excited!!

You probably came here to see a layout using the 12th sketch from PageMaps, found on page 31....okay okay, I'll stop blabbing and get on with it. This sketch was a 8-photo 12x12 double layout. Of course I had to modify it....I'm not sure if my layout even resembles the sketch anymore...but trust me...it is based on the sketch...just loosely!

I used some of my new paper from Echo Park - Springtime Collection. I had a few arguments with my sewing machine on this one, hence the crooked stuff at the top of the page. It's okay....just adds character! (at least, that's my story and I'm stickin to it!) I just had to add a bow on my Ziva's ear to make her look like the princess that she is. I am so in love with her..she truly is my sunshine, unless it's 5am and she thinks she is starving and has to have breakfast RIGHT NOW!! 

Well, that's it for me today. I've got some projects to get working on and hopefully get ahead on some things. I also have an announcement to make...but I'll share that with you later this week. 

Have a great day!!

Kraft Journal - Bunnies, Baskets or Babies

We have a fantastic challenge this week at The Kraft Journal! Bunnies, Baskets or Babies...tell me you can't think of something to create with a topic like that! I really tried to get a picture of Will , "baby", making a "basket" with a "bunny"...but that darn bunny just wouldn't hold still!! (I am totally kidding, but that would have been pretty funny) Instead I chose to focus on just the Baby part of the challenge and do a layout featuring the always handsome and adorable William.

I created this bright and cheerful layout with some fabulous products from Kraft Outlet. I used Red Baker's Twine for several bows and ties as well as some hand stitching. White Twill Tying Tape gives a great accent at the bottom of the photo. The Vintage Style Tickets give a great little bit of whimsey. A White Library Card makes a great base for little Will's name that is spelled out using the Bottle Cap Alphabet set. All of the DP, card stock and buttons are from Stampin Up. I even used a little Glossy Accents to highlight the little heart on the tag and the words on the tickets.

I hope that you will join us in the fun at The Kraft Journal this week!!

(this layout is based on a sketch from PageMaps2)

Project PageMaps 1-11

Better Late than Never!!

I really meant to have this posted on Wednesday but it's been surgery week at our house, well for the dogs. Ziva had oral surgery on Wednesday and little Piper is having orthopedic surgery as I type this, I'm just waiting for the call so that I can go hold her while she comes out of anesthesia. Poor baby, I feel so bad for her. She will be confined to a kennel pretty much 24/7 for at least a week and will have VERY limited movement for about 10 weeks total. I'm not looking forward to it, she is such an energetic little girl. I'm sure she will be pouting quite a bit!

On to the layout for this week. I am on the 11th sketch found on page 29 of the 1st book. It is a pretty simple 4 -photo 12x12 sketch. I wasn't sure how I was going to like the result...but I love it!!

Okay...let me start by saying....Can you believe I get paid to snuggle with that adorable little boy 4 days a week!?! Oh my goodness, he is just the cutest little thing!!

I dug out some older Stampin Up paper, Sweet Pea, and really liked the blue, orange, brown and yellow combo in it and thought it would be perfect for a little boy layout. I finished it off with some SU buttons, chipboard letters inked up with Distress Inks and some sewing machine action.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! I will be back on Monday with another layout of little Will for the new challenge at The Kraft Journal.

Kraft Journal - Spring Cleaning

Wow, it's Monday again and time for another challenge at The Kraft Journal! It's all about Spring Cleaning this week. When I first saw the theme I wasn't really sure what I was going to create. I mean, I don't really have any pictures of myself cleaning...so a layout was out of the question. I did find some pictures my husband had taken of me working out...but they are ridiculous and I didn't really see how those would apply to a Spring Cleaning theme. When I went up into my craft room to create "something" I found a big mess...uummmm why did I leave my room this way...I have no idea, lazy moment. As I was cleaning it up I found several items that appealed to me and I figured I would make a card with items I came across while cleaning up my room. Here is what I came up with;

This card is so cute in person, I just love it!! I used some newer things from the Kraft Outlet and I used some really old things that I had laying around. It's kinda fun cleaning up, almost like finding hidden treasures that you forgot you had!

Why don't you join me and the gang over at The Kraft Journal and play along this week! You can find all of the challenge details right HERE.

