Love Life's Little Pleasures

A Gathering Of Cousins

2012-01-26T00:00:00.001-05:00

I dug into a box of old pictures and came across one of me (bottom left) and three of my cousins. Gosh this was ages ago! Don't know the date, but I do know the place, my dad's parents house down on the Chesapeake Bay, MD. I loved going for a visit and especially when my grandfather would take us out on a boat ride. Those were the good old days!

Another fun layout using my January kit from Artful Delight!

Artful Delight's February kit reveal was posted yesterday and you can check out the post here.

Mine came in the mail yesterday and I can't wait to dig in and start creating!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

My Sweet Zoey

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I've scrapped a picture of my sweet dog Zoey!!

I call her my little shadow, as she follows me everywhere when I'm at home.

I made the decision this year to be more active in challenge blogs. When I saw the current challenge Weekend Warm Up #23 over at ScrapFIT, I knew it was for me. Use kraft cardstock on your layout. Artful Delight's January kit is full of kraft papers, plain and patterned.

I used kraft cardstock as my background paper and also punch the heart border using my Martha Stewart Lace Heart border punch.

I've not worked with kraft papers much and I must admit that I've enjoyed using my January kit from Artful Delight with all of the kraft papers by My Mind's Eye and Jillibean Soup.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

I'm Back And I Have Lots To Share . . .

2012-01-20T00:00:00.002-05:00

I want to thank all of you for your well wishes and prayers for my mom. It's been an emotional journey that has a happy ending. Friday 1/6, my sister and I were advised by the doctors that my mom wasn't going to make it. Her sodium levels had dropped to a critical level and her body was shutting down. In a flash we found ourselves saying our good byes. Well it seems as though God had other plans for my mom. He wasn't ready for her yet. After 4 days in ICU my mom was released and is doing fine. I am so thankful to still have my mom!

I'm thrilled to be the guest designer over at Stuck On U Sketches! Back in 2010 I was on their design team. Sandi, one of the co-creators of SOUS asked me to be a guest designer, and I couldn't resist.
Thanks girls for having me!

My layout is of my parents on their wedding day! It felt good to use up more of my stash. I just love the beautiful papers in the Crate Paper Portrait collection.

Here are a few closeups:

I added lots and lots of Recollection pearls.

I got to use my new Martha Stewart Vintage Doily punch. I hunted high and low for this punch and was finally able to purchase it from Frantic Stamper. What do you think of that beautiful resin photo corner? Isn't it beautiful!!!! I found it at Michaels. They have several different packages of them by Recollections.

The newest sketch at SOUS is designed by Nanne, and it's a gorgeous sketch:

Please stop by SOUS to see what their DT has created using Nanne's sketch and join in on the challenge!

Don't forget that today is the January Blog Hop at Frosted Designs!

Start the blog hop here at Frosted Designs! Have fun!!!!

And while you're there, don't forget that Frosted Designs is having a Design Team Call. Check out all of the details here.

You also still have time to enter the sketch challenge at Artful Delight. Create a project using the January sketch for a chance to win the February kit!

Between my mom and blogger issues, I haven't been doing much crafting lately or visiting your blogs. But I want to let you all know that I am back up and and running, and if blogger behaves I will be around to visit all of you.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Frosted Designs Design Team Call!!

2012-01-18T10:06:00.000-05:00

Frosted Designs is having a design team call!

If you want to work with an amazing group of talented designers, we are looking to add some new design team members! If you are interested and want to apply, head on over to Frosted Designs for all of the details.

We are looking for papercrafters of all kinds! If you can make scrapbook layouts, cards, altered art items, home decor items or like mixed media.... we want you!! One of the best things about Frosted Designs (in my opinion) is that we celebrate all kinds of crafters! We are not just a scrapbooking blog or a card blog. We want to let everyone share their skills and with 3 challenges going on all the time, there is something for everyone! We would like to fill some positions on all three of our teams. Let me tell you more about each one....

Fabulous Friday Teams: We have two teams of ladies that make up our Fabulous Friday teams. The focus of this team is to use up supplies you already have laying around the house that may have been neglected and forgotten about. For this team, you should be willing to do any of the following: scrapbook layouts, cards, altered art, home decor and mixed media items!

Sketch Along Tuesday Layout Team: This team makes scrapbook layouts that are inspired by the sketches we give them.

Sketch Along Tuesday Card Team: This team makes cards that are inspired by the sketches we give them.

No matter which team you prefer, the requirments for all of our designers remain the same....

1. Be willing to commit to a six month term. Your term would start the beginning of March and go until the end of August.

2. Create a project every other week for your assigned team.

3. Share a step by step tutorial 2 times during your 6 month term. (This can be with photos or video)

4. You will be required to comment on some of the projects that are entered into our challenge each week.

5. Keep an active blog that is updated frequently.

6. Post our challenge and your project on your blog on reveal day and link back to the Frosted Designs blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

2nd House On The Left

2012-01-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

Love, love , love the picture on my layout! It's of my grandparents house in Berkley Springs, W VA. I spent many wonderful times there. It was my home away from home growing up.

I used my January kit from Artful Delight and the current sketch over at Sketch Inspiration.

Play along with Sketch Inspiration for a chance to win Artful Delight's January kit. Be sure check out the other members of Artful Delight's DT to see their interpretation of the sketch:

Abby - Midwest Memories

Julie - Life with the Tucker and Wolek clan

June - Simply Elegant Paper Crafts

Kelly - Scrappin' Sisters

Leeanne -http://artfuldelight.blogspot.com/

Life has been hectic for me the past week. My mom ended up in the ICU on Friday.
Please keep her in your prayers.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

The Best Day

2012-01-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

Brrrr, it's cold here!

The last few days have brought chilly weather. Temps in the low 20's, a few flurries, and toss in some wind. It is suppose to warm up into the 50's by the weekend.

I've got a layout to share with you that I created using the January kit from Artful Delight.

Gotta love those old family pictures!

I will admit that I have not worked much kraft paper and was a little intimidated with the My Minds Eye Kraft Funday papers included in the kit. But all in all, I'm pleased with the end result.

My layout is based on Artful Delight's January sketch, designed by DT member Abby.

Hope you have time to play along!

The winner of the sketch challenge will win Artful Delight's February kit.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Happy New Years!!

2012-01-01T17:07:00.000-05:00

A new year and a new me . . .

I thought long and hard last night about my resolutions and decided that some changes are in order. The year 2011 was a tough year for me, one which really pulled me down. I'm glad it's behind me and I look forward to 2012 with two words in mind . . .

Take one day at a time, enjoy the moment and smile!

Life is too short and time passes so quickly.

Somethings I can control and some I can not.

Those that I can't control, I will not let consume me.

I hope that everyone enjoyed the holidays and celebrated the New Year with family and friends.

The first of the month means the kit and sketch reveal for Artful Delight. You are gonna love January's kit! It's packed with Studio Calico, Jillibean Soup and My Minds Eye.

Scrapbook Kit:

Card kit:

The kits are selling fast. There is only one scrapbook kit left and two card kits. You can check out the contents of both kits here.

For those of you who are looking for a bargain, some of the past kits are marked down. Check out Artful Delight's post here.

This month's sketch was designed by DT member Abby:

Play along for a chance to win the February kit!

I'll be sharing my layout using the sketch with you in a couple of days.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Family A Journey To Forever

2011-12-27T01:00:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays! It just seems as though it came and went so quickly. I had a wonderful time Christmas day celebrating with my family. I couldn't have asked for anything more special then to spend the day with my mom. I recently did a layout on my mom titled All I Want For Christmas Is You. You can see the layout here. My wish for Christmas was to have a special moment with my mom. Something I haven't been able to have with her for quite a while. I wanted a moment with my mom as she use to be, happy and smiling. Well, my wish came true. For a brief moment, my mom laughed and joined in on the fun of the day. It's hard to remember the last time I heard my mom laugh, let alone smile. Hearing the laughter from my mom warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. It was the best Christmas present ever!

Today is the new sketch reveal at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays! We've got a beautiful sketch designed by Ashley a member of the DT from our Fabulous Friday Challenge and I chose to scrap a picture of my mom and her family.

This was my first time working with Simple Stories papers.

I used some of their Generations collection and just love it!

Here is Ashley's sketch:

Hope you have the time in join in on the challenge. We've got a great sponsor, Burlap & Buttercups who have donated their gorgeous December kit:

Please stop over to see what our DT has created using Ashley' sketch.

A little over a year ago I started the Sketch Along Tuesday Challenge for Frosted Designs. It's been a lot of fun and a lot of work. It's been an honor to work with the members of my DT. Sadly, this will be my last post as the Sketch Coordinator for Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge. So much of my spare time now is spent caring for my mom and it's harder and harder for me to keep up with the pace as the challenge coordinator. Starting with the January 10th challenge, Andrea from our Fabulous Friday Challenge DT will be taking over as the Sketch Coordinator. I will continue to be a part of Frosted Designs, helping Barb and Diana run our great challenge blog!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Supplies: Simple Stories Generations, Prima flowers, Making Memories metals, K & Company bird.

Holiday Gift Bag

2011-12-24T09:59:00.000-05:00

Can't believe it's Christmas Eve! I'm running around like crazy trying to get my house cleaned and some last minute baking done before my family joins me tomorrow for Christmas. I made a cute little gift bag to hold some candy for my sister using my November add on kit from The Paper Bakery Kit Club and their December sketch #2.

I just love the cute little fabric tag included in the kit:

I'd like to take this moment to wish everyone the happiest of holidays!

May the joy of the holiday season warm your hearts!

Thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas!

. . . Debbie

Joy To The World

2011-12-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post to share with you a Christmas card I made utilizing scraps from my

December kit from Artful Delight.

Wishing all of you the happiest of holidays and a Merry Christmas!

. . . Debbie

All I Want For Christmas Is You - Stuck On U Sketches

2011-12-19T08:45:00.000-05:00

As I reflect on the year my thoughts continually center on one thing, my mom. Since her diagnosis this past summer of advanced dementia, I've seen bit by bit pieces of my mom vanish. It's a horrible diseases that robs one's precious mind. All that made my mom so special is gone. I've experienced emotions that I didn't know I had. I miss my mom and adjust on almost a weekly basis of getting to know this person, who in my heart is my mom, but is also now a stranger. I miss our daily talks. If I could have anything for Christmas, it would be a precious moment of mother and daughter as it use to be. I know in my heart that my Christmas wish, is just a wish. But if wishes could come true, all I want for Christmas is you . . .

I joined in on the sketch challenge over at Stuck On U Sketches and love the sketch designed by by Sandi Clarkson:

I used Authentique's Wonder collection along with lots of goodies I found in my stash.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Treasured Ornaments - The Paper Bakery December Sketch Challenge

2011-12-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! I can't believe that one week from today is Christmas Eve! Yikes, I still haven't started my wrapping. My agenda for today is wrap, wrap and wrap!

Recently I purchased the November Add On Kit from The Paper Bakery Kit Club. It's a great kit full of lots of Christmas goodies. I managed to squeeze in a few scrapping hours last night using their December sketch.

