MyMadkow

Deep In Thought

Do you remember how excited I was that a Joann's was opening nearby? I was giddy, and just couldn't wait for their opening day!! Well, the day finally came, and I went to the store. What a big let down. My problem is not with Joann's, the problem is with the size of the store, and what they carry for us scrappers. Which pretty much amounts to very little! The store is soooo small, and the majority of their product is sewing related. That's a BIG plus, as there really  is no other place to purchase fabric and or sewing related products in a 40 mile radius. So I'm pleased with that. But that leaves very little room for scrappy stuff, or anything else.

I've been there twice in the last 3 weeks. Once for their opening day, and the second time, to purchase fabrics. I'm going to make some covers for my Expression and my Big Shot Pro......I'm tired of dusting them off every time I want to use these tools!

Anyways, this is going to be a short post....gotta get ready for work!

Deep In Thought

Made with my Swirlydoos kit, and some older products from my stash!

I love how the flourishes turned out. Very simply made with the Flourish and Leaf die from Sizzix, and then stamped with DI in Gathered Twigs with a Timmy stamp from Holiday Wishes.

A K&Co bird diecut, overlayered with Glimmer Glass from Tattered Angels.

Alphas are a mix of American Crafts and October Afternoon. Some fussy cutting of the Glitz paper.

The Kaisercraft chippy flower is slathered in LSG embossing powders and topped with a Glitz rhinestone.

 You can see that I've been using lots of older products.....trying to make room, and keep my New Year's resolution from 2011 going!! So far, so good!

Hope you enjoyed!

Lynne

Cello

I'm back from El Paso, Texas!! What a week it was!! I swear my daughter and I love to shop, and we sure did!!!!! Of course, we had to drag Mason (DGS) along with us, but he was okay with it, as long as we got to look at toys, and such! And maybe buy a few!!! We also got some time with Mike (SIL), on Saturday. We went to Elephant Butte in New Mexico. In case you don't know, it's a State Park. The lake is in a valley between the mountains, and it's just gorgeous! All sand....you drive right down to the beach! We got stuck once!! Hehehe  While we were there, Mike rented a Seadoo.....that was fun!!  It was quite something to swim.....first you put a toe in the water, and you real quick pull it out......water temperature was 55.5 F! Yep, everything below the water froze, and everything above the water, baked!!!! It was a great day!! And I enjoyed every minute of it, and my time with the family!!

Okay....so you probably noticed my post title......nope, not a mistake. And yes you did see Cello Deux on the last post. I know backwards, but for a good reason. This layout is one of my faves, and was one of three that I submitted to a Design Team call. I didn't make it. I'm a bit disappointed, but that's not going to stop me from trying again!!! Anyways........

Cello

This layout was made using the March 2012 Swirlydoos French Quarter Kit!!  Papers are BoBunny and Prima. And distressed with Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain distress inks. A Wilton doily was misted with Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Sprays in Azure Sea Asters and Tibetan Poppy Teal.

I printed out 2 pictures, one smaller than the other. Then matted each with white cardstock, and then pop dotted the smaller one over the larger image. I can't remember where I got this idea....and I'd love to give the credit to that person!! Anyways, when I saw this, I could've slapped myself for not thinking of it before! I just love it....and I'll definitely use it again.

The floral spray is from Petaloo, and the larger cream flowers are from Prima and Kaisercraft. The black lacy ribbon was included in the kit. I just cut it into pieces to add more texture and dimension to the page. I added some bling to the metal trinkets from LSG. Ticket is from Tim Holtz.

The little journaling tag is from K&Co.

 
I was inspired by the Prima flower to add more bling, so I embossed my I Am Roses leaves with LSG embossing powder in Twilight Bronze Slate.

Alphas are Heidi Swap. The metal cameo is BoBunny, to which I added metallic rubon paste from CrafT Products.  The chippy is the base of the French Window from Dusty Attic. And I slathered it in LSG embossing powders. I used King Midas Gold, Desert Moon Turquoise, Morning Glory Azure, Midnight Teal and Twilight Bronze Slate. And when I was finished, I added 2 layers of UTEE over top!! Love it!!

Well, it's back to work tomorrow! I'm not looking forward to it. I've enjoyed this week off too much!!!!

Love ya,

Lynne

Ok, so I'm NOT dead!

and....I haven't fallen off the scrapwagon either!! LOL It's just that life has a way of getting your attention. I work in retail, and as you know, the holiday season is big business....so there were lots of extra hours worked during that time. Then I got very sick the week of Christmas....it took me almost 3 weeks to get better, only to get it back again about a week and a half ago!! So in all, I was feeling good for about a week or so!! Not fun! During the 'well' time, I planned on updating this blog.....but the weather would not co-operate with me, so that I could get pics done!! I really need to get a ligthbox!! If anyone knows where I can get one cheap, or how to build one (keep in mind....simple!!!), please let me know.

Anyways, I don't plan on leaving you hanging like this again, it's been way too long....so long, that I had to look up my Typepad password!! LMAO! Christmas is long gone, but my LOs aren't....so that's as good a place as any to start.......so grab a cuppa....this is going to be a long one! Oh, I almost forgot, the majority of the products used in these projects come from my Swirlydoos kit!!! Check them out!!

Santa, Define Good

A cute little pic of my Grand-son Mason, sitting on Santa's lap....and the only reason he went up there, was cause Santa was giving gifts out to the kids!!! Otherwise, he gets scared and cries!! This past year has been a rough one for Mom, Mason's made a few 'huge messes' that cost some big $$ to clean up!!! So this title is definitely apropos!

