Halloween Birdhouse- YMH DT project

Happy Halloween fellow crafters...

As I am not so patiently waiting and getting beyond excited for my Prima grab bag to arrive from Your Memories Here (all the way to Finland), 

I thought to create something Halloweeny (LOL) that I can put on my shelf as decor and then finally decided to make a haunted bird house.. I've seen lots of cute ones, which I think are gorgeous, but wanted to add a little Halloweeny twist to mine..

This was super simple to make.. 

just some sheets of chipboard, cardstock, decorative papers, distress inks, good glue, chalks , alphabet stamps and my handy dandy Cricut Expression ..

here are a few close ups:

Eeeeek..check out them creepy spiders..LOL

I amuse myself so easily..

I love this fence.. cute, I mean..Spooooooky..LOL

and for supplies used from the Your Memories Here store:

Quick drying glue

Chalks for shading edges

Distress Inks

and from my own stash:

Chipboard sheets, cardstock, papers by Echo Park and my Cricut Expression

Cricut carts used:

October 31st:
(fence, tomb stones, spiders, crow, web and hand)

Plantin Schoolbook
(ceiling tile: scalloped edge)

Once upon a Princess
 (top note)

I want to thank you ladies for stopping by today and checking out what I've been up to.. 

I hope everyone has a very safe and happy halloween evening while out trick-or-treating with the little ones and the not so little ones :)

Hugs

Our boys- Sketch challenge reveal for S.O.U.S

TGIF fellow scrappers..

Its another gloriously gloomy and rainy Friday here in Finland, but it always puts a happy heart warming smile on my face when I get to share a project with you lovely ladies..

this Friday we have another amazing Sketch to you by our very own Leah who has been a busy busy girl.. We wanted to offer some Clean and simple sketches for those of you that wanted to keep them simple..

I really did try to keep it simple and that's why I chose to scrap a photo of my boys that was taken back in 1996 when we first moved here to Finland..  They were only 2.5 yrs and 1.5yrs old then...Aaaaaw..LOL

so, here is my take on our sketch:

and yes! that is journaling you see..LOL  I normally don't journal on my layouts, but I think I'm going to do more and more journaling from now on..

and for the sketch:

and a few close ups:

mostly everything you see is pop dotted to give this layout some dimension..

my two little men playing on the slide.. 

and let me tell you how much I LOVE the Nate's ABC cart.. 

it has some really adorable die cuts on there for boys.. 

and for supplies used:

papers by: My Minds Eye and Basic Grey

Cardstock: light blue, white and brown

Cricut cartridges:

Nates ABC's: "Boys" die cut, font and numbers

George and Basic Shapes: Stars and star silhouettes

edge distressing tool

white gel pen

pop dots

edge rounder

well, that about does it for me for today..

I want to thank you all so much for stopping by today and taking a look at my SOUS project.. Do stop by SOUS and check out what the rest of the Design Team have created using the same sketch..

I hope everyone has a wonderfully creative weekend..

hugs

Lil Shopper-DT project for YMH

Boy! These weeks are flying by and with that said, "Happy Monday fellow scrappers!"..

Its Nanné again and I want to share a layout I created for and of my daughter.. There are lots of layers and fussy cutting on this layout, plus my very favorites, Prima Flowers and E line Pearls.. I also ended up using my very favorite collection by Websters Pages..

So, Here is my layout:

White Prima flowers are just the best.. They go with anything and any color palette..

and I used Gemstone glue to glue down some string of Pearl..which was really quick, easy and no mess.

and for a few close ups of the layout:

 I only had two big red flowers that were the same, placed those on the bottom of the layout..so, I grabbed a big red Prima one from my stash and then distress inked the edges to match.. came out pretty good :)

these big Alabaster round petal roses are great, as is or you can glimmer mist any color.. 

I love working with them..

and finally a close up of my daughter.. This was taken last summer as her and boyfriend took a three day cruise over to Sweden.. the tile came from them doing nothing much, except for shopping..

and for supplies used:

These items you can find in the Your Memories Here store:

Glimmer Mist

Prima Alabaster Roses

E-Line pearls

Pop Dots

Gem Stone glue

Distress Ink

and from my own stash:

Websters Pages papers, string of pearls, MS Edge Punch, MS butterfly punch, green leaves, 

red flowers and small white flowers.

well.. I think that about does it for me for this Monday..