Here is The Paper Bakery's December sketch:

The ornaments on my layout are very old and treasured. My parents had bought them when they first got married years and years ago. At one time I had a total of 6 of them, but unfortunately over the years four of them broke. I just love old glass ornaments.
Here are a few closeups:

Love the pleated ribbon that came in the kit. I added a few flat back pearls from my stash.

Lots of cute embellishments in the kit, including some beautiful fabric. I cut out the flower and candy from the fabric strip.

I put my Martha Stewart deep edge punch, Skyland snowfall to use. Love this punch!
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Happy Holidays!
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Utilizing Your Scraps

2011-12-15T00:00:00.001-05:00

When I work with pattern papers that I love, I usually keep all of my scraps and try to use each and every one of them. I've enjoyed working with the December kit from Artful Delight, filled with beautiful papers by Authentique, Basic Grey and Lily Bee. Last week on the Pink Paislee Blog there was a tutorial by Karen Grunberg on making a gift card holder. Such inspiration!!!! You can read the tutorial here.

I'm so glad I held on to those scraps!
Loved how it turned out!!
If you'd like to order the December kit from Artful Delight there are still a few left.
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

You Are My Favorite Cousin!

2011-12-13T02:00:00.003-05:00

Gosh oh mighty, only 12 days until Christmas!!! Checking my list, shopping done, baking started, wrapping need to do! I don't know about you, but I hate wrapping gifts. I always leave it to the last minute. Well enough of my complaining and on to a layout!
I really had a a lot of fun working on this layout using a old photo of my son and nephew. I used my December kit from Artful Delight and the new sketch from Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays!

Love the mix of the Picadilly paper by Basic Grey and the cute Amy Tangerine embellishments in Artful Delight's December kit! There are still a few kits left to purchase. You can check out the contents here and place an order.

Hope you have some free time to join our sketch challenge over at Frosted Designs. Our sponsor is Paper Secrets! Please stop on over to see what our DT has created and join in on the fun.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

You're So Beautiful

2011-12-08T00:00:00.004-05:00

It's cold here! A front moved in yesterday and brought us a lot of rain. Last night it poured rain for hours. I didn't think it was ever going to end. The front that moved across the area ushered in colder temps. We went from 60 degree weather to the 40's. Snow was suppose to follow the rain and we were expected to get up to 2 inches. I was surprised this morning when I looked outside and saw no snow.
I have a layout to share with you today using the December kit from Artful Delight. I've used a mix of the Basic Grey Picadilly, Authentique Gathering and Lily Bee Head Over Heals. The beautiful woman in my layout is my Grandmother. I can't help but wonder what thoughts were running through her mind in the picture. The picture was taken shortly before she passed away from breast cancer. She was truly a lovely woman who lived a simple life and had an abundance of love to give to her family.

Here are some of the embellishments in the December kit:

There are still a couple of December kits left. You can check out the contents and order one here.
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Celebrate Life - Sketchy Thursdays 12.01 and Scrapping Everyday Miracles

2011-12-05T11:52:00.002-05:00

It's a cloudy morning today. The weekend was beautiful with sunny skies, even though there was a chill in the air. I managed to get my Christmas shopping done and got the house decorated for Christmas. Today I will be spending some time in the kitchen making a big batch of Chex Mix, Muddy Buddies and peanut butter cookies!

I spent some time this morning scrapping and used up some more papers I had in my stash. I had forgot all about the beautiful Pink Paislee Soiree collection I had purchased. I love the 12.01 sketch challenge at Sketchy Thursdays and knew it was one I wanted to do. I came across a picture of me, my brother and sister from ages ago. The picture is not the best of quality as it is small and worn, but I was thrilled when I found it. My sister and I were wearing dresses my mom had made us. The dress I had on was my favorite! The bottom of the dress was filled with handmade embroidery. This picture has such a special meaning to me as it holds a special spot in my heart for a beautiful creation given to me by my mom. I found a new challenge blog, http://scrappingeverydaymiracles.blogspot.com and their current challenge is Christmas Miracles, scrap a blessing or miracle in your life. My blessing is my beautiful mom and the memories I hold in my heart. I'm not sure at this point in her illness that she would be able to remember the dress, but as a child I thought it was so beautiful and it made me feel like a princess. I am truly blessed to have this picture. In case you want to know, I'm in the middle!

Just love this sketch by Sketchy Thursdays:

I love the flowered paper in the Soiree collection! Perfect for fussy cut work!

I have to thank Jennifer at Scrappin Daze for her 12/4 post highlighting a bunch of cute images at Smitten Blog Designs. I paid the blog a visit and was amazed at all of the beautiful free images. Make sure you pay them a visit. I came across a cute little image that I used here:

I also used some gorgeous Basic Grey rub ons and a bunch of flat back black pearls by Recollections:

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Supplies used: Pink Paislee Soiree Collection, KI Memories Glitter Borders Weekdays Black, My Favorite Things Die-namics Wonky Scallop Border Die, SEI Black Ink, Elle's Studio Tag, Tags by Smitten Blog Designs, Black Flat Back Pearl by Recollections

Bloom & Grow

2011-12-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

Artful Delight's December kit is gorgeous and packed with lots of embellishments! Quite a few of them are hand made by myself and Leeanne, owner of Artful Delight. The December Scrapbook kit is available for order along with the December Card kit and lots of other goodies! Check it out here! I love the papers in the kit from Authentique's Gathering collection and used them on this layout of me.

Here are some of the handmade flowers from the kit along with a
Amy Tangerine embellishment and Basic Grey wooden button

I used my Martha Stewart Scallop Dot border punch, some Pumpkin Spice Chalk Ink by Tsukneko and added some of the orange twine from the kit to create this border:

The December kit also contains some beautiful orange ribbon which I used here along with some metal flowers by Basic Grey, also included in the kit.

My layout is based on Artful Delight's December sketch ASC #15 which I designed:

Hope you have time to play along. One lucky winner will receive Artful Delight's January kit. I've been helping Leeanne put the kits together and I've got to say that the January kit is going to be another great one!
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

It's Not Just A Job, It's An Adventure

2011-11-29T01:30:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and for the brave ones out there, a Happy Black Friday!

I will admit that I have never ventured out on Black Friday. Sure there are some good sales, but I've found that you can still find great bargains after Black Friday.

I've got a layout to share with you today using the November kit from Artful Delight and Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Sketch #29 Challenge.

Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Sketch #29:

Just love the picture of my grandfather on this layout!

He was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounties!

Love that the picture has my grandmother's hand writing!

I did a little stamping.

I have really enjoyed working with my November kit from Artful Delight. If you would like to order one you can here.

Please stop on over at Frosted Designs to see what the DT has created using Sketch #29 and enter a layout for a chance to win $20.00 towards a purchase of products from our sponsor, The Paper Bakery.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:17:00.000-05:00

Wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

As I sit here and type this I am filled with emotions and grateful to be able to have my family together today to celebrate the holiday. Most of all I am thankful for my wonderful, beautiful mom and for what she has taught me through the years and the love she has brought into my life. I am thankful that she will be with us today and this Thanksgiving will be a bittersweet one as her dementia has advanced so much more quickly then I could have ever imagined.

Love you mom!

May this day bring you all joy and happiness and comfort in being with those that are such a special part of your lives.

. . . Debbie

Artful Delight December Kits Reveal and Shopping Specials!!!

2011-11-21T06:00:00.002-05:00

December is right around the corner and Artful Delight has two great kits for reveal today. One for scrapbooking and one for cardmaking.

Scrapbook Kit

the kit includes:
Basic Grey Picadilly collection (12x12 sheets - 1 each)
Farm Life
Home Sweet Home
Blue Plate Special
Cloth Feed Sacks
Lemongrove Avenue
Bread Box
Eat at Joe's
Fresh Baked Bread
Flap Jack Breakfast
Authentique Gathering collection (12x12 sheets - 1 each)
Together
Harmony
Bloom
Lily Bee Design Head Over Heals collection (12x12 - 1 each)
Slushie
Dreamy
Coordinating Cardstock - Bazzill (12x12 - 1 each)
Turquoise Mist
Green Tea
Red Rock
Jacaranda
Embellishments - sizes and color may vary per kit
1 package American Crafts Thickers - Jewelry Box in White
3 - Basic Grey Picadilly collection Wood Buttons
1 package - Amy Tangerine - Hi Friend Remarks stickers
1 sheet - Authentique Gathering collection Icons
3 - Basic Grey Picadilly collection -Metal Flowers
5 - Amy Tangerine - Field House Paper Leaves
1 package - Basic Grey Picadilly collection - Die Cut shapes
approx 10 yards - Orange Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Light Blue Ric Rac - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Orange Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 Artful Delight handmade Orange Felt Loop Flower
1 Artful Delight handmade Light Blue Felt Loop Flower
2 Artful Delight handmade butterfly embellishments
1 large double sided handmade rosette (Debbie)
1 handmade circle scallop (Debbie)
2 handmade brown and white flowers (Debbie)
1 handmade orange and white flower (Debbie)
*the picture shows 2 large handmade rosettes but it will only include 1*

Card kit

the kit includes:
Basic Grey Picadilly collection (6x6 sheets - 2 each)
Farm Life
Home Sweet Home
Blue Plate Special
Cloth Feed Sacks
Lemongrove Avenue
Bread Box
Eat at Joe's
Fresh Baked Bread
Flap Jack Breakfast
Authentique Gathering collection (6x6 sheets - 2 each)
Together
Bloom
Lily Bee Design Head Over Heals collection (6x6 - 2 each)
Slushie
Dreamy
Coordinating Cardstock - Bazzill (8 1/2x11 - 4 each)
Turquoise Mist
Green Tea
Jacaranda
Embellishments - sizes and color may vary per kit
1 stamp set - Paper Smooches - Word Up
1 package Basic Grey Picadilly collection Wood Buttons
1 package - Amy Tangerine - Hi Friend Remarks stickers
1 sheet - Authentique Gathering collection Icons
3 - Basic Grey Picadilly collection -Metal Flowers
3 - Amy Tangerine - Field House Paper Leaves
approx 10 yards - Orange Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Light Blue Ric Rac - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Orange Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 Artful Delight handmade Orange Felt Loop Flower
1 Artful Delight handmade Light Blue Felt Loop Flower
2 Artful Delight handmade butterfly embellishments
2 small double sided handmade rosettes (Debbie)
1 handmade circle scallop (Debbie)
2 small handmade orange and white flowers (Debbie)
1 - 0.5 fl oz bottle of Glossy Accents

Use coupon code (HAPPYHOLIDAYS) for $5 off (min order $10)

Free shipping on orders $50 or more. (no coupon needed)

New in the Artful Delight Store:
American Crafts This To That Adhesives.
They retail for $19.99 but you can purchase them for $17.49 New from Crate Paper - Paper Heart and Peppermint paper collections and chipboard
The collection packs will sell for $17.50 a piece and the chipboard will sell for $4.75 a piece.

Use coupon code (HAPPYHOLIDAYS) for $5 off (min order $10)

The coupon code is good Nov 24-27.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday and happy shopping!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Made With Love For My Mom

2011-11-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

I've got a couple of holiday projects to share with you today that I made for my mom. I used my November kit from Artful Delight which contains papers and embellishments from Prima, Bo Bunny and Fancy Pants.