I love layering my papers, and the G45 and BoBunny papers were just perfect for this LO. I used a Martha Stewart snowflake punch to do Lisa's punched circle technique........love this technique! The Bingo card is my own design (minus the Santa sticker - Simple Stories), something I'm thinking about re-vamping, and putting on Etsy.

These Dusty Attic ornaments, started life as one piece. I cut them apart, and slathered them in Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Spray in Poinsettia Red Gold. Then accented with some gold Smooch, and Snow-tex. So if you're wondering how I remember all of that....well I do write down every product I use, for each and every project I make....I've got about 2 composition books full!

My title is American Crafts Thickers....my fave chipboard alphas, also accented with some Snow-tex. The border sticker is K&Co and I sprayed it with LSG Starburst Spray In Ponderosa Pines Olive.

I shaped a gorgeous Prima floral spray into a semi-circle, glued it down, and then added some small Prima Poinsettias in between. The large green poinsettia is from Ashland (Michael's). The I Am Roses skeleton leaves, were first misted with water, and then coated in Lindy's Stamp Gang Embossing powder in King Midas Gold and embossed. The little dropplets of water actually hold the embossing powder in that shape, and it gives more texture to the leaves.....it's a real cool technique, which my pic doesn't capture very well. I have no idea who made the swirl (I didn't write that down...ugh!), but it's covered in gold Smooch  and Snow-tex. The little Santa bag sticker is also from K&Co.

All I Want For Christmas

Another cute pic of Mason, this one was taken by my DD Ashley.....I think she's got an eye for it!!

More BoBunny and Kaisercraft papers. The sheet music is vintage....love! More Martha Stewart border punching...lots of grunging of papers in Vintage Photo Distress Ink. I matted my pic, and then placed it over 2 huge snowflakes, they are real ornaments....from Walmart. The chipboard tag is from SEI.

So simple.......vintage book paper, layered over Tim Holtz/Sizzix diecut reindeer. Bling collar was in my stash, it could be Webster's Pages.

I was totally inspired by Lisa's Poinsettias, and wanted to make one for this LO. I was kickin myself for not purchasing those Spellbinders dies....cause of course, as soon as I wanted them, they were sold out everywhere! So I improvised....I found a free template online, and used that to make my smaller version. Of course I sprayed it with LSG Creme Brulee Cream, and edged it with Ranger Liquid Pearls in Bisque. The snowflakes in the center are punched from another Martha Stewart punch and misted with LSG Gator Gumbo Olive and edged in Adirondack Dimensional Pearls in Lettuce. The little pearls in the center are beads from my stash. The under petals of the flowers got the same treatment as the snowflakes.

My golden leaves are made from alcohol inked (caramel) vellum with another T!m die, and over misted with LSG Creme Brulee Cream!! If you try this technique, be careful when you heat set them (you'll need to as the spray doesn't soak in), as the paper becomes very brittle. So you'll want to scrunch your leaves first, and then let the heat take over the shape.

I also added another small poinsettia from Prima, sprayed with LSG Poinsettia Red Gold. Metal accent is from TPC Studio. Berry spray is from Petaloo. Diecut pinecones are K&Co. Little fern leaves are punched Bazzill cardstock using a Martha Stewart punch, and then inked with Ice Spruce DI. The metallic fibers around my pic is from Webster's Pages. Here's another view....

Just love how that poinsettia turned out!! It took me a few tries to get the look I wanted, but it was well worth the effect!!

So that's the only 2 Christmas LO's I've made. I plan on making a mini album with the rest of the pics (maybe another LO or 2). I have loads more to show you, but I'll space it out over the next week or so. Meanwhile I actually took pics of some new products for my Etsy store, and when I get them uploaded, I think I'll do a RAK....so stay tuned for pics!

Thanks for dropping by.....and leave me a comment. Since it's been so long, I'll start keeping track from this post, for the RAK!!!!

Love,

Lynne

 

 

 

"What A Wonderful World" for Scrapbudz

After a couple of months of compiler & runtime optimization errors, not to mention having issues leaving comments, not being able to get to some blogs, not seeing 'add to cart' buttons (sigh!), and then there was the 'updates' every couple of minutes (so it seemed), cause it just couldn't update with all of those issues!!......my computer is fixed!!! Gotta give my son Dan the kudos!!! He did a lot of research to figure out what would work best with Adobe Photoshop, Cricut Design Studio, my new camera, etc and then he still had to format the whole thing and start all over again!!! Now, I have Windows 7....YEAH!!!! So hated Windows Vista.....definitely not a stable operating system!!! And of course Internet Explorer 9!!! And it even works with Typepad!!!!

 

Thanks Dan!!!!!

So very thankful for all of your hard work!! And so very happy that you live close by!!! LOL

 

And now, onto my newest project for Scrapbudz ........

I Said To Myself "What A Wonderful World"

 
I love this pic of my Dad and my Grand-son Mason sitting together on the steps. Whenever, Mason would feel anxious, or wasn't sure about something, he would always go up to Grand-pa, so he could feel secure!! This pic shows one of those moments.....and that certainly gives me 'a wonderful world' feeling.

As you've probably already guessed, this months Latte & Cream Challenge was 'browns'. Love the monochromatic look......but I had to add that little G45 piece on the car.....it just needed it!! BoBunny paper is from one of my Swirlydoos kits that I sub, and some scraps from Graphic 45 & 7Gypsies.

