Days 8-11 Tim Tags!

Day 8

I didn't have his seasonal masks, so I used my labels die and his mask sheets to cut my own, and this is what I did with it.

Day 9

I love this one. Mine is off from Tim's but I tend to take a good look at his, head down to my 'studio' and just work from memory.  I also didn't have the alpha die, so I used a set of my QK squeeze alphas.   Also the acoutrements are just some random buttons from my stash, the music stamp is Purple Onion Designs  HERE and garland was from my tree a few years back. lol  I also made all my own baubles for the tags, with wire and beads.

Day 10

Again, I didn't have the right die, so I used my snowman stamp...but I'm now the proud new owner of the snowman die, just waiting for it to arrive.  I think I'll cut a bunch and send them into school with my 6 year old for his class to decorate!

Day 11

So sad to see this day come every year.  It means there's only one tag left. Sigh.

For this one I did something totally different.  I don't love the pine tree die that I have, and I did use it on one of the other tags, becuase it was all I had.  I was planning to use it for this one as well, infact, i even cut it twice from my grunge...then when putting the die away this one caught my eye!  I picked it up at a yardsale about a year ago, and had never even used it...until today!  I love the unexpected twist on this, and I think Tim would approve of the improv. lol

I will be back tomorrow with my final tag of 2010...I'm so sad it's nearly over!

Tim Tag day 7

Here it is!

I loved this tag, and I hope to make a few more!  I think I'll use a ready to go Pointsettia though for my duplicates, as I don't have the sticky back canvas, and this was a lot of extra gluing and cutting. lol

I can't get my pointsettia to look like Tim's but for a first shot at it, I'm happy with the result.

Thanks for stopping by!

Jumping in where I am...

I'm so far behind, I can't even believe it.
I'm just going to jump in where I am and pray that one day I get to catch up.  lol
So, Tim's 12 tags of Christmas are where I am scrappy-wise!

So far, this is how mine are looking.  I had ordered the reindeer die on Pre-order, but they still haven't come in. :0(  I'm sad that Sizzix isn't caught up, especially with Tim's Tags going on!!

I've become an improv. specialist, as well as a huge wish-lister. lol

Day 5

Sadly I'm finding that pretty well all of my crackle paints have either completely dried out, (like my rock candy {sniff sniff}), or they're so dry I can't paint with them, but I've added some water, and praying I can salvage them. The exception to this rule has been my metallic ones, that seem to be holding up pretty well, so I used a brass one here instead of my dry as a bone and already-crackled-to-the-max-inside-the-jar green. 

Again, I don't have his numbers, so I had to make do with my old MM ones, and though I did use the emboss trick, you really can't tell, irl or here in the photo. lol

  

Here we have days 3&4.

Again, I didn't have most of what he used, so I made it up as I went along!

This was day 2.

I loved making my own custom stamp pads and did so for many of my stamps.  I'm going to need to buy more felt!! lol  No metal birds or baubles here either, so I used a QK die for the bird on some metallic coal CS and fashioned my own bauble with some wire and beads.

This was day 1.

I didn't have either of the dies for this, so I free hand cut the house, and I used an old sizzix die for the fence.  I also didn't have the Prima branch, so some blingy greenery stood in for that too. lol

Today, Day 6.

I didn't have the tree folder or the reindeer die yet, so I cut the sizzix tree I do have from Chipboard, and used it to emboss the tag.  Then I stamped the snowman, and embossed, and cut him out to use rather than the reindeer.  I also didn't have the lovely music  note tissue tape.  I have so much to collect still!!

I will be back again with more Tim Tags, as I'm determined to at least take a little time each day for me during this 12 tags of Christmas!

August Nook DT Reveals

Happy Friday the 13th!  Are you superstitious?  Fortunately, I'm not...well, not really. lol  Today is the perfect day however to reveal my August DT work for the Nook! :0)
I was given the Creative Imaginations Breathless line from the Scrapping Nook for my August DT kit...it's a fabulous line, that is equally great for both formal occasions, and Halloween fun!
At first, I was a little intimidated.  It's so beautiful, and I didn't know what picutres to use with it...then I remembered that I had some pictures left to scrap from my nieces wedding in May 2009.  Perfect!
 
Thebeautiful Bride and Handsome Groom.



The bride's lovely Cousin, with her boyfriend.

The bride and daddy dance at the dinner reception.

And lastly, a few cards, and even an altered 2X4!
I have a few other layout ideas up my sleeve, but have to find time to pull them off! Lol

To see this line up close, check out the store HERE.

