MyMadkow

The Liebster Blog Award & Migraines

Ugh!! Don't know what's up with these migraines, but since I came back from El Paso, I've had 2 three day stints of these. Bad enough for me to ask my Mom to take me to the doctor's, to get better meds!!! For years, I would only get about 2 'normal' (as if there's such a thing), migraines a year. But this past year has been horrendous!!! I'm getting them more often, and they're lasting a lot longer!!! Definitely NOT fun!!

Needless to say, everything I wanted to do last week, got pushed to this week. And now, well...I def want to apply for the Graphic 45 DT. I've been working my butt off, trying to get some projects done. So, once again, everything is being neglected. Including my poor little blog!! And my normal blog hopping!!

I did get a nice little gift, from my scrappy buddy Denise at Vintage Scrappin......it's the

 
How cool is that?!!!!! This is how it works....if you get tagged with the award, you need to create a post, where you post the Liebster Blog image. Then you choose 3 to 5 favourite blogs which you also link in your post. Simple......

For many different reasons, especially that these ladies are some of the most talented scrappers out there!! Plus, I really miss our Snobby Walrus time!!!

            Birgit at Magic Scraps

            Ilene at What A Bunch Of Scrap

            JJ at One Good Thing

            Keri at Kensington Design

            Ria at Cakes 'n Scraps

Thanks to all of the Snobby Walrus DTs for all of your talents, and willingness to share your knowledge and your amazing projects with all of us!!

And a big THANKS to Denise!!!! for sharing the Liebster Blog Award with me!!

And now, for something scrappy......

Fly

 
For the life of me, I can't remember where I got the GCD paper!! I want to say that it was part of the January Swirlydoos kit, but I'm not sure. Anyways, LOVE this paper. It's really too bad, that this isn't a very good pic of my LO!! Cause it doesn't do it any justice. Long story but I got a taller easel to take pics of my projects, and it's thrown my picture taking off. Doesn't take much, does it?  LOL

I'm continuing on, with my resolution, to use at least one old piece on each project. This one used a bunch of older stuff!! Which is good, cause I just ordered a bunch of new stuff!! As a side note, I used some of Ranger's Liquid Pearls today....OMG!! Now, I have to get these in every color!! They have got to be the easiest dimensional paints I've ever used!!! I seem to have issues with all of the other brands I've tried...they just never look right.

 
I'm finding that I'm getting more 'outgoing' with color!! Using much brighter colors, and opting for higher contrast now. Still love the subdued look, but sometimes you just got to be BOLD. Lots of layers here. Even inked the little hand.....which was a button.

 
The chipboard spinner is K&Co, I layered it over some chippie wings from Maya Road, which I glittered (Martha Stewart). Then layered those over an inked piece of acrylic (packaging), that I embossed with a Timmy folder, and then I tucked in some eyelet lash yarn from Expo Intl. behind it.

I can't decide if I like the way I placed the wings or not. It looked good, when I put the whole thing together, but once I added it to the page, I felt that they were just a little off. Oh well......cause I used my best sticky stuff....and there was no way I was going to take it apart!!

 
Inking older alphas (K&Co) has got to be one of my fave techniques!! Don't forget the Glossy Accents over top! I love how these turned out!! The transparency right below it is Basic Grey.

I just read my post over (my spell/grammar check).....wow!! Really choppy, and broken up. If this was an essay for school, I'd flunk!! LOL   I guess I'm tired, at least that's what I'm going with!!

Back next week with Graphic 45 projects!!!!!!

Til then, happy scrapping!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 

        

Retrospective

Warning: Pic intensive!

So, I decided to jump on the bandwagon!! Quite a few, of the many blogs that I visit, are doing their top ten (twelve) favorites for 2010. Sounded like a good idea....but not so easy to do!! I have so many faves, that it was really hard to narrow down. Plus, I wanted to show you where my inspiration comes from, so that made it even harder to pick which LOs or projects I wanted to show. But I got it down to twelve! Yes, twelve....there was no way I could do just ten!

I also decided to show them to you in alphabetical order, by name, of those bloggers who have most affected my work. Again, no easy task, as there are sooo many!!

So here we go.......

Charlene at Paper and Ink Playground. Love all of the gorgeous cards, gift boxes and sets, that she makes!! I would never have thought to make something like this gift card holder, were it not for her.

 

Denise at Vintage Scrappin. Denise's LOs are stunning!! She has a knack for adding gorgeous details to all of her projects. I'm sure that she's not aware, of how much of an influence that she has been on the evolution of my scrapping.

 

 
Dyan Reaveley at Art and Soul. Love her quirky style and sense of humor!! Dyan is an art journaler; and she says it like it is. Of course, she inspired me to do this LO.

 

Ingvild at Spinnvild. That woman is so talented!! Her style is fresh & funky, and filled with beautiful flowers, and embellishments.

 

Irene at Scrapperlicious. Her style varies so much, and I love it!! Just when I think that I've figured out her style, she does something totally different. I never know what she's going to come up with, and that's motivating!

 

 
Karola at Karola Kraftuje. Love her gorgeous LOs and projects!! No matter what products she uses, her projects are always romantic & very feminine.

 

Lisa at What A Beautiful Mess. If you've ever wanted to make your own flowers, or you want to learn some new techniques....this is definitely the blog to go to!! Awesome tutorials!!

 

 
Lynne at The Next Best Thing by Lynne. From romantic to clean & simple. From vintage to retro. Lynne's style is all her own!! Gorgeous projects and LOs, from a fresh perspective.

 

Melissa Phillips at Lilybean's Paperie. Full of vintage, romantic, sugary, glittery projects!! Amazing projects, for any occasion!

 

Paulien at Paulien Van Den Bosch. One of the first blogs I came across. Love her style!! This woman does it all, and does it very well!!  

 

 

The Snobby Walrus DTs. These ladies are some of the most talented scrappers around!! I learned a lot while working with them!! Check out their blogs..... Birgit, Ilene, JJ, Keri, and Ria.

 

 
Tim Holtz. What can I say....the man is uber talented!!!

Thank you all for sharing your LOs, & projects!! For being real, open-hearted and quick to share your ideas and techniques.....you've changed my life, for the better, in more ways, than you'll ever know. Thank you!!

I'm sure that there are many, many more scrappers & bloggers, that have inspired me over the last year!! But these are by far, the best & most talented folks out there!! Soooooo, check out their blogs.....I know you'll be as inspired as I was!

 

Love ya,

Lynne

 

 

 

Older & Wiser?

Okay, so I'm a year older.....yesterday was my 51st birthday!! Ack!! I can't believe I said that!! So...I'm definitely older. But wiser? Well, if you count the grey hairs, hot flashes & get out of my face comments, well, then yes!! I am learning to let me, be me!! About time, don't you think?