 
Clock diecut is Tim Holtz/Sizzix, and I used chipboard from Wal-Mart. All I did was to distress it with Tim's Distress Inks in Vintage Photo & Walnut Stain. Tiny Type alphas are from Cosmo Cricket.

 
More Tim/Sizzix dies.....love this car!!! I've used this diecut so many times!! Again, I just inked it up with Tim's DIs and then misted with Starburst Sprays from Lindy's Stamp Gang. Stickers are from Rebecca Sower/Stickopotamus, The Paper Studio & Glitz. Ticket is from SEI.

 
Large alphas are from American Crafts. Large eyelets are from Dritz, and they're normally used on fabric, but I wanted the brass color, and the larger holes. Seam Binding is from Hug Snug, and is hand dyed.

Remember when I said I was going to do a RAK soon? Yeah it seems like forever ago......well I'm gearing up for it. I've got a lot of mini kits, and products made up to put in my etsy store....just have to take pics and upload!! I'll probably be doing the RAK at the end of August. Right now, we are in the middle of preparing for inventory at work.....and I'm working more. So, stay tuned..............

Love ya,

Lynne

 

Imagine The Possibilities TCR #67

I am just playing everywhere this week!! These days, I'm loving to scrap along with various challenges. And I'm finally getting to play with The Color Room, and actually get my project in 'on time'!

Imagine The Possibilities

I have to admit that this one was challenging!! Besides the use of black, cement, chamois & mint green colors, which was totally outside of my comfort zone, the whole layout was just not working out the way I wanted it to. I almost gave up on it a few times!! I did walk away, and come back to it. I think it took me all day to just get on the paper, what I wanted. The problem was, that I really wasn't sure WHAT I wanted!!

 
Papers are Pink Paislee (courtesy of my Swirlydoos kit), except the green which is from The Crafter's Workshop. I used Pumice Stone Distress Ink on the Anthology paper. And then matted a Butterfly Garden paper & my pic, on some Best Occasion cardstock. Don't laugh....it was the only cardstock I had that went with my papers & the palette!!! I used a Martha Stewart punch on the edge, and added a 7 Gypsies tag, which I distressed.

 
Flowers are from Petaloo and I Am Roses, which I misted with Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Spray in Long John's Silver. The Dusty Attic chippie was inked with Distress Inks and StazOn Ink. The bling is from White Blossom. The skeleton leaves were embossed with LSG Queen Sheba Silver, and the metal leaves are Tim Holtz, and a Prima metal flower that I cut with my Tim scissors!!

 
Love the film strip ribbon by Tim!! And I definitely needed it here!! And then I added more Tim Ideology pieces.

 
I think the easiest part of this LO was the title!! And so easy!! I used, again, Best Occasion (hey! I told you not to laugh!) chipboard alphas, which I inked with Bundled Sage & Peeled Paint DI. I used a Tim stamp & StazOn Ink in Jet Black over the DI. Then added some Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish over top. And then I glued my letters together to form one long strip. The rest of my title was made using Tiny Type alphas from Cosmo Cricket.

The great part about using the Best Occasion stuff (it's from Wal-Mart, in case you didn't know) is that I'm using up my stash!!!! Since the New Year began, I've only made one project where I didn't use some older stuff!! That's pretty good!! And all things considered, I guess my purchases from 7 years ago, weren't too bad, since I am using them!! Okay, so they're coming in handy...at times!!! LOL

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

Love ya,

Lynne

Get Your Glitz On Challenge #4

Have you checked out the Glitz blog lately? Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!! I cannot wait for all of their new papers & embellies to come out!! But in the meantime.....I played with some of their papers from the Laced With Grace collection, courtesy of my Swirlydoos kit!! And I've decided to enter Challenge #4. The only requirement besides using some Glitz products, was to use inks & background stamps.

Cute As A Button

 
Lots of tearing, ripping and distressing of these gorgeous papers....so far my fave collection!! Of course, I used Tim's Distress Inks in Vintage Photo & Walnut Stain. I also used a few of my background stamps (Glitz & Tim Holtz), with Stazon Ink in Timber Brown, on my base paper. I then matted the pic of Mason, on a Glitz Paper Layer.

 
Clock & gears were cut from a Tim/Sizzix die, and left naked. Chipboard was purchased at Wal-Mart (online). I left the 'innards' of the clock and covered with another Paper Layer, this time the crossword puzzle. Part of my title was situated in the boxes, using Glitz Orange Teeny Alphas. The butterflies were cut from the papers, and Distress Stickled (green) or Crackled (black). Flowers are I Am Roses gardenias, which I misted with Lindy's Stamp Gang Sprays in Tiger Lily Red Orange & Wake Me Up Before You Go Gold. Leaves are from Prima. A Glitzer was cut to form a ribbon and added under the edge of the flower.

 
I also used a Glitz Whatnot, and trimmed off the parts I wanted to use, and then inked over top with one of Tim's background stamps.

 
Heidi Swapp ghost alphas, were stamped (topside) and then alcohol inked (Ranger) on the underside, using Sunset Orange & Lettuce. A little spritz of LSG spray, adds a bit of shimmer.