Playing with Wood

My whole life, my Dad has made me things with wood.  When I was a little girl, he made me my first tiny hopechest, and a beautiful cradle for my baby dolls.  When I turned 16 he made me a big beautiful Hopechest, fully lined with Cedar.  When I moved away to college, I was so blessed to have my Dad make me my bedside table, and a gorgeous jam cupboard.  I still have every single one of these things Daddy has made me!  I couldn't bear to part with any of them.  I cherish each and every one. 

In junior highschool, I LOVED shop class!  I loved working with the lathe, the band saw, and all the other tools.  As an adult, I've always had an interest in woodworking, (Dad sometimes let me 'help' him in the garage on projects as a kid, I loved getting my hands dirty!) but I've had little opportunity with 3 kiddies to try anything on my own.   

Enter the rainbarrel flood.

This spring we had a flood in our basement due to a rainbarrel overflowing...our basement has been torn to shreds.  What we found in the shreds was that there was NO insulation down there AT ALL.  Not really surprising to me, since it's freakin' cold ALL THE TIME...you don't need a fridge for your drinks in winter down there! lol   What did surprise me is that there was also no framing.  The basement was strapped, and drywalled.  In order to insulate we had to frame it.  Sigh.

Enter my hero...my Dad!

Dad comes to my rescue more often than anyone else I've ever known. lol  And he didn't fail me this time either.  He came up with all his tools, and started framing...but first, he taught me how to use the miter saw.  Can I just tell you that a miter saw is a beautiful thing?  It is.

Because of puppy problems, he had to return home with his baby before he could really teach me the ropes hands on regarding framing, but I'm a relatively quick learner, and since I've been watching my Dad my whole life, I had no trouble picking up some wood and starting to play.  As it turns out, I found a great guy to come and finish the basement framing, for a great price, and that freed up some of my mucho time this summer to play with the wood in my basement, and make the following!  :0) 

The first of two matching end tables for our deck.

This long table was my very first project.  We use it as a coffee table, and the kids sometimes use it as a little desk. 

This is the bench I made, in its new home, in our front garden!

And finally, I made a footrest for my Dad, as a late Father's Day gift, and a little box for my Mom.  She may use it as a planter, or just a basket in their home, for her crocheting.

Did I mention that ALL of this was made with wood otherwise headed to the dump?

The narrower pieces were all strapping from the basement that had to be removed for the framing to go up.  The 2X4's were remnants from the studs Dad cut and put in before he had to leave.

Watch the blog tomorrow for my DT reveal, and yet another use for 2X4 remnants. :0)

Way late Scrapping Nook June and July Reveals!

Gosh, I'm busy on this blog the last few days! lol
I have to say, since life has been NUTS around here, and it still is, I'm glad to be finally catching up a bit! 

I have had these layouts done for quite some time, but just now am I finally getting them up to show here!

June's DT kit from the Nook was the BEAUTIFUL Paper Girl line by The Girls Paperie.  So soft and feminine!!

Here's what I created.

These cards are made with the Tim Holtz stamps that also came in the kit.  I love how they make a stunning simple OLC.  (one layer card)

And now for my designs from this month, July! ;0)

The stunning Webster's Pages Seaside Retreat was my pleasure to play with.

Now to be completely truthful, I generally struggle with Webster's Pages.  Not because I don't love them, but I'm a little intimidated by them.  They're so beautiful just the way they are, I am afraid to cut them up and try something different...they seem to be perfection just as they are!

But, I made myself dig into this kit, and I'm so happy with the results!

Dh and DD with our sweet Brewie at the beach just a month ago!

Some true summertime fun in Tobermory!

This might be my fav. of this kit.  I love how this paper just is perfect all on it's own.  A teensy bit of embellishing, an oversized pic, and a title is all I had to do! :0)

Head on over to the Scrapping Nook today, and see what new goodies they have in the store!

KikiArt DT call!

The time has finally arrived! We are thrilled to announce the Kiki Art 2010 – 2011 Design Team call for this upcoming winter/spring! We are looking for talented and committed designers who love to create with bright and fun products. To apply, please email your application entitled Kiki Art DT Call to sarah@kiki-art.com with the following information:




1. A little bit about yourself. When did you start scrapbooking? How would you define your style? Are you on any other design teams? Have you been published before? Why would you make a great addition to our team? Please note that previous design team experience is not required. Be sure to include your first and last name, city/state/country, and your email address.



2. A link to your online gallery and/or blog so that we may get a general feel of your work. If you have a scrapbook resume, please feel free to send it in your application.



3. A scan or photograph of three (3) scrapbook layouts, one (1) card, and one (1) other project that displays your style. We would love to see projects that use Kiki Art products, but all applications will be considered.



