Scraps-R-Fun

TGIF - V.6.1

Well, it's time of the week again, when I choose to reflect on all that I am grateful for during the week. So, without further ado, here goes:

1. I am grateful for my Rock Star Boot Camp family. I had seriously taken a bad turn. I was in "I could care less about my health and fitness" mode. But fellow camper Peggy said, "meet me at camp," and I did. Well, sort of... she didn't make it until Wednesday... but that's a different story. I worked out 3 times so far this week, I've eaten highly nutritious, real food meals, I've gone back to adding no sugar into my diet other than what comes from food naturally, and I am starting to feel good again.

2. I am grateful for scrappy fun - LOTS of scrappy fun! After a play date with friends Penny and Erin, I had another fun day at Miss Kim Hughes' house with my other friend Kim! If you don't know about Paper Smooches stamps, you need to check them out! Green Acres is a BRAND NEW release this month and I got to play with a set. I mean seriously? How cute is Farmer Ted? I just happened to also have a 6x6 pad of the Simple Stories Summer Fresh line which made this card come together naturally. 

I even broke out my Copic Markers which were a blast to play with too.

 

3. I am grateful for a clean house. It really doesn't happen that often around here. So, I need to enjoy it when it does! 

4. I am grateful that my daughter is such a talented photographer. Sometimes the photos she takes are more inspiring for scrapbooking than my own. Such was the case when I saw this shot she took last summer while working in Montana. I knew what the title of the layout would be immediately.

5. Last but not least, I am grateful for continued connections with good people. Had breakfast with a friend today, and it could not have been better. We sat and talked for hours. It felt so good. I am really, really, lucky... you hear that, Kelley Murphy? 

Playing a Little Crafty Catch Up

Summer break is almost over! <sad face> 

But I have been able to make the most of my break for sure! I started school in earnest in January while also teaching/supervising 3 classes. I was crazy busy and from January to May only finished THREE layouts and THREE weeks of Project life. So, I knew I was going to get my craft on once school let out and before I start up with my summer classes on Monday. Well, I can proudly say, I've doubled the number of layouts I've completed for the year! Check it out - all done in May ... <happy face>

Originally completed for the NSD challenges at Studio Calico. 

I also did the following layout for NSD challenges, although I didn't finish it in time. 

I also completed this layout just for fun.

Finally, I completed this layout yesterday ! I suggested a "lift the person above you" challenge at Studio Calico and here was my interpretation of a layout by a member named Elaine. 

This was also my first layout made with something I cut from my Cameo. It's not the first shape I've cut, but it's the first one I've actually used! I am in love with that machine already though... and if you didn't already know, educators get a discount when ordering direct from Silhouette! 

The best news though, is that I have more scrappy days set aside for this week! I may even double my numbers again! 

I Ain't Settlin'...

... for anything else but everything... so says Jennifer Nettles in one of Sugarland's best songs ever. Don't know it? Check it: Settlin'.

And well, that's exactly what Taylor had in mind, not settling. She bought the tickets, but they weren't together. It was a bummer, but we knew the concert would be great regardless. We were excited nonetheless! But then, KMLE Country 108 started giving away backstage passes. Boy, did that child try to win them. At one point, I came home only to find her pulling into the driveway after just driving around the block to listen for the cue to call on the radio (I think we need to figure out how to listen through the computer next time). Alas, while she often got through to DJ David Dean, she did not win. Sad face. 

But Mr. Dean took her name, knew our story, said, "come by the tent early, I'll 'see what I can' and I'd love to meet your mom." Do you think he's single? So, we got ready and left for the concert EARLY. So early, this is what we saw when we arrived.

Yup, a locked and closed gate. So, we sat, and we waited. We made friends with the car that eventually pulled up next to us. Finally, we all got in... best parking spot ever, totally worth the extra 20.00, just sayin' (thank you again, Taylor Landy)! 