Speaking of learning, I got the most wonderful gift from my parents this Christmas.....Adobe Photoshop Elements 9!!! Sooooo freaking excited about that!! I've been working on it a little bit at a time. That's about all I can handle!! I had Elements 2.....OMG, I couldn't even get a book for that one!!! Everything I tried to do on this program, was a chore. Though, I am thankful & grateful that Kevin allowed me to use it, and that I started using v.9 with some understanding & knowledge. Looking forward to learning how to use all of the cool effects & maybe start doing digital LOs!!

I know that I haven't talked much about this Christmas....it was hard to not have all of my kids here. I suppose that by not talking about it, I didn't have to face the fact that I miss them sooooo verrry, verrry much!! -- getting teary eyed! So, all things considered, it turned out to be very nice, but quiet. And with a few special surprises thrown in for good measure!! More on that later!

Okay, enough of the sappy stuff....on to the project.......

More Precious Than Gold

 
Love this pic of my DD Ashley, it was taken this summer, when she came to visit, before setting off for El Paso. I love this pic of her....she may not agree...and that's okay!! I chose the colors from her shirt....purple, very regal. And naturally, the title came easily, after that. Besides...she is more precious than gold!!!

I've been having a hard time getting good pics of my LOs, lately....the sun hasn't been out much.......that really doesn't help....I think it's just more depressing. 

Using up my  Swirlydoos 'Irresistible' kit.....love this one!! That gorgeous House of Three/Pink Paislee paper, is slathered in gold Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist! I also added lots of Prima flowers & more flowers, ribbons & doodads from Flights of Fancy.

Here's a collage (thank you Adobe!!) of the closeups.....

Okay, so I'm still learning!!! I've seen this on other blogs, and thought it was so cool, I just had to learn this one first! I also used Lisa's circle corner punch technique, on the paper, only I reversed the effect. Love this technique.....you gotta check out her blog for the tut, and then try it!! So simple, you'll wonder why you didn't think of it first!! I sure did!! LOL I'll post the direct link on my sidebar.

I used a gold leafing pen, by Krylon on the frame from Teresa Collins. Gold resin swirls are from Jolee's. Vintage corset image is from Altered Pages, via one of my Snobby Walrus kits. Speaking of, I really miss SW, Tracy & the DTs!!!! Hoping that everything is okay, and that everyone will be back soon!! 

Don't feel too bad for me....I get to visit DD & my grand-son Mason in a couple of weeks!! Can't wait!!! Going to Puerto Rico to see Kevin, will be more challenging. Somehow, it will work out. BTW, did you apply for the Webster's Pages DT call? I sure did, just in the nick of time! Will I make it? Only if it's meant to be!!!

And don't forget to enter my Second Chance RAK!! Only a few more days left!!

That's it for now, gotta get some sleep before going to work tonight!! Ugh!! First night is always tough!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 

 

Curiouser & Curiouser For Snobby Walrus

Five, count 'em, five days away from Halloween!! That's 30 days left til Thanksgiving, and 60 days left to go before Christmas!! Ugh.......biggest 2 months of the retail year are coming up!! Double ugh.....yep, I work in retail!! Great for sales, but rough for employees. Even harder for management staff....tis the season to get your face ripped off!! It just seems that we can never make everyone happy.....ie. 'you don't have this', and 'you never have that'; 'you don't have enough cashiers', 'I've been waiting in this line for hours' and 'what are you gonna do about it?' Well, let me pull them out of my ass!! Cause that's where I hide them!! Ugh, are people that stupid/crazy, that they actually think that stores hide their employees and/or their products? Okay, I'm done ranting!

Sooooo, back to Halloween......and I still have 3 more projects for Snobby Walrus, to show you!!

Curiouser & Curiouser

 
Love this Pink Paislee paper!! I added a large clear sticker from PP about 1/3 of the way in, on the right side, and then butted my pic against that 'line'. Lots of fussy cutting of the gorgeous papers, from the Halloween In Wonderland collection from Graphic 45. I just love their papers!!! They are def one of my fave companies!! Okay, it's a tie for first place, with Webster's Pages!!

 
You can see a bit of the TA Glimmer Mist, peeking out from the pic. The little dots, are actually part of a stamp set (included in the kit) from PP!!

 
I used Vintage Photo Distress Ink, on the teeny Dusty Attic chipboard frame. Love their chipboard....it's gotta be laser cut, to get such great detail on itty bitty pieces!! And I added another G45 diecut to the backside. Prima flowers, leaves & lace, button is SW.

Though you can't really see it, I also used Glimmer Glam on the leaves & flowers of the G45 paper. A bit of Distress Stickles on the teapot, some Glossy Accents on the title, and a few feathers that I picked up at Michaels.

Brain Food

This next pic is a watermelon, that my DIL, made for Mason's First Birthday/Halloween Party.

 
Is that cool or what? When she was telling me what she was planning.....I really couldn't see it, but she did an awesome job of it!

More PP paper (background), Prima bling, lace, flowers & leaves, which I glimmer misted!! Alphas (purple) are Glitz, also Glimmer Misted, and Making Memories (stash).

 
Candelabra/bird is fussy cut from My Mind's Eye paper....love these!! They are flocked papers....yum! The little bling, is actually a button which I covered in Black UTEE (several times) and then added a rhinestone over top; I colored it with a Sharpie!! I also used a Martha Stewart punch on the Glimmer Misted paper. Ribbon is Fancy Pants.

Halloween Checklist

Love this pic of DD & DGS!! Even if the 'Superman' costume doesn't match!! LOL

 
More G45 paper & MME papers!! I used a Martha Stewart punch to make the eerie fence. This punch is one of my faves from her collections!! The little cat on the fence is another Dusty Attic chipboard, which I glittered up!! Prima flowers & leaves.....more misting! I used a piece of MME as a mat for my pic, which is printed on watercolor paper!

 
It took me a while to figure out how to use the DA chipboard tree.....it's a little big, and it took up a good portion of the page. Finally, I decided to do the un-thinkable......and cut it in 2 pieces!! I Glimmer Misted it with Pomegranate & Raven. It's hard to see the 2 separate colors in these pics. I also used the same process on the Prima leaves.

 
Little orange pom-poms were cut from Prima fringe. I also printed my secondary title on MME papers using Chiller Font. Almost forgot to mention......that, the gorgeous yellow seam binding is from Bluebird Lane's etsy shop!!! You've got to visit her shop, she's got lots of other goodies for sale too!

So, that's it for today. And should you happen to go out shopping in the next couple of months, please remember this.......we (retailers) do not set out to make your shopping life a living hell!! So be nice!! And if you can't be.......then shop online!!

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

Ack!! I Can't Believe I Did This!!

and some sneaks!

Okay, so I bet you're wondering what I did? Well......In a previous post, I mentioned that I was moving.What I didn't say, was that I was moving in with my folks! Yeah! I know!! I still can't believe it!