All applications must be received by August 23rd.



Those invited to join the team will be notified via email, and the new team will be announced on the blog in early September.



New design team members will serve for six (6) months beginning in September 2010. Designers will be required to create a minimum of three (3) projects each month, participate on the design team forum, promote Kiki Art, etc. Designers will receive all products needed to complete their assignments, and compensation of published work will be negotiated.



If you have any questions regarding the DT call, please direct them to Sarah at sarah@kiki-art.com. Good luck to all those that apply, and we look forward to seeing all of your applications!

KikiArt Sneak Peek #3

I'm happy today to share with you our final sneak peek before CHA summer!!

This is a sneak from the new line

CHRISTMAS BEACH COLLECTION

I  wish I had more friends down south, to send Christmas cards to! lol  I will definately be making my Aunt Sheila's Christmas card with this line though.  She celebrates in Florida. ;0)

Don't forget to hit the KikiArt blog, and visit the other Design team members blogs for some other sneaks of this fun line!

KikiArt Sneak Peek #2

I'm back a little later than planned today...internet woes!

I'm happy to share with you the sneak peek for another of our new collections,

FIREFIGHTER & FRIENDS!!

I love this little doggy!

As you will see from some of the other sneaks if you're peeking at other DT member's blogs, this is a line that will also be great for HALLOWEEN! 

I can't wait to start cutting into this super cute line!

Tell me what you think so far! 

Which of the two new lines revealed so far, is your favourite?

I'm BACK!

It has been an absolute whirlwind of activity around with exciting things like flooding, school ending, a family vacation, getting a new puppy, and reno's resulting from the flood!  I'm sorry I haven't been here lately, and the next month still looks grim for much computer or scrapping time, with the continuing renos, but I HAD to pop in today to share with you a Super cute SNEAK PEEK from KikiArt!

I present to you, one of our sneaks from the brand new collection "PARTY ANIMAL" debuting at CHA Summer 2010!  {GRIN}

I can't wait to get my 'paws' on this and have some fun!  ;0)

Check out the KikiArt blog HERE

More Fancy Pants!

Just a quick post with some new Fancy Pants Roadshow layouts.

We had a very sad weekend here, as our oldest cat (still only 11 years old) Klaudie passed away unexpectedly.  The Dr. thinks it was kidney cancer.  I won't go into details, but this is a picture of him napping with my daughter almost exactly one year ago.   He was a GREAT family cat, and we all miss him so much!  I couldn't resist using these text bits from the line for this. 

Make the most of what you have

Rejoice while you're alive

Live life to the fullest

It's later than you think.

      -Horace

It's so true.

And this is our oldest on Earth day while we were out planting trees. 

Who knew 8 year old boys could be so moody! lol

Thanks for popping by!

The Scrapping Nook DT reveal and More Kiki Art!

Happy Tuesday everyone! 
Our KikiArt blog hopscotch has come to a close, and the winners are being announced!
Congratulations to all the winners throughout the hopscotch!

We're into May now, and it's time for me to share the start of my reveal for The Scrapping Nook
This month my DT kit included some gorgeous papers by Fancy Pants, from the Road Show line!

Among some pattern papers from the line, I got this beautiful flocked transparency!!  It's simply stunning to see it irl!  I was issued a challenge by the store manager to do something cool with it, and since I can't put down my new Tim Holtz shabby flower die, I decided to incorporate it into some pretty canvas flowers! :0)

You can click on any of the following pictures to see more detail.

there is a story behind the journaling on this one. lol 

We were at the farm, and I was patting the horses a lot, well my hand went all white from the dust and oils from their hair.  My little princess looked at it, and quickly exclaimed. "OH! Mommy!!  You have bum keem!"  lol  Guess she remembers her bum cream facial from last spring.  {giggle}

a cute little card

And now for my KikiArt layout that just went up on the KikiArt Blog today!

To get the deets on this one you can visit the KikiArt blog here.

And some KikiArt cards!

This one features an oven baked UTEE ornament!

And this one features Soot Stamping and the gorgeous China blue glittered pattern paper!

I hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday! 

We have a Winner!!

Random Integer Generator




Here are your random numbers:







30


Timestamp: 2010-05-04 12:37:25 UTC


When I count up 30 comments I get Reel Girl!!!



I have sent you an email through your blog. :0)


Once I recieve your mailing address, I'll get your altered matteboard out to you right away!

Thank you to everyone for your sweet comments! And good luck in the many other draws!! :0)

KikiArt Blog HOPSCOTCH!