Then, we parked and well, ended up in front of more locked gates:

Eventually, we made it inside and bolted straight for the radio tent. Hello, Mr Big Shoe Stu! Unfortunately, David Dean had emailed Taylor (yes, they were sending personal emails back and forth all day) to tell her good luck, but he was sick! Oy, now what chance will we have of meeting the band? But "persistence" is my child's middle name... because this girl does not give up. We say our hellos, we tell of our David Dean convos, we share our story of my sweet daughter who works sun up to sundown at a horse ranch and because of the slave driver ranch owners was unable to buy tickets right when they went on sale (and you see, these are a mother's day present). So, because of the purchase delay, we didn't have seats TOGETHER :( - and we gave very sad faces. And guess what happens next? Well, it wasn't quite what we were after, but she pulled out TWO PIT PASSES for us... and there we were, right at the foot of the stage all night long. First for Canaan Smith (take a listen, he's GOOD)

Then for Lauren Alaina (what a cutie)

And finally...THE BEST COUNTRY SINGER EVER...

 

But what is Sugarland without the handsome partner? 

(he's always blurry because that man was non-stop moving)

And together, they made sweet, sweet music... I've never wanted to scrap a set of photos more!

 

As they say, It's in Your Hands... 

From My Home to Yours

It's been a while since I've done a complete overhaul of my scrap studio, but I've been due. Since I'm also planning on moving and downsizing, now was a great time to get rid of some older supplies and well, make room for the new. It's the way it is. I normally just donate my old supplies to Goodwill. But well, I'm honestly hoping to earn some money for a new toy. So, here's where we are starting:

I have EIGHT priority mailboxes waiting to go in the mail and home to someone new

In EVERY box, there are

• 55-65 sheets of 12x12 designer paper/cardstock
• at least 3 sheets (in some boxes more) of specialty paper (i.e. flocked transparency, shaped cardstock)
• at least 2 (maybe 3) packages or more of ribbon
• at least 2 12x12 sheets of cardstock sticker/alpha/or diecuts
• at least 1 set of Thickers or chipboard alphas (such as Heidi Swap)
• at least 1 stamp (non-Studio Calico)
• a variety of rubons, brads, buttons, OR bling. 
• Chipboard embellishments
• a variety of themed (holiday, school, pet) and non-themed items

Brands in each box include a random selection of:

• Heidi Swapp
• Pink Paislee
• American Crafts
• Studio Calico (not stamps)
• Jenni Bowlin
• SEI
• Deluxe Designs
• Pebbles
• Tinkering Ink
• Scenic Route
• Fancy Pants Designs
• American Crafts
• Maya Road
• Making Memories
• October Afternoon
• Hambly
• Bella Blvd.

Here are some samples of the piles of supplies that are enclosed in each box. 

Visible in the above photo you can see some Hambly transparency, October Afternoon label stickers, Making Memories postage stamp paper, Heidi Swapp journaling spots, Fancy Pants ribbon trim. 

 

Peeking out in the above pile are some Making Memories dies, Sassafras paper, American Crafts canvas paper (clouds), Jenni Bowlin Trim, Li'l Davis rubon, American Crafts thickers

 

Here you have some thickers, some Pebbles ribbon, Bella Blvd. and a ton of other stuff! 

This pile AND the next photo are a single pile... and in includes some of my favorite alphas of all time, I looooved those grungy license plate letter stickers! 

 

 

These are samples of the "speciality" papers found in each box.

So, there you have it. These are GRAB BOXES. I'm just numbering them randomly 1-8 and the first person to pay gets box 1, the second person to pay gets box 2, and so on. Flat rate shipping (US only please) is 11.35. Let's call it an even 11.00 + 30.00 per box for a total of 41.00. At least 95% of the supplies in each box are 100% in tact. If not, there are only 1-2 stickers or something missing, something minor. The cardstock alone would cost .80/sheet and total 44.00 to say nothing of all the embellies and alphas. As soon as I receive a payment via Paypal, I'll ship your box within 48 hours. How's that sound? :)

SOLD: Next up - a separate lot... all Studio Calico stamps, mostly kit exclusives... I am selling the stamps as a lot, not as single items. I'm asking 20.00 + 5.00 for flat rate (small box) shipping for all of them - that includes the Nadiya alpha and the doily set which combined cost more. Some have gone UNused (doilies, raygun), others are used, loved, and stained (alpha).