Easy peasy right? So go on, head on over to the Glitz blog, and enter this challenge!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 

Solid

Ugh!! I am so far behind on posting my new LOs & projects, that you might get 2 posts a week for the next little while!! A lot of these were made for a host of different challenges, including The Color Room. Unfortunately, I didn't get them uploaded on time! C'est La Vie!!! (see last few posts)

 
I decided to try my hand on working with a solid background!! Not too shabby for the first try!! I definitely learned a few things while doing this!! One thing for sure, if you are going to stamp and/or mist your background.....layout your project first, so you know about where you want to show the stamping/misting. You obviously can't see it, but most of my stamping is covered up by the papers!! LOL

So this LO is of my SIL when he was in Basic Training. I used SEI cardstock in light grey for the background. My papers are all leftover bits from other projects; including 7 Gypsies, The Paper Studio, Basic Grey and two, that I can't remember who made them!! I layered a piece of burlap (Michaels) over my pp layers, and then matted and raised my pic over top.

 
The clock is made from a Timmy/Sizzix die (def one of my fave dies), and is naked black chipboard from Wal-Mart. I grunged up a Tim grungeboard arrow with Distress Inks, Distress Stickles and some Lindy's Stamp Gang Starburst Sprays. The glimmer glass is from Tattered Angels (Swirlydoos kit). I alcohol inked the backside of the passport piece, and glued a piece from a vintage French dictionary under the luggage one. The postal stamps (layered), are from Layers of Color & My Mind's Eye.

 
My title is Basic Grey naked chippie alphas, which I painted with Folk Art paints, and then added Glossy Accents over top. The suede lace is from Horizon Group, USA. Wide eyelets are from We R Memory Makers.

 
Another Timmy grungeboard arrow, this time I alcohol inked, and then added Distress Inks over top. The background misting is all from Lindy's Stamp Gang. Stamping is done with StazOn Inks.

 
One more arrow, this time painted with Delta Ceramcoat paints, and then grunged up with Vintage Photo Distress Ink. The sentiment is a Tim stamp!

I enjoyed working on this LO, and I will do this technique again. But I have to admit, it's not me!! I definitely prefer the 'grungy romantic chic' look.....but you can't always do that with guy pics!!!!

I do have a little sneak for you. It's the cover of a mini that I'm working on. The first pic was shot using natural light, and the second, using a flash....check out the glimmer!!!

 
 
A little teaser......I collaged my background, and used Lindy's Stamp Gang mist, and embossing powders over top. As soon as it's finished, I'll do a post & a tut on this mini.

You know, it's very strange....I think that I've made about 7 minis so far, and I've only shown you one! Probably because it would be easier to do videos, to show them off properly. Hmmm, might have to do that!!

Keep checking, I'll post another project this week, before I go back to work on Wednesday!! Oh....I have a RAK coming in the next week or so too!!

Have fun!!

Lynne

Life Is ......

Hi everyone,

I know it's been a while, since I last posted. Situation normal.......you know the rest!! Aside from my daughter & grand-son being here, and computer issues a while back, my camera went nuts!! Long story! Suffice it to say, that whenever I would try to upload the umpteen million (exagerating!) pics to my computer, I would be told that there were NO pics on my camera!! Ugh!!!!!! This has happened at least 3 times!! On the last go round, I had about 150 pics, that just disappeared right into thin air. Needless to say, I really got upset about it, and vowed that I was done with it!! So I went and bought me a new toy!!! Although I would love to get a really fancy pro or semi-pro camera....I decided to stick with a point & shoot.......a Nikon Coolpix S4100. 14 Megapixels, 3.0 LCD Screen, Wide 5X Zoom, Touch Screen, HD Movie capability & the MOST important feature......Vibration Reduction!!  LOLOLOL

And of course, with all of the fun I've been having...if that's what you want to call 'fun'...I haven't been playing along with Linda at Studio L3, for Grungy Monday!! Wow I can't believe how time flies. It just feels like it was yesterday when I made the first tag. Hopefully, I am done with fixing &/or replacing equipment and tools!

Life Is......

The technique we're using this week is from Tim's Blog, January 2008. Check it out!!

 
A little different, but it is my grungy chic style! All supplies used are all things Tim, of course!! The Distress Inks I chose, were Scattered Straw, Mustard Seed & Shabby Shutters.

I think it turned out pretty cool, and it matches perfectly with a mini album I'm working on!! More on that in another post!

And I also decided that I need to get back into doing more challenges, especially of the layout kind. And what's the best place to do that at? The Color Room!! So I gave it a go, and made this LO of my DGS for their Palette #62.

Genuine U

 
I love the color Orange, but it's definitely a challenging one to scrap with!! I adore how this one turned out!!

Papers are from Glitz Design....GORGEOUS!!!! Main frame is punched with Martha Stewart's Large Punch Set - Wild Flowers. Sooooo glad I got this one at Mike's, with a 40% off coupon!!

Here's a few closeups....

 
I used Wild Honey DI on the Tim pre cut grungeboard and added some Lindy's Stamp Gang Magicals in Cocoa Bean Copper over top. Some Ranger Crackle Accents and heat set right away to get that aged bubble effect. Some hemp cord around a Tim pin, glued over a spinner, and a large flat back pearl for the head.

 
I handmade the orange flowers with the pearl centers. More Lindy's ....mist this time, in Tiger Lily Red Orange. The orange Rose & the small Cherry Blossoms are from I Am Roses.

 
Love these leaves!! Cardstock is Bazzill, cut with Tattered Flowers die, misted with LSG Opal Sea Oats. Then embossed with Starry Night from Sizzix. A little DI over top and voila.....gorgeous leaves!

