Little Red Wagon #226

Rosanne is posting the challenge this week at Little Red Wagon and she wants us to create a card that has a Spring theme or colours.

I can't wait for Spring to arrive so I was quite happy to create something with a Spring feel to it!

I used my Copic markers to color up a sweet pair of rain boots!

Then I combined the image with some pretty papers and a bright bow!

And I even decorated the inside of my card!  This is not something I normally do, but I thought I would give it a try :)

Why not join in the challenge this week?  Just link up your creation at Little Red Wagon and we will be sure to stop by your blog!

Little Red Wagon #225

Well, Jan has given us an interesting challenge this week over at Little Red Wagon.  She wants to see anything but a card - as long as it is made out of paper!

It was perfect timing for this challenge as I made up a cute little candy box for a special Valentine last week!

I actually made up the box using the Envelope Punch Board from We R Memory Keepers and then I punched a scalloped circle in the front to create a window.  I added a piece of clear acetate to the inside of the box and then filled the box with cinnamon hearts - yummm!

I also created a bow using the Envelope Punch Board that I attached to the top of the box.

Thanks for a fun challenge, Jan!  It felt good to make something other than a card this week!

I hope you join in the fun by linking up your project at Little Red Wagon.  We would love to see what you create!

Inspiration Elevator - February 2014

Welcome to our February Inspiration Elevator challenge. Each month our group is challenged to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. Be sure to check out our Inspiration Elevator Blog to see all of our previous challenges.

We are thrilled to welcome back Audrey Yeager this month as a guest designer. Audrey recently came into ownership of My Scraps & More online store, and has graciously offered a prize this month! Read on to find out how you could win!

Our challenge this month comes from the very talented Michelle Hernandez.  Here's how she expressed this month's challenge:

"I'm going through one of the toughest times of my life right now. Huge changes, dashed expectations, embarrassing set backs- it's all overwhelming, all the time. I have the love and support of my family and my health- so it could be worst but still - it sucks.

My challenge for February:  Tell a story visually or through your journaling that speaks to your greatest challenge and most importantly how you dug yourself out. This should be a celebration of your faith, personal resilience and/or creativity. A story you'd like to tell your kids, grandkids or yourself when things get rough."

I have to admit that this challenge had me stumped for a while.  We all face many challenges throughout our life and I found it hard to say what my greatest challenge has been.  So I decided to do a layout based on something that I have struggled with over the years and how I have dealt with it.

I.don't.like.to.fly! 

I used to, but I had a terrifying experience once while flying and now it is a huge struggle for me to get on an airplane!  I titled my page "Learning to Trust" because trust is the only thing that makes it possible for me to even think about traveling in an airplane.  I have to trust that not only is flying a safe way to travel and that the pilot and crew really do know what they are doing, but I have to ultimately trust that I am in the hands of God and in His loving care, no matter where I am!  Whether I am standing on the ground or 30,000 feet in the air, God is taking care of me.

I used my Silhouette to create the 'windows' on my background paper and then I added the cloud photos behind them.  It really gave the feel of looking out the windows in an airplane and it set the stage for my layout.

One of my favorite elements on my layout is the cloud and airplane cluster at the top of the page.  I die-cut three clouds using different pattern papers and then I added a wooden cloud and airplane from Freckled Fawn. I also used a bit of twine for the plane's flight path.
 

I had some rub-ons from Chic Tags that worked really well with my page, so they were added, and of course a bit of stitching always gives the perfect amount of texture and interest.  I also used some molding paste with a stencil to add a border around my page.

One of the most important things on my layout is the journaling.  It was hard to tell the whole story without writing an entire book, but I tried to capture my personal struggle and my reason for wanting to overcome it.

Thanks for a great challenge, Michelle!  I enjoyed digging deep and scrapbooking my story. I hope you will visit each of the blogs on our Design Team to see what they did with this challenge. I am sure you will be inspired and encouraged by their creations.