First I have a card to share:

I love the background paper, Maine Meadow from Prima's North Country collection. The November kit contains some handmade felt flowers by Leeane, which I took apart and added some stitching, and topped it off with a brad from Bo Bunny's Blitzen collection.

My next project is a Christmas Tree. I got my inspiration from this post at Lifestyle Crafts blog.

I thought this would be perfect for my mom to place on top of her piano.

I used my Spellbinders Nestablilties Lacey Circles to cut out seven each of the 5 circles.

Top of tree:

Middle of tree:

Bottom of tree:

After assembling the tree,

I adorned it with Prima chipboard shapes and flowers from their North Country Collection and added some greenery from my stash.

The November kit is packed with gorgeous papers and embellishments perfect for those holiday photos! So far I've been able to create 3 layouts, 1 card and my Christmas tree from the kit. If you are interested in purchasing a kit you can order it here.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

A Happy Holiday

2011-11-15T01:00:00.011-05:00

I decided that the time had come to dive into some old Christmas photos. I came across one from 1994, when my daughter (3rd from the left) was 3 1/2 and my son (the one on the end with the goofy face) was 6, along with their cousins. I'm sure everyone knows how hard it is to get a good group picture, and this one truly ranks low on my list of "good" pictures, but you gotta love those little ones, and all of their different expressions! (click on the picture to get a better look!)

I based my layout on the new Sketch Along Tuesdays Sketch Challenge at Frosted Designs and used the sketch designed by Karin:

I used my November kit from Artful Delight which contains a mix of papers and embellishments from Prima, Bo Bunny and Fancy Pants. Everything on my layout came from the November kit with the exception of embroidery floss, some bling and a Christmas Tree button from Purple Pumpkin. If you would like to order the November kit from Artful Delight there are still a few left. You can order it here. Don't forget also to check out Artful Delight's November sketch challenge.

Please head on over to Frosted Designs to see what the DT has created using Karin's sketch. You will be amazed! Hope you can play along with us for a chance to win this amazing package from our sponsor Vintage Street Market.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Enchanting

2011-11-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

Brrrrr ..... it's cold!!! Mother Nature for the most part has been off this year with the weather. One day it's warm and in the 60"s and the next, cold and in the 40's. This time of the year here in Maryland the leaves have changed into magical colors that are breath taking and have dropped. But, here it is November 12th, and the majority of the leaves are still on the trees and just starting to drop. I can't remember it ever being like this before. The back and forth weather has wreaked havoc on my sinues, and I've been sick for the last week. Actually everyone in my house is sick. We all can't seem to kick whatever it is we have.

I've got a layout to share with you today using the gorgeous November kit and sketch from Artful Delight. The beautiful Prima North Country papers and embellishments in the kit were perfect for the beautiful photo my daughter took of the back of our property a few years ago.

The kit includes some beautiful red velvet ribbon which I adorned with a Bo Bunny brad, part of the Bo Bunny Blitzen collection which can be found in the kit.

I love the cute little Prima stamp tucked behind the North Country flowers that came in the kit. I added some stickles from my stash to the flowers.

There are still a few November kits available at Artful Delight. You can check out the contents and order one here,

and

don't forget that Artful Delight has a sketch challenge going on.

Check it out here! Enter a layout using the sketch for a chance to win a December kit.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Livin' The Good Life - Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays and Artful Delights's November Kits

2011-11-01T01:00:00.002-04:00

The new sketch challenge is up at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays.

I'm on a roll using up my stash and my layout highlights a lot of beautiful products from one of my favorite manufacturers, October Afternoon.

Here's the current Sketch Along Tuesdays Sketch:

and a few closeups of my layout:

Hop on over to Frosted Designs to see what the DT has created using the sketch and join in the fun! Our sponsor for this challenge is Artful Delight.

And while I am on the subject of Artful Delight, it's the first of the month and that means the November kits are for sale.

The Scrapbook kit is packed with goodies!

and for you card makers, here is the November card kit:

You can check out all the details of the kits here.

Enter Artful Delights Sketch challenge using the November sketch

for a chance to win a December Scrapbook kit!
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Be Cheerful It's Contagious - Sketchy Thursdays

2011-10-30T15:08:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was the perfect day to scrap. It was cold outside, with temps in the thirties and snowing. Yes, I did say snow! It was the first October snow here in 32 years.

I was drawn to Sketchy Thursdays 10-27 Sketch

and on a mission to use up some more of my stash.

I found this beautiful rub on sheet from Hambly Studios that cried out - please use me!!!!!!!!!!!

I paired it with a piece of brown cardstock, added some hand stitching and embellishments

and an adorable picture of my son hugging his cousin.

I'm proud to say that not one thing on this layout is new! It's amazing what you can find when you take time to go through your stash!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Supplies: Hambly Screen Prints Rub Ons, Jenni Bowlin Cut & Past Alpha Tiles, Bella Blvd. Sophisticates Esstentials, Jillibean Soup Journaling Sprouts, Lilly Bee Lovely Rub Ons, Echo Park Life Is Good Stickers, button

Life -- Enjoy The Journey

2011-10-21T17:16:00.000-04:00

Another layout finished! I used some more of my finds from my stash! It does feel good to use some of what has been hidden from me in quite awhile! I've got a little bit of Sassafras Lass and Cosmo Cricket on it plus some odds and ends from some old kits I had purchased.

I was looking through some old pictures of my kids and came across this one of my son and nephew. I'm pretty sure the picture was taken while they were getting ready to go on a ride at the boardwalk. I looked at the expressions on their cute little faces and it made me think of life and what it holds for them.

I have a storage container full of rubons. There was a time when I was into buying them, packing them away and then never using them. I was amazed what the container held. I put quite of a few of them to use on my layout.

I'm getting ready to work on another layout and again am going to use some papers and such that I found while cleaning out my supplies!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Supplies used: Rubons: Scenic Route and One Heart One Mind; Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride and Togetherness; Sassafrass Lass Nerdy Bird and Amplify; October Afternoon Modern Homemaker; American Crafts Thickers; Tim Holtz Stamp, Tsukineko Eggplant VersaMagic Ink

You and Me - Do More With Less Guest Blogger & Challenge

2011-10-18T01:00:00.001-04:00

I was thrilled when the ever so talented Yvonne over at Do More With Less asked me to be her guest blogger and share my passion of scrapbooking vintage photos. I love Yvonne's crafty style and always enjoying visiting her blog to see her newest creations. Please stop by Yvonne's blog where I am sharing this vintage layout

and play along with my challenge for a chance to win this little package filled with vintage goodies:

My layout is a great combination of
beautiful Webster's Pages paper, an old photo of my mom and her little brother and Sketch #26 from Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge.
Here are a few closeups of my layout, which includes a lot of fussy cut work and layering:

Stop on over at Frosted Designs and play along with our Sketch Along Tuesdays Sketch #26 Challenge.

We've got a great sponsor for this challenge, Scrapbook Circle, who has generously donated one of their October kits:

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Not My Best Day

2011-10-17T08:56:00.001-04:00

I had a lot of fun working on this layout and Sketchy Thursdays 10.13 sketch challenge.

The year was 1992 and the subject in my layout, my son. We were on our annual family vacation at Avalon NJ. It was one of those vacations that the whole family took together. We're talking grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. All in all usually a great time, especially for the kids! This particular year, my son came down with the chicken pox while on vacation. He was beyond miserable as you can see in the picture. Now mind you when one comes down with chicken pox, so does another and another and another.

The current sketch at Sketchy Thursdays caught me eye this week, more for the journaling aspect of it.

Again it felt good to use up some papers and embellishments I came across when cleaning out my scrapbook stash.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Supplies used: Bo Bunny Ad Lib and Garden Girl, Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride and Wanted chipboard, Sam & Lucy Weave Extras Teeny Tiny Alphabet Stickers, Sassafras Nerdy Bird cloud sticker

Sun Kissed

2011-10-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

Cleaning out my scrapbook supplies is a long and endless task, but the rewards of my labor make up for every minute of cleaning! I've come across so many papers I forgot I had, one being Bo Bunny's Beach Babe Collection. I paired them up with some cute Purple Pumpkin buttons and doily and their October sketch.

I rotated the sketch:

My layout also fits the bill for the current challenge over at The Paper Variety, Week 55 Nautical Theme. I love it when I can combine a layout for a couple of challenges!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. We've had a few days of rain, which have ended for now, but ushered in some cooler weather. The leaves are finally turning color and a lot of them have fallen thanks to the windy days we've had.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Picture Perfect Life Moments

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

I finished up another layout using the October kit from Artful Delight. It's a tribute to my father in law Tex, who passed away last year. A daily part of his routine was reading the newspaper.

Life Moments was cut from the Cricut Sophisticated cartridge which I got for my birthday. There are some beautiful cuts on this one!!

The mini rosette was cut from the Tim Holtz Alterations Mini Paper Rosettes die!

The ink splatters are from a stamp, I ordered a while ago from Cocoa Daisy.

The camera and hand are My Minds Eye stamps.
There are still a few October kits left at Artful Delight. You can check out the contents of the kit here and place an order.
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

We Gotta Stick Together

2011-10-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend! I've been busy with my sister going through stuff in my mom's house. Yikes what a job!!! It's amazing what my mom has accumulated over the years. Not much scrappy time for me, but I did manage to squeeze in a little time the other evening to work on this layout of my in laws on their honeymoon using the October kit from Artful Delight.

Love the mix of the Bo Bunny Et Cetera Collection and Pink Paislee Nantucket Collection!

There are still a few kits left and if you would like to order one you can here.

Don't forget to play along with Artful Delight's October sketch challenge for a chance to win the November kit.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . .Debbie

Everything About You Makes Me Smile

2011-10-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

I've got a layout to share today of my daughter at the age of two. Love this picture of her!

I used the October kit from Artful Delight along with their October sketch.

I really enjoyed working with the beaufitul papers in the kit from a new manufacturer, FabScraps.

There are still a few kits left. If you would like to check out the contents and order one, you can here.

Play along with us using the October sketch for a chance to win the November kit!

Here are a few closeups:

Gorgeous embellishments from the kit, along with a little fussy cutting!

Some more fussy cut work!

Leeanne made this beautiful rolled rose out of felt for the kit. I added a butterfly punched froma Martha Stewart punch and the clock is from a Girls Paperie stamp.

The mannequin is from a Girls Paperie stamp and the frame is from my stash. On the mannequin in another rolled felt rose by Leeanne.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Remember All Of The Little Details

2011-10-04T01:00:00.002-04:00

One thing that's nice when you take the time to clean out your scrapbook stash, is coming across papers you forgot you had. I loved The Girls Paperie, and was sad when they were no longer going to manufacture their beautiful collections. I had held on to some of their Paper Girl Collection and used them for my layout.

The beautiful peonies in my layout were from my mother's garden a few years ago. Gorgeous as ever!

Sadly, with my mother suffering advanced dementia, she no longer knows what a peony is. I'm thankful to have this picture to remind me of her once beautiful peonies.