 
The alpha 'U' is from Tattered Angels....more misting and distressing. I had a leftover chipboard flower that I had used some flocking on...orange...how cool is that!! (yep, still using up my older stash!!) And a chipboard piece I diecut with Tim/Sizzix's Hardware Findings. There's sooooo many layers on that piece, that I can't remember all of the products I used. Def Tim's DI and LSG's Starburst Sprays & Magicals. Some crackle medium, and then more of everything on top!!

Well, that's it for today!! So glad I finally got to play along with both of these challenges!! Now I'm off to upload them!! Oh I alsmost forgot to tell you......I got those gorgeous papers in my Swirlydoos kit!! Gotta check them out too!!

Happy scrapping!!

Lynne

Some Prima Goodness

Hi Everyone!! On my last post, I promised that I would share something special for Mojo Monday at Scrapbudz. Unfortunately, Mojo Monday is on hold...for now!! Although the Cream & Latte Challenge is up....and I've already shared that creation with you....here's a peek......

and here's the link for that post.

 

But I do have something special......it's another project that I made for the DT call at Prima. The one that I didn't get to actually submit for!! You might remember that I shared about my life getting in the way of applying for the team.....oh well, there's always next time!! Anyways, here's one of the altered projects that I made........

 
I used the gorgeous Botanical Collection....so love these papers!! And lots of yummy Tim Holtz products!!! Here's a closeup of the front.....

 
Lace is Webster's Pages and my stash. The beaded leaves are from one of the Swirlydoos kits that I sub. The little bird is one of my own creations...using a Spellbinders die & some Michaels' feathers.....more on that in the next post.

 
The gears were painted, and then glittered up with Lindy's Stamp Gang, Tattered Angels, & my own concoction of mists.

 
Love how the roof came out....more Prima papers and a Martha Stewart punch.

 
The Birdhouse is from Wal-Mart, and the candleholder is from Michaels. I love the aging technique I used on this project, and oh so easy!! More on that later....

I know!! And I do have lots to share with you.......it just has to wait a little while longer. But, I do have one question..........if this project came in a kit, would you have any interest in purchasing it? Answer as you please........you won't hurt my feelings either way. But do answer......cause I've got a RAK coming.....something special, and one which will def answer a lot of questions!!

And there you have it.........

til next time,

Lynne

Moulin Rouge

I just realized that it's been over 2 weeks, since I last posted!! Time just got away from me. Not that I haven't been scrapping, cause I've got lots to show you!! Right now, I have 3 mini albums that are nearly complete, they just need a few more embellies. I've also made some projects for a DT call at Black With 2, which I'm so excited about!!! Confining yourself to black & 2 colors, was a definite challenge!! But a lot of fun!!!

And I've been working on organizing!! Yep, that means purging, moving stuff, re-locating, purging, and purging some more!! So I've got a bag full of stuff for my DIL, the seasonal stuff has been moved to less desirable real estate. And I'm cataloging my stamps, and nestabilities, etc. I've even made a StazOn & Distress Ink flip book. Much easier to figure out what the actual colors are!

Speaking of cataloging, and yes, I'm still working on this......here's the album I'm using to catalog my wood-mount stamps. It's easier to see what I own, instead of digging through drawers looking for what I have, before I can even use it. It doesn't solve the 'where do I store these' issue, but at least I can tell at a glance, what I actually own.

I used an older 8 1/2'' by 11'' album, which I covered. I made divider inserts, then I made my own 'cardstock' sheets with watercolor paper. Unfortunately, you won't see this part...it just didn't occur to me to take pics of the inside!!  Anyways, here we go.......

 
I used Graphic 45's Curtain Call papers, Tim Holtz Ideology pieces and some flowers & embellies from the last few Swirlydoos kits. Then I threw in some 'vintage' (not really, it just sounds better than 'older than the hills') lace & flowers, just for good measure.  BTW, I do know that 'Moulin Rouge' (title) is Prima...... but the bits of paper, embellies & colors I used, are very 'oh la la', so the name stuck.

Every bit of paper is glued down with Mod Podge. Originally, I was planning on super-imposing & lifting the figures over the background paper, so I had actually stuck each figure onto Bazzill cardstock and trimmed around the edges, to give them a bit more stability. And then it occured to me, that using Pop Dots on a LO is much different that putting it on a book that's going to be moved around a lot!! So, I glued everything down....in some areas I have about 8 layers of paper!! I even used the Podge over top of everything! BTW, this was a fabric album and it's holding very well!!

 
The black flowers are Petaloo, the creamy gold ones are Prima, which I glimmer misted, and the red velvets........a small faux stem of flowers, that I bought a couple of years ago. Love those flowers!! The centers are beads, with black rhinestones. The fancy bead trim is from Flights of Fancy Boutique.

 
The scalloped circles on the right, are part of my dividers. Oh, and I did use a Prima Moulin Rouge journal spot....you can see it right behind the blades of the windmill. Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!!

Oh yeah, and the colors.......black with burgundy & creams.....that was just a bonus! I actually realized that it fit right in with the DT Call, after I'd made 2 LOs and was starting a third. And nope, it's not part of my projects for the call.

So....that's my story, and ......you know the rest!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 

 

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

 

        

Mom & A Resolution

I haven't made very many LO's of my Mom.....for the same reason that I don't scrap myself. It's a weird thing, but, neither one of us photographs very well. For that matter, neither did my Gma (Mom's Mom)!! So, there are not very many pics of us, because, well.....we don't like having our pictures taken, for this very reason!!