Michelle Hernandez
Ann Jobes
Laura Whitaker
Lisa Moen 
Cathy Harper
 Lisa Spiegel
Joanne Burton- You are here!

Jodi Wilton

Guest Designer:  Audrey Yeager

We would LOVE to see you take up Michelle's challenge this month, so if you do, please share it at our linkup on the Inspiration Elevator Blog.

So, how do you win Audrey's prize? It's simple - leave a comment! Audrey will choose one random comment from one of the Design Team member's blogs to win a $15 gift certificate to My Scraps & More. Thanks so much, Audrey!

Little Red Wagon #224

It is my turn to post the challenge at Little Red Wagon this week and I chose Pockets!   That's right - I want to see a pocket on a card, layout or project.

I decided to create a card as inspiration for my challenge.

I created the background for my card using two different pattern papers that I stitched to some cardstock. Then I added a pocket that I had left over from the Simple Stories Sn@p! collection.

Next I created a tag using some paper with the words "You Are Awesome" printed on it, a plastic ring I found in my button jar and some ribbon. As a finishing touch, I added a rub-on arrow and an epoxy dot.

Now it's your turn! Show us a pocket on a card, layout or project. Just link up your creation at Little Red Wagon and we will be sure to visit your blog!

Plus, don't forget to stop by each of the Girlfriend's blogs to see their designs for this challenge!

Cupid's Arrow No.14

There are so many great Valentine themed papers out right now, but one of my favorites is Cupid's Arrow No. 14 by My Minds Eye!

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a crop with some friends and I had the opportunity to create this fun page. The background paper I used, "Cupid's Arrow", has an awesome chalkboard finish and a sentiment already printed on the page.  This made it really easy to work with!

To balance out the sentiment, I used a photo strip that I cut out using my Silhouette Cameo.  I also decided to work with multiples of one photo, which is a technique that I love using!  Three of the photos went into the photo strip and one photo was used independently.

I then created a banner cluster at the top of the page.  It adds interest and balance to the page and is a simple element to create!

For my finishing touches, I added a heart/camera clip, some sprinkles, sequins and a button!  I also used a couple of stickers from the Cupid's Arrow collection.

The best part about creating this page was using my favorite photo of my DS and his girlfriend! I just love it!

I am linking up my layout to MME February Challenge - All You Need Is Love!

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your special someone!  Thanks for looking ~

Valentine Pop-Up Box Card

I love finding new ideas for cards and when I saw a pop-up box card on the internet recently, I couldn't wait to give it a try!

This really interesting card actually folds down flat and can fit into a 6 x 6 envelope! When you open the card up, it is like an explosion of hearts!  The card becomes a box that you can put on a table or shelf.

I used Kraft cardstock as my base and covered the sides and flaps with pretty paper from Doodlebug Design.  Then I die-cut lots of hearts using my Silhouette and added them along with some bling, ribbon and an XOXO sticker to the card.

We are offering this fun project as a Make 'n Take at Two Scrapbook Friends today and Saturday if you would like to stop by!  You can check out the details HERE.

Thanks for looking ~

Little Red Wagon #223

This week's challenge at Little Red Wagon comes from Jodi and it is perfect considering Valentine's Day is just around the corner!  She wants us to create a card inspired by the word "LOVE".

This is the card that I made.

I had just finished creating another project that left me with lots of die-cut hearts sitting on my desk, so it made sense that I would use a couple of them for my "LOVE" card.
 

I embossed a white background, added the hearts, ribbon, button and pin.  I think the hearts say it all, so I did not add a sentiment.  I am quite happy with the finished card and I know just who I am going to give it to!

It would be awesome if you joined us for the challenge this week.  Just pop over to Little Red Wagon and link up your card.  We would love to see what you create :)

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Over the Christmas holidays, and into the new year, I have been trying lots of new recipes.  I am somewhat obsessed with Pinterest and all the amazing food that I see on there, so my kitchen has become a bit of a test kitchen in the last couple of months.

