MyMadkow

White Sands

If you read my last blog post, you'll remember that I mentioned I'd been re-organizing. I also said that I wasn't ready to take everything out and start over again. Well........right after I posted that, I started looking around my studio.......and........of course.....I had to figure out a way to make it work. At least make it work better, and still have some floor space! LOL It took me a full day of playing with graph paper and little furniture cut-outs, before I came up with a grand plan.

The very next morning around 6am, I started moving everything out!! It took about 8 hours, not counting breakfast & lunch, to get it all moved around. And now I just love it!! It's got a better layout, and there's floor space! I'm missing one small table that I want to use as part of my L-shaped desk. I actually ordered it from Target, got my confirmation, etc. and 3 days later, I got an email from them saying they'd cancelled my order! Ugh!!! Apparently they were out of stock. Really? They weren't out of stock when I ordered it!!!! I'm pretty bummed about it. So I'll keep looking around, and see what else I can find.

Anyways.......here's another LO that I completed right after Christmas. Yeah, I'm behind in posting!

White Sands

Paper is Prima and Webster's Pages, with lots of distressing and layering. Cardstock is from Bazzill. Doily is, of course from Wilton!

Not a great pic, but, the chippie is from Kaisercraft. It's slathered in Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Sprays (Cosmopolitan Pink & A Bit 'o Bubbly) and T!m's Distress Inks  in Antique Linen and Tattered Rose, some Halo Pink-Gold Lumiere paint, Espresso Dimensional Pearls from Ranger and Stickles in Fruit Punch. I typed up my Title and glued it behind the chippy, after spraying with LSG Sprays.

I've used a Prima Antique Mirror over a Prima Flocked Rubon, and a K&Co diecut under the mat.

 

The
The floral spray is from Recollections. The newspaper leaves are also from Recollections, misted with My Mojito Green from LSG. The large white bloom is handmade from an old curtain, a scrap and a button cover, and one Prima flower center. I love that the fabric is fraying, it just adds to the overall effect. The pink ledger paper (Prima) doily was cut with the Floral Doily Motif from Spellbinders.

Here's a closeup of the flower. You can also see a bit of the stamping I've done with a Hampton Arts stamp, and Memento ink in Rich Cocoa. Pink roses are Prima. The little red blossoms were in one of my Swirlydoos Kits. The small green leaves are I Am Roses.

One more for the road.....................Applause

The birthday card I made for my oldest, Kevin.  Pretty simple. Lots of T!m products and a pleasant surprise! The red on the clock face is not intentional......it's a by-product of painting over black chipboard!!! Love it!!!!

I think I've been challenged......by PJ, to actually make some videos. Go check out her new blog, and watch some interesting AND funny vids!!! So.......I'm going to attempt it next week when I'm off. We'll see how it works with a point-and-shoot camera! Hahahahaha

Til next time,

Lynne

My Core'dinations Creative Frenzy

Hi everyone!! Thanks for stopping by!!

I have questions for you....do you think much about about your cardstock? Do you buy one specific brand, or do you just pick up any old cardstock? I have to admit that until about a year ago, I really didn't think too much about it. I usually bought cardstock for the colors. Mostly, because I used it only for matting my pics. So what changed? Well, I was at my LSS, and was looking for a specific shade of red......that's when I found Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock!! OMG!! It's just gorgeous....and embossable, sandable, distressable, and just plain fun to play with!! Still leery? Check it out.......

Spring Basket

 
Basket is built around the base of a chipboard box from Michaels. Cardstock is from the Super Assortment 'Nostalgia' pack and the Core Impressions: Graphic 45 Timeless Collection. Here's a few closeups......

 
 
 
 
Young Love

 
I used Nostalgia & the Core Impressions: Jenni Bowlin Collection for this LO of my DD and SIL. And some closeups...

 
 
Water Baby

  
More of the Nostalgia & the G45 collection. And some closeups......

 

 
 And a couple of cards........

 
 
Awesome cardstock, isn't it?!!! Love it!! I had a blast making these projects, and can't wait to make some more!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 

Boo For Snobby Walrus

Being that today is October 10th....I thought that I would share one of my October DT projects for Snobby Walrus. I so love the October kit!! Full of Halloween goodness!! Stunning papers & embellishments!! Lots of gorgeous fall colors in this kit. And what am I showing you?  I'm showing you a toned down card!! LOL See for yourself......
Toned down, right?!! As much as I love the fall colors, I also absolutely adore these muted colors. Black, cream & kraft, or coffee colored paper, (if you drink it with as much half & half as I do) are my new best friends! Even thinking about decorating my soon-to-be living room in these colors, with maybe a touch of red!