My layout is based on Sketch #25, which I designed for Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge. The reveal is today and I hope you can stop by to see what our DT has created.

I love when I can incorporate a challenge into my layout. Stuck On U Sketches has a die cut heart challenge currently going on.

I punched several layers from a Die-namics die, Petal Point Trio from a dress pattern to make this flower and placed a beautiful heart adorned with a Webster's Pages Cameo next to it.
Here are a few closeups:

A beautiful frame by K and Company adorned with a detailed flourish from Cheery Lynn's

Victorian Romance Flourish die.

And finally a lace border cut with Cheery Lynn's Border Carnivale die.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Supplies used: Girl's Paperie Paper Girl Collection, K and Company Frame and Life's Journey Paper, Creative Imaginations Narratives y Karen Russell paper, Webster's Pages Cameo, My Favorite Things Die- Namics die, Cheery Lynn dies.

This and that . . .

2011-10-01T10:20:00.004-04:00

Fall has arrived! It's in the 40's this morning and raining. The leaves are starting to turn color and drop to the ground. My mums are in full bloom and gorgeous as ever. I'm in the mood to do a little fall cooking on a day like today which will include a pot of beef stew and some pumpkin bread.

It's October 1st and that means the October scrapbook and card kits are up for sale at Artful Delight.

Scrapbook Kit

Card Kit

Leeanne is offering a 25% discount off of prepaid orders for a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription.

The October sketch is also up at Artful Delight:

You can check out all of the details here.

Today is World Card Making Day and over at Practical Scrappers there is a contest going on. I made it through to the first round (make a card using pink) with my Surround Yourself card.

There are a total 40 cards that were chosen for the first round and I was thrilled to have mine chosen. Now the voting is up to you to decide which 20 cards out of the 40 will make it into the second round. I'd love to have your vote. To vote just leave a comment under Round One, Group Four for my card. Commenting has been turned off so you won't see anyone else's comments. You can see my card here.

The Fall Issue of ScrapStreet.com Magazine is online and I have a layout published in it in their Feeling Punch category. Check it out here.

I've been super busy lately spending time with mom and helping her with her adjustment into senior living. I'm pleased at how well she has settled into her apartment and adapted to her new surroundings. However, it's left me little free time to scrap.

With that said, I'm leaving you with a little sneak peek of a layout that I'll share with you on Tuesday.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Surround Yourself With Splendid Things

2011-09-26T00:00:00.005-04:00

After working with the August kit from Artful Delight, it was love at first sight with Authentique Paper! I love this new company and their gorgeous collections! I happened upon their blog and saw they were having a color challenge and knew I had to put something together to enter:

Here's their color challenge:

and a close up of my card:

I used papers from their Splendid, Blissful and Uncommon collections.

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Artful Delight's Birthday Bash Blog Hop Day 3

2011-09-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Day 3 of Artful Delight's Birthday Bash Blog Hop. You should have arrived from Julie's blog. If not please head over to Leeanne's blog and hop your way along. Today's challenge is a color challenge: kraft, pink and white.

Now for all of you that know me, I've always been a hands on scrapper. Believe it or not this layout is digital! My very first digi layout! A while ago I had purchased a gorgeous digital kit by Pink Lotty called Vintage Collection. I love the elements in the kit along with picture of my grandmother. I still prefer to be a hands on scrapper, but found digital to be much quicker. Who knows, maybe from time to time I might give it a try again.
Your next stop on the blog hop is Kelly, but before you head on over, I'd like to share with you the reveal of Artful Delight's October kits:
Scrapbook kit

Card kit

You can check out all of the contents of the October Scrapbook and Card kit over at Artful Delight.

Your next stop on our blog hop is Kelly's blog. Be sure to comment along the way, your name might be randomly chosen to win a prize. You have until September 30th to link up your projects over at Artful Delight!

Have fun!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Artful Delight's Birthday Bash Blog Hop Day 2

2011-09-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Day 2 of Artful Delight's Birthday Bash Blog Hop. You should have arrived from Julie's blog. If not please head over to Leeanne's blog and hop your way along. Today's challenge is tic-tac-toe.

All you have to do is chose 3 elements in a row. I went diagonal and used (1) make a card (2) include at least one button (3) use a border punch. Everything on my card is from the September kit with the exception of the button.

Your next stop is Kelly's blog. Be sure to comment along the way, your name might be randomly chosen to win a prize. Don't forget to link up your projects over at Artful Delight!

Have fun!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Artful Delight's Birthday Bash Blog Hop

2011-09-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Artful Delight’s first blog hop.

You should have arrived here from June's blog. If you didn't, please start at Artful Delight's blog.

There is a lot to celebrate this weekend. Today is Leeanne's birthday and what better way to celebrate than with games and prizes! Happy Birthday Leeanne!!!! We hope you can play along. For the next three days we will have a challenge each day. Play along with the challenges for your chance to win the GRAND PRIZE!!! Each day we will have some awesome inspiration, hop along with us and leave some comments. Random commenters will be chosen for a chance to win prizes. We will be also be announcing the new Delightful Designers today. We will end the weekend on Sunday with the October kit reveal and our final challenge.

The challenges will remain open to play along with until September 30. All winners and prizes will be announced on Artful Delight's blog the evening of September 30^th.

So who wants to know what the GRAND PRIZE is? Are you ready for it……..the winner of the grand prize will receive a 6 month subscription to Artful Delight kits!!!! All you have to do is play along with the challenges. You can play along with one or all three for more chances. Just upload your project in the linky tool on Artful Delight's blog (in the sidebar) for your chance to win. Please label it with the challenge you are playing along with and your name.
For 1 week only Leanne is offering pre-payment on subscriptions. There will be an option to purchase a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription with a coupon code for 34% off. The coupon code will be taken off just the price of the subscription and then the full shipping charges will be applied at checkout.

So just so you see the savings, there is a $9.35 savings per kit (off the 6 month subscription price) if you pre-pay and use the coupon code. It is only on pre-payment of subscriptions.

There will be a 15% coupon code for any purchase over $23.00.

The 34% off coupon code is BDAYBASH
The 15% off coupon code is BDAYBASH15

So who’s ready for some fun? Below is a list of participants for our blog hop. Hop along and meet our new designers and also see some great inspiration.

Leeanne - Delightful Inspiration

Julie – Life with the Tucker and Wolek clan

Courtney – Courts Crafts

June – Simply Elegant Paper Crafts

Debbie – Love Lifes Little Pleasures

Kelly – Scrappin’ Sisters

April - Scrapper Forever

Marlene – Scrappin’ Cookie

Here is today's challenge. It is a sketch challenge:

And here is my layout

My cute little kiddos from way back when they got along! Everything on the layout is from the September kit.

Your next stop on the blog hop is a visit to one of the new designers, Kelly. You can visit Kelly's blog here.

Hello, My name is Kelly, and I first off want to say that I am SO excited to be joining the extremely talented group of ladies here at Artful Delight! A little about me...I am 24 years old, and I grew up in northern Minnesota, which is where I live now, right by the beautiful Lake Superior. I am engaged to be married to a wonderful man, Jeremy, and we have one beautiful daughter, Lilah Jeanne (15 months old). I work part time at an assisted living facility. I began scrapbooking shortly after Lilah was born, and fell in love! I have very quickly learned so much, and continue to grow in this amazing hobby! I have dabbled in card making, but I find it very challenging, and focus most of my creative time on scrapbooking. I especially love participating in many the great sketch/challenge sites out there, and I share a blog with my older sister, Erin, who shares the same passion for this hobby. I also enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, taking pictures, cooking/baking, reading, and shopping.
Have fun and don't forget to check back tomorrow for the next challenge!
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Beauty Comes From Within

2011-09-20T02:00:00.002-04:00

It seems as though summer has left us here in Maryland and Fall is making it's arrival. We've had some chilly weather and have had temps in the 40's in the mornings. In a matter of a few days I've gone from shorts and flip flops to jeans and sneakers!
To me there is nothing more rewarding then the ability or should I say talent to capture that perfect picture! My daughter has the eye for that and I chose to scrap a picture she took of one of the lilies in my garden.

If you look close enough you can see an ant inside of the flower.

I used up some scraps from my September kit from Artful Delight. Gosh I love this kit!
There are still a couple of kits left. If you would like to order one you can check out the contents of the kit and order it here.
I broke out of my comfort zone on this layout and got a little ambitious in the "artsy" department.
I stamped some flourishes from an Autumn Leaves stamp and added some orange applique:

I punched out some butterflies and used the negative piece of cardstock and did a little masking with some Glimmer Mist and added some hand stitching:

My layout is based on the new sketch #24 reveal at Frosted Designs:

I went clean and simple with this sketch design. Please stop by Frosted Designs to see what our DT has created with the sketch I designed.
For those of you that subscribed to Scrapbook News and Reviews check out the latest issue, Vol. 4, Issue 9. I have two layouts published in it, Frolic and The Merry Widow.

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Supplies Used: Jillibean Soup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Crate Paper Farmhouse Collection; Country Side and Cross Stitch, Bazzill Cardstock, Glimmer Mist Tuscan Sun, Color Box Ink Tangerine and Lime Pastel, Martha Stewart Punch All Over The Page Butterfly, Martha Stewart Infinite Loops Trim Border Punch, Autumn Leaves Swirl Stamps by Rhonna Farrer,DMC Embroidery Floss, Orange Liquid Applique

Apple Pie

2011-09-14T00:00:00.002-04:00

I've really enjoyed working with the September kit from Artful Delight! I love Autumn and it's beautiful color palette. My mojo has been on a roll this month and I hope it keeps on going!

The picture is of my daughter and mother in law back from 2002. I have an orchard full of plum, peach, pear and apple trees. My father in law picked a bunch of apples and Sara and her Mom Mom spent the day making homemade apple pies.

Everything on the layout is from the September kit with the exception of the green ribbon.
There are still a few kits left to purchase. You can check out the contents here.
Don't forget to mark your calendar for Artful Delight's blog hop!

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

So Thankful

2011-09-10T00:00:00.003-04:00

I'm jumping for joy as the sun came out today!!!

I forgot what blue skies looked like.

Tropical Storm Lee hit the Northeast hard and did not want to leave. We endured 5+ days of rainfall.

Never thought in a million years that in a two week time period that I would experience an earthquake, hurricane and tropical storm!

I've got another layout to share with you that I created using the September kit from Artful Delight and Celebration Challenge #3 at The Paper Variety - Scrap your favorite photo.

Yes that's me and yes my hair is in pin curls!
I rarely scrap myself, but love this old photo. It brings back so many childhood memories.

When I saw the chipboard piece by Crate Paper, Bobby Pins

5 cents, I was hoping that I would find an old picture of me. My dad insisted when when my sister and I were little that we looked like proper little ladies. Every night my mom would put our hair up in pin curls. I hated it!! I was the good daughter and kept them in. My younger sister was quite the opposite and always pulled them out. I was so excited to find this picture to scrap! I titled it So Thankful because the picture of me was at Christmas opening a present. I thought after I finished the layout I really should have title it So Thankful I Don't Have To Wear Pin Curls Anymore!

