Christmas 2011 - Lola

Today is a very tough day. Our oldest dog, Lola, died early this morning. It was very unexpected. This meant our plans for the day changed. So I found myself with some time and the desire to scrap some photos of her.

My friend Suzanne created a layout yesterday using a sketch from Scraptastic Club. I really loved the beautiful layout and the sketch. The sketch is from the 3rd December challenge at Scraptastic Club.



I am not able to enter this challenge though because the layout was to commemerate an anniversary. I am able to enter it into their 1st December challenge though, which was to use border punches. I used 1 border punch, but used it 6 times.


I used photos of Lola from Christmas time this year. She won't pose with the other dogs under or around the tree, with costumes and props. But she like to sleep under it on the tree skirt. I was able to get a photo of her settling in.


I saw my son Ben getting ready to take a picture of the table on Christmas. It turns out Lola decided to settle in under there while we were hanging out before dinner. So I grabbed my camera too.


I used papers from My Mind's Eye, the O Christmas Tree collection. The background papers are just plain cardstock that I added some letter "L" alphas I had, for Lola. This will allow me to enter the layout into the December challenge at Scrappin'-n-Chattin' to used Leftover Letters to create a background. I was only able to complete 4 of the 5 challenges there this month, but did each of the 4 I completed twice or with a 2 page layout.

These are the last pages of 2011 for me. I created 121 pages this year. That's a personal record. I was able to create a page a week all year, which was a goal. We are doing the 52 Week Challenge again at SnC. I am going to try again to not use a pass.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year's.

Love

I created a page for part of a gift that I put together for Jackie for Christmas yesterday. I finished it about an hour before she got here. I made a scrapbook kit for her with a couple of pads of paper, some alphas, some Christmas stickers, adhesive, a paper cutter and an album. I put the layout in the front of the album. She loved it. I put all of it into a nice 12 x 12 box, so she can keep it all together.



For the layout I used this month's sketch at DCWV Diary.


I was originally going to do a layout with just 1 photo, the photo of Jackie and David that she uses as her profile picture on Facebook. But I really, really loved this sketch and had to use it. Luckily I had a ton more photos to choose from. I think I will frame the other one I had printed out.


I used paper from the DCWV The Natural Stack. These were the perfect papers to go with the photos. The large ribbon under the photos is a recycled ribbon that was wrapping to a blanket I had purchased a couple of years ago. The bling, flowers and pearls are from my stash.

And, since I created this page on Sunday, it qualifies as my last layout for the 52 Week Challenge at Scrappin'-n-Chattin'. I cannot believe I actually was able to create a layout every single week, all year, without using a pass!!! I think we are going to do it again for next year. And I think I will try again.

Willie & Santa

Well, I didn't get my 2nd page done last night. After we came home from getting salad, I just didn't feel like scrapping. But I did get it done tonight while dinner was cooking.

This layout is based on the sketch and photo inspiration this week at Lasting Memories.


My layout doesn't include a Christmas tree, a child or a teddy bear. But it does include Willie and his photo with Santa. He's as cuddly as a teddy bear.


I was so happy that the Santa at PetSmart was cool looking this year. Last year the one in Willie's photo was a little creepy.

I used some more papers and embellishments from the November Artful Delight kit. I love this kit.

I am also entering this page in this week's Fabulous Friday Challenge at Frosted Designs. The challenge is to use fabric on your project. The flower in the upper right part of the layout is a Precocious Paper flower made with felt and fabric.

Who's This

I had to take a day off from work today to go with David to West Point. He had all 4 of his wisdom teeth pulled. He did really well, and was pretty funny trying to talk on the way home. He had Jackie and me cracking up. He's going to be sore for Christmas, but all went well.

I have completed the first of 2 layouts that I planned out. I am using some photos that were taken over the weekend of Willie and Tessa with Santa. This layout is of Tessa.

I used the December sketch at Artful Delight. I really love this sketch.


I used papers and embellishments from the November Artful Delight kit. I had been dying to use these papers, and these Santa photos are perfect for them.

I am hoping to get the 2nd page done tonight too. I will have to make a list of pages I want to do in the near future. I have quite a good number of new photos to use. And of course I have a ton of old photos to scrap too. Thanks for looking.

Kindergarten

Today I created a page using some pretty old photos. They are from 1993. I really haven't scrapped any of my boys' school photos and I decided that I wanted to start today.

I scrapped David's kindergarten photos. I can't believe how small he was. I used this week's sketch from Frosted Designs. I loved the elements in this sketch.


And here is the page.....


I used some more paper from My Mind's Eye Complete Boy. The banner is from a chipboard set that came with an Artful Delight kit.