So why, did I do this? Well, I want to buy a house. And I have no $$$ for downpayment, closing costs, etc. Let's face it, I spend most of my extra $$ on scrappy stuff!! Not good, but oh soooo much fun!

Right now, the housing market is very good, at least on the Treasure Coast! My son just bought a 3 bedroom home for $66,000!! That's less than half of what it originally cost the owner, a few years ago!! Naturally, I would love to have my own place, esp my own home!! So, moving in with my folks (TEMPORARY!!!!) is a great way for me to accomplish that!! The up-side to this move, is that it will motivate me to do everything I can to save as much $$$ as I can, in a short period of time!! LOL

So, I moved in on Saturday....so far it's been pretty good!! And, I have my own scrappy room.....I'll post pics when I have it straightened out. For now, everything has a place, and it's pretty comfy too! Tonight, I start scrapping again....it's been a couple of weeks!! Wonder if I remember how?! LOL

Snobby Walrus October Sneaks

Can you believe that we're almost in October!!, It feels like summer just started, and we're already into fall!! Sooooo, since this is an October sneak, can you guess, what this kit is all about? Check it out.....

 
 
 
 
Now, now, that's enough!! You'll have to wait for reveal day, for more pics!!!

Bye, bye for now

Lynne

 

Dream For Snobby Walrus

So, here I am in the midst of packing & cleaning......yep....moving...on the 25th, no less!! Ugh!! Anyways, I just realized that I haven't posted the rest of my September DT projects for Snobby Walrus.  

Dream

I love how this turned out!! And apparently so did my DD...she snagged it before moving to Texas!!!

The paper mache letters are from a kit that I purchased at Wal-Mart!! They had several other words, but I thought that 'Dream' was just perfect for these papers. Papers are My Mind's Eye & Jenni Bowlin. The gorgeous vintage images are by DT Keri Babbitt....I was looking for something special to showcase these on!! Here's a few closeups....

Flourishes are cut with Tim Holtz/Sizzix die 'Elegant Flourishes' on my Cuttlebug. I've painted them in assorted metallic & pearl acrylic paints from Folkart & Decoart. Lace here is Prima, as is the inner bloom.

Butterflies are Jenni Bowlin. Pin is MyMadkow Design. Small leaves are Prima, which I've misted with various shades of Glimmer Mist. More Prima Lace & flower.

I've distressed the edges of the paper, before gluing to paper mache form. I then inked all of the edges with Distress Inks. Key & Keyhole are from TH's Ideology line. Little bird is MyMadkow Design.....once I've moved, I will post a tut, on this little guy.

I added a bit of Distress Stickles to the Prima Flower center....I just wanted a bit more bling! 

I wanted to add a bit of purple, to match the MME paper, so I made a flower out of ribbon.....but, it was just a little too big, to just add some bling to the center.....hence the Prima bloom over top. 

Pals

Believe it or not...I actually wanted to redo this LO....not one of my faves...or better pieces....but, I ran out of time......so.....it is what it is!! Actually, the part that I don't like is the flowers...I feel like they're a bit dis-jointed, and not a part of the LO. There's another Vintage Image from Keri (1 + 1), I added a sticker apple from BG (stash) and then slathered on the Stickles & Pink Paislee glitter.

Flowers are Prima. The scalloped ribbon stems (stash) which I Glimmer Misted.

PPs are Jenni Bowlin, Sassafras Lass & Onirie. The papers in this kit, were def faves!! I loved the combo that we had to work with. Very Elegant to Girlie Girl to Vintage Office to just plain Fun!! One of my other faves is the Hambly Screen Print (yellow frames) which I've used whole on this LO. The little heart leaves are also BG (stash) which I stickled.

All of the embellies in the top right corner, are bits & pieces that were leftover from past kits.....love the JB button!! The pompom trim is from Fancy Pants.

Alphas are Sassafras Lass (August kit), which I stickled......the original color was orange, and it was just too much for this LO!! 

I had a lot of fun with this kit! And the variety of papers & embellies......well, let's just say I LOVE MY SNOBBY WALRUS !!! So, go check them out, you can even see past kits (though, past kits are not kept in the store)!!

So, I guess I need to go pack some more crap!!! I have only been in this house for seven years.....I started with nothing, as I sold everything up north except about 10 boxes that we shipped and what clothes we could bring in our suitcases, and OH MY GOD!! I am amazed at all of the s--t, that we've accumulated!! So much crap....and I sold & gave away a lot of it!! 

My mom was over to help out, and she was packing some of my scrappy goodies....."you must have thousands of dollars invested in this stuff!" "It's everywhere!" "Do you need this much stuff?" "Can't you get rid of some of it?" "Are you planning on buying more?" "How many ink pads does one person need?" she says. She just doesn't get it!!!

But, you do!!!

Love ya,

Lynne
 

You Give Me Wings ~ Snobby Walrus

September Kit is up at Snobby Walrus!! You're gonna LOVE this kit!! Lots of beautiful papers, and embellies, that you probably wouldn't have thought to put together yourself....but it works!!

Pic is a little blurry, but you get the idea!! Go check it out at Snobby Walrus!! And here's a couple of my projects......

You Give Me Wings

My DD & grandson, playing with her camera, this past spring. Love the gorgeous Sassafras Lass paper that I chose for my backgrounds!! I did use Vintage Photo Distress Ink on the edges. The pink SL was sprayed with water, scrunched up, dried, and then inked with more Distress Inks. Don't you love the juxtaposition of naked cardboard against the vintagey papers? It's def one of my fave techniques.

I matted my pic on Chiyogami paper (August kit) & a scrap which I punched with Martha Stewart lace punch. Here's a closeup of the title.....

Alphas are October Afternoon, and the little bird is my design, made from recycled & new products (more on that later in the week). 

Lace is Prima. Alphas are My Mind's Eye (stash) which I stamped with a script Hampton Art Stamp & Staz On. I then added some gorgeous Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam in Tide Pool over the top.....LOVE this look!!!!

I added a few Tim Holtz grungeboard embellies (stash) which I painted with Folk Art Metallic & Pearl paints. Wire is from Darice, and the crystal is Heidi Swapp. Twisted burlap is from May Arts (August kit). Flower is Prima, which I purchased at the SW store. I almost forgot the journal card from My Mind's Eye, which I also applied Glimmer Glam to. This product is soooo cool. One coat and you can barely see it, if you want a more intense color, just add more coats. This product dries matte, with bits of glitter in it....so cool!! Also, be sure to use a misting mat underneath your work while using this product....it's def sticky, and will adhere to just about anything!! 

Life @ 55 MPH

This pic of my son Kevin & grand-son Mason, is another in our Family Photo Shoot Series from this past January. I love these pics sooo much, that I have been scrapping ALL of them!! BTW, this series was shot by Kevin!!!