Everything I used on my layout is in the September kit with the exception of the Jenni Bowlin buttons and October Afternoon alphas. I've been on Leeanne's DT for 11 months now and this kit is my favorite! If you would like to see the contents of the kit and order one, just click here.

Don't forget to save the date:

There will be lots of challenges and prizes!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Nana's Kitchen

2011-09-08T08:41:00.001-04:00

Hope you don't mind another layout using an old photo!!!

This one actually has me in it!

I'm the cute little one in the high chair with the awful bangs! The woman in the right background is my Nana.

I love the new Farmhouse collection by Crate Paper!!!! The Paper Variety is celebrating their one year anniversary and today's celebration challenge #2 on their blog is to use your favorite manufacturer! I love Crate Paper!!

The colors are right down my alley and I just adore the chipboard shapes! Artful Delight's September kit is packed full of the papers and chipboard shapes along with some new Jillibean Apple Cheddar Soup papers!

The September kit has been a hugh hit and their are still a couple left. If you would like to order one, you can order it here.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Life You're Beautiful

2011-09-06T01:30:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend! I know I did.

It's raining here and unfortunately rain is in the forecast for the entire week! I guess a good excuse to get some scrapping done!
I could scrap old photos forever!! It tends to be my preference lately, and I keep reminding myself that I need to get back to scrapping present day photos! I've been holding on to some papers and chipboard stickers from the Bo Bunny Gabrielle collection and came across a beautiful picture from my mom's childhood that was a perfect match!

My mom, her dad and siblings spending a day out on the lake!

Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays has a new sketch reveal today and I based my layout on it:

I've really enjoy designing sketches!
Here are a few closeups:

Hope you can stop by Frosted Designs to meet our new Design Team and see what they have created, and join in on our sketch challenge!
Our sponsor for this sketch challenge is Artful Delight and one lucky person will win their beautiful and colorful September kit:

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Supplies : Bo Bunny Gabrielle paper and layered chipboard, Graphic 45 Once Upon A Springtime, Glitz Laced With Grace, Martha Stewart Scallop Dot and Double Scallop border punches, American Crafts By The Yard Fabric Letter Stickers, Tsukineko Jumbo Java Ink

Sweet Mums

2011-09-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

It's truly a sign that Autumn will be upon us soon when the chrysanthemums bloom! I made sure last fall to take some pictures of my sweet mums. This year's plants are full of blooms, ready to open any day now!

I had a lot of fun using my September kit from Artful Delight and the beautiful Crate Paper Farmhouse papers and chipboard! My layout is based on Artful Delight's September sketch. Hope you can join us and create a project using the sketch and enter it for a chance to win the October kit.

The September kit includes some exclusive handmade embellishments, including this pretty maroon flower I made and the gorgeous sunflower made by Leeanne!

The September kit is up for sale, and you can check out the contents of it and place an order here.

Hope everyone enjoys the long holiday weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Artful Delight's Scrapbook and Card Kits!

2011-09-01T21:04:00.001-04:00

It's September 1st and that means the new Scrapbook kit and Card kit are up for sale at Artful Delight!
Scrapbook Kit:

You can out the contents of the Scrapbook kit and place an order here. New this month to Artful Delight's kits are exclusive handmade embellishments made by Leeanne, the owner of Artful Delight and myself.

Card Kit:

You can check out the contents of the card kit and place an order here.

While you at Artful Delight, check out the September sketch, designed by me!

Create a project using the sketch for a chance to win the October kit!

Mark your calendar! September 23rd - 25th Artful Delight is having it's first blog hop!

Here's a little sneak peak of a layout I made using the September kit.

Check back on Saturday for my full reveal!

I'll be playing catch up with all of you tomorrow.

I've been very busy preparing my mom for her move to Senior Living and have not had much free time lately! Don't want you all to think I've been ignoring you.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . .Debbie

Winner Of My Birthday Give Away!

2011-08-31T08:56:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes! Everyone made my day! The winner of my birthday giveaway is Artfuldelight! Please email me with your mailing information!

. . . Debbie

With Love

2011-08-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

Well it's definitely been a week of wild occurrences here in Maryland. Tuesday we were hit with an earthquake. Initially very scary, as I did not know at first what was happening. The noise was loud and I thought something in my basement was getting ready to exploded. The next thing I knew, the noise got louder, things started to rattle and then I could literally see my house shake. I grabbed the dog and ran outside. Never thought in my life I would experience an earthquake of that magnitude here in Maryland.

Hurricane Irene is headed my way and who knows what will happen. As I sit here and type this I realize that when you all read this it will already be tomorrow (8/28). As long as I do not lose my electricty I will update this to let you all know how things went over the evening with the hurricane.
UPDATE:
Hurricane Irene still lingers here a little this morning. Light rain and moderate winds.
I woke around 3 in the morning to some very powerful winds that took down a very large tree branch in my side yard. Fortunately the branch that came down was away from my house and deck, and my mailbox was blown off it's post. We were without power for a few hours, but now it is back on. I was very fortunate and my thoughts go out to those who were effected by the wrath of Irene.

I do have a card to share! One I made for my mom.

An I have mentioned in earlier posts, my mom has been diagnosed with advanced dementia. Each day I see a little more of her memory slip away. I make a point to see here each and everyday, hold her and tell her that I love her. I hope she enjoys my card.

I used the August scrapbook kit from Artful Delight. There are a few kits left and if you are interested in ordering one, you can do so here.

Here are a few closeups:

For those of you in the path of Hurricane Irene, I will pray for your safety.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Supplies used: Glitz Dance In Sunshine paper, Die Cuts With A View Cardstock, Jenni Bowlin Butterfly and stickpin, Kraft Outlet Vintage Dictionary Page, EK Success Scallop Punch, Reasonable Ribbon Yellow Seam Binding, Sizzlits Decorative Label, SEI Bark Ink, Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Classic Button, Martha Stewart Eyelet Lace Border Punch.

Rudbeckia - Artful Delight August Kit

2011-08-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

In the world of gardening Rudbeckia is commonly known as Black Eyed Susans. I planted one of these beautiful plants a few years ago. They scattered like weeds and I now have 10 of them.

The Authentique Blissful and Glitz Designs Dance in Sunshine papers in Artful Delight's August kit were a perfect match for my picture!

I found this stamp I had ordered quite awhile back from Stampers Anonymous. I love how it mimics the flower petals.
There are still a couple of August kits left from Artful Delight. It's a gorgeous kit packed with beautiful Authentique papers. You can order the kit here.
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Supplies Used: Authentique Blissful papers, Element Stickers and Petite Type Square Alphas; Glitz Designs Dance In Sunshine paper; Kraft Outlet Vintage Dictionary Page; Jenni Bowlin Butterfly; EK Success Black Swirls Chipboard; Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Journaling Ticket; Reasonable Ribbon Yellow Seam Binding; Stampers Anonymous Stamp, Tsukineko Midnight Black Ink, SEI Bark Ink.

Special Moments Layout And A Birthday Give Away!

2011-08-23T02:00:00.001-04:00

If pictures could only talk and tell you the story behind them. I can only imagine!

This is my grandmother and I going to assume that the gentlemen in the picture most have been my grandfather's boss. My grandfather was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada. I can tell from the picture that my grandmother was very proud of this moment. She was all dressed up and looked so beautiful. I'm thrilled to have this picture and based my layout on Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Layout Sketch #22.

A benefit from cleaning out my scrapbook room was all of the papers I came across that I forgot I had. I used Prima's Strawberry Kisses and Shabby Chic paper.

See that gorgeous doily? I cut it out from one of my new Cheery Lynn Doily Dies, English Tea Party! Just love the detail in the die!

A lot of fussy cut work went into this layout and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Well I thought that I would have a give away today since it's my birthday and here is what I have to offer:

12 x 12 double sided papers, stickers and 2 stamps from the Imaginisce B-Day Bash Collection. All you need to do is be a follower and leave me some birthday wishes! I'll draw a winner on August 31st!
Hope you can stop by Frosted Designs to see what the DT has create and join in on the sketch challenge!
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Supplies used: Prima Marketing Strawberry Kisses Collection and Shabby Chic Collection, My Mind's Eye 29th Street Market paper, K & Company Frame, Cheery Lynn Designs English Tea Party Doily Die, Stickles Lime Green and Yellow, SEI Bark Chalk Ink Block

The Merry Widow

2011-08-20T00:00:00.006-04:00

I really love how this layout turned out. The colors in the papers along with a beautiful picture makes for a perfect layout! Add in a wonderful sketch by Creative Scrappers, #169 and a Thread Challenge by The Paper Variety, a Try It Thursday fussy cutting challenge at Sweet Peach Crop Shop, Mel's Layering Challenge at Do More With Less and a gorgeous August kit by Artful Delight! What more could a girl ask for????

Have you ever been to Cape May, NJ?

It's beautiful there!

The small town is packed with little shops and the most beautiful Victorian homes. The one in my layout is The Merry Widow, formerly the J. Henry Edmonds House, circa 1879.

I used some Authentique Paper, their Journey Collection! Did I say I love this paper? Just gorgeous!

Love this flower!!! Click on the picture to see all of the details.

I used the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Sizzix die.

I stamped the flower pieces with a Prima stamp, and added a Tim Holtz button. Behind the flower is some fussy cut work I did.

Here I used Fiskars Lace border punch, a scalloped strip of a vintage dictionary page, some ribbon and another Tim Holtz button and Journaling Ticket. All of these goodies you can find in Artful Delights August kit.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Supplies used: Authentique Journey Collection, Coredinations Cardstock, October Afternoon Mini Market Alphabet Stickers, Fiskars Lace Border Punch, ColorBox Harbor and Charcoal Ink, Kraft Outlet Vintage Dictionary Page, Reasonable Ribbon Black Seam Binding, Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Sizzix die, Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Classic buttons and Journaling Tickets, Prima Stamp

I've Been Published!!!

2011-08-14T22:28:00.000-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that four of my layouts have been picked up for publication in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, Volume #4, Issue #8.

It's Your Birthday

Happy Campers

Sweet Summer Gatherings
and
A Walk On The Beach

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Family Life

2011-08-09T01:30:00.001-04:00

It feels good to have a little spare time to create a layout. My crafty time has taken a hugh hit as of late, with most of my free time being spent taking care of my mom.

Lately I have been drawn to scrapping old family photos of my mom. I guess with so much of my time focused on her failing health, it seems fitting to get some layouts done highlighting her times as a child, or in this case as a teenager. I found a photo of my mom and her siblings all gathered together on the couch with their parents.

I used the new sketch over at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge, created by DT member Karin:

I love the new manufacturer Authentique Paper and used their Spendid collection on my layout.

I broke out my never before used Tim Holtz Tattered flowers die and made these beautiful flowers:

Not sure where the buttons came from. They were in my stash and at some time were part of a kit that I had purchased.

Just a reminder . . . Frosted Designs is having a DT call. If you would like to be a part of our great DT, please check out the details here.

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Supplies used: Authentique Paper Splendid Collection, Webster's Pages Wonderfall Collection, Die Cuts With A View cardstock, Tim Holtz Tatterd Florals Die, K & Company frame, Tsukineko Jumbo Java ink.