Okay back to the card! I do tend to get off track.....hey!! you don't have to agree! I took a piece of black cardstock, and ran it through my Cuttlebug, using one of my newest acquisitions....Kassie's Brocade Embossing Folder. I felt that it needed a bit more of something, so I decided to rub my StazOn Black Ink pad over the embossed areas. Well, it's just a bit different black, so you actually see more dimension.

 
I added a strip of My Mind's Eye paper on the left hand side. And then added a piece from one of the beautiful Pink Paislee stickers. This added just enough color to brighten it up.

 
Using another piece from MME, I punched a large scalloped circle. I also used one of the Pink Paislee stamps & my StazOn to stamp the graveyard scene onto a different piece of MME paper, and attached it to the scalloped circle, using my glue dots, to give it more dimension.

 
Once I decided where I wanted my stamped circles, I cut a small piece of grey Prima lace, and attached it to the card. Added my circles on top. Then I cut one of the 'sentiments' (witchy '31') from MME, and layed it over the lace edge. A small orange button, with eyelet yarn run through it, finishes off the card.

I hope you enjoyed this little card & stay tuned for more projects for Snobby Walrus.

Happy scrapping!

Lynne

Rainy With A Chance Of Clouds

Ugh! And double ugh!! We've been getting lots of it lately......rain that is. Not that I have a problem with it......... I don't do yard work!! That's what I have big strong boys for!!! LOL I'm sure that will piss them off totally. If they ever read my blog that is!

But what I do have a problem with, is that I've been trying to get pics of my DT projects, Challenges & RAK....and I CAN'T!!!! It's too dark inside, with the cloud cover, to get decent pics. Can't do it outside, cause it's raining. Ugh! It seems like the only time it's not raining, is in the middle of the night!!Normally I would say that I'll just get to it tomorrow......but, I can't, cause it's supposed to rain! And since, I have all of the components for my 'June Bride' RAK, it would be nice to get pics posted before the end of the month. 

Plus, I have 3 DT projects for Snobby Walrus done. Two for POSH. Two more for the Brag Book Challenge at POSH. And one more tutorial ready to go for POSH! But, I can't take any pics! Ugh So, why am I so worried about this....I've got lots of time.....I'm def not late! Well, and here's the great part.......my daughter & my grand-son will be here on the 15th (for 2 whole weeks!), and I want to get this stuff posted, and/or emailed asap....so I don't have to take time away from my family when they get here! Ugh!

Okay, I'm done ranting......for now! But I do have some good stuff for you!! One, Lynette Davis from Desperate Army Housewife, is now the Official Challenge Host at Snobby Walrus!!! Check out her first challenge.......

Sooooo......head on over to Snobby Walrus, read the rules and enter for your chance to win!!! And while you're there, check out the awesome June LOs and projects in the DT Gallery! Oh......almost forgot to tell you......that would be so stupid......Snobby Walrus now carries Onirie papers!!!!! Awesome prices...you won't find them cheaper anywhere, promise!!! So head on over to the store, and get your order in.....before I put mine in, cause there won't be much left if you wait!!!! 

Second.....do you remember my mentioning that I made like six LOs & a mini album with the June kit? No? Well, I did, and that is way too many for the Gallery....so some of my stuff, never made it on the Gallery, well......here's one of my faves.......

This LO is title "Expect Me Shortly", based on the quote from the vintage postcard, which was in the May Kit!! I just love it, and I was looking for a way to use it that month......but, I didn't have the right pics....of course it had to be one of Mason!!

Very simple LO....I'm enjoying doing this type! Love the fancy vintage shabby chic ones that I do, but sometimes I need a break! Anywho.......I used Crate Paper for background, 7 Gypsies as a photo mat....I never get tired of this striped paper...I've used it a lot....and I keep ordering it!! I rolled the Marks Paper to make a frame around the pic, and added my fave Graphic 45 die cuts. Here's a few closeups.......

How do you like the 'stache? I just love it....it's from Hambly Screen Prints.....and I've got quite a few leftover....maybe I'll use some for Father's Day project!! I also cut the hat from G45 paper!! Trim is rom May Arts. Vintage numbers (on postcard) from 7 Gypsies, from the May Vintage Splurge Kit. More diecuts from Crate Paper & Pink Paislee & My Mind's Eye brads.