I am entering this as my layout for Week 50 of the 52 Weeks Challenge at Scrappin'-n-Chattin'. I am also using it as one of my entries in the challenge D is for.... (David).

Fun

I am so happy that I was able to finish the page I had planned out tonight. It's the Page 1 to the layout I completed last night. And I really like how they look together.


For tonight's page I followed the Monthly Challenge at Scrappin'-n-Chattin'. The challenge is to follow this recipe:


Of course I love using sketches best, but next I think I enjoy recipes the most. I used the same papers from the My Mind's Eye Complete Boy. This is a closer look at Page 1.

I think I am done working with these photos for now anyway. What will my next subject be?

At The Tree

My 4th blog post for the week. This may be a record.... And I have a page planned for tomorrow too.

Tonight I created a page with some more photos of David and Jackie's photo shoot in October. All of the photos are just so amazing, I have to use most of them. This is actually the Page 2 to go with the layout I have planned for tomorrow. This page is based on this month's sketch at the My Mind's Eye blog. I really love the sketch and all of the inspiration was awesome.


To join the challenge at My Mind's Eye, you must use at least 80% My Mind's Eye products. All of the papers are from the Complete Boy collection. I used some kraft cardstock as mats and a couple of the embellishments, and the buttons are from my stash.


I am also entering this page in a few other challenges:

1. Allsorts Challenge Blog - Circles
2. Make It Monday - Linky Party
3. 2 Sisters Challenge Blog - Punches and/or Dies - I have punched circle and 2 different border punches.
4. The Craft Garden - December Recipe - Choose 4

Kerry - turquoise - Paper and ribbon
Carly - Snowflakes
Melly - Kraft - Photo mats and top border punch
Tiffany- Office Supply

Kevin - Ribbon - Turquoise ribbon on top of border punch
Jay - Buttons 4 - red buttons
Cathy - charm
Helen - Purple

Kylie - Paint

I am really enjoying the stress reduction going on here by creating something each night. I know I won't be able to keep it up, but it feels good to be getting so much done. Thanks for looking.

Holly Jolly Christmas

Happy Wednesday everyone. It's time for the new challenge at The Paper Variety. Our challenge this week is to create a paper project that is inspired by a Christmas song.



And we have an awesome prize up for grabs.......

My Minds Eye Kraft Funday

6x6 pad, clear stamps, and 3 embellishment packs

As I was searching through some Christmas songs for inspiration, the song Holly Jolly Christmas struck me. Holly.... I know Echo Park's Merry Christmas collection has some holly in it. Here's what I came up with....

I added some bling from my stash over the holly berries for a little extra interest. I really like how it turned out.

I am also entering this card at Christmas Card Challenges. The challenge is to make a one layer card, but the challenge is always optional. But it is a Christmas card. And Paper Issues current issue is Holiday Madness. You can link up your holiday paper projects.

Last week I received an email from Echo Park. They are having a Holiday Card Project Contest. You can post a photo of a Christmas card made with Echo Park paper on their Facebook page. Then you mail the card to their office. Some of the office staff will choose favorites and the winners will get a collection. Sounds like fun.

I hope you will let a Christmas song inspire you to create something special. I can't wait to see all the wonderful projects.

By the way. It is time for Abby and Suzanne to select a new design team at TPV. They are so awesome to work with and the designer they choose are so talented and great to work with as well. Check out this post for all of the details. I can't wait to see who will be on the next team.

All Dressed Up

I am quite happy. It's Tuesday evening, and I have created a page each night so far this week after work. It won't happen tomorrow - we have agility class. But 2 for 2 is pretty good.

I created a page tonight following the monthly sketch at Scrappin'-n-Chattin'. My friend Theresa created our sketch again this month. I sooo love her sketches.


I used a couple of photos that I had taken during our Thanksgiving dinner. Tessa was dressed up in a pretty little dress and her little barrette. I'm pretty happy that she is starting to sit still for pictures somewhat.


I used papers and embellishments from my December Artful Delight kit. It came over the weekend and I really love the colors of everything. I used several sheets of Gathering Line of papers from Authentique and 1 sheet from Basic Grey's Picadilly line. The little button, the ribbon and the bling are from my stash.

In addition to entering this page into the sketch challenge at SnC, I am also entering it into the monthly challenge D is for..... On this page D is for Dress. This is entered at Lasting Memories as well. Their challenge this week is Sentimental Journey. You are to use a favorite sentiment or quote on your layout. We find ourselves marveling at how cute Willie and Tessa are. At the bottom of the journaling spot, I wrote Cute a a button, adding a little orange button at the end of the line. And I am entering it at Wee Memories as well. Their challenge this week is a Free For All Challenge.

Thanks for looking. I hope everyone is having a good week.

The Tree

Man have I been having trouble getting my blog the way I would like it. I have given up for the night and probably the season. Uggghhh.

