New Storage Cabinet

So it's time to finish construction in the basement, which means a big, big mess in my house. We've had construction companies coming through to give us quotes to finish the bathroom, all outrageously high, plus we've started work on the things we can do ourselves. I didn't think we had a lot left to do, but once you start writing a list, it sure looks endless! Replace the floating floor and remove ceramic tile by patio door; install 3 doors; trim doors and windows and baseboards; paint everything; and then there's the bathroom. That needs everything! So we finally found a plumber who can help us (yeah Ron!) and he knows an electrician who can maybe help us, too, so we're on our way.

One of the things we needed to do was to move a storage cabinet from the laundry room into the family room. It's one of those white laminate things you buy at Home Depot. Not so pretty to look at, but it's got a ton of room for storage, so I can't let it go. So here's what I did to spruce it up enough for it to live in the family room. I think it turned out great!

I used a wall decal from StickerBrand (through Amazon), in a silver color, since the walls will eventually be painted a soft purple color, and it was so easy to apply! I think I might have to add another one to the bottom of the cabinet, and then I might go a little crazy and start adding them all throughout the house. The large wall in the stairway, the master bedroom, .... StickerBrand had so many images to choose from, in a great variety of sizes, and their pricing was amazing. I'm so happy with the finished product.

Card Class Was a Spooky Time!

The card class met this last Sunday (October 21st) and we had a really fun time making these cute Halloween cards.

 Here we played around with the idea of stamping and embossing an image, and then cutting it into 3 equal pieces, highlighting each with a contrasting color. It sort of looks like you're looking out your window on a spooky Halloween night, doesn't it? The new Cricut cartridge has some fabulous phrases ready to cut, including this one, which added a nice touch.

For this one, we embossed the cobweb in the corner, added 3 rows of scalloped edging along the bottom, with a little bit of silver sparkle to highlight the black on black look. This makes the goofy skeleton and headstone really pop off the page.

Here's my take on a card originally created by CTMH Consultant Stacy Burch. Thank you Stacy for the wonderful idea! We used the same leaf stamp in a variety of colors and second generation stamping to create the background. We then used some 3D foam tape to pop 3 off the leaves off the card, along with the acorns. This card would work well for almost any occasion that falls during the fall season - birthdays, weddings, etc. Just swap out the sentiment stamp for the one of your choice.

La Belle Vie Layout

It's time to get together and make a beautiful layout! And giggle, gossip, and have lots of fun, too! So here's the info you need. Our workshop will be at my house on Friday, October 26th at 7pm. The cost for the layout is $14.50, which includes the papers, embellishments, page protectors, and a little Magic. If you know someone who would like to join us this month, let me know! I have a few extras.

Here's the layout. The La Belle Vie paper pack is so pretty, and these pics definitely don't do it justice. Come see the papers in person and you'll fall in love. You can see we're using an entire pack of the black flourishes. The black on black look adds a really nice and elegant touch.

Here's a close up peek at a bit of embellishing. We've got the black flourishes, black tulle ribbon, and 3 different stamps!

And then there's the Magic. This little pull-up photo is a nice way to highlight that special picture on your page. You can also hide journaling, or another photo, underneath.

So we'll see you on Friday, and if you want to come and hang with us, just let me know. We're happy to have you!  My phone is 763-234-4423 and my email is andrea.little@gmail.com.

October Stamp of the Month

Christmas in October? You bet! October's Stamp of the Month is "Very Merry Christmas" and what better time of year to complete those Holiday layouts than October? And if you look closely at the layout, can you tell which paper pack was used? Hint:  It wasn't our Pear & Partridge paper pack! Leave a comment or send me an email with your guess, and if you're right, I'll enter your name into a drawing for FREE shipping on your next order. But you've got to follow a few simple rules:  1. let me know by October 31st which paper pack you think was used; 2. if you win, you must place your order by the end of 2012; and 3. if you win, you must place your order with me, not online at my store.

The Blog Hop Is On!

Welcome to this month's Blog Hop! We are a group of scrapbookers who want to share our works of art with the world and inspire everyone to try a little scrapbooking of their own! Whether you are starting here at my blog, or have arrived here from Carol's blog, welcome! Take a look around my blog and check out this month's blog hop project. I've made a beautiful card and 2-page layout using the patterns found in CTMH's newest how-to publication, Make It From Your Heart.  The supplies I used are listed below. So please, enjoy my blog, and enjoy your time spent checking out everyones work. Feel free to leave a comment as you hop your way through this month's blog hop. When you are finished here, you'll be moving on to Deb's blog at http://paperhugz.blogspot.com/.

This cute little card was made using the Florentine paper pack, plus some cocoa cardstock. I used the cocoa cardstock to create a sharp contrast between the blue background paper and the golden striped paper strips. I also used it to outline the banner. By varying the  length of each of the four columns, I created some nice visual contrast, and it allowed a little extra room at the bottom of the card for an additional sentiment! I also used the edge distresser to roughen up the edges of the pieces, which I think gave the card more depth and texture. A few sparkles completed the look.

This is the 2-page layout I did. Fall is in the air and on my mind, so I wanted to incorporate a fall like theme in my layout using leaves and flowers and a bit of fall color. I've made several other layouts featuring my daughters, Sheridan and Aiyana and their cousins, and I find that family makes the best friends. These pics were taken over the course of a couple of years at various family events and the girls always get along so well - friends as well as cousins.

I think the journaling spot added a nice little touch to the layout. I used the Cricut and our new Artiste cartridge to cut the number four, and adding some fun fall flowers tie it into the rest of the layout.

By using the Color Ready Garden Wooden Shapes across the horizontal and vertical strips of paper, I connected the two pages together, while leaving plenty of room for photos and journaling.

Journaling is not my favorite thing to do, so summing it up with a few well chosen words is definitely the way to go! While I chose to hand write my thoughts about these photos, I could have just as easily used stamps, my printer, or the Cricut to journal. The possibilities are endless!

I hope you've enjoyed your time here, and after seeing all that our blog hop has to offer, find yourself inspired to dig out your own supplies and finish off a page or two! When you are ready, click here to move on to Deb's blog. Happy hopping!

Supplies used for layout:

Stella Paper Pack X7147B
Artiste Cricut Cartridge Z1790
Bohemian Assortment Z1687
Opaque Adhesive Gems in Mocha Z1333
Waxy Flax in Chocolate Z1088
Cocoa Ribbon Collection Z1316
Paradise Paper Flowers Z1710
Decor Journaling Spots Z1461
Color Ready Accents Garden Wooden Shapes Z1718
Dimensional Elements Monograms in E, V, & R Z1658, Z1675, & Z1671
Beautiful Friendship Stamp Set B1400
Colonial White Inkpad Z2168
Olive Inkpad Z2137
Chocolate Inkpad Z2111
Sponge Daubers Z726
Make It From Your Heart Volume 1 9035

Supplies used for card:

Florentine Paper Pack X7153B
Florentine My Stickease Assortment X7153C
Cocoa Cardstock X5642
Liquid Glass Z679
Sparkles in Blue & Green Assortment Z1327
Cocoa Inkpad Z2114
Edge Distresser Z1297
3-D Foam Tape Z1151
A Little Thanks Stamp Set D1444
Make It From Your Heart Volume 1 9035