Love - Artful Delight August Kit

2011-08-07T00:00:00.001-04:00

I'm in love with the August kit from Artful Delight!

Lots of beautiful Glitz Designs and Authentique papers in beautiful colors, with gorgeous embellishments. I'd been holding on to a precious photo of my great grandparents taken back in December of 1964. The photo plus the August kit was a match made in heaven!

Here are a few closeups:

Some word art, a freebie download from http://www.amatterofmemories.com/
There are still a few kits available at Artful Delight. You can check them out and place an order here.

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Supplies: Glitz Designs Vintage Blue Papers; Jenni Bowlin butterfly and stick pin; Kaisercraft Devonshire Rub On; Petaloo Mixed Blooms; EK Success Studio 112 flourishes; Maya Mist Earl Gray; Martha Stewart border punches, Eyelet Lace and Cherish; SEI Bark Ink; Color Box Black Ink, K & Company Frame

Frosted Designs Design Team Call!

2011-08-01T11:32:00.000-04:00

We're looking to add some new designers to our challenge teams at Frosted Designs!!

We are looking for designers for our Fabulous Friday Challenge and our Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge.

Bu wait, there is even more! We've decided to add another challenge, Sketch Along Tuesdays Card Challenge!

Check out all of the details here!

A Little Bird Told Me - Sketch Along Tuesdays Sketch #20

2011-07-26T11:18:00.001-04:00

There has been little crafty time for me lately. I've been busy taking care of my mom. Life is hectic but I know I must go with the flow.

We've got a new sketch reveal today at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge and a beautiful sketch designed by DT member Karin. I chose to take the sketch and create a card.

Here is Karin's sketch:

We have a new sponsor for this challenge, Paper Loves Glue.

and a beautiful prize package:

Please stop by and see what the DT has created and enter your project for a change to win a package of hand dyed crinkle ribbon.

I also wanted to share with you the reveal of the August kit from Artful Delight:

If you love Glitz and Authentique, this kit is a must have!
Artful Delight is also offering a new card kit:

You can check out all of the details here.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Fly --- Sketchy Thursdays 7.14 Sketch Challenge

2011-07-20T00:00:00.006-04:00

Just a quick post here to share a layout I made using the current sketch over at Sketchy Thursdays.

I love this picture and am amazed that I was able to capture the butterfly. It took a a lot of patience and several attempts.

I used my July kit from Artful Delight and ventured out of my comfort zone and used the Maya Road, Maya Mist in Earl Grey which was included in the kit. I will have to admit that this was my first try at masking. I was quite nervous that I might mess up, but am pleased with the outcome.

I punched out small scalloped circles to make these pretty flowers.

I enterted a layout at Purple Pumpkin for a chance to be a guest designer. I would love for you to head on over to their Facebook page and vote for me by clicking here.
Here is my entry:

All you need to do is "like" my picture.
Voting ends on July 27th.

It's been a hectic couple of weeks for me. I've been occupied with taking care of my mother and have not had much free time. I started last night trying to play catch up on everyone's blogs. Be patient with me and I will be sure to stop by and pay you a visit.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Counting The Reasons Why I Love You - The Scrappiest #128

2011-07-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

The weather here in Maryland has been gorgeous the last few days! Temps in the 80's with a nice breeze. I've taken advantage of it and have been spending time outdoors tending to my flower gardens. The hot humid days are expected to make a return any day now.

I've got a layout to share of my mom.

It was taken years ago. She is sitting on the steps of the house I grew up in.

I used my July Artful Delight kit along with sketch #128 from The Scrappiest, which I flipped.

I got a little adventurous on my layout and actually did a little stamping. I used a brick wall stamp from Prima and a doily stamp from My Mind's Eye.

I also used a stitching template from Bazzill to make the pretty flowers.

There is still plenty of time to enter the sketch challenge over at Artful Delight for a chance to win the July kit. You can check it out here.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

The Beach - Artful Delight Reveal

2011-07-14T00:15:00.001-04:00

Here is a layout I made using the July kit and sketch ASC 10 from Artful Delight. I love the mix of My Mind's Eye and Jillbean Soup papers and the cute Maya Road chipboard shapes!

The little cutie in the picture is my son at the age of one year old! He loved the feel of the water on his feet!

Hope you have time to join in on the sketch challenge!

One lucky person will win the July kit:

Here are a few closeups:

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Spots - Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Sketch #19

2011-07-12T08:13:00.001-04:00

Things have settled down here. I am happy to report the girl I spoke of in my last post is doing fine. Her mother came up from South Carolina and she went back home with her. I am ever so thankful that God guided her through her recovery and I pray that she will continue on the right path in life. What myself and my family experienced was truly a life changing moment. I also want to thank those who left me comments! I am truly blessed to have such sweet and caring blog friends!

We've got a new sketch reveal up today at Frosted Designs and I chose to scrap a picture of my daughter at age two when she had the chicken pox.

A family vacation at the beach that year turned into a chicken pox outbreak. My son was the first one to come down with it and eventually it made it's way through all the the cousins, seven in total. My daughter had the worst outbreak. I loved playing off the the circles on the sketch that DT member Karin created:

I found the Basic Grey collection Olivia when I was cleaning out my scrap room. I totally forgot that I had it. I added some black polka dot buttons I purchased from Sam over at The Purple Pumpkin.

Hope you'll have time to play along with us at Frosted Designs. We have a new sponsor for this challenge, Detailed 4U Collections and a beautiful prize package.

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Random Thoughts . . . Embrace Life

2011-07-08T12:09:00.000-04:00

I've spent the last few days thinking about how precious life is.

Thinking how thankful we should be for what we have and who we love.

Life is short and we never know what the next day will bring.

Myself and my family have endured a lot in our lives since the break up of my marriage back in 2003. We have struggled through the bad times and embraced the happy times. Wednesday the 6th we were hit with another unexpected turn in our lives. I rent a room out in my home to a family friend. A sweet 18 year old girl who I treat as my other daughter and who I have known for several years. Sadly on the 6th she took a plunge and attempted suicide. My daughter came home to find her. We all are deeply saddened and finding it difficult to cope with this. There were no signs, nothing . . . just out of the blue it came. I pray that she heals and finds the guidance needed to continue on with her life.

My life has been filled with a lot complications this year. I take it one day at a time.

I am thankful for my family; my mother, sister, son and daughter, my dog Zoey and all of my dear friends!

I am thankful to God who guides me through these difficult times.

Embrace life!

Love life!

Enjoy life's little pleasures!

. . . Debbie

I've Been Featured . . .

2011-07-03T08:53:00.001-04:00

The other day I received an email from DT member Dawn at Inspirational asking to highlight some of my layouts on their blog. Inspirational is a blog created to showcase creations from around the world.

I was beyond excited and honored to be featured! You can check out my feature here

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

You Are Such A Blessing

2011-07-01T01:30:00.002-04:00

It's Fabulous Friday over at Frosted Designs and I could not pass up this week's challenge, Going Vintage.

I used a precious old photo of my mom for my layout.

The original photo is very small and full of cracks and scratches.

I resized it just a little and decided to leave it untouched. A few weeks ago I was organizing my scrapbook room and came across some papers I had purchased a while back by Shabby Green Door. I thought they were perfect for the photo!

I added some dainty roses I purchased from the Flying Unicorn Store and some lace and a doily from my stash.

I punched some flowers out and inked them and added some pearls!
Frosted Designs sponsor for our Going Vintage Challenge is Vintage Street Market and one lucky person will win these beautiful tinted tapes. Come on over and take a look at what the DT has created here.

Now if you are like me, with no special plans for the long holiday weekend, there will be plenty of time to scrap. Check out the July sketch at Artful Delight.

Create a project using the sketch for a chance to win the July kit:

For more inspiration, check out the challenge at These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things, Your Favorite Collection. Create a project centering around your favorite collection for a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate to Scrapbook.com. Sadly this is the last challenge for Fave Things! My term as a DT member was short, but I enjoyed being a part of the fabulous DT Julie has put together. Julie wears many hats and has made the decision to close down Fave Things. Sometimes life just gets too busy and complicated and something has to go. I understand Julie's decision and thank her for the wonderful opportunity I had as a DT member.
Hope you all enjoy the holiday weekend! The weather here will be hot and humid.
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Sweet Summer Gatherings

2011-06-28T02:00:00.004-04:00

I was surprised at how quickly and easily my layout came together! The past few weeks have been hard ones and I found myself pushing away the things that I love to do, scrapbooking and gardening. I knew I needed to embrace what I love to do, as it has always helped me take my mind off of the things in life that can bring me down.

I came across another box of old pictures at my mom's house and so enjoyed looking through them. So many happy childhood memories!!! I came across this picture of myself and my brother from way back.

We were feeding a family friend's lamb, Lulabelle! I do not remember too much about Lulabelle, but I do remember her owners, Mr. and Mrs. Wells. A lovely elderly couple who spent their summers in the mountains of Berkley Springs, West Virginia. They lived right down the road from my grandparents.

I dove into my large stash of October Afternoon papers and actually used bits and pieces from several collections; 5 & Dime, Farm Fresh, Fly A Kite and Thrift Shop. I love how the different collections are so cohesive.

I based my layout on the new sketch reveal over at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge. The sketch was designed by my fellow DT member Libeeti:

Hope you can stop by and see what the DT has created and join us in the challenge. We have a great sponsor for this challenge, Artful Delight and Leeanne's wonderful July kit:

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

I'm still here, just a little overwhelmed

2011-06-25T11:56:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to let you all know that I still do exist in the land of blogs, even though I have been absent lately. Sometimes life gets a little too hectic and priorities take over blogging. My sister and I have been quite busy lately taking care of my mom, who for the time being has been diagnosed with an advance case of dementia. We've had her in to see many specialists and so far the testing has not brought us any further diagnosis. It is a challenging time for the both of us, as the children have had to step up and become the parent. I treasure each day I spend with my mom and each phone call I share with her. I am saddened with the loss of her memory and scared as it seems to be all happening so quickly.

I haven't worked on a layout for over a week and a half, but managed to find some time last night to work on a DT assignment which I can't share with you until Tuesday, but for the time being here is a little sneak peek:

I also wanted to share with you all this sweet award my fellow DT member at Frosted Designs, Debbie Bakk sent me:

Thanks Debbie for thinking of me!

There are still a few days left to enter a project at the Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge at Frosted Designs. You can check it out here. We have a fabulous prize for this challenge, oodles of handmade embellishemnts by Debbie Bakk:

Thanks for being patient with me. I'm trying my best to get around and visit all of you and catch up on what you have created!

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Measure Time In Moments

2011-06-17T07:36:00.000-04:00

Sometimes a picture says it all. That's how I feel about the one I used on my layout. It's of my grandfather and uncle dating back to 1928. I'm not sure of the story behind it, and my mother wasn't born until 1933, so to me it is a moment in time of a father and son sharing a special time together.

I used bits and pieces from my June kit from Artful Delight! I love the Fancy Pants Its The Little Things papers that came in the kit and I used every last little scrap I had of it. I even used the packaging backing from the Prima flowers.

I have been in the process of cleaning out and organizing my scrapbook room and came across a container full of rub ons that I forgot I had.