 

 

SOLD  Finally, another stamp lot - 95% non-Studio Calico (there's an original Go See Do set in there - from a kit, not from the manufacturing side). For this lot, I'm asking 10.00 + 5.00 shipping - The set includes a fun older Rusty Pickle alpha, a technique tuesday mini alpha and some October Afternoon stamps. 

 

 

Here they are again... waiting for their new homes! So, just email me and we'll make payment arrangements! 

This Kid is Special

How many kids (teens no less) do you know who buy their mother a present on their own birthday? 

Well, my daughter does.

How many kids do you know who would bring home a special something for their mom for no reason (like a 90 minute massage at the spa or a Lucky Sweatshirt find at the second hand shop) just to say, "I was thinking of you? 

Well, my daughter has.

How many kids would let you invite all your girlfriends over with their really young daughters and agree to hang out with you because you wanted to host a single mother-daughter brunch for Mother's Day?

Well, yeah, you guessed it, my kid did.

So, I commemorated our day with a layout made for a sketch challenge over at Colorful Creations. Nice, friendly people there. Feel free to check it out :) . 

And the best part about this layout - aside from creating a fun layout with my kiddo and me, I used one of my Studio Calico kits - Lawn Party - that hadn't had nearly enough love. Makes me happy. 

As Major Holidays Go...

... today is one of my favorites! What's that you say? You weren't aware that today is a holiday? Ah, you must not be a crafter. Because all the crafters are well aware that the first Saturday in May is interNATIONAL Scrapbook Day! BOOYAH! Let the festivities begin! I have a fab tradition of heading over to friend Kim's house for this annual event and scrapping the day away. This year, I'm setting aside the stress of school for the day and reminding myself how much fun it is to gather with friends, gab, laugh, eat, and create. It will be a good day. 

While you're enjoying this action packed day of fun and creativity, why not hop on over to the Simple Stories Blog where the DT was given a challenge to use the Simple Stories Elements sheets. Half of the gals' work went up yesterday and the remaining challenge layouts/projects went up today, including mine. Here's another peek:

It's amazing how versatile the Elements are! Some of the DT used them on layouts, others made cards, and others created albums. Kay and I used them for our Project Life albums. Show us how you use your Simple Stories Elements and be entered to win a Simple Stories prize package worth $50.00! See all the details on the blog and have fun! 

Happy NSD everyone! 

Homestretch

My first official semester with NAU as both a teacher and doctoral candidate is about to come to a close.

(orange means completed after this semester)

It feels good to be in the homestretch, but I still have much to accomplish. 

(the only things left on that list undone are the final two research papers - one for 672, and one for 710).

 

This is where I'll be spending my time for the next few days:

(oops, that doesn't look like my paper on the screen!)

So, you'll all just have to be happy with the following teasers... watch for some special blog posts coming your way soon! 

(an upcoming DT guest spot peek)

 

(a PL/Simple Stories sneaky peek)

 

Wish me luck, I'm going to need it! 

An Overdue TGIF post

I'll admit it. I haven't been feeling rather grateful lately. I keep trying to maintain a positive attitude, but some days that's simply harder to do than to say. But the reality is I am succeeding in my doctoral program, I have a roof over my head (for now anyway), I have enough income to keep me fed, and the kids are fine (relatively speaking). So, it's good to remember that both my attitude and the way I feel and look are completely under my control. And well, since I have little tolerance for whining and complaining from others, I need to remember to keep those behaviors in check in myself. 