Love the Sassafras background paper!! And don't you just love that each of the pps, come with a bonus scalloped selvage!!! Love using these as frames for the pics, or border for flower clusters!! I also added a piece of Onirie pp in middle of the page, and bordered the top with a bit of Jillibean soup kraft paper which I punched with MS punch.

Tickets are My Mind's Eye. Alphas are Pink Paislee. Now, these were white, but I grunged them up with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. Little felt stickers (tow truck & car) are Sassafras Lass, and they are on a huge SALE at SW, 99 cents per package!!!! How awesome is that!! 

I just love this little dude!! He is cut from the Onirie paper, and Glimmer Glammed!! I used a very small paintbrush to get into the little areas that I wanted colored. I also misted the Prima lace with TA Dragonfly, and then brushed the Tidepool Glimmer Glam over top.

I first used a piece from Jillibean Soup 'Diced Bacon' as a mat, and then added the @, which I cut using Cricut & Lyrical Letters cart. I grunged up the leftover JBS (turned a piece over) with TH Distress Ink, and then added Ranger Glossy Accents over top. 

That's the first 2 projects for the month.....I will probably add the next 2, at the beginning of next week. I've got lots to do for the rest of the month......I'm moving!!! And somewhere in there, I need to get my SW projects for October done, as well as post some products to my Etsy store......later in the week. I'm def going to need a vaca after this month is over!!!

Happy scrapping!!

Lynne

 

Snobby Walrus Sneak....Sort Of & Denise's Blog Candy!

Short post today......I have re-typed this post & lost both copies, twice already, due to technical difficulties with Typepad!! This time, I can honestly say that, 'I didn't do it'!!!!

Check out JJ Sobey's blog, one of my DT sisters, at Snobby Walrus, she just posted a sneak peek of the September Kit!! Awesome LO!!  Needless to say, I thought that I should post one too!! But.............I'm posting an LO that I made with the scraps & leftovers from the kit!! Papers are October Afternoon, Onirie, Sassafras Lass & My Mind's Eye. Tickets are My Mind's Eye, Alphas by Cosmo Cricket & American Crafts. Pompon fringe by Fancy Pants Design, and Flowers by Prima & moi.

I cannot remember where I got the idea for the chipboard flowers.....but thank you to that person!! I love this technique!! Please let me know who you are, so I can give you proper credit for it!!

I had some old Basic Grey naked chipboard, and I covered it with My Mind's Eye 'Regal' scraps. Huge distressing with an emery board, and then I added some embroidery floss from DMC, between the petals. Stacked 2 of them together, added a brad & voila....flowers! Here's a closeup......
Did I mention, that I LOVE this technique!!!! BTW, Typepad does NOT like small pics......everytime I try to resize them smaller than a 4" width or height, it goes beserk!!! Ugh!!!

On to the fun!!!!!!!!!

Check out my scrappy pal, Denise's blog candy!!!! Awesome!!! You know, she can count me in!!!!! Love it!! Soooo many embellies, soooo much fun!! What are you waiting for.....go enter!!

BTW, September 9th is my First Blogoversary....sooooo come back & check out my RAK!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 

So, You Call This A Vacation?!! And More Snobby Walrus

WARNING   WARNING   WARNING

Very Long Post Ahead

So, grab a cuppa, you'll be here for a bit!!

So obviously, I'm going on vacation! Actually, I am on vaca right now.....it's 2:30 am, I just got home from work, and here I sit typing, when I should be sleeping!! I was on the schedule to work, and was planning on doing the normal 8pm to 8am, but getting a little concerned that my peer would/would not be there for his scheduled day on --> we had our yearly inventory this week, so schedules were messed up. Anyways, my manager told me to come in, see if the other Assistant showed up, do some evals and then leave -----> He showed up!!! S W E E T!!!!!! Sooooo, I'm just not tired right now.

So here's my plans for the next 22 1/2 hours.....shop for clothes to take on vaca, take pics of September DT projects for Snobby Walrus, upload and PhotoShop all of the pics, write up my blurb about each project, send to the OverLord, do my QOTD & SQOTD for Posh, do laundry, pack, get AAA for DD & SIL, get & print directions & maps from MapQuest, and sleep!! All before 1 am Sunday!!

Wait....it gets better......wait for my parents to pick me up....3:30am and drive me to Orlando airport about an hour and a half away (you haven't had to drive with them, and in the middle of the night too!!), go through the normal airport security & airline procedures, and get on the plane. Fly to Burlington, Vermont......meet DD Ashley & DGS Mason, and drive to St. Albans, VT. Then visit with SIL's family for a day or so.

Not so bad right? W R O N G!!! Drive 1900 miles back to Florida, in one overpacked car with DD & DGS, who by the way is 22 months old and can put the Energizer Bunny to shame, and two cats!!! Ugh!!!!!!! All so she can meet hubby and spend a bit of time with the rest of the family, before they drive another 2000 miles to El Paso, Texas, by September 5th, where SIL is being stationed!!

Sooooo, would you call this a vacation? Me neither!! BUT, I do call it love, and I would do it everytime and anytime for any one of my kids! Even if it means that they have to leave me, to live their lives. They are and will always be my most prized possessions!!

Wait......and then, DS Kevin is moving......he's going to San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 5th, to be with the love of his life!!!

Sooo, that leaves DS Dan & DIL Carol, who have just bought their new house!!! They will moving at the beginning of September as well.

September is turning out to be the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. Will it be easy, NO! Will we like being apart from each other, NO! Will we get to see each other often, NO! Am I sad, NO! ....wait ....really, I'm not. I am very thankful, that we've had all of these years together, and I will cherish all of those memories. But it's time for all of us to move on and get on with our lives.

Why? I'm 50 years old, for crying out loud.......I want my own place....alone!!!! With a scrap/craft room!!!! Without having to clean up after anyone but myself!! Without having to remind anyone that it's time to pay the rent!! Without having to ask someone to move their car, so I can go to work! It's about time don't you think?!!! LOL

NOTE: If you are reading this, and are one of my children, please disregard the above paragraph!! It was never intended to offend you, just to smack you right dab in the middle of the face!!!!! 

Really, you think I hate my kids? Not!! But, I am looking forward to this change.

And this story, really does get stranger & stranger......I will leave the rest of it for another post!

BTW, did I tell you the deal I made with DD? I told her, that I would do all of this with and for her, but, that we HAVE TO STOP at, at least one good SCRAP STORE on the way back to Florida...that's the way it is!!!!!! There, I put my foot down, didn't I? As if....she loves those places as much as I do!!

Okay, enough of that, onto Snobby Walrus...........

6 mos.

DD at about  5 1/2 to 6 mos pregnant, a nice little stroll on the beach. Another beach goer, actually asked her 'if she was trying to bake that kid'. It must have been 90 degrees in the shade that day, and we were taking it all in!! Love this pic!! And the look of printing it on a subtle pretty paper by Fancy Pants. Here's a closeup......