I wanted to create a page to submit for my off week at The Paper Variety. The challenge for this week is to include an ornament on your paper project.


And there is an awesome prize from Precocious Paper.....

I used this week's sketch at Sketchy Thursdays for my layout. I really loved the layout of it.


Here is the page.....


I love Facebook. Jackie posted a couple of photos of their first Christmas tree yesterday. I knew I had to nab them. For my ornaments, I have the jingle bell ornament and ornaments on the journaling spot. I also followed the current Fabulous Friday Challenge at Frosted Designs which is to include music on your project. The lower right corner has paper with musical notes on it, as does the font used for the title, and the Christmas tree on the left side of the page. I added some Stickles to the jingle bell to add a little sparkle. I will be entering this page into the Sparkle Challenge at Scrappin'-n-Chattin'. And I will be using this page as my 52 Week's entry for this week at SnC. Woohoo!!! Not the last minute.

Enjoying Fall

Again I waited until the last minute to complete my 52 Weeks Layout for Scrappin'-n-Chattin'. Busy weekends really mess me up. I can't believe the year is almost over. Only 3 more weeks left of the contest. I still cannot believe that I have made it through the year, creating a page each week.

I have had an influx of awesome photos in the past couple of weeks. A friend of Jackie's mother took a ton of wonderful photos of David and Jackie with fall as the backdrop. I was so excited that she had them on a cd. I chose 6 of them for this layout. And I'm sure there will be more pages with them. They are all so great.

Let's Scrap always has great 2 page sketches that use lots of photos, so that was the first place I checked for a sketch. Perfect. Here's this week's sketch, the one I used:


And here is the layout...

I had chosen a new Nikki Sivils collection that I recently got - Beatrice. It's the first Nikki Sivils collection I have ever had. I was so surprised at how well the collection worked with the photos. I fussy cut the tree from one of the papers as well. The perfect embellishment for the layout.

The colors in the spread work great with the inspiration photo at Lasting Memories. I really wanted to participate in the challenge. It's been a couple of weeks for me and I've been so disappointed that I haven't been able to play along.



Here is a closer look at Page 1. I used my Zig Zag Martha Stewart border punch to create the layers of papers in the center of both pages. This will allow me to enter the layout into my first December challenge at SnC - which is to use chevron or zig zag paper, or use a punch to create
a pattern.

And page 2..... The cardstock is from a Bazzill pad I have and the bling is from my stock. All other elements are from the Nikki Sivils collection.


Thanks for looking. I hope everyone has lots of scrappy plans for the weekend. Enjoy.

The Paper Variety - Challenge #61

Good Wednesday morning. And Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. I hope everyone has a wonderful time with family and friends during this holiday. All of the kids will be over for dinner tomorrow, then I leave with Willie for a huge agility trial in Springfield, MA this weekend. Should be lots of fun, with lots of things to see.

It's time for the new challenge at The Paper Variety. And we have a very versatile prize this week. A random participant will receive a $20 gift card to an online store of her choice. How fun is that?

The challenge this week is a photo challenge. There are so many options with this photo - the colors, leaves, nature. Make sure to let us know what the inspiration was for your project.

I created a card using the colors and leaves. I just loved the colors and really had to go with that.

I hope you will join us this week and let the photo inspire you to create.

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #36

Good Sunday morning. We have been having great weather this weekend on the east coast. I hope everyone is enjoying some relaxation and family time.

It's time to for the new challenge at Birthday Sundaes. We have a great sponsor this week too. Karen's Doodles is our sponsor. Be sure to check out the awesome images she has. One lucky participant will get 3 digital images of her choice.


Our challenge this week is to use old, neglected stash. Karen provided the design team with 3 images to choose from to use on our projects for this challenge. I chose Bigsby with a gift.


The only item that is not from old stash on this card is the kraft card base. The patterned paper is from at least 4 or 5 years ago. The white card stock was in my drawer of white cardstock scraps. And the yellow and red cardstock are from my stash of colored cardstock. This was a really fun card to put together.

Be sure to check out the great cards the rest of the design team created. I hope you will visit your old stash and share with us a new creation using some old products.

Pet Palooza

Today was the 24 Hour Challenge at Scrappin'-n-Chattin'. Everyone who would like to play posts 3 collections we have. The host, April, then chooses 3 different sketches and picks out who will decide for whom what collection to use and which sketch to base a layout on. My friend Ashley chose for me.

I used Echo Park's A Walk In The Park Collection and SnC's Sketch #1, which is from Got Sketch, #132.


It was a great sketch to work with. All of April's selections were awesome. And here is what I came up with:


I used some photos from May of this year when I got to meet my friend Kristie in real life. It was an awesome day and so great to meet Kristie, Mike and Amber.