Without further ado, here is a current installment of Thank God It's Friday... at least five experiences from the last week (or maybe month) for which I should be (and am) grateful. 

1.

 

This beautiful girl is living at home again. Ok - I know I should want her out of the house, living on her own, and I do. But lately, she's been making me laugh, and I really could use more laughter in my world right now... so, I'm just going to be grateful that she's around for the moment. She's moving to Flagstaff in the fall, so I know it's temporary. For now, she is exactly what I need. 

 

2. 

I was able to go back to Rock Star Boot Camp. After several months away, I was offered an opportunity that I could not refuse. I'm so grateful for people like those at camp who actually care about people and their goals. The scheduling is hard right now, but I know that I have this place when I need it... and boy, do I need it. 

 

3. 

I'm pretty sure I have the cutest dad ever. So happy to have these photos on a layout. So happy to have spent time scrapping with friends at a crop. So happy to have dug into one of my many, nearly untouched Studio Calico kits! 

4.

I'm grateful for this reminder about how important taking time to stop and snap a photo of everyday items, routines, or activities is for me. I had planned on doing a "favorite things around the house layout"... someday... and this dish was a definite inclusion. It was a daily reminder of my grandmother. After breaking it, I was so sad... and then happy again when I realized I still had the photo. I'm not sure I've picked up my camera to take a picture since January. It might just be time. 

 

5. 

This boy, after a year of treatment, is finally back to his old self. We were worried he'd need back surgery. But he's back to jumping, leaping, running, bounding, and hiking. Love him. 

 

Happy TGIF everyone! 

Simple Is My Middle Name

Ok, maybe it's really Beth. Or, if you are part of the Sadoff side of the family, you might think my middle name is Wanda (go ahead, say it... Allison Wanda Landy... get it?). But regardless which name I'm choosing to go by, simple surely has been my number one motto. So, isn't it fitting that today I'm sharing my latest creation made with one of the Simple Stories lines? Here's a little peek...

For the full layout and full story behind it, check it out at the Simple Stories blog here. While you're there, check out what the rest of the DT has done with Simple Stories products all week! It's the first set of projects that all the new DT members are sharing since joining the team. So, go and cheer them on, will ya? 

It's Supposed to be About the Process...

Creative endeavors. They are supposed to be fun. They are supposed to be calming. They are supposed to be therapeutic. But some days, the process of creating is downright frustrating. As spring break settled upon me this week, I decided to reclaim some "me-time" and get back into my studio. I had plenty of great supplies, some favorite photographs set aside, and a little bit of time. I already plowed through my first layout, so the second one should come a little more easily, right? Hah. Famous last words. 

I've been on a "use what you have" kick lately. Because really, I have plenty. And, as moving my studio into an apartment becomes more and more a reality, I will have to decide... what should I keep? So, for example, if I have a stamp set that I've owned since October 2010 and hasn't even seen the outside of its packaging, maybe just maybe, I don't need that set... better use it FAST! And that my friends is where all my troubles began... 

But finally, I landed here:

Completed for the Dr. Seuss (and that is S.E.U.S.S.) quote challenge at Studio Calico. 

I also recently pinned a cool print on pinterest that inspired the hand cut shapes. I really wanted an imperfect look to them. So, I just used my craft knife to cut out a solid shape first and then kept cutting from the inside creating larger and larger outline pieces. I love that there are so many double sided papers that then coordinate if I want to change up the patterns. I may try this again with some other shapes... I like the look. 

As for the photos, if you are an Arizonan, or are ever in Arizona, the hike was Parson's Springs. Great in the summer because there is swimming. However, that is also when you are more likely to see rattlesnakes. We saw two on this hike. TWO. I've been hiking in Arizona for 20 years, and in all that time, I've seen ONE near a trail previously. I also saw a scorpion that day, but not nearly as scary in the wilderness as a rattler... happy Saturday all!