One recipe that I really loved was for Lemon Crinkle Cookies!  Mmmm!  Can you say yummy mummy?

These cookies have a delicious, lemony flavor and a crispy, chewy texture!  And the best part is that they are super easy to make with ingredients that you likely have in your pantry already.

I made these cookies for a scrapbooking day I attended and I packaged some of them in some small canning jars for a couple of special friends. 

I decorated the tops of the jars and then I stacked the cookies in them.  It made a nice presentation and my friends were quite happy to receive these delicious little gifts :)

Here is the recipe for these luscious, lemony delights ~

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, Softened
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Large Egg
1 Teaspoon Lemon Zest
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, Fresh
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/8 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease light colored baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla, egg, lemon zest, and juice. Scrape sides and mix again. Stir in all dry ingredients slowly until just combined, excluding the powdered sugar. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly.

Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottoms begin to barely brown and cookies look matte {not melty or shiny}. Remove from oven and cool cookies about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Enjoy :)

Little Red Wagon #222

Hello!  This week at Little Red Wagon, Tracy is challenging us to create a card for a child.

I really had lots of fun with this challenge.  I went outside my normal style and used my Silhouette to create a die-cut boat for my card. 

I used a decorative straw for the mast and a border punch to create the water.  The sentiment was printed on my computer.

Thanks for a fun challenge, Tracy! I now have a card that I can give to a sweet little boy that I know.

Now it is your turn to create a card for a child and be sure to link it up at Little Red Wagon. We love when you play along :)

Little Red Wagon #221

With all the cleaning and organizing that I have been doing since the new year began, I thought that the perfect challenge for Little Red Wagon this week would be Clean & Simple! I love the look of a clean and simple design on a card and I can't wait to see what everyone does with this challenge.

This is the card that I created:

There is a special somebody that is having a birthday in the near future, so I created this card for her.  I kept it very clean and simple.  Just a simple digi image that I colored with my Copics and a sentiment that I printed on my computer.

The bakers twine topped it all off and there you have it!

If you feel inspired, why not create a clean & simple card and share it with us at Little Red Wagon?  We would love if you played along :)

2013 Book List

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies.  I like it as much as I do scrapbooking or gardening or any of the other very exciting activities in my life! lol  I feel fortunate to belong to a great Book Club as it forces me to read genre's outside of my norm and I love the lively discussions that result from our picks. (The food and wine we enjoy at our meetings aren't bad either!)

I like to keep track of the books I read on the side-bar of my blog and at the end of the year I copy the list into a blog post.

Here is my list for 2013:

• The Lies We Told by Diane Chamberlain
• Divergent by Veronica Roth
• Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer
• The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain
• The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
• Reunion by Karen Kingsbury
• The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (BC)
• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (BC)
• Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
• The Housmaid's Daughter by Barbara Mutch
• The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan
• Divine by Karen Kingsbury
• He's Gone by Deb Caletti
• The Road to Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro
• The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
• More Than You Know by Nan Rossiter
• Invisible by Carla Buckley
• A Promise of Safekeeping by Lisa Dale
• Remember by Karen Kingsbury
• Redemption by Karen Kingsbury
• The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski (BC)
• I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak (BC)
• A Sweethaven Christmas by Courtney Walsh
• The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury
• Sanctuary by David and Beverly Lewis
• The Chance by Karen Kingsbury
• Ask Again Later by Jill A. Davis
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Hadden (BC)
• The Arrivals by Meg Mitchell Moore
• Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn
• Lethal by Sandra Brown
• One Week in December by Holly Chamberlin
• Hidden by Shelley Shepard Gray
• The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (BC)
• Carmel by the Sea by Sandra Briker
• The Bridesmaid by Beverley Lewis
• Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander
• One Summer by David Baldacci
• Reunion by Therese Fowler
• Left Neglected by Lisa Genova (BC)
• Life of Pi by Yann Martel
• Breaking the Silence by Diane Chamberlain
• Where She Went by Gayle Forman
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (BC)
• The Fiddler by Beverley Lewis
• Return by Karen Kingsbury
• Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury
• The Parting by Beverly Lewis
• The Forbidden by Beveryly Lewis
• The Longing by Beverly Lewis
• BC = Book Club Pick

Clearly I had lots of time to read!