I am also entering this page into this week's challenge at Lasting Memories. The challenge is to hide your journaling. I have a tag connected to the ribbons on the right side of the photo spot. I wrote some details about the day on it. I am also entering this layout into this week's Frosted Design's Fabulous Friday challenge which is to include die cuts on the project. I used the die cut swirl and some flowers from the EP kit and I cut the piece for the title from the Elegant Edges cartridge.

Thanks for looking...

Lola Loves Harley

I had to create my 52 Weeks Challenge layout tonight. I'm finding that the week after trials, I have hard time getting my layout done early. So I had it planned out in my mind, and put it together tonight.

I loved the sketch at Sketches in Thyme from November 10th. So I had to use it....


I used only papers from the Home is Where the Heart Is, Mind's Eye collection. I really love the wonderful colors in this collection. I am using this layout as my entry into the Masking challenge at Scrappin'-n-Chattin'. I cut the dog's paw from the Paper Pups cartridge and sponged over it with an orange ink pad.


The page is all about how Lola really loves Harley. The journaling explains how she was an only child for most of her life. Then Lukie, Katie and I invaded her life. She accepted all of us, but she really didn't fall in love with Luke and Katie. Then we got Harley. She wasn't sure about him at first, but he won her over. Lola and Harley have a special relationship. She only loves him. She accepted Willie and Tessa, but she doesn't go out of her way to be nice to them.

Birthday Sundaes Challenge #35

Happy Sunday. I hope that everyone is enjoying some down time. We are away at a trial this weekend, so not much relaxing.

Being Sunday, it's time for the new challenge at Birthday Sundaes. We have a very interesting challenge this week. The challenge is to create a birthday card, with a birthday sentiment on the front, and include a tree on your card.

To create my card I used my Echo Park A Walk In The Park collections, both my 6x6 and 12x12 collections.



This card was so much fun to put together. Check out the creative cards the design team created with trees. I hope you will get creative too, and share with us your card this week.

Quality Daddy Time

Happy Wednesday everyone. I hope your week is flying by and that you have some scrappy plans for the weekend.

It's time for a new challenge at The Paper Variety. This week's challenge is all about family. Create a paper project that includes a family member title or the word family.


And we have an awesome prize for this week's random winner - Echo Park's Winter Park collection kit!!!! I am soooo jealous.



I created a layout for my project this week. I followed this month's monthly sketch at Scrappin'-n-Chattin' to create my page. This sketch was created by my friend Theresa. She is such a wonderful sketch designer.


As I scroll through photos when choosing a what to scrap, I always stop at these photos of the doggies napping with Stew. They sure know their job.


I hope you will join us this week at TPV. Hop on over there and check out the awesome family projects the design team came up with.

My Little Sweetie

I really wanted to get a layout in for the challenge at Paper Lovin' Gals. The inspirational photo has some wonderful colors and shapes.


I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Then the colors sparked an idea, which led to me check out how much of my Basic Grey Olivia collection I had left.

Well, I had enough, but what subject? I wanted to find a 1 photo sketch. Under pressure, since PLG contest ends tonight, I couldn't remember a lot of sites to check for sketches. I found that Sketches in Thyme posted the new members of their design team today. In the post was the sketch that was used for the dt call. I loved it.


And the subject for a girly line of paper - why Tessa of course.


I played off the colors and the circles in the inspiration photo. Thanks for looking.

In Character

I really wanted to do a layout for this week's challenge at The Paper Variety, since it's my off week. The challenge is to create a humorous paper project.

I really had a hard time trying to figure out what to do. I didn't think I could find any humorous photos for a layout. I was trying to think of a humorous card. Then, as luck would have it, Jackie posted a funny photo of my son, David on Facebook. He was playing is video game, while wearing his helmut from Iraq. He had to be in character after all.

I also wanted to use a sketch. I really loved the one for this month's challenge at Artful Delight.


I want to try to get all of the monthly challenges done at the Yahoo Group Scrappin'-n-Chattin' this month. So I incorporated the color challenge into this layout. The challenge is to use brown, red and gold or yellow on the page. Other colors can be used, but most of the colors have to be brown, red and gold.

The papers are from various Air Force collections I have. The cardstock was from my stash, as was the gold vellum I used for the stars. The Thickers are actually from the November Artful Delight kit. I can't wait to really get into that kit. I am using this layout as my entry into the 52 Week Challenge this week at SnC. Week #45. I cannot believe I have been able to create a page every week this year. I imagine that's what's helping to keep my sanity.

Well, it looks like I may be getting out of cooking dinner. So I better do at least some type of housework, and ponder my other projects for the week. I hope everyone has been able to get crafty this weekend too.