You can see the various floral patterns, as well as the writing on the paper, it does give it a bit of a vintage look. Flowers and starfish pendant are all Prima. Alphas are American Crafts. Diecut images are Graphic 45 from the 'On the Boardwalk' collection.

Stickers are EK Success, and shell beads are from my stash. 

I used a Martha Stewart punch on the white cardstock, and then Glimmer Misted over a Glimmer Screen...all Tattered Angels. Lace is May Arts.

Sea horse is from EK Success, which I also Glimmer Misted with several colors. The journal card is Webster's Pages. A little bit of TH Distress Ink around the edges. 

Notes To Self

A very inexpensive (25 cents at Wal-Mart) composition book is covered in Glitz paper. Slathered in Prima, May Arts, and handmade flowers from various scraps.

Bits of Tim Holtz Ideology findings, buttons from my stash, alphas from Cosmo Cricket and a handmade bird.

This is another sneak at what's coming in my Etsy shop (more on that in a later post). Beautiful trim from Webster's Pages, which I Glimmer Misted. A bit of bling from Michaels, and a sticker (ornate frame) from Hambly Screen Prints. Large orange sticker alphas are from Sassafras. 

About the Etsy shop......I have a lot of product already made, my shop is actually open, though there is nothing to purchase at the moment. So, what's the problem, why haven't I stocked my shop yet? Uh, hello, vaca....and no one here to send out the lovelies!!! Can't really ask anyone to take over right now, as they are all moving!!! I promise, it will be stocked as soon as I can after my little trip to Vermont!!

And so, I will leave you with this question........Would you move back in with your parents?

Love ya,

Lynne

 

News Flash for Snobby Walrus

Hi everyone!! I am finally getting around to posting my projects for Snobby Walrus, it's about time don't you think?! You make a plan, you prepare for it, you're just about ready to go, and then life wallops you good, and everything falls apart.....ugh!! Of all things, I've had a severe ear infection for the last week! I haven't had one of those since I was a little girl, and trust me, that's a lonnnnnnng time ago! So, I've spent a good deal of time in bed, one because I was dizzy and two, because the meds have kicked my butt! Today is the first day, that I'm actually feeling well enough to sit and type my post.

So here we go.......

News Flash

I just love this pic of my DGS Mason!! He sooo looks like he's actually reading & understanding what's in the newspaper!! Such a little man, this one! And the 'Diagram' paper (map) from 7 Gypsies was just perfect for this LO! I place the pic inside a 'So Sophie' frame from My Mind's Eye, over a piece of  'Barbouillage' from Onirie, to which I did some stitching!! Now, that's a new thing for me. I've done a few hand stitches on very few LOs, but this is the first time, that I've actually pulled out the sewing machine. I kinda like the look, though, I wouldn't do it on every layout. Lots of distressing on this page, courtesy of the gorgeous papers and Timmy products!

I also used the Onirie paper to punch a little train strip for the right side of the page, using a Martha Stewart punch. Some diecuts from G45, a Paper Whimsie from Sassafras, alphas from Heidi Swapp, balloon stickers from American Crafts and of course the gears, clock, spinners and Distress ink from Tim Holtz.

Bad Hair Day

Another LO of my DGS, apparently he was having issues of his own.....

My DD Ashley, was telling me that he went a whole week with his hair like that!! LOL  Apparently, nothing she did could change it! Oh well, at least he's cute enough to get away with it!!

I layered a 'frame' Hambly Screen Print transparency over 'Good Junk' from October Afternoon. And then threw on some scraps from my stash. Doesn't that Onirie scrap, look totally different on this LO. It just goes to show, that you can get a totally different effect from the same papers, just by changing 'the look & feel' of your project.

I added a strip of IOD tape from Prima, and layered some hand made butterflies, using a Studio G stamp and some Prima packaging! I then added a little bit of distress stickles for antenna & body, and some metal accents that I got at Wal-Mart. 

The alphas are as old as the hills...they've been in my stash for a long time. I don't know who made them, as I lost the packaging a long time ago. But, I haven't parted with them, even though they are 'flat', because I've always love the look of them. Well I finally figured out a way to get dimension from them!! I just layered them on cardstock, punched them out, distress inked the edges, & used pop dots to give them dimension!

The smaller alphas are from EK Success, which I re-colored with alcohol ink from Timmy!! The cute little monsters are Sassafras stickers!

I love how this star turned out....I traced a template from Fiskars to get the shape, and then punched the little one. I added a bit of 'matte accents' from Ranger to give it more depth, and then inked the edges with Distress Ink. The red 'Paper Whimsie' is Sassafras also. Crochet lace is May Arts.

In the above pic, you can see that my 're-coloring' of the alphas, wasn't done very well!! I had totally forgot to put a second coat on the edges while they were on the plastic...it was a little too late after I placed them on my paper. So you get to see that the original color was yellow! And one more closeup...

So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!! 

Now I do have a little preview of things to come......my Etsy shop!! It is in the works, meaning......I haven't worked on it either, because I was sick!! Although, the site is up, I haven't uploaded any pics yet, because I haven't taken them! You get to figure out what I'll be selling by this one sneak......

And one more little thing....well, it's not so little to me. Anyways, I am coming up on my 1st Blogaversary as well as my 100th post. Soooooo, I would think that, that would mean Blog Candy!!! How does that sound to you? This is one more thing that got postponed......so I haven't made a decision yet on what will be in the RAK, but I'm leaning towards steampunk.........nothing like a tease, right?

And with that, I will leave you!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 
 
  

Sneaky Sneaky!!

The August Kit is up at Snobby Walrus!! Check it out.....beachy goodness for all of your summer pics!! Lots of Prima goodies and 'hard to find' papers from Onirie, in this kit!!

So here's a couple of sneaks of what I've created this month......

Head on over to Snobby Walrus, and get this kit....you'll definitely want this one!!! 
  

Love ya,

Lynne

  

Family For Snobby Walrus

Today I'm sharing the last of my July DT projects for Snobby Walrus, entitled 'Family'. I'm trying very hard to space out my SW projects over the course of the month, as they are very photo intensive. And you know that I tend to have long post, and it takes longer to download.

For the bad news.....I just spent 45 minutes doing this post, and having issues with trying to upload pics.I was at the very end, and had to fix a minor mistake, when I lost the whole thing!! Ugh!!!! Unfortunately, that means, that I've forgotten what I actually wrote. Sooooo, I'll make it short with the words, and post the pics........

This pic is of my SIL Mike, and his sister Meghan at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. My DD & DGS along with DD's MIL & SIL visited Mike for his BT graduation, this past spring.

Butterfly is from Michael's floral department, covered slathered in Smooch Spritz.

Gorgeous Webster's Pages fussy cut and layered over Sassafras Lass paper. 