Strange thing is, that we were on Skype last night, with DD & DGS (for the first time!!), and video seems to be okay. Neither one of us looked like we were ready to kill!! Yep, that's exactly how we photograph!!

Anyways, I did find one pic of my Mom, from last summer, that I scrapped. Here it is......

 
Pic turned out great.....pic of LO is off!! Okay, so I got an artist easel for Christmas, the kind that opens up to about six foot tall. My Dad thought that it would be easier to take pics, while standing up, instead of having to bend down & over like I was doing!! Soooo, I'm trying to figure out the best angle to take my pics, and apparently, I still need to work on that!! But not with this one......I've photographed this LO about 10 different times already, and I'm not doing it again!!

I made this  shortly after Christmas, with the November Swirlydoos kit!!! I know! Can you believe that I hadn't used up every piece before then? Well, I saved up some of the House of Three/Pink Paislee & Heidi Swapp papers for something special. I think that Mom is special!!

I cut a small strip off of the Heidi Swapp paper, distressed and inked the edge, and then added a border from the House of Three paper behind it. Love the combination of colors. I've been finding that I'm using colors that I've rarely used before...such as yellow!! I've always found it to be a very hard color to work with!!

So here's a closeup of the frame.....

 
I cut the frame from one of the pp, and stickled (is that a word) all of the black, and then raised it with sticky-back foam, and tucked in some black ribbon blooms from May Arts.

 
The butterfly is K&CO, and those little daisies, are Martha Stewart, and are as old as the hills!!! One of the first embellies that I bought a few years ago!!

I guess that's part of my New Year's Resolution ......use what you've got, and use up your stash!!! I have way too much stuff, and it's gotten to the point that I forget what I have. Honestly, it's hard to go back and use up what you have.....especially with all of the new gorgeous products coming out!! But I'm working on it......I'm attempting to use up at least one older embellie on each new LO/project that I make!!

All of the stamps are from the Rockin' Renaissance collection from Tattered Angels. LOVE these stamps!!! Alphas are from MME's Lush collection.

 
Another fave (maybe I should do a post on that!), the birdcage die from Tim!! This time, I used some packaging from a Jolee's bead pack!! I love that it was already printed, and shaded. I just used a bit of Distress Ink on the edges. The little bird was made from scraps. Flowers are handmade. I mixed up a few flower tutorials from Lisa at What A Beautiful Mess to get the look I wanted. I used cardstock from SEI, yeah it's not doubled sided......older piece, but the white breaks up the yellow a bit. I cut the flowers with the Home Decor cartridge on my Cricut. I used a bit of homemade glitter mist, and then added some aqua beads for the centers and stickled the edges. 

Here's a better closeup of the beading.....

 
The dangles.....love this!! Again using up my stash. The large black dangle is one piece from Blingage by Teresa Collins. I took it apart, because the whole thing was just too big. And yes, that also came in the kit. The itty bitty journal card is also House of Three/Pink Paislee.

Okay, one more......

 
Have I told you, how much I love these stamps? OMG! Yes, they're on the small size, but the detail on them is amazing!! Brad is also MME from their Lush collection.

So that's it for today. Remember, use up your stash!! Mix your oldies with your newbies!! Start using up all of that stuff you've been saving for something special!! And in the process, you'll gain room for more!!!   LOLOLOLOL

Love ya,

Lynne

Back from El Paso

And why, you ask, did I go there? Well................

To see Ashley & Mason, of course!!!! Miss them big time, already!!!!! This pic isn't from my trip, but I thought that it was appropriate, since it's from their road trip to White Sands, New Mexico, and I haven't processed my pics yet. I actually made this LO, two weeks ago, just before leaving. Guess I was already there....well, in my heart, anyways!!

 
Can you tell that I've been trying to use up my stash? Lots of older papers & embellies here. If you're anything like me, you know I gotta make room for new stuff!!

 
And I sent a sh*t load of papers & embellies to Ashley, before Christmas.....still have more to deal with!! And.......I bought tons of stuff while I was there!! We spent about 2 days just doing some scrappy shopping!! We found one store that carried just about everything Tim, Prima, 7 Gypsies, Graphic 45, Webster's Pages!! OMG, I died and went to Heaven!!! I really had to stop myself from buying everything!! But I did get some Tim dies that have been sold out everywhere, and some gorgeous blooms & bling from Prima. Can't wait to start using them!!

 
I had a wonderful time with DD & DGS......we shopped, we ate, we scrapped. We went to the zoo, spent some time at Fort Bliss, played with Mason, watched movies, and scrapped some more!! And I taught Mason some new words!! He's just too cute, and lovable, even if he is in the Terrible Twos!!

Oh yeah......I didn't make the Webster's DT. Honestly, I really wasn't expecting to and that's okay. I'm definitely going to keep trying!!! Here's one of the LO's I sent them......

 
Here's a couple of closeups......

 
 
I'm not going to bore you with the long list of supplies used. Mostly, cause I don't feel like typing it up!!! LOL.......and besides, I have scrappy stuff waiting on me!!

Love ya,

Lynne

PS, if you really want to know about any of the supplies or techniques.....let me know in the comments

 

 

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

 

 

Thank God, But Arghhhhh!!!!