I want to thank you all so much for stopping by today and checking out my Monday project..

I hope everyone has a scrap-a-licious week..
hugs

Altered Frame- Die cut challenge SOUS

Happy Friday Fellow crafters and scrappers.. 

Us ladies over at S.O.U.S are having our Friday Die Cut reveal today and we decided that this weeks die cut would be using a FENCE on your projects..

I have been wanting to alter these old photo frames I've been holding onto to forever and I found this cute idea while searching for inspiration on the web.. The original idea I found at Keiser Crafts blog, you can check it out by clicking HERE, but don't go just yet.. stick around for a few more mins and check out my interpretation of that idea..LOL

and so here it is:

the photo isn't the best in the world, but I'm sure you get the idea... I am redoing our bedroom and this will be placed on the shelf that is above our head board.. 

The frame measures about 4" x 11" and I first painted it brown, then added crackle medium (nice heavy coat) and finally painted white.. once dry, I took my paint dabbers (copper and black) and sponged a little bit here and there to make the frame look aged..

here are a few close ups:

There are lots of different elements on there..first of all, that paper I printed from the IMAGINE MORE cartridge for my Cricut Imagine and then sized it with my GEORGE AND BASIC SHAPES cartridge by cutting a long rectangle.. super easy !! I crinkled the paper in my hands and then rubbed them down with Tim Holtz Vintage Photo ink, using the ink applicator and used my edge distresser to tear up the edges.

The Flowers are by Prima and the leaves by I am roses..  

The fence and street lamp I cut using the HERITAGE cartridge, The street lamp I welded using my design studio software.. the fence is actually heat embossed using Tim Holtz Rust embossing powder.. I cut it a bit longer than the frame, so it actually is bent out a bit.. Then lastly added some white liquid pearl to give it some highlight and some green Distress Stickles to the leaves.. 

I found some Tim Holtz Stamps in my stash and stamped the quote and the word LOVE.  The quote I put on foam tape squares and placed in in the frame.. Left the glass out!!  and finally the butterflies are a MS punch, which I used the left over paper that I had printed with the Imagine.

well ladies.. I want to thank you all for stopping by today and checking out what I've been creating.. Hope it inspired you to grab your old unwanted frames and re-vamp them into something gorgeous.. I have a feeling this frame for me is just the tip of the iceberg..LOL

before you get creating, stop by S.O.U.S and check out what the other ladies of our DT have been creating using this same die cut challenge.. You will definitely find some inspiration there...

Happy Crafting everyone..

Hugs

Sharing Fall Memories-YMH DT project

Happy Monday fellow Scrappers! 

Its my turn to share a little project with you today that I've been working on as my DT project for
Your Memories Here.. 

I used simple white cardstock, some Tim Holtz distress inks and a Prima Mask to create an original background to my fall themed layout.. This technique was a first for me, so I'm really pleased with how it came out..

I then used some Autumn themed papers I found in my stash, Prima flowers and Leaves, plus some ribbon and brads..

Here is what I ended up with:

I took several different colors of distress ink and applied them all over the edges of my white cardstock using the ink applicator, then held down the Prima Mask with my hand as I took the same colors of ink and smudged them all over the mask using the ink applicator.. 

Here you can see the white peeking through all of the ink.. 

It really was super easy..

I layered some papers, added a cute photo my daughter when she was a bay-beh..LOL

Then added a big fall colored Prima flower onto the bottom corner, some orange leaves, the Prima Ivy and finally an orange/white colored Prima flower to the top corner of the photo mat.

and last but not least, randomly placed some chipboard letters I found in my stash along the bottom of the Prima flower ivy, using foam tape squares..

and then for the supplies you will need to create a great layout using white cardstock, a  mask and some Inks..

Tim Holtz Distress inks

Prima Mask

Prima Flowers

Prima Leaves

Prima ivy branch

Foam Tape Squares

from my own stash I used:

ribbon, brads, papers, stickers, distress tool, circle paper punch's and chipboard letters!!

well scrappers...That does for me for this Monday..Thank you all so much for stopping by today, I hope I have inspired you to take out your inks to play.. 

I truly don't believe there is a right way or a wrong way to ink up you layouts,  just your own way..LOL

Hope everyone has a wonderfully creative week.

Hugs

Friday Sketch Reveal for SOUS

For a lot of reasons, I get to shout out "TGIF!!"