Brown flowers are made a la Tim Holtz, and grunged up with Distress Ink, Distress Stickles and more Smooch Spritz. Flourishes are alcohol inked transparencies, diecut with TH/Sizzix Elegant Flourishes die.

Ribbon is woven through paper, a la Gabrielle Pollaco. If you never visited her blog....you def need to!! Gabrielle has some amazing LOs and techniques !!

I had a lot of fun making this LO, with the variety of products in the Snobby Walrus kit. This is def what I love about their kits.....they are not matchy-matchy!! I have to admit, that there are times, when it's a real 'challenge' to come up with an idea for a project......but I love it, cause it's definitely stretching me to come up with new and interesting ideas and combinations!!

Paper  -  Webster’s Pages, Sassafras Lass, Jenni Bowlin & scraps

Brads – Upsy Daisy Designs

Rubons – K&Co and Fancy Pants

Flowers – Prima & MyMadkow

Pebbles – Prima

Flourish – MyMadkow

Alcohol Ink, Distress Ink, Distress Stickles – Tim Holtz

Glimmer Spray – Smooch

Punch – Martha Stewart

Lace, Ribbon - Stash

Thanks for stopping in, and happy scrapping to you!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 
 

Soooo Neglectful

How do I start? Ugh! Been in a funk again....it's like my mojo got up and went on vacation, and totally forgot to tell me about it!! Not fun, and not fair...I want a vacation!!! LOL Seriously, I've been struggling again. Every project I've worked on in the last couple of weeks, has been a real endeavor. Not so much like work, but more like pulling teeth!!

And to top it off, I haven't even posted all of my July Snobby Walrus projects! Bad blogger!!

Get Ready Cause Here I Come

This is one of my fave pics of DD. She def looks like she's getting ready to go out....hence the 'song' title. Been doing a lot of that lately! I look at a pic, and a song pops into my head...weird, but I'll take it!!

Lots of layering & fussy cutting here. I chose a Glitz pp for the background ...... love this paper, and my pics don't do it justice. Then I layered an inked piece of American Crafts (pink) over top. I added some Glitz rubons (May Kit) in opposing corners, and a vintage paper also from Glitz. I matted my pic with 2 colors of cardstock...probably Bazzil. I used a Martha Stewart punch on a piece of Cosmo Cricket (green, from May Kit), and added a bit of lace (stash) over that. A bit of bling from My Mind's Eye, finishes the background.

Why does that seem like a lot of work for a background? Actually it really isn't...it just seems like it would be. But once you get started on layering your background, it's not that difficult. Here's a couple of closeups......

Then the fun part began....all of the fussy cutting. Have I told you that I couldn't cut (nevermind, draw) a straight line, if my life depended on it!!! Seriously folks.....I have cutting issues. Plus and this is def weird.....although I am right handed, I cannot hold a pair of scissors in my right hand. Soooooo, as a right handed person, cutting with my left hand is a totally backwards thing to do. Probably why, I can't cut straight. The drawing part....I chalk that up to the universe!

Back to the fussy cutting....I used gorgeous Prima paper, and cut the birds, and several flourishes, seperately, so that I could do more layering. I played around with the placement...since I wanted this paper to be my focal element on the right of the pic. Then I chose some Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips, and spritz both with Glimmer Mist. For the Magnifying Glass, I added a bit of Smooch Pearlized Ink on the embossing....and you can see that I was not too precise in doing this!! For the Fleur De Lys, I layered some Distress Inks over top, and repeated with Glimmer Mist.

I wanted a bit more color in this corner, so I cut apart a red May Arts flower ribbon. My plan was to place the flowers over the fussy cut pieces, but that just looked strange. Fortunately, and this is a BIG TIP:

   Wait until you are totally satisfied with placement of all embellies, etc, BEFORE gluing them down!!

I had not glued anything down yet!!!! This worked out very well, because I had actually planned on placing my title in a different spot, and rearranging everything, gave a more cohesive effect. I also decided that I wanted to add a bit more grey, so I used a sheer wired ribbon, under the focal elements. Here's some closeup......

As you can see, there are many layers here. This is not a difficult process, just time consuming, in terms of getting the placement.  One more closeup....

In this pic, you can actually see the pop dots under the left bird!! LOL...not something you will see once LO is placed in your scrapbook, or memory frame. The title is My Mind's Eye from their Lush collection.......love this collection!!! Okay, one more pic......

More fussy cut pieces of Prima and a Jolee's Boutique Dimensional Sticker over top. These are soooo pretty!! It looks to me, that a lot of companies that have been around since the beginning of scrapping, have chosen to update their products......and bring everything into the 21st century, by making items that can compete with Prima, Tattered Angels, Tim Holtz, MME, Glitz and many more!! Is that possible? LOL We all have limited budgets when it comes to our hobby/passion, sooooo, we are only going to spend our hard-earned $$$$ on the stuff that we love the most!!

Okay, how about one more.......

Moo Tat

A cute pic of Mason (DGS) pointing out his fave faux tat!!

A very simple LO....with just a bit of layering of pic. Background paper is Sassafras Lass....one of my new faves!!! I just love the bonus selvadge that you get with their papers! Alphas are American Crafts which I blinged up with Pink Paislee glitter. Journal card & chipboard buttons are Jenni Bowlin....so awesome that they actually have 'milk/dairy' products on them. The lace is new (stash) but antiqued with Smooch Spritz!! I had all of the Making Memories stickers & buttons in my stash.

I do wish that I had spent more time on the journaling...I kind of rushed it! You see Mason just loves cows...they are his fave animals!!! Apparently it was quite the thing to see, when he visited a dairy barn!! Anyways, I will try to fix the journaling, since I missed the mark, or I will add around the edge of LO. It's one of my new fave tricks. I know....not new, but it is to me!!

If you made it this far.....you are awesome! And thanks for taking the time to read this LONG post!! Happy scrapping,

Love ya,

Lynne

 

 

 

A Challenge & A Project For Snobby Walrus

Hi everyone!! Once again, I want to thank all of you for all of your support!! I was so inspired by all of your comments! And so totally amazed at how many of you posted about my RAK on your blogs or facebook pages!! And congrats to Debbie for being the winner!!

Okay, so are you up for a challenge? Well, I've got one for you....Snobby Walrus is the proud sponsor at The Everyday Scrapper, this month!! What can you win? Well, it's the July SW 'Lakeside Picnic Kit!!

How awesome is that!!

Here's one of the projects that I made using this kit.......

 And a few closeups.......

Materials used:

• Paper - Jenni Bowlin, Webster's Pages
• Cardstock - Coredinations
• Wood Heart & Bling - Michael's
• Mist - Smooch Spritz
• Flowers - Prima
• Distress Ink, Stickles, Dies, Grungeboard - Tim Holtz/Ranger
• Rubons - fancy Pants
• Vintage Image - Altered Pages
• Punch & Alphas - Martha Stewart
• Paint - Delta Ceramcoat
• Marker - Sharpie

Head on over to The Everyday Scrapper & enter the challenge....it's all about ink!!!