Welcome to our first KIKI ART Design Team Blog Hop... however, we'd like to call it a BLOG HOPSCOTCH!

• When? During National Scrapbook Day weekend. :o)

Our hop runs from Thursday, April 29th until Monday, May 3rd.

• How to play?

You can start wherever you want, however, make sure to visit the blogs of our talented design team members. Also, please make sure to visit the Kiki Art blogs (English, French, and Spanish) to be eligible to win.

Each design team member was asked to select an organization that commits to helping others. Then, they created a project based on their organization featuring Kiki Art products. Make sure to take note of each organization/good cause each DT member has selected. ;0)


When you hop from blog to blog, hopefully you will get inspired by all of the beautiful Kiki Art work. We also hope that you are inspired to do good by getting involved in an effort to create a better world for all of us through these organizations.



• How to get a prize from the Kiki Art blog?

For your chance to win, you need to leave a comment on the Kiki Art blog letting us know which one(s) was/were your favorite blog(s) during our blog hop and what organization was displayed on that blog. (Don't limit yourself! You can choose as many blogs as you want!)

• How to get a prize from a Kiki Art design team member blog?

Many members of our design team have decided to give away a project that is related to the good cause they believe in. Leave a comment on their blog hop posts, and they will pick a random winner.
I am offering up an 8X10" altered matteboard pictured here!  Just leave me a comment to be entered to WIN!
On Tuesday, May 4th, all winners will be announced!

Let the BLOG HOPSCOTCH begin!!! Get inspired and enjoy!


Here's the list of names and blog addresses for all three Kiki Art blogs (English, French, and Spanish):



English/Anglais/Ingles

Fleur Smith – BC, CANADA - http://fleursbydesign.blogspot.com

Jillian Anger – ON, CANADA - http://www.sleepisnotrequired.blogspot.com YOU ARE HERE!

Linda Shewchuk – SK, CANADA - http://awesomememories.blogspot.com

Stephanie Hart – NS, CANADA - http://www.Stephanie-Hart.Blogspot.com

Tammy Lever – AB, CANADA - http://tampatha.wordpress.com

Virginia Wong – AB, CANADA - http://virginiawongmichiels.blogspot.com

Ann-Katrin – NORWAY - http://papirhobby.no

Annika Bergquist – SWEDEN - http://annikasblandning.blogspot.com

Carole Stirrat – WA, USA- http://www.carolestirrat.blogspot.com

Einat Kessler – ISRAEL - http://scrapinit.blogspot.com

Ellen Sosnoski – PA, USA - http://closeyourears.blogspot.com

Katrina Hunt – MO, USA - http://www.paperscissorsandglue.blogspot.com

Keely Yowler – KY, USA - http://www.keelyy.blogspot.com

Lynda Lindley – WA, USA - http://positive-force.blogspot.com

Meghan Epperly – FL, USA http://igiveacrop.wordpress.com

Nicole Rixon – CA, USA - http://www.onesweetromance.com

Ria Mojica – PHILIPPINES - http://www.cakesnscraps.blogspot.com

Sarah de Guzman – CA, USA http://redoaklines.com

Sophia Allison – SOUTH AFRICA http://sallison.blogspot.com

Vivi Rahman – BRUNEI http://vivs.typepad.com/tyroscrapper

KIKI - Arantza Izurrategui - QC, CANADA - http://www.bykiki.ca



Spanish/Espagnol/Español

Carolyn – USA & Panamá - http://carolynscrap.blogspot.com

Christine – USA - http://scrappygal-scrapthat.blogspot.com

Dessy – MEXICO - http://scrapenlasmontanias.blogspot.com

Lida – MEXICO - http://rainbowcrafter.blogspot.com

Olgacle – COLOMBIA - http://olgascrap.blogspot.com

Patty – MEXICO - http://mynameisscrappy.blogspot.com

Rebeca – ESPAÑA - http://mirinconscrap.blogspot.com

Rosa – ESPAÑA - http://scraprosarr2.blogspot.com

Tere – USA & Mexico - http://www.terecontodomicorazon.blogspot.com

Kiki Canada & Argentina - http://www.bykiki.ca



French/Francaise/Frances



Annie – Québec, Canada - http://annie10-unjourlafois.blogspot.com

Kimmieprout – Québec, Canada - http://kimmieprout.blogspot.com

Ladybird – Québec, Canada - http://www.blogladybird.blogspot.com

Loustic – Québec, Canada - http://uneviedeloustic.blogspot.com

Zamaline – Québec, Canada - http://janealiasjanik.blogspot.com

Marie France - Québec, Canada - http://www.kikiartist.com/mariefrance

Karine - Québec, Canada - http://karl-scrap.blogspot.com

- Kiki - Arantza Izurrategui - Québec, Canada - http://bykiki.ca/



Okay, now to share with you my cause and my giveaway!