Did you notice that I'm not overloading you by posting all of my Snobby Walrus projects in one post!! Unlike what I did last month!! LOL Yeah, that's my new thing.......spread it out!! I'll have a bunch of POSH projects for you soon....that is if the rain stops!!! But here's quickie card from the CLSC #16 Challenge ......

 
Sorry, bad pic......another rainy day!!! I gotta tell you, I'm so proud of myself for using my scraps, even bits and pieces of leftover Prima flowers from different collections. Yep, this is one of my newest challenges....make cards with scraps only!!! It's working out pretty good so far.......and I still get to use beautiful papers.

That's about it for tonight....hoping to get the RAK pics done in the morning......if not, it will wait till my next off rotation. Although, at the rate I'm going now, I might have to change the title to "July Bride", ugh, that's just not the same!!

Love ya,

Lynne
 

  

May Projects for Snobby Walrus

You know, I was so excited when I got the May kit from Snobby Walrus, that I just couldn't wait to get sarted on my projects!! The papers & embellies in this kit are just gorgeous, sooooo, if you haven't checked them out yet....you def need to do that now!!

BTW, I'll keep this post short!!! LOL

Without further ado, here they are, my May projects:

So Happy Together

 
Love You

I Will Follow You

Vroom Vroom

Joy

 
Since I'm having issues uploading pics again, I'll leave the closeups for the SW photo album, and the Snobby Walrus DT Gallery. Thanks for stopping by!!

PS, Don't forget about the RAK....will update tomorrow!! If you don't know about it, check out the National Scrapbook Day & A Mini post (below).

Love ya,

Lynne

   

Recipe Album

Have you been wondering where I've been? Or what I've been up to?  Yeah, me too!!! LOL.  Actually, I've been reorganizing my craft space. It was a mess, and it was getting to the point where I couldn't find anything. So now everything has a place and a label!!! So much easier now!!

I finished and sent off my Snobby Walrus LOs & project.......like 3 days before it was due!!! Ugh!! I hate it when I do that!! I like to get things done early!! But for some reason, I had a hard time with my project, I just couldn't get anything to work out the way I wanted it...so, I finally decided to make a card!! Not that I have anything against cards, but I just thought that, that was the easy way out!! In my defense, I was just totally out of ideas!! 

Also I've been working on projects for the May DT Challenge at Posh!!! Nini has now added LOs to the challenge. So, we can do a card and/or an LO!!!! Love it......I actually got both done and 6 days ahead of time!!!

And I have been working on my DDs Recipe Album. This was what she wanted for Easter....problem is that she told me like 4 days before!!! Soooooo, I've been scrambling to get it done asap!! Plus I made a few Mother's Day cards!!!

Good thing I'm on vacation, right!!! It's been nice being home!! I'm trying to get my sleeping or lack their off, fixed. It's been an issue since I worked 2 hours away during the Holidays. I have finally given up, and am now taking sleeping pills to try and get my self regulated and on a set sleep schedule!! Hopefully when I go back to work, I'll be okay.

Soooo, I thought that I would share the recipe pages I made with you. Since there's like 6 of them (that I actually took pics of), I will limit the closeups.....else you'll be here til tomorrow, just reading this!!

So here goes.......

 
 
 

and my fave......

My ex-MIL's Banana Bread recipe......it just might be the only good thing that happened in that marriage!!! Everybody loves it, and it always comes out great...moist and tasty!! Naturally everyone always wants more!! I have a co-worker friend who loves this bread so much, that if I make some for him, I have to make two. One to eat at work, and the other to bring home and share with his wife!!!

I really had to work at not over-embellishing these pages, so that Ashley's album could lie flat!!! So these are very simple LOs....not my usual style!! That's okay, it forces me out of my comfort zone....kind of like doing Mason pages.....it's so hard to not put flowers on those LOs!!!! Well, sometimes I do, but I try to limit it, so that his pages actually look like boy pages!!!

I used some Cosmo Cricket & Basic Grey papers on these, with a bit of K&Co & DCWV thrown in. I'm also trying to use up some older embellies that I have in my stash. Gotta make room for more scrappy goodies!!!! LOL......I just ordered some Timmy stuff again!!! Now I want some Dew Drops!! Ouch....... my wallet is hurting!!!

Here's the card I made dor DD...... 