Thanks for stopping in, and happy scrapping!

Love ya,

Lynne

Snobby Walrus Giveaway!!

Hey everyone, thank you soooo much for entering my 'June Bride' RAK. I am amazed at the number of you who are now following me!!! I want you to know that I appreciate everyone of you & your sweet comments!!

Today I have another RAK for you!! Yeah, I know......this is awesome!! Well, head on over to Tracy's blog, and check it out. Tracy is the 'Walrus Overlord' at Snobby Walrus .....that's DT Co-ordinator in SW speak!! What can you win? How about a $25 gift certificate to spend on whatever you want at the famous Snobby Walrus Store!!

What, you've never heard of Snobby Walrus? Well, you've been missing out!!! Here's what they carry.....the very best & hard to find, in scrapbook supplies, monthly kits & splurge kits. Awesome prices & the very best service you will ever get in an online scrap store!! Promise!!! They won me & my friends over!!

So go to Tracy's blog and enter for your chance to win!!! But hurry, giveaway ends July 3rd!!

Happy scrapping & good luck on the RAK!!

Love ya,

Lynne 

Dead Modem Walking

And Some July Sneaks For Snobby Walrus

 

Friday morning, I came home to my DIL telling me that the internet was down. Okay, so no surprise, the kids are all out of school, and our provider is just busy. No problem! While we were chatting away, I kept trying to get on......and finally about an hour later, it came up. I did my thing.....visited my fave blogs, added my DT comments to the Snobby Walrus & POSH forums, and decided that I needed to go to bed. In case you're new to my blog, I work overnight...so I sleep during the day.

 

So, I woke up about midnight, and the net was down again. Well this is kind of strange, cause everybody should be sleeping. But I really didn't worry too much about it, cause it happens. WRONG!!! It never came up on Saturday, Sunday & Monday!!! Now, I was worried! I had all of my projects and my end-of-month order to upload to SW. Plus I didn't get to do my QOTD/SQOTD for Posh on Saturday! Ugh, I was seriously frustrated!

 

I was now scrambling to figure out, how I was going to get my stuff uploaded (nothing like waiting til the last minute!)....yeah, I could use my Mom's computer, which I did to let everyone know, that I was down. But.......all of my stuff is on my computer, and my parents, being my parents....they DO NOT have all of the software that I have. This was def going to be tricky.

 

Meanwhile, my son, the computer wiz, had already called Comcast, and got us an appointment for one of their techs to come out and fix the problem......on Wednesday!!!!! This was on Sunday; on Monday afternoon, he decides to tell me that after speaking with a tech, they figured that our problem was our modem, since our cable (bundled) was operating just fine. The tech also told him that we could go the their offices and get a new one. If this was the problem, then we could totally by-pass a service call. I had just spent 8 hours shopping with DD & Grand-son, I really didn't want to go back out! But, and I really had to think about this.....if that was the problem....it could be fixed that day! Soooooo, off we went. Well, sure as shit, that was the problem....fried modem!!!

 

Soooo......yea! I'm back up & running! Kudos to Dan, my son!! And a big thanks....yep, you will get Club Sandwiches & Fries on my next night off!!

 

On to the Sneaks......I totally figured that the July kit at Snobby Walrus, would be posted...but it's not yet. Unfortunately, I will be working for the next four days, so I won't get a chance to upload  my sneaks until next weekend......sooooo......I guess you're getting an early peek!!!

 

Here we go.....

Okay....that's it for now....you'll have to wait for the rest!!!
 

Don't forget to sign up for the 'June Bride' RAK.....you only have 5 days left to enter!! And tell your friends......if they mention your name on that post, you get one more chance!!!

 

Thanks for stopping by,

Love ya,

Lynne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh My God! What Did I Do?

What did I do? Well, I was uploading some pics for the July DT at Snobby Walrus, and I have NO idea what I did, except that all of a sudden ALL of my pics were gone!!! I mean GONE! Yep, every single one of them!! All the Family pics, all of the pics of Mason, all of my LO pics, my project pics, my downloads, my new pics of Mason (taken yesterday), the new July DT pics for SW ----- EVERYTHING WAS GONE!!!

I just about died! Yeah, I have them, on discs as well......but can you imagine trying to upload all 5675 of them! Plus all of the pics (150 of them) that I just took of Mason.....there was no way to recapture those -----yep, I uploaded and erased the SD card!! I knew that I could retake the SW pics...but what was I going to do about those cute shots I got yesterday?

So, after searching the recycle bin...I was able to restore all of them!! Except that, I still couldn't find the Mason pics!! Ugh!!!!! I went through every folder, every sub-folder, etc.....and lo and behold, in some obscure sub-sub-folder, I found them!!! I have not been this happy in a while!!!! LOL

Needless to say, after I get done with this post, I will def save all of the new stuff to disc.....asap!

BTW, this will probably be a long post! Now there's a surprise!

More June DT projects for Snobby Walrus

Captured Heart

DS & DIL at their wedding reception. Love that Pink Paislee (green) & My Mind's Eye (black) paper. I layered the pic over a doily, and added a golden frame over top ... I really have no idea who made it, but I've owned it for about 5 years! Fom Marks Paper, I fussy cut the large flowers, and added a bit of Distress Stickles to the center & the edges. Here's a closeup.......

The dark red flowers are TH Alcohol Inked transparencies, glued over TH Grungeboard, then die cut with TH/Sizzix Tattered Florals. Bling is from stash. All diecuts are from Graphic 45.

The cream ribbon was woven through the paper using Angelica's tutorial. The green ribbon from Webster's Pages, was then butted up against it, and I added a pearl string (stash) over top. The little bird, is cut from TH/Sizzix with 7 Gypsies paper layered over grungeboard. I then added a bit of Distress Inks to the body & wing to give it some substance.

The cage is my fave......I got this idea from  Tim Holtz and I just love it. I gotta tell you, that it was fairly easy to get the cage to stay in that position while the glue dried, thankfully I used Glossy Accents from Ranger, and that stuff dries pretty quick. I had a harder time adding the beads and misc TH tags, mostly because I had to make my own jump rings, as mine were not big enough! The layered hearts were cut from TH/Sizzix Heart Wings, using more 7 Gypsies paper & alcohol inked transparency. More woven ribbon & G45 diecuts.

Hugs From Dad

This is one of my faves! I just love that pic! Background paper is from Jenni Bowlin. I layered my pic over a Prima package, which incidentally was already die cut!! The pic fit in that frame perfectly!

And I had to add some TH tickets...they're just perfect for this LO. The whole thing was then layered over scaps from my stash. I love the Lollipop flowers from Prima, but they needed something to bring them out a bit, so I used some ladybug buttons (stash) and a bit of plaid rick-rack (stash). I hand cut my leaves from more leftover bits, and added some Dimensional Pearls from Ranger.

