Daily Life Challenge by Susan Tutt

The challenge for today is "Daily Life".  This was a fun one for me becuase in January we switched to an i-mac computer which is equiped with a photo booth app.  My middle daughter loves it and everyday she takes a picture of herself before she leaves for school.  I love looking through them to see all of her expressions...they're hilarious!  The layout I created showcases some of my favorite poses.

 I had to add the crown, because she is a princess and she makes sure we know it everyday!

Couldn't resist using the princess from my stash.

It is so fun to document the things in our everyday life.  Life changes so fast that these little moments are soon forgotten.  Create a layout or project documenting your everyday! Be sure to link us to your work, we would love to see what you come up with!!

Sketches, Sketches, Sketches by Virginia Wong

Firstly my apologies that my blog post is late. Last week, blogger was down and then the week started and well, life went awry!!! Nonetheless, here I am now...

The challenge was to use sketches and show my interpretation of the sketch. One of my favorite sketch artists is Valerie Salmon of Got Sketch? She has the most amazing sketches. They are uber versatile and SO easy to interpret.

For example, this sketch of hers led me to create the following layout. Sometimes, I create multiple layouts of a sketch. When I put all the layouts into an album, no one is going to notice that the layout was inspired by the same sketch.

Supplies:  Bazzill (cardstock); Echo Park (pattern paper, die cut elements, stickers, alphas); Heidi Swapp (large number 5); American Crafts (pen for journaling)

Thanks for letting me share!

Teacher Appreciation Card by Susan Tutt

Look for this card in the November 2011issue of Cards.

Today we are celebrating Teachers and what better way than with a wonderful card!  

I created this card using a file folder cut down to the size of a 6x6 card. Using  KI paper lace as a mask gives my card a fun background.  I then layered a tag,  patterned papers and 7 Gypsies gaffer tape. 

  

To finish off this cute card I took some school themed brads that I had and turned them into charms.  Simply bend the legs off your brads and punch a hole with your piercer and insert a jump ring and there you have an instant charm!

Show your child's teacher how much you appreciate all they do, with a card.  I hope this gets the creative juices going!  Be sure to share what you create with us...we would love to see your projects!!

Happy NSD - Celebrate Scrapbooking!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day to all you crafters, artists and mamarazzi's! I asked the designers of The Inspired Scrapper to share some tidbits about themselves, along with a few of their all-time favourite projects.

Sonja McLean here to share a few of mine.


I scrapbook because I have a bad memory! Documenting the day-to-day is essential to recalling (and celebrating) our family life together. Plus, who can resist paper, stickers and pretty embellishments...flowers, buttons, ribbon...oh my!?! In addition to the craft itself, the friends and colleagues I've made are second to none. Scrapbooking is a small world, but a beautiful one if you surround yourself with inspiring people.

My organizational tip is not about organizing at all, but about keeping things visible. When I buy something new, I keep it on my desk. I'm more likely to use it if I use it right away. I keep a bin of stamps (ones I've bought but haven't used yet) on my desk, along with my new patterned papers. I bought them because they spoke to me somehow, so I try to draw on that inspiration right away rather than stashing it for later?

My must have tool is my corner rounder and sanding block. Can't scrap without them!

My favourite manufacturer for paper is Crate Paper, Echo Park and Basic Grey. My favourite embellishments are by Hambly, Jenni Bowlin and Prima. My all-time fave stamps are by Purple Onion...classic images and they're easy to store (and cheap to have shipped) because they're unmounted.

My most "out-of-the-box" projects are these baby shoes made from Grunge Board:

And this 4x4 photo sleeve project which I love because it allowed me to use bits and pieces of my favourite things in one place...like chipboard, stamps, rub-ons, flowers, lace cardstock and overlays. All the things I love to hoard!


My favourite altered item. A large canvas celebrating my youngest daughter's first year:


Also, this 4x4 album I made using printed tissue to cover the chipboard.


My favourite layouts: A sketch by Becky Fleck featuring photos taken by my "adopted" daughter, Gel and my oldest son, Isaiah.

A simple layout that I adore because it took me an hour to make and features my favourite patterned papers (at the time).


My favourite card using heart stamps by Purple Onion:


Happy Scrapping!

National Scrapbooking Day!! by Susan Tutt

Happy National Scrapbooking Day ladies! I hope you're getting your scrap on where ever you may be today.

I discovered scrapbooking 16 years ago when my first child was born and I haven't looked back. I love documenting our lives the good, the bad and the everyday. I have met so many amazingly talented ladies through this hobby, many that I am fortunate enough to call close friends.

One subject that I find especially difficult to scrapbook is myself. That sounds ridiculous but it's true. I created this layout of myself and I love how it turned out.

My favourite organizational tip, thats funny because I have to be the most unorganized person I know! I blame it on my creative mind. I do keep my newest and favourite items on my scrapbook island so that I am sure to use them. You know, out of sight, out of mind, right?

One of my favourite tools is my sewing machine and a needle. I love, love, love to sew on my projects!
My all time favourite manufacturers are 7 Gypsies, Crate Paper and Tim Holtz. I am addicted to that grunge and vintage feel.

This layout of my Boy is one of my all time favourite layouts. I love all of the textures going on in this layout.
Favourite card:

This is my all time favourite project, Ever!! I love all of the details, textures and embellishments.
Thanks for letting me share all of my favourites with you today. I hope you have a wonderful day enjoying this fabulous hobby of ours!