Love this collection from Webster's Pages!!! I ordered this set about a month ago, and it took almost that long before I got it!! That's how backed up they are!! Anyways, I did a bit of fussy cutting & layering of pp, added a Prima flower, which is just too perfect for this paper! And the 'daughter' chipboard embellie from K&Co, again, it's perfect with this paper!!

Soooo, that's about it for now. Will be back in the next few, with my Snobby Walrus & Posh projects.

Happy scrappin'

Love ya,

Lynne

Thanksgiving, Turkeys & I, oh My!

Glad it's over!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Thanksgiving. I love spending time with my family! I love food! It's the beginning of the season for me. This is when I start getting the house ready for Christmas! Usually, I put up my tree right before Thanksgiving. For some of you, that may seem a bit early, but I love it so much that I want all the decorations up early, so I can enjoy them that much longer!

Not this year!!! It's November 30th, and I haven't even started!!! Dan & I are talking about maybe tomorrow! Ugh! So why so late this year? Well, I work in retail!!! Let me explain......

Worked 8pm to 8am on Thanksgiving eve; went home & slept a few hours. Got up and got dressed. Went to my Mom's for dinner - I was only there about 2 hours. Stuffed myself!!! All the food was great. Spent a little bit of time with the family. My aunt Jackie and Uncle Andre were there - so good to see them again! Then drove the 45 minutes to work! Thanksgiving!

I started my shift at 8pm. Ugh!! Had to get the store ready for Black Friday. Ugh! Round about 2am, the place was packed! You could barely move down the aisles. Everybody was trying to sneak into the 5am stuff!! Ugh! Most people were pretty good about not touching, once you told them, of course! But, then there was the turkeys who thought they were special!!! You all know who you are!!!! "I was just looking", "I'm NOT taking anything", "Everybody else is doing it", "What difference does it make, I still can't buy it til 5am"!!!!! Ugh! Thank God for the Police Officers that were in the store!!! By 5am, we were about 30 people deep at every register! So I spent the next 3 hours trying to help out our cashiers. It was definitely not fun! Ugh! So I drove the 45 minutes home and attempted to sleep for about 5 hours, only to have to get up and go back in to clean it up! Turkeys!

If you were in any store on Black Friday, you know how bad the stores were trashed!!! Ugh! Nothing different at mine! Throw seven trucks full of freight on top of that mix, and you know what Friday night was like for me!!! And you know, people came in to the store looking for the 'sale' items that night, and they were expecting to be able to pay the 5am to 11am prices at 10pm. NOT!!!! Our store is still trying to recuperate from that fiasco! Yep, that pretty much sums up how I feel!!! Finally ended my shift rotation on Sunday morning. Had to shop, print some pics, and drove home. Slept about 4 hours, and got up to spend time with family. My parents decided to do Chinese food at my house! Ugh! I like Chinese food, but I would rather have slept! Although, once I was up, I was okay! And we did get to play some games......Apples to Apples, Pictionary, etc. We had a good time. Then I got to get more sleep. I!

Sooooooooooo, it's Monday. I've got a lot of things to do. Including mailing out my ornament for the 2009 Bloggers Ornament Exchange...yep, I'm running late! Definitely want to do that again!!! Making ornaments for the tree and special decorations for my house, are probably my favorite things to do! I've always been a 'crafts/dec' person. Scrapping is in the top three, but I'm more of a newbie to that. Here's a pic of the ornament I made......

I used SEI's Winter Song papers, Tim Holtz distress ink and grunge board, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Pearl, Martha Stewart Crystal Fine Glitter and Making Memories glittered flourishes. You know that I had to make a card to go with it!

This is probably one of the first cards that I've ever made - I think I attempted some last Easter...they were okay. Nothing special that's for sure! I'm hooked now!!! It's kind of like making a mini layout. I've already started making my Christmas cards, and I will definitely make more for other Holidays!!! In the background, are the pears I'm supposed to give you a tutorial on!!! Not gonna happen this week either! I promise, I will get that post up soon!!!! 

I had so much fun making the ornament and card(s) that I'm even thinking about starting my own ornament exchange for next year! Will definitely have to start planning soon!!!!

I realize this is a long post, and that most of it, is me complaining, and that I left out a lot of stuff (especially things that happened at my store - don't want the head honchos breathing down my neck!).....but, I'm glad that this past week is over!!!! I hope that your Thanksgiving was filled with family, friends, good food and lots of love - not the turkeys I spent time with! Oh My!

Love ya,

Lynne

PS Don't forget to leave a comment on the RAK post!!!! Santa's got a good thing going on!!!!