Here's another closeup.....

The title is a fancy end of paper from Sassafras Lass; and I layered a die cut from Crate Paper over top. Added a few buttons from my stash & SW. The red & white twine is from Martha Stewart. Alphas are from American Crafts & Cosmo Cricket.

That's it for today......I will be showing you a tease of the July Kit and a few of my projects, as soon as it comes up at Snobby Walrus. Until then....happy scrapping!!

Love ya,

Lynne
  
 

If All Else Fails.....Re-read the Damned Instructions Before You Start!!

I was soooo proud of myself. I tell you, it was just one of those things, you know the kind.....everything works perfectly...no issues.....no problems.....just smooth sailing all the way. Yeah...okay!!! Not this time!

If you read my last post, then you know that Lynnette Davis is now the Official Challenge Host at Snobby Walrus, and she has issued her first challenge....

Love those colors together!! Well challenge #2 is now up at SW with Tracy Cave the "Walrus Overlord", that's DT Co-ordinator to you, taking on the lead. Here's the stipulations.....

buttons
a handmade embellishment
polka dot patterned paper
journaling
color photo(s)

 

Doesn't sound too difficult, now does it? No, I didn't think so either. And I had such grand plans, all I had to do was morph the two challenges together, and enter my LO into both challenges!!! As a DT, I can't win, so I'm really playing for the fun of it, and to enable my challenge hostesses!! I figured with Ashley & Mason coming next Tuesday (YEAH!!), and all of the preparations I have to do, that I only had time to make one LO. This way, I could still play! Easy peasy, right?! NOT.  Before I even try to explain....let me just show you.....

Do you see it? Do you see the problem with this LO?

I have all of the right colors, light pink, pale yellow, white & grey. Right? Yep, check!

I have the buttons. Yep...that big old yellow thing in the top right corner...that's my button, which I covered with a Prima flower center. Check!

I have a handmade embellishment. The big polka dot flower, which I edged in TH distress inks 'worn lipstick', and sprayed with Tattered Angels 'tattered rose' Glimmer Mist. Check!

I have polka dot patterned paper from My Mind's Eye. The big old flower, and the bottom petals on the Prima Belle Arte 'poetry' flowers. Check!

I have journaling. Yep, right next to the pic of Ashley...something I probably don't do enough of. Check!

I have color photo(s). Check! Wait, that's a black & white pic.....ooops, this is where it all went wrong. And do you know when this happened. No it wasn't while I was choosing the papers, embellies & pic. It wasn't even when I was working on the LO. And not even when I was taking the pic of the LO. So when did it happen......when I decided to just double check & make sure I had everything I needed to have on there, before I put up this post & linked it back to the challenges!! Ugh!! Tooooooo late!!

So, if I go ahead and link this LO to both challenges, do you think anyone will notice? After all it doesn't matter, since I can't win anyways, right? Who's going to notice? And are they going to tell the Challenge Police? And what will they do, force me to make individual LOs for each challenge? Or worse, ban me from entering any challenges? OMG, you don't think that they would......NO!! Tell me it's not true, they really can't force me to use 'no name brand papers, & embellies', right? Argh!!!! Shoot me now!!

LOL........gotta laugh.....yep, I'm having toooo much fun with this! Anyways, let me show you some closeups.......

Love those Prima flowers!! Don't forget to check them out, and be entered for your chance to win a prize pack!! All I did was to add a medium sized petal to the bottoms of each, to make them stand out just a bit more. Everything was layered over Prima & Webster's Pages papers. I used 7 Gypsies paper for the leaves. And my picture is matted with glittery SEI paper.

Diecuts are from K&Co. Dew Drops, unknown, but courtesy of my good friend Charlene from POSH. Thank you Charlene!! Here's another closeup......

Bling & brads are from Prima & Michaels. Rubons from Kaiser, Pink Paislee, and Me & My Big Ideas. The resin flower (white) and the elephant are by Jolees. Alphas by Making Memories. Button, ribbon & lace are from my stash.

So what do you think? Should I or shouldn't I? My inner voice is telling me, go ahead and do it....but that could be just cause that's what I want to do!!! LOL ~~~~~ whatever!

Okay, so did I tell you that this was going to be a long post? No? Well....it is! So get a cup, and have a sit......you're in for a while longer.......

I totally forgot to put up the pics from my last POSH blog post. Def not good!! Sorry Nini!!!

I chose to name this post, 'Bling It On!' And you guessed it, it's all about adding some glimmer, and glitter, to your projects. Which I did, but I had one special way to 'bling' up your projects..... with Sharpie or Copic markers!! Hey, you gotta read the post, to find out how!!! Here's the LO.......

So, can you spot where I used the Sharpie......I have a few Copics, not the right colors, and they are mucho $$$$$, so I am making do with what I have!!! Wow, I can't believe I just said that. Cause normally I am def OCD when it comes to scrap stuff. Actually, I am OCD when ever I get into something new......I just have to have everything!!!

Got a little side-tracked there, sorry about that. And please keep the OCD stuff to yourself.....I don't want anyone to know!!! Especially the scrap stores!! LOL   Here's a few closeups.....

I actually dyed the lace with Glimmer Mist!!! Here's another closeup.....

Loooove the Hambly Screen Print frame!!!! TH Distress Stickles on the handmade leaves & flowers, and on the Michaels butterfly. Here's another closeup.......

Better view of the lace & the stickles! One last one......

I actually bought the title from the dollar bins, at Michaels. Of course, it didn't look like that!!! I used some Martha Stewart glitter to cover it....it was bare chipboard. I think it turned out pretty good. Actually, I'm a bit impressed, cause I really haven't had good luck with using glitter!! Somehow, I just get it everywhere except where it really needs to go. Wish I had taken the time to write down, excatly what I did, and which glue I used!!!

Oh yeah....before I forget......if you shop at Michaels, (if you don't, either there isn't one close by, or you must be the only one that doesn't go in there...they're always busy!!).....make sure you check out the $ bins....they always have some great items that you can use for scrapping!

Okay.......paper by Marks Paper, K&Co and 7 Gypsies. Vintage book page from Snobby Walrus. Flower center & large purple flower by Prima. Die cuts by Graphic 45 (love).  Journal tag by K& Co. Brad by My Mind's Eye. Tim Holtz Distress Ink & Distress Stickles. Rhinestone Flourish by Michaels. StazOn Ink. Lace is from stash.

So are you ready for this to end? Yeah, me too!!! I've gotta take pics of my RAK, so I can post tomorrow! Plus pay the bills, and then get some sleep before I have to go to Mom's for dinner, and then go work a 12 hour shift! So, I will leave you with the thought for the day........

"Read the title to this post!"

Happy Scrapping!!!

Love ya,

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