I love the bold American Crafts Thickers , Jewelry Box in Black that came in the kit, combined with the rub ons.

I added a few stickers from Echo Park's For The Record collection and cut out some clouds from Fancy Pants Spring Fever paper:

and added some banners from Lily Bee's This And That.

If you would like to order the June kit there are still a few left. You can order them here,

or if you would like a chance to win the June kit, create a layout using the June sketch and enter it over at Artful Delight.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Fave Things Reveal!!

2011-06-15T02:00:00.002-04:00

It's the 15th of the month and that means a new challenge at These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things! As soon as I saw the challenge, Your Favorite Piece Of Art, I knew what I was going to do.

When I was in elementary school we went on a field trip to the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.

I fell in love with Renoir's painting of A Girl With A Watering Can. I was mesmerized by the beauty in the painting.
I used Echo Park's For The Record for my layout and added some faux stitching which is actually a rub on I found in my stash.

Hope you can stop by Fave Things and see what out talented DT has created and join in on the challenge.

I also wanted to let you know that there is a new sketch challenge at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge. It's a two pager:

We have a wonderful prize for this challenge:

Beautiful handmade crochet flowers and trims along with stick pins created by my fellow team member, Debbie Bakk. Debbie has lots of beautiful items for sale on her blog. You can check them out here. I hope you will join us for the challenge and enter a layout for a chance to win Debbie's handmade goodies!
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

5 & Dime - Sketchy Thursdays 6.9 Challenge

2011-06-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

When I saw the new October Afternoon 5 & Dime collection I knew I had to have it. I had the perfect picture for it!

We use to take our family beach vacation in Avalon, NJ. The kids had their favorite place to visit besides the beach, Hoy's 5 & 10. The moment we arrived at the beach house my son would plead with me to take him to Hoys.

I enjoyed working on this layout as it brought back many fond and happy memories of our summer trip to the beach. I used Sketchy Thursdays 6.9 sketch for my layout:

If you haven't tried it yet you need to check out the Lo Fi photo program. You can check it out here for a free trial.

I took this picture

and changed it to this

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. It was hot here on Saturday and the beginning of Sunday, then some rain storms came through and cooled things down!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Peach Blossom

2011-06-12T00:00:00.002-04:00

I've got another layout to share with you using the June kit from Artful Delight. I drew my inspiration for this layout from the tag that came on the peach seam binding from Paper Loves Glue Shoppe that is part of the June kit.

That's it for today!
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

Jump

2011-06-10T03:00:00.003-04:00

It's Fabulous Friday over at Frosted Designs and it's all about stitching!!!
I couldn't pass up this challenge!

Gosh this picture goes back a long way! It was June of 1992 and Field Day at my son's school. Here he was giving the long jump a try. I miss those days!! The kids had so much fun with all of the activities planned for their special day. It's hard to believe when I look at the picture that my son turns 24 years old tomorrow. My how times flies!!!!

Mark your calendar and save the date!

Frosted Designs is having another blog hop July 8th to July 11th!

Hope you all are staying cool!!! The heat here has been intense. Looking forward to some cooler temps and hopefully some rain.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

It's Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

2011-06-09T02:00:00.001-04:00

Oh my gosh is it hot!!!!

Wednesday the thermometer tipped 100 degrees and the humidity started to make a return. Today is suppose to be worse then yesterday. It's that kind of day when you want to stay indoors.

I have another project to share with you using Artful Delights June kit.

I hate to throw out scraps and usually keep those that I know I will have a use for. I love how all of these scraps came together to make this bright and colorful card!

Leeanne still has some June kits available. You can order one here.

Tomorrow is the new Fabulous Friday Challenge over at Frosted Designs. Here is a little sneek peak:

You also still have time to enter a project in Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge. Check out the details here. I am sponsoring this challenge and one luck person will win Crate Paper's Restoration collection.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

It's the little things that make life awesome

2011-06-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

I have another layout to share with you using the June kit from Artful Delight.

If you would like to order the June kit from Artful Delight, you can order it here.

The picture dates back to 1940 and is of my mom and her two brothers.

We have had some beautiful weather lately. Unfortunately the high heat and humidity makes a return tomorrow through the weekend. Things are getting dry and we need some rain!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

A couple of layouts to share . . .

2011-06-07T00:00:00.028-04:00

I have to say that I was quite creative this past weekend! My mojo was flowing and I took advantage of it! I managed to get 4 layouts and one card completed.
I love the 5-27 sketch designed by Ness at Stuck On U Sketches and thought it was perfect to scrap a wedding picture of my parents.

Actually this is the first layout I have ever done of my parents.
Here is the sketch Ness created which I flipped:

I used Crate Paper's Portrait Collection for my layout.
I came across an original wedding invitation which I scanned and prinited out a copy.

I love this little imported and domestic sign as it is perfect for the
wedding party, since my Mom and her two brothers are Canadian.

-------------------------------------------------------
I have a younger sister who I adore!!!!

I came across some old pictures of us from Christmas 1961.
I enjoyed using my June kit from Artful Delight on this layout!

I just love these pictures of us holding our dolls that Santa left us!
These pictures also brought back memories of the special outfits
our mother would make us. Both of us have on matching
tops she made full of beautiful smocking!

I did add a few things from my stash.
Some twine, a scrap of paper from October Afternoon and some little Prima flowers.

If you are interested in purchasing the June kit from Artful Delight, you can order it here.

Check back tomorrow and Thursday as
I will have two more projects to share with you using Artful Delights June kit.

Here are a few sneek peaks:

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

My Mother . . . My Friend

2011-06-03T01:15:00.001-04:00

Gosh the weather has been beautiful!!!

The skies are blue, the sun is shining and the high temps are gone along with the humidity!!!!!

I definitely need to take advantage of the lower temps right now and spend some time outside in my flower gardens.

I have a layout to share with you today featuring me and my mom.
My mom is my best friend and I love her so much.

I used my June kit from Artful Delight on this layout and love the combination of black and white with yellow!

If you are interested in purchasing the June kit you can order it here.

Along with the June kit, I used Artful Delight's ASC sketch #9 designed by me.

I also have this layout posted over at Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge which is Friends/Friendship.
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

9 to 5 Scrapbook Circle Challenge #8

2011-05-31T16:09:00.000-04:00

There were a few challenges for the month of May that I really wanted to give a try and this is one of them. Scrapbook Circle is celebrating their anniversary this month and have had challenges up all month. I was particularly drawn to their challenge #8 which was to draw inspiration from two pieces of paper in their May kit, Grandma's Attic.

Here is my layout:

and here are the two pieces of papers:

Obviously I did not use the papers, but drew my inspiration from the polka dots and ledger papers, using their March Vintage Kit along with a few things from my stash.

I was looking through some old pictures of my grandparents and came across a pay receipt for my grandfather from 1947. I made a copy of it to use on my layout along with a picture of him. His net wages for the week came to $74.22.

Can't possibly image living off that a week, but the average yearly wages for the year 1947 were $2,850.00.

Here are a few closeups:

I posted a layout earlier today for the new sketch challenge over at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge. You can check it out here. Hope you will have time to join in on the sketch challenge.
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

It Was A Perfect Summer Afternoon

2011-05-31T00:00:00.007-04:00

Has summer arrived? It sure feels like it here. High humidity, high temps and bad air quality. I tried to stay inside as much as possible. I only ventured out yesterday to give my flowers some water. The plus side of the hot weather is that I was able to work on a few layouts!

Saturday was my sisters birthday. The family got together on Sunday to celebrate her special day.
Happy Birthday Barbara!!

We have a new sketch challenge up at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge and the sketch was designed by me.

Here is the sketch:

I hope you can find some time to play along with us. Please make sure you stop by to see what our designers have created. I'm giving away the Crate Paper Restoration Collection for this sketch challenge.

I used a mixture of Echo Park collections on my layout. The sweet little guy in my layout is my son. I edited the picture in Lo-Fi.

Here are a few close ups:

Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

It's Your Birthday! Sketchy Thursdays Sketch Challenge

2011-05-30T14:58:00.005-04:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend.

It is hot here! The kind of hot that makes you want to stay inside in the air conditioning. Both of my kids are working, so it's just me and the dog home today.

I love the new sketch over at Sketchy Thursdays and used it on this layout of my daughter on her second birthday:

I had purchased some of Nikki Sivils It's Your Day collection, and just loved how well it went with the sweet picture of my daughter!

I did a lot of fussy cutting and added some balloons cut using a Quickutz die and some twine from Pink Paislee.

Well I'm off to work on another layout!

Enjoy the holiday!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Summertime Fun - Artful Delight and Frosted Designs Challenges

2011-05-27T00:00:00.002-04:00

I think the beautiful weather we have been having has inspired me to work on some summer layouts! We've had a mixture of clouds, rain, but the last few days have been full of lots of sunshine! I'll take the sunshine any day, even though the rain is good for my flowers!

Don't you just love the bright fun colors in this layout!!!!

This picture of my son was taken back in 1989. We were on our annual beach vacation in New Jersey and had stopped off for some ice cream. I used my May kit from Artful Delight for this layout along with Artful Delight's sketch ASC #8.

I decided to get adventurous again and use my sewing machine on this layout. What a pain it was. The thread kept breaking on me, but I'm pleased with the finished look.

Here are a few closeups:

This layout also is for the current Fabulous Friday Challenge over at
Frosted Designs - BBQ/Picnic/Outdoors.
Please make sure you stop by to see what our talented DT has created and join in the fun.

Speaking of Artful Delight, I got my June kit in the mail the other day, and all I can say is it is beautiful!

It's full of Fancy Pants, Crate Paper and Lily Bee! You can check out the contents of the kit here.
I'm busy working on my projects for June and can't wait to share them with you.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

You Make Me Smile

2011-05-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

What a gorgeous weekend!!! It was so nice to see blue skies and some long awaited sunshine!!

I've got another layout to share with you today:

This actually qualifies for two challenges:

1. Sweet Peach Crop Shop - Use a circle on your layout, but dress it up! I added scallops around

mine and used my sewing machine to outline it with a zig zag stitch. I

2. Artful Delight - 14 days of Sketches. I used sketch #14

which I flipped:

Here are a few closeups:

My sweet daughter at age 4. Her precious smile just warms my heart!

I used Artful Delight's May kit for my layout. Just love the Echo Park Summer Time papers and embellishments. There is one kit left and if you would like to order it, just click here.

I've been on a roll lately with layouts! Seems as though I got my mojo back!
Thanks for stopping by!
. . . Debbie

2 Gentlemen - SOUS Sketch Challenge

2011-05-20T19:48:00.000-04:00

Take some Webster's Pages Ladies & Gents paper, combine it with some Crate Paper Restoration elements, add a priceless photo along with a wonderful sketch designed by Ness for

Stuck On You Sketches

and you get:

and here is the sketch:

The photo is my two grandfathers.

I love working with Webster's Pages and enjoy all of the fussy cut work

involved with their intricate papers:

I've got a few layouts to work on this weekend and as long as the weather is cloudy and raining, I'll be spending it in my scrapbook room. If the sun manages to come out, I've got a lot of weeding to catch up on in my flower beds.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Beach Babe

2011-05-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

Nothing like scrapping a beach picture! I love this picture of my daughter!!