Can you tell by looking at my giveaway what cause is near and dear to my heart?

                              (there is a journaling spot behind the photo mat)

I'll give you a hint.  Notice the finger painting 'strokes'  on the matteboard, and the Huge KikiArt Heart???  {{wink wink}}

Okay, if you haven't already guessed the organization that I'm supporting is the

Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation. 

When I was 16 my Dad suffered a heart attack, and thanks to the work of the Heart and Stroke Foundation he is still with us today!  I can't imagine my life without my Dad's support and influence!  I have two brothers-in-law as well that have survived heart attacks, as well

 as many aunts and uncles.  So in support of my Dad, John Astels, and my Brothers-in-law Allan B. and John P. , and aunts and uncles too numerous to name them all, I chose this as my cause.

The lamp post on here is also signifcant to me.  For many years my mother canvased door to door for Heart and Stroke Foundation, collecting money to aid in research.

If you would like to win this 8X10" altered matteboard, all you have to do is leave a comment here on my blog!   I am also including an extra lamp post die cut as I think it's just too cute not to give one away to the winner to play with on a layout for themselves! ;0)

Please don't forget to visit the blogs of all other participating DT memebers as listed above, and the KikiArt blogs and let them know which blog was your favouite!

Thanks for stopping by, and Good Luck!

Finally some KIKIART goodness to share!

I'm behind.  Way behind.  Yesterday was my 10th anniversary...that's my excuse.  I know, it's a TERRIBLE excuse, but there it is.  lol
I finally have time  to put up a few of my KikiArt designs! {GRIN} 

These little cuties were put up on the KikiArt blog yesterday!  Head to the ScorPal site to learn how to make them yourself...they're super duper easy!

This is my very first EVER layout with KikiArt goodies!  I love love their chipboard pieces, and had so much fun with this line!

But my favourite is yet to come...

This is dones with the Amore line of papers...and Tim Holtz new sizzix dies!  I'm in love!

It's a match made in heaven, I tell you!  KikiArt and Tim Holtz dies, with a dose of Martha Stewart punches for good measure! ;0)  Oh, and I can't forget my new QK die that I picked up at ScrapFest either!

See that lovely lace at the top...that's also KikiArt...and I'm in LOVE.  The laces are absolutely STUNNING!  I hope you can find some at a store near you soon!

And some other exciting news! 

Fresh on the Blog today, the blog hopscotch was just announced!

I hope you'll join us!  We will have some pretty great blog candy!! ;0)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Today's the Day!

No layouts to show just now, but TODAY is the big day!  ScrapFest opens at the Kitchener Aud in a matter of hours now!   I'm so excited this year, to be meeting some new people in person, especially Kiki and Sarah of KikiArt!

I'm on a serious countdown!

I'll be back with some pics tomorrow! :0)

Ribbon Rave Week 5

Over at Savvy N Sassy we are in week 5 of the great ribbon rave!  I have a very full week ahead of me, as I am expecting goodies from KikiArt, my kit from the Scrapping Nook, and my sketches to work on from Creatively Yours Sketches...on top of all this, I'm out Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Scrapfest is Friday and Saturday!  When it rains it really pours! lol

Our challenge this week was to 'alter' our ribbon and do a layout about yourself using dimension. UGH. lol  I'm not my favourite subject to scrap, but luckily I had this picutre still un-scrapped from our visit to Marineland last fall.  I was happy to alter some ribbon, and to use lots of dimension, it's the 'about me'  part that was tortuous. lol
I pulled this together.

I used LYB flocked paper, but it was very bland looking.  White flock on pale grey paper...so I inked it all up with my Ranger Distress inks.  Marigold, Rusty hinge and Vintage photo..they totally make the flocking POP!

a close up of the dimension, and Maya Road Iridescent mist....LOVE this mist...it's my favourite of all time I think!

TOn this one you can see my altered ribbons.  The wide one is just misted with the iridescent.

The cotton lace is misted with suede glimmer mist (another favourite) and I added some pretty pink pearls to it as well.  The brown twill has Maya Road rubon flowers on it, and is also misted with iridescent.  

The bling was all clear, and I used my copic E35 to colour them to match.  Title is Prima flocked alphas.

My sister asked me to duplicate a card for her that she saw in my gallery, so I ended up doing a small set.  I have one more unfinished, but these are the rest. :)

Thanks for stopping by!