 First of all, I have a great layout and sketch to share with you today.. Our very own Leah from SOUS has created a CAS (clean and simple) style sketch for everyone this week and I've had a blast with it.. I honestly tried keeping this layout of mine Clean And Simple..LOL  trust me when I say "that was challenging all on its own!"..LOL

and the second reason why I'm so thrilled today is,  I have a three day weekend to look forward to... Wooo Hooo! :)

So, here is my take on this Friday's Sketch:

If you're scratching your head about the title, etc... which of course, I'm hoping your not..LOL
but I got this idea from the apples.  The title "apple of my eye!" and then the "Fruits of our labor!" came to play.. so, I just incorporated the apples and the Labor, since my son was a big boy when he was born..LOL

I'm just goofy like that is all  :)

and here is the sketch Leah Created for us girls to work with this week:

here are a few close ups of the layout:

The tree branch I found on one of my summer buys, the BLOOM cartridge..

My son was exactly 4 wks old in this photo.. Looks exactly like his dad and he still does..LOL

and of the apples, which I had so much fun with..

and for supplies used:

Cricut Cartridges:

A Child's Year: Apples and Leaves

Bloom: Branch

Christmas: Window

Kate's ABC's : Title Font

Papers by; DCWV Tradewinds stack

Cardstock: Cream, black, green and burgundy red

chalks and inks

pop dots

white gel pen

Well my fellow crafters and creators, that about does it for me for today.. I had a lot of fun playing with this sketch and coming up with an original idea, as silly as it is...

I want to thank you all so much for stopping by today and taking a look at what I've been up to, do stop by SOUS and check out what the other DT members have been busy creating..

hope everyone has a wonderfully creative weekend

Hugs

Blissful layout- DT project for Your Memories Here

Happy Monday fellow Scrappers.. I know, its not my favorite day of the week either, but because I'm able to share with you a little something every Monday, it has certainly grown on me..LOL

Yesterday I grabbed a few things that I thought would make a great layout.. Starting off with was a photo of my daughter, then some of my favorite papers, stamps, punches, bling and of course Prima Flowers, ribbons and trinkets..

Here is what I ended up:

I once again took the Tattered Angels Architectural Trims stamps and stamped around the edge.. I used the brick stamp from the set this time and some Tim Holtz distress inks.. love how it came out, its not so IN YOUR FACE when you use a soft ink..LOL

Here are a few close ups of the layout:

I then took some of the lace trim and made a rosette out of it and then added small Prima Flower trinket to the center..

some big Prima flowers and other flowers I found in my stash, then finally added two different colored Prima leaves and some Prima Bling..

so, you can create a beautiful layout with just a few key essentials that you can find at the Your Memories Here store..

Prima lace trim

Tim Holtz Distress inks

Tattered Angels Architectural Trims Stamps

Prima Bling

Prima Trinkets

and finally a fantastic variety of 

Prima Flowers and Leaves

and then from my own stash I used:

Martha Stewart Edge Punch and Butterfly punch
papers by: Colorbok
cream cardstock
Cali Lilly's from wedding section of Michaels
red flowers by: Iamroses

Cricut Expression
Songbird cartridge: title BLISSFUL

2011-stamped using black ink

I want to thank you all for stopping by today and seeing what I've been up to.. 

Hope everyone has a wonderfully creative week

Hugs

Whimsical Wednesday Blog Hop

 Welcome to Whimsical Wednesdays Halloween/Autumn blog hop..  

If you are hopping along with us, you should of arrived from Libby's blog.. If you just stopped by and want to join in the hop, do stop by Whimsical Wednesdays to get the hop schedule, just click here to be redirected..

For this hop we were to either create a little Halloween or Autumn themed project.. and since I love Autumn, I created an Autumn  layout.. 

Everything you see I created with my Cricut Imagine and my Cricut Expression...

this layout was highlighted  in the Cricut Chirp Newsletter 

and for a few close ups of the layout:

We have some sponsors for our hop and they are as follows:

 1.Stampin Daisies: http://stampindaisies.com/ $10.00 Gift Certificate 

 2. Trendy Twine: http://trendytwine.bigcartel.com/ Original Sample Pack

 3. Trade Fish Designs: http://tradefishdesigns.com 

 /index.php?route=product/quickshopper Rest In Peace Stamp Set

4. Prairie Bird Boutique: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieBirdBoutique one bundle of Shabby Crinkle Ribbon-you get to chose the bundle.   

and we have  GRAND PRIZE as well:

The grand prize for the hop is from PSA Essentials. It is a stamp package valued at $75.00 and includes the Stamper Body, A Peal, one customized stamp and Stick Stamp Set, and an Orange/Black Inker. In order to be eligible for the blog candy you must leave a comment on each blog and then go back to Whimsical Wednesday at the end of the hop and leave a comment. 

wowzah's!!..LOL

well ladies.. I want to thank you all very much for hopping on by today and for your next stop, you will be visiting Cindy at Cindy's Creations..