Kraft Outlet Supplies Used:
#128 Brown Kraft Note Cards
#939 Glassine Bags
#997 Victoria Seam Binding
#76 Grungy Prim Tag

Other Supplies Used:
Die Cuts - (K&CO)
Stamp - Vintage Labels (Stampin Up)
Ink - Jet Black StazOn (Tsukineko), Tattered Rose Distress Ink (Ranger)
Other - Swiss Dots Cuttlebug embossing folder (Provo Craft), Slot Punch (Stampin Up)

Papercraft Star Challenge 39

It's a Recipe Challenge at Papercraft Star this week;

Challenge 39 - Simon Says Create A Card

Create a Card Using the Following Recipe:
Base 5 x 7
Mat: 3 x 4.5
Add Rhinestones
Add Flourish
Add Whatever Else You Desire

I created this card using some of my yummy Stampin Up products! I just love the quality of their paper and stamps. I have every ingredient the recipe calls for plus I added a bow, another mat, the bird and a sentiment. This is a different look for me and I'm please with how it turned out. It's always fun to change things up a bit!

I hope you will join us this week at Papercraft Star, you have until 9pm (Eastern) Sunday, April 3rd to get your project linked up.

Kraft Journal - Flowers

This week's challenge at The Kraft Journal is FLOWERS!! I love making my own flowers and trying out different techniques. I was lucky to be at Beth's house when I created this card because I got to dig into her massive collection of crafty goodness!!

Here is a look at the card I made in Beth's craft room,

I decided to create my flower using Vellum. I wanted it to have a light and airy feel to go with the "spa" like stamp that I used. I love how that flower turned out! I hope that you will join in on the FLOWER fun with us at The Kraft Journal. Create a project using the theme Flowers and then link it up at The Kraft Journal before 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Sunday April 3, 2011.  All participants in our challenges for the month of March have a chance to be featured on our "Feature You Fridays" posts as well as be entered to win a $15.00 Kraft Outlet Store Voucher!  The more challenges you enter this month (March), the more chances you have to win!  

Kraft Outlet Supplies Used:

#81 Brown Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock

#777 Translucent Vellum

Natural Twill 

Little Boy Layout @ Practical Scrappers

I submitted this layout for the "Little Boys" call at Practical Scrappers and they published me!

There are some awesome boy layout posted today, be sure to check them out.

Project PageMaps 1-10

Whew....I made it!! Today I made a 12x12 digital layout following the 10th sketch in PageMaps, the first book, found on page 26. This is a 12x12 single 3 - photo layout. I haven't done a digital layout in a while and I wanted to practice. There is certainly a trick with the digital thing to make them look dimensional, I still have some work to do...but it's getting better.

I hope that you are enjoying your day! I am still trying to get back on track and I made great strides yesterday in getting myself organized again. I even cleaned up my craft room today so I can have a fresh start in there. The weather here is perking up and that always puts me in a better mood! Yesterday it snowed, today it's sunny and 57 and by Friday we should reach the 70's....bring it on!

Come back Friday and see what kind of card I created for Challenge 39 at Papercraft Star.

All Outta Whack!

My vacation really messed up my schedule! I feel all outta whack and I'm having a hard time jumping back into my routine!! Today is the day....the day to get back on track. I will be here tomorrow with my Project PageMaps post and then Tursday will be my post for The Kraft Journal. Friday bring my creation for Challenge 39 at Papercraft Star. I hope that you will join me this week and keep your fingers crossed that I can jump back into my routine and stay on track!!

Have a great day, see you tomorrow!

Watch Us Wednesday Kraft Journal Tutorial

Hi everyone, Kristina here with a tutorial on how to make a cute Easter candy box/basket out of a pasta box. Here is a look at what I was able to create.

1. Choose a pasta box with a window. This week I found a box with a circle window from some pasta purchased to make a pasta salad. (sorry, I won't be posting the recipe for that)

2. Decide how tall you would like your box/basket to be and cut the top of the box off. I cut my box to 4 inches.

3. After you have cut your box down, choose which papers and embellishments you would like to decorate your box with. Be sure to include something to make your handle with and eyelets to attach it.

4. Cover your box with your chosen papers. You will need to take careful measurements of your box to know where to make a cut in your cover so that the little window will show. Also, use a strong adhesive such as sticky tape or an ATG gun.

5. Once your box is covered you can attach your handle. Punch holes on each side of your box and set an eyelet. Thread the end of your handle through the eyelet and tie a knot so it will not slide back through the eyelet.