Okay...so I am thankful that I backed up all of my files....especially my pictures. Why, you ask? Well...I did it again!! Don't know what I did, but I lost over 1200 pics, while trying to upload new ones!!! Arghhh!!!! Definitely NOT fun!! The upside is that I do have all of these backed up. The down side, I spent over an hour trying to recover all of them before realizing that, duh! I have them backed up!!! Okay, so, not one of my brightest moments!! LOL

On to new stuff......Blogoversary RAK ends on December 15th....if you haven't left your comments by then, it'll be too late. Please, click here to go to that post. I will draw a winner via Random.org, and post the winner on Thursday morning.

As you know, I've been a bad blogger!! Haven't posted anything since December 1st...and that's unusual for me. Well, I was sick for about a week, then the weather went north. Yeah I know, it's south. But....it's not supposed to freeze in Florida!!!! We're supposed to have clear skies, no wind and sit at about 74 degrees during the day!! Lately it's been hoverring around 60 during the day, and we've had 3 nights of freeze warnings in the last week!! And are expecting more of this!! NOT FUN!!!!! I expected this weather when I lived up north, but NOT here!

So what does the weather have to do with blogging? Well, I'm not taking my butt outside to take pics!!! Besides, the wind has been horrendous. So I did what I could inside. Still have lots to post, but it'll have to wait until this crap goes away, and I can take decent pics!!

For the first time in years, I decided not to buy stocking stuffers, what with DD & DS being about 1500 miles away, in opposite directions.....it just wasn't feasible! Besides, it's not cheap to ship stuff, especially when you can't fit it all in a 'flat rate box'!! Anyways, I still wanted some kind of stocking for everyone, so I opted to make some cute little gift card holders!! I really can't remember where I got this idea...def on a blog, so if you or someone you know, came up with this idea, please let me know, and I'll give credit to that ingenious person!! So here goes...pics first, and I'll save the yaking for the end.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This last pic, show a gift card inside!! NOT telling what it is, just in case the kiddies are watching, but it'll be good!! And the best part about these little stockings, is that they're another holiday decoration!! Soooo, I didn't make any other decorations for everyone, well....except for Mom! More on that in another post!

Supplies used:

Papers - BoBunny, IOD     Carstock - Bazzill, SEI     Ribbons & Lace - Prima, Flights of Fancy, stash     Flowers & Flower Centers - Prima, Making Memories, stash     Bling - K&Co, SEI, stash     Baubles & Chain - Tim Holtz, Making Memories     Rubons - Anna Griffin     Diecuts - K&Co, IOD,     Brads & Eyelets - BoBunny, Tim Holtz, My Mind's Eye, stash     Pearls - Michaels     Snowflake Charm & Chipboard - Lindy's Stamp Gang     Stickers - Anna Griffin     Distress Stickles & Distress Inks - Tim Holtz     Glimmer Mist - Tattered Angels & Ranger     Stamp - Inkadinkadoo     Embossing Powder - Stampendous  Archival Ink - StazOn     Gold Leafing Pen - Krylon     Scor-Pal     Adjusted Template - Some wonderful Blogger!!!!

Almost forgot to tell you....a lot of the items featured on these stockings, came from the December Swirlydoos kit, 'Divine Noel'. You can find the laces and ribbons here at Flights Of Fancy, and the awesome chippy & charm here at Lindy's Stamp Gang.

Soooo, that's it for today. Hope you enjoyed these little stockings!

Love ya,

Lynne

 

 

2 Gether Again

Stay tuned for my Blogoversary/Christmas RAK coming December 1st

This LO is about the reunion of my GDS with his Dad, this past August. DD & GDS were in St. Albans, Vermont, and Mike was in Oklahoma for his Basic Training. They were all able to come back to Florida for a week before being shipped off to El Paso, Texas. It was great to see them all together again....hell, just to see them was awesome!! Here's the LO.....

 
I used the 'Irresistible' kit from Swirlydoos for this LO, and I still have more!! Gorgeous House of Three/Pink Paislee resist paper, that I slathered in TH Distress Inks in Faded Jeans, Chipped Sapphire, Weathered Wood & Black Soot. The black edges were done with UTEE Black Embossing Powder, as was the punched (Martha Stewart lace punch) strip under the title. Love this technique...gonna try it with TH Distress Embossing Powder...just to see & play!!

I added a stamped scalloped doily.....now, if you know me well.....you know I don't stamp much!! It just really hasn't been my thing, but......there are stamps out there, that really grab my eye, and this brick stamp from Layers of Color is one of them!! Love it!!! I also used a vine & flower stamp from SEI, with more TH Inks. Here's a closeup.....

 
I felt that the vine was lifeless, so I added a few shades of green with some coloring pencils from EK Success. The doily was cut & punched using Lisa Nazario-Gregory's technique. This is such a great way to make your own doilies, you gotta try it. Here's closeup of the 'partial' title....

 
Alphas are MME which I grunged up a bit TH inks. The little train is G45 paper, that I cut out, and embellished with TH Distress Stickles, and some black puffy paint (Tulip). The little diecut is K&Co, with some tiny Cosmo Cricket Alphas in dark blue.

 
A while back, I bought a bunch of Dusty Attic diecuts from Snobby Walrus, and I decided to use this lamp post. I tried just inking it in black, but didn't like the look, so Timmy to the rescue, with his Distress Embossing Powder in Black Soot!!! That stuff really gives a vintage look to anything!! The grungeboard swirls are leftovers from my Beautiful You LO, and are just inked with DI Pumice Stone.