I used my may kit from Artful Delight which is packed full of Echo Park's Summer Days collection along with some papers from Fancy Pants Beach Babe collection. Just love the bright colors!!!

Here are a few close ups:

If you are interested in ordering the May kit from Artful Delight there are a few left. You can order them here.

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Its A Big World Out There

2011-05-17T01:00:00.000-04:00

The sun managed to come out a little yesterday and it was nice. I fired up the grill around dinner time to cook some hamburgers and hot dogs and wouldn't you know it, the clouds rolled back in and the down pours came!

I waited and waited for it to pass over, but after 45 minutes and some very hungry family members, I braved the thunderstorm and with my umbrella in hand, got dinner cooked! Unfortunately the rest of the week doesn't look to promising unless you favor rainy days!

It's Tuesday and time for a new sketch reveal at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge!

Sketch # 15 was designed by DT member Karin:

I couldn't resist using more of the Neighborhood Collection by Crate Paper!!

Hope you will have time to stop by Frosted Designs and join in the challenge. We have a terrific prize this month from our sponsor Part Time Sally, the entire Summer Days collection by Echo Park:

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

My Joy

2011-05-15T09:54:00.000-04:00

Hope all of you are enjoying the weekend! After a gorgeous week full of sunshine and warm temps, the weekend has been cloudy and raining.

The newest challenge is up at

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things, and it's to use your favorite photo!

I chose this photo of my kids from 2000. I've used this photo before but it's my all time favorite! Just love the smiles on their faces, and big brother Jeffrey with his arm around little sister Sara.

I enjoyed using the Neighborhood collection from Crate Paper, and I have another layout I am working on using more of this fun collection that I will share with you in a few days. Here are a few closeups:

Hope you will have time to enter the Fave Photo Challenge at Fave Things!

Check out what the DT has created and enter your project here!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Life Is A Beautiful Ride

2011-05-11T11:46:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not I actually got a layout done!! My life is still hectic as ever, but I told myself there needed to be a little "ME" time!

I had a wonderful Mothers Day and hope that all of you did also! I had my family over for a cookout. The weather was gorgeous and it was nice for all of us to be together! My kids gave me some flowers for Mothers Day and I actually spent some time outside planting them.

I'm still job hunting and have a possible interview in the works and am excited about that. My sister and I have been taking my mom into see various specialists and so far nothing wrong has been found with her. The next big visit is with a neurologist.

Now on to my layout. I used the May kit from Artful Delight which is packed with Echo Parks Summer Days collection.

Leeanne is having 14 days of sketches over at Artful Delight and I based my layout on her sketch #6:

Here are a few closeups:

Well, I've got a lot of catching up to do!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Frosted Designs Online Crop Flower Challenge

2011-05-08T18:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Mothers Day!!!! Hope your are having the wonderful day that all of you mothers out there deserve!

Frosted Designs online crop is nearing the end and the next challenge is hosted by me and it's a flower challenge! You all know how much I love flowers! I found a beautiful image at Primarily Primatives and instantly fell in love with it! I just knew I had to use it on a layout.

Now my challenge to you is to create a project using flowers! I used a variety of stickers, cut outs and ready made flowers!

You have until midnight Wednesday, May 11th to link up your project over at Frosted Designs!

One winner will be picked by random org. to win this flower package:

I've been know to add to prize packages, so you never know what more can be added. Hope you can join us!

Frosted Designs Online Crop!!

2011-05-07T09:24:00.000-04:00

We've got a fun filled weekend crop over at Frosted Designs! There are lots of challenges and games with some wonderful prizes to be won!

Check out the details here.

I'll be back tomorrow at 6:00 (est) with my challenge. Hope you'll have time to play!

Thanks for stopping by!

. . . Debbie

Sun Rose - Sketch Along Tuesdays Sketch #14

2011-05-03T00:00:00.004-04:00

There is a new sketch challenge at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge today!

I chose to scrap one of my favorite perennials from my garden, the Sun Rose.

I loved working with the Sassafras Lass Sweetly Smitten paper collection with the added touch of a butterfly by Recollections!

Here are a few closeups:

The sketch for this week's challenge by designed by me:

and we have a great prize up for grabs this month from our sponsor Part Time Sally, the new Summer Days collection by Echo Park:

Stop on over and see what our DT has created using the sketch and enter your project for a chance to win Echo Park's Summer Days collection!

As you all know I've been overwhelmed with family and personal issues lately and they just keep coming. I've decided to take a little time off from blogging to regroup my thoughts and try to get a hold of my sanity.
Thoughts of layouts go through my head, but when I sit down to work on something it just doesn't want to come together. I'm hoping and praying that God will guide me through this difficult time in my life.
I will be back!

. . . Thanks for stopping by!

Debbie

Little Boy Little Horse

2011-04-29T00:00:00.007-04:00

I was in a mood to work on a layout and took advantage of it and spent Tuesday evening in my scrapbook room. As messy as my scrapbook room is, I embraced the flow of creativity, overlooked the mess, pushed a lot of things aside and went to work! I love when you can combine a few challenges within one layout! There is the Polka Dot and Stripes Challenge at Frosted Designs. The Polka Dot Challenge at The Paper Variety and several sketch challenges over at Sweet Peach Crop Shop.

I love the combination of papers from Lily Bee's Catching Fall collection and Crate Paper's Toy Box collection!

Sweet Peach Crop Shop is celebrating their one year anniversary this month and have 4 sketches this month by Liz Chidester, rather then their usual one. I chose the 3rd Anniversary Sketch:

I kept this layout pretty simple, only using two buttons for embellishments and let the papers be the highlight of the layout along with the adorable picture of my son on his first Christmas. I edited the picture in the Lo-Fi photo editing program to give it an aged look, after I changed it to sepia in Photo Shop.

Here are a few closeups of my layout:

Life is still pretty hectic for me. My daughter is doing well and I am thankful for that. My mother's health has been rapidly deteriorating and my sister and I will be very busy next week taking her to various specialists. It saddens me deeply to see her rapid memory loss and I fear that one day she may not know who her family is. She has not been diagnosed yet, but I already fear the word Alzheimer. I lost a grandfather to this dreaded disease and pray that it does not take my mother. As I sit here and type I hold back the tears and pray to God to guide me and keep me strong.
Hope you all have a great weekend. I'm trying to play catch up on visiting all of you, but only manage to get a few comments done every few days. Bear with me, as I will be by to see your beautiful creations!

I'm Still Here . . .

2011-04-26T17:07:00.000-04:00

The past week has been a hard one, but it's been taken one day at a time. I remain hopeful that our lives are on the right track and things will get better. I haven't gone in my scrapbook room since last week and am going to go in there after I post this and actually try to work on a layout. I've neglected visiting all of you also and am hoping to get back into blogging.

I was asked awhile back to be a guest designer for Sweet Peach Crop Shop this month for their one year anniversary. I was given their special Anniversary kit to work with, and am thankful that I got these layouts completed the beginning of the month.

You can check their post today featuring me here.

They have a lot of challenges going on right now with great prizes. Stop by and check it out!

So Sweet - SOUS Challenge

2011-04-22T00:00:00.002-04:00

For those of you who have expressed their concern for my daughter, I want to say thank you for caring. It's been a long and stressful week and I am taking it one day at a time. Her well being is in God's hands and I've

taken a step back and pray that he will guide her. As a parent of an adult child, it is hard when they are in their darkest hours. You can be there for them, but you can't fix them. As I prefer to keep the details private, all I can say is that I came very close to losing my daughter this past week. I have found great comfort this week in praying and knowing that God is not only watching over my daughter, but me and my family. I am going to take a few days off from blogging and focus on myself and my family. I hope that everyone has a joyous weekend, whether you are celebrating Passover or Easter! Enjoy your time with your family!

My scrapbooking has been the last thing on my mind. I've worked on this layout a little at a time this week and finished it up last night.

This is my niece as a baby. She is now 18 years old. Last Friday when I saw the new sketch at

Stuck On U Sketches by Liz Qualman, I just knew it was meant for me:

Here are a few closeups:

I used my April kit from Artful Delight! I've really enjoyed working with this kit and have savored every scrap of it. I've completed five layouts from it so far and have one more I'm working on.

If you are interested in this kit:

there are two left and you can order here.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Beauty

2011-04-19T02:00:00.001-04:00

I love the elegance in this layout! The "beauty" is my mom at age 18.

I used the Martha Stewart Eyelet Lace border punch on several strips of white cardstock and layered it.

My layout is based on the new sketch reveal today at Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays Challenge.

Here are a few closeups:

Please stop by Frosted Designs to see what our designers have created!

Sweet Summertime

2011-04-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

The weather in Maryland was awful yesterday. It rained all day and the evening brought us tornado warnings. It got pitch black outside and the wind was extremely strong and made a loud noise that I have never heard before. I headed down to the basement with my dog and son. Fortunately there was no tornado, but there was some sort of explosion down the street from me. It appears as though high winds hit some power lines and caused the transformer to explode. Fortunate for me that I am on a different transformer, but my lights keep flickering. I sure hope I don't lose my electricity.

I again apologize for my absence in visiting your blogs. My daughter was rushed to the hospital very early Saturday morning and my whole little stressful life has become even more stressful. My day will be spent with her and I pray that she recovers.

I had managed the other day to finish up a layout using the April kit from Artful Delight and wanted to share it with you.

Nothing better then those sweet days of summertime long ago. The picture is my son (in red) and two nephews enjoying their popsicles.

Here are a few closeups:

I got a little adventurous and did a little paint splatter with the Jenni Bowlin acrylic paint dabber that came in the kit!! This is a first for me.

I hope to have some free time tonight to pay you all a visit.

Please keep my daughter in your prayers.

Fave Things, Moxie Tuesday Trigger and The Scrappiest All Rolled Into One . . .

2011-04-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

Life so much easier when you can complete one layout for several challenges!

The new challenge at These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things is up today and we got to pick from all of the posted challenges from day one to choose from. I chose my favorite flower, the rose. Now most of you know that I love flowers and have several flower gardens in my yard, but I have never been able to grow a rose bush, but I do remember as a child loving the beautiful roses my mom grew.

I used The Scrappiest's sketch #114 and the TuesdayTrigger Challenge - Porch Play at Moxie Fab World.

Tuesday Trigger - Porch Play

I enjoyed using some of Crate Papers Emma's Shoppe papers and mixing them with some Cosmo Cricket Cira 1934 embellishments, My Minds Eye Stella and Rose embellishments and some Webster's Pages bloomers.

It's sort of hard to see in the picture above, but I added some glossy accents to the roses to look like rain drops. When I was little I was fascinated at the little droplets of rain on my mom's roses. After a rainfall I would always go out to her garden to look at them. After that I was off puddle jumping! Just loved those simple times!!
I promise to play catch up this weekend with your blogs! As I have said a few times, life right now is hectic and stressful for me and I haven't had much spare time to spend on the computer. My sister's recovery is slow and so is my job hunting. I need a little sunshine and happiness sent my way!