6. After your handle is attched you can decorate your box and fill it up with Easter grass and candy.

7. Tie on a gift tag and you are done!

I hope you have enjoyed this Spring inspired project and will look at your pasta aisle with a whole new perspective. There are so many different boxes that could be modified for lots of different occasions.

Kraft Outlet Supplies Used:

Brown Kraft Coverweight Cardstock

Vellum

Twill Tying Tape

Small Manilla Shipping Tag

Other Supplies Needed:

Pasta Box

Paper

Embellishment

Eyelets

Ruler

Punches

You still have time to join our "Oh Baby, It's Spring" challenge at The Kraft Journal.  Link up your project by going here.

Project PageMaps 1-9

Hey everyone!

I am happy to be back this Wednesday with another layout from my Project PageMaps. This week I worked with the 9th sketch found on page 25 of the first book. This layout is a 12x12 double 7-photo sketch. Like I said last week, I knew I would have to modify it to suit my style. (What is my style anyway, I have no idea...LOL)

Anyway, here is my layout for this week,

I used some more pictures from our family photo shoot and some yummy paper from Echo Park. I played with my cricut again, which hasn't been shown much love recently. The bright red on the train car really spoke to me this week and that's what made me decide to go with the black, white and red theme.

I hope you enjoy and are inspired to get some of your own layouts completed!

Later this week I get to hop on that big bird in the sky and visit my PCS Co-founder and great friend, Beth. Most of you who visit me regularly already know who Beth is, but if you have never visited her blog you really should. She is one talented lady and I can't wait to get in her craft room and be creative together!!

Have a fabulous day!

Supplies:

CS - Basic Black (Stampin Up)

DP - For the Record (Echo Park), Vintage Dictionary Pages (Kraft Outlet)

Buttons - (Stampin Up)

Baker's Twine - Black (Kraft Outlet)

Cardstock Stickers - For the Record (Echo Park)

Bling - Clear (Recollections)

Ink - Barn Door and Black Soot Distress Ink (Ranger)

Frame - Live Simply Cricut Cart Frame 2 cut at 4 1/2 in.

It's all about Green

Welcome Back for another challenge at The Kraft Journal!

It's all about St. Patty's Day or Green this week. 

I decided to create a layout using a Green theme.

Here's a look, 

I cut this super cool background on my Cricut with the Wild Card Cartridge with the Fit to Page feature. I love how it looks, but boy was it a pain to get it off of my mat...LOL
I accented the background with papers from Sassafras, I love this paper and it had lots of green patterns....perfect for this week. I'll give you a detailed list of supplies at the end of the post.

I hope that you will join us this week at The Kraft Journal! Be sure to head on over and check out what the other designers created!!

Kraft Outlet Supplies Used:
#932 Brown Bakers Twine
#955 White Library Cards
#81 Brown Kraft Cover Weight Cardstock
#958 White Twill Tape
#1024 Vintage Dictionary Pages
#202 Lunch Bag Kraft Cardstock

Other Supplies Used:
DP - Jungle Bungle (Sassafras)
Cricut - Wild Card
Ink - Tea Dye Distress Ink (Ranger)
Button - from my stash
Brad - from my stash
Punch - Small and Large Scallop Circle Punch (Marvy)

Spring

Happy Friday!!

It's beautiful here in Colorado, certainly Spring like!! Much better than the snow we had on Tuesday. Today I have my take on Challenge 36 at Papercraft Star. Here are the challenge details,

"Create a papercraft project using one or more of these colors and Spring as your inspiration."


I love this challenge and I couldn't pass up doing a pastel layout about little Marleigh!!

I knew that the colors in the BasicGrey Kioshi Collection would be just perfect for this challenge! I was really inspired by a layout I saw over at the Sassafrass Blog a week or so ago and I used that as a guide for this layout. Kioshi has a lot of great die cut stickers and I just couldn't resist using A LOT of them! I did quite a bit of sewing on this one, both with my machine and by hand. 

I'm not going to do a supply list on this because everything is BasicGrey except the buttons and the purple thread I used to sew them on. The thread is by Bazzill and the buttons were just in my stash.


I hope that you will join us thing week at Papercraft Star. You have until 9pm (eastern) Sunday, March 13th to get linked up before the voting begins.