Happy Hopping everyone..

hugs

TREE-Die Cut Challenge for SOUS

Happy go  lucky Friday my fellow crafters...As always, I'm happy to share with you a layout I created for our latest Die Cut challenge over at Stuck On U Sketches.. This weeks challenge is to use a TREE on your project.. it can be any TREE and any kind of project.. I decided to make a layout of my son Aaron when he was a toddler.. He was such a cutey-ba-tooty..LOL  I used lots of different elements on this layout, so lets get to the goodies shall we:

don't you just love Echo park papers?.. I can't recall the last time I used so much COLOR on my layout..LOL But had a lot of fun putting this little layout together.. hope its manly enough, but with a little twist of "mommy made it!"..LOL

for a few close ups of the layout:

the bunny's didnt' come out as good as I had hoped, but they look good enough..LOL 

and for the supplies used:

Cricut cartridges:

Pooh and Friends: Trees and grass

George and Basic Shapes: Circle and hearts

Nate's ABC's: font

Paper doll dress up: Bunny's

papers by: Echo park Country drive set (stickers included)

Martha Stewart edge punch

pop dots

inks

chalk

black pen for faux stitching

well ladies.. that does it for right now.. do stop by later tonight for the Whimsical Wednesdays Blog hop.. great give-a-ways on that hop.. 

but before you get a chance to scurry off, do stop by SOUS and check out what the other amazing design team members have made using this same TREE challenge.. you won't be disappointed.

hugs

Whimsical Wizards Posts

October is finally upon us and with the first Wednesday of month, comes our challenge reveal for Whimsical Wednesdays.. This time out challenge is called "Whimsical Wizards!" cause we are to share a Halloween or Autumn themed layout, plus a mini tutorial on a technique we used on the layout..

My mini tutorial will be the punched photo corners.. (which I was first introduced to by a very lovely lady named Sandy Windsor and you can check out her blog by clicking HERE)..but don't go just yet..LOL

here is my project for out challenge:

We don't celebrate Halloween here in Finland, but its one of my all time favorite holidays from when we lived in the States.. I had so much fun putting this two pager (yes, two pager..LOL) together..  One of the items we were to use on this layout was some amazing Shabby Crinkle Ribbon by Patsy, do stop by her Etsy store by clicking HERE.  I used the ribbon on the corners of the photo mats..looks pretty cute doesn't it?..LOL

and here are a few close ups of the layout:

This layout was Highlighted in the Cricut Chirp Newsletter October 25, 2011..

and now to share with you the technique I used to make the photo corners.. super quick and simple!!

first of all what you will need is:

cardstock or printed paper

edge punch

paper trimmer

scissors

pop dots or glue

Ink if you want to ink the edges

take a piece of cardstock and trim with you paper trimmer to the size of your liking..

I cut mine 2 1/4 " x 2 1/4"

Next you want to turn the paper so that you will cut it in half, corner to corner..giving you two triangles..

Then grab your favorite edge punch b(mine are the Martha Stewart ones) and place the triangle in the middle as pictured and punch down..

This is what you will have after you edge punch it..

Then, I take my scissors and trim the extra off as pictured!

Here I have a picture of two different edge punches and what the photo corners will end up looking like..

Pretty cool don't ya think and its really up to you what you want it to look like.. anything goes!!

So now, all you have to do to enter this weeks challenge is to

make a Halloween or Fall Themed Scrapbook LO and use one of the techniques you have learned from the Whimsical Wizards at Whimsical Wednesdays Blog...

and do come back Friday the 7th of October for our blog hop..
lots of goodies to win tomorrow and lots of amazing projects to see..

 I want to thank everyone for stopping by today and taking a look at my take on our challenge and a quick technique to get you creating..  

I hope everyone has a wonderfully creative week..
hugs