 
Flowers are bits from faux silk hydrangeas (stash), stickers (ollllldddd) from Moddesigns and leaves cut from K&Co scraps. Diecuts from G45 and K&Co. Button chippie from Jenni Bowlin, Panda from Colorbok (another olllldddd piece), and drangonfly brad (??? can't remember). Of course, the '2' is from MME and is the start of my title.

 
Top right hand corner, has a couple of clouds, which I faux stitched with a fine point Bic marker. You can see a tiny bit of a Tim Holtz stamp, peeking out from under the top cloud...I just didn't like how it turned out, so I decided that I could live with it, partially covered. The grungeboard hinge was another fiasco...I just couldn't get the right color....it took some acrylic paint, Distress Inks, and several shades of Glimmer Mist, to make it happen!! Not to mention about 20 coats of the afore-mentioned! A few brads (stash) complete the look!!

This kit from Swirlydoos really inspired me to just 'play'!!! And, I gotta tell you, I haven't had this much fun, while scrapping, in quite a while!! Soooooo....you gotta get this kit, or at least get the papers, and try it for yourself...you'll love it!!

At the top of my post, I mentioned my Blogoversary RAK. I will open it up on December 1st, but for anyone who leaves a comment on this post....you'll get another chance at it!!!! Here's a sneak....

 
That's it for today...see you December 1st!!!

Love ya,

Lynne

 

Swirly Goodness

As I mentioned in my last post, I subbed the Swirlydoos Kits. 'Irresistible' was my first one....and I am so in love with it all......wish I had also purchased the Technique kit!! Fortunately, I already owned some of those products!! Anyways, I actually finished 2 LOs, and am at a standstill on one......just can't figure out how to finish it. So I'll show you the finished ones....

My Angel

 
Gorgeous papers from Pink Paislee -> House of Three's Parisian Anthology colelction. I used Distress Inks in Peeled Paint & Forest Moss, on the edges and over all of the embossing on the paper. A scrap of SEI paper, was cut into a circle, and then I used Lisa Nazario-Gregory's Corner Punch Deco Circle tut, to make the fancy edge. Soooo love this technique!!!! I will def end up doing this on a LOT of my LO's!!!

 
I blinged up (is that a word?) the Dusty Attic chipboard with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Vintage Rose.....I know, you can hardly tell that it's pinky, but it is. The rhinestones are My Mind's Eye. The metal frame (gorgeous!!) is from Teresa Collins....I wanted a bit of pink on it, so I took out my pink Sharpies, and started playing...not too much, just enough to keep the pink flowing. As if, right, isn't that gorgeous Prima flower (stash) bright enough?!! A K&Co die cut, fits perfectly behind the frame. I also added just a wee bit of gold Rub 'n Buff on top of the creamy Primas.

 
The leaves were made using another one of Lisa's techniques....you gotta check this out!! Though I didn't have her beautiful Hearfelt Creations stamp, so I used what I had....Martha Stewart.

 
I used Vintage Rose Glimmer Mist & my own green glitter mix on the leaves. Pearl swirl is from ZVA creativeAnother K&Co diecut is my title. Almost forgot.....the circle mat was punched using a Martha Stewart corner punch, and the rose bud, actually came off a tiny little package from Victoria's Secret...how cool that the main flowers match perfectly!!

Beautiful You

 
This LO is def one of my faves.....love the color combo, love the pic, love the design, love the embellies....okay, I love it!! The design is based on a sketch by Beggahuna, over at Swirlydoos. Check it out...it's just gorgeous!

More Pink Paislee paper, scrap from SEI & some black cardstock from my stash. This time I used Wild Honey Distress Ink & my own glitter mist in a butterscotch color, for the background paper. Mat is cut using another Martha Stewart punch, and Lisa's technique. I added an Artisan Element, also from Pink Paislee to the center of the mat. Then I cut my pic, and added a yellow mat, and handcut with scalloped scissors. The Heidi Swap/Tattered Angels crepe paper ribbon (technique kit) I had on hand, and I just trimmed the bottom edge. Then I added the beaded/eyelet lash trim to the top of the crepe paper.

 
The 'beautiful' chippie, I had in my stash....check out the Snobby Walrus store. Again I colored the chippy with Wild Honey DI and added my own glitter mist over top. Love how it turned out! It has a gorgeous golden glow to it.

 
My flowers....are part Prima...larger blossoms, part Recollections (Michaels).....smaller roses, and part hand made.....base of flowers and handmade glitter mist. I love that stuff.....and it's soooo easy to make (never mind cheaper!!) The base of flowers, were cut with Timmy's Tattered Florals die & K&Co paper. The flourishes, diecut with Timmy's Elegant Flourish die, and grungeboard, are one of my faves. Looks like granite, doesn't it? Sooo freaking easy to do...just use Pumice Stone DI on the smooth side of grungeboard. That's it!!!!! You could also addd Glossy Accents, if you wanted a glossy look. I also added a few Pink Paislee stamps (Embellishment Add-on Kit) with StazOn ink.The TH facet was glued on to a scrap of the black cardstock and the little pearls...wedding section are from Hirschberg Schultz & Co.

Sooooo, can you tell that I enjoyed playing with this kit?!!! And I still have tons of stuff left!!! I could probably make another 3 LOs (not counting the one I'm stuck on), or even a mini album, plus I still have lots of embellies left over!! Guess that means that I've got to play some more!!!!

Love ya,

Lynne

BTW.....I actually & finally have all of the products for my 'Blogoversary RAK' sooooo, stay tuned. I'll be posting pics soon!!!