Happy Happy National Scrapbooking Day - Virginia Wong

A cheery good morning to Everyone and a very happy National Scrapbooking Day too from me, Virginia!!!

I scrapbook because I absolutely love every aspect of this wonderful hobby - the relationships, the sincere friendships, the joy of creating, the process of documenting our familial history, the photography and of course, all of those delicious scrapbooking goodies!!!

My most "out of the box" project is a tie between creating a layout about me and creating a "shabby chic" layout. These were created in response to a challenge and boy was it ever a challenge.

Supplies:  Nikki Sivils (pattern papers), American Crafts (alphas, pen, chipboard accents)

Supplies:  Close to my Heart (cardstock, paper flowers, buttons); Melissa Frances (pattern paper); American Crafts (alphas); BasicGrey (buttons); Tattered Angels (glimmer mist); ribbon (source unknown); Prima (bling)

My favorite organizational tip is store all your leftover alphas by letter. Yes there are 26 bags BUT you can quickly and easily find the letters you are looking for when you are creating a unique title. Plus, you are using all those precious alphas!

And must have tool is quilting ruler! I love having the lines of my photos, alphas and pattern papers evenly spaced and lined up neatly *blush* My quilting ruler does the trick because it is divided into 0.25" increments! Love it!

I have many favorite manufacturers so to pick just one is a real toughie for me but I adore Echo Park, Pink Paislee, American Crafts. BoBunny, Nikki Sivils and October Afternoon. They consistently bring fresh, innovative lines each season.

A few of my all time favorite projects are as follows:

Supplies:  Close to my Heart (cardstock); BoBunny (pattern paper, chipboard accents); American Crafts (alphas); Chatterbox (gems); Kaisercraft (pearls)

Supplies:  Doodlebug house template; Making Memories acrylic paint; SEI pattern papers and elements

Supplies:  Urban Swank (pattern paper); EK success (circle punch); Glitz Designs (gems)

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

Happy NSD!!!!

Cari Locken

I scrapbook because I love to create. I love colors and have always loved paper. I’m thrilled that I can capture everyday moments & special memories on my camera and then preserve them through scrapbooking! I love this hobby!

I was asked to show my most “out-of-the-box” project … but I’m not sure that I really have one. Yes, I like to stay with what works for me. ;) But here’s a picture of a layout that was in the Spring 2010 Issue of Canadian Scrapbooker. We were challenged to use tissue paper.

My favourite organizational tip/item would have to be my Clip It Up. I love that thing (and wish I had another one as mine is VERY full)

Must have tool: I love my Imaginisce I-rock tool. I use it all the time to adhere the Imaginisce Glam Rocks and studs to my layouts, cards and projects!

My favorite manufacturer is Core’dinations Cardstock. I reach for this cardstock EVERY time I create a project. I can’t do anything without my cardstock!

All time favourite projects…

A layout:

A Card:

An Altered project:

Have a fabulous day!!!

Moms - by Cari Locken

I think that being a Mom is one of the toughest jobs around! I really do. I often wonder if I'm doing the right thing , teaching them the right values, I wish I had more patience and more time in the day to get everything done. But aside from all that, there are so many rewards of being a Mom. And I love that part!!

Today's challenge was to create something that had to do with Mom. I've learned a lot about being a mom from my own mother and I'm so thankful to her for that.

Here's a page about her.

Supplies used: Prism cardstock, Making Memories (patterned paper & black alpha stickers), Prima flowers, butterfly stamp (sorry, can't remember who makes that :( )

This is a real old layout but thought I'd still share it.

Supplies used: Basic Grey (papers, chipboard, alpha stickers, rub-ons), Heidi Swapp flowers, prima Flowers, Bazzill Basics cardstock.

This layout was from Mother's Day last year.

Supplies used: Bazzill Basics cardstock, Paper Trunk (papers, letter stickers, journal card), Prima rhinestone, Queen & Co pearls (turquoise), Tattered Angels glimmer mist

And this layout is from last Mother's Day as well however, I just created it last week.

Supplies used: Imaginisce (papers, anhor & journal stamp, ribbon, Glam Rocks (black & hearts) adhered with the i-rock tool), American Crafts Thickers, anchor paper piece (my own design), Cuttlebug embossing folder

I, too, want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day this coming Sunday. But first I hope that you all enjoy tomorrow - National Scrapbook Day!!!

All About Moms Challenge - by Virginia Wong

Today's challenge is All About Moms! One of the toughest jobs I have held is that of  a Mom. When I was younger, I KNOW I didn't always appreciate everything my Mom did for me! Now that I am a Mom, I especially grateful for everything she has done and continues to do. I treasure my relationship with my Mom and I hope my girls will treasure their relationship with me in the years to come as well.

Here is a 2-pager I did showing the special relationship my Mom has with not only my 2 daughters but also my 2 nieces.

Supplies:  Close to my Heart (cardstock); BasicGrey (pattern papers, chipboard accents, alphas)

And being a Mom means dealing with joyous moments as seen below and some of those not some proud Mommy moments too - I only hope that the great moments outweigh those not so great!

Supplies:  Scrap Shotz Kit Take 2 (Making Memories)

I wish you all a wonderful Mothers Day - may you spend the day being honoured and honouring those you love.

-Virginia