I was fortunate enough to receive a couple of good books for Christmas, so I already have something to start off the new year with!  And in case you are wondering, that is not a photo of my reading space.  But it is a photo of a reading space that I would love to have someday!

Inspiration Elevator - January 2014

Welcome to our January Inspiration Elevator challenge. Each month our group is challenged to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. Be sure to check out our Inspiration Elevator Blog to see all of our previous challenges.

Our challenge this month comes from the very talented Jodi Wilton and here is her challenge:

"The New Year is always about bettering ourselves; looking into the future, and making goals (some attainable, some not so much). Scrapbooking is about recording the story and most of these stories are in the past, so we don't forget the memories we created. For this challenge I would like you to scrapbook yourself, your family, or a particular family member and where you (or them) would like to be in ten years time. The focus for this challenge is on the journaling. Your layout or art journal may be in the form of a letter to your future self. Your layout may or may not have any photo at all and be all about the journaling. Dip deep! Really think about what you can (or they can) accomplish! What are your dreams? What are your goals? Good luck ladies!"

It was hard for me to look to the future for this challenge.  I guess I am a 'here and now' type of person with more short term goals rather than trying to look too far ahead to the future.  Maybe it is the stage of life that I am at - our sons are almost grown, well on their way to very happy and productive futures, my hubby and I are in a comfortable place enjoying all that life has to offer, I love my job and my hobbies.  I have also learned to be very grateful for all the blessings in my life and I guess my main goal is to always maintain that sense of gratitude - no matter what life brings.

With that being said, I was able to list a few things that I do look forward to and I incorporated that list on my layout.

The inspiration for my design came from a free cut file offered by Nicole Nowosad at Scrapbook & Cards Today.  I am still not very comfortable with my Silhouette Cameo so I challenged myself to use the files on my layout. I had to resize them and add cut lines to them, which was all new to me!

I began the flow of my layout with the current year, 2014, and ended with 2024, 10 years from now. The only photo I added was a selfie that I took a couple of days ago. 

The arrow and the geo-tag give direction to the layout and help to establish the sense of time passing and the arrival of a future date.

I used some Simple Stories 'Her' Sn@p! cards along with Bella Blvd. paper and did lots of cutting and layering.

I found the perfect quote on the paper that seemed to summarize my outlook on life. I am a very positive person and I like to look at each day in hopeful trust that something good will come from it.  This felt like the perfect element to add to my layout.

My journaling is simple - but honest.  My family is my life and as long as we are all healthy and happy, life is good!  With that being said, yes, I do hope our sons get married to wonderful women and, YES, I do hope I am blessed with grandbabies some day!  I also hope that we are able to travel to the many places on our wish list.    

Last, but not least, I did a little cluster at the bottom of the page with the simple phrase, 'she believed'.  I hope that in 10 years time, I can say that I did in fact arrive at a place that is truly wonderful!

I hope you will visit each of the blogs on our Design Team to see what they did with this challenge.  I am sure you will be touched and inspired by their creations.

Jodi Wilton
Michelle Hernandez
Ann Jobes
Laura Whitaker
Lisa Moen 
Christa Uttley
 Lisa Spiegel
Joanne Burton- You are here!

If you feel inspired to play along with our challenge this month, please share it using the linky tool on our Inspiration Elevator Blog and/or our Inspiration Elevator Facebook page. We would love to see what you make!