Star Ornaments

I saw this on Jennifer McGuire's blog, I think it was...loved it! Ended up doing this for Scrapbook Express- so easy. It is just 8 stars stuck together. How simple is that!! And, doesn't the Basic Grey look incredible!!

December 1st Day

December 1st has been a holiday in my world for years! I love, love, love Christmas!! I mean, seriously! So, decorating for Christmas is a passion of mine, too. Every year, on Decc 1st, the preschool kids and I take a whole day and make a party of it! We make decorations, cookies, decorate the classroom, and put up the class Christmas Tree. Too Fun! Here are a few pictures of last year's festivities using the wonderful Fancy Pants line- perfect!! This was done for Scrapbook Express- where they have Fancy Pants in stock for you!

Scrapping Cents

So, I had the most wonderful Friday!! My Fedex guy delivered the best package- I swear, if I had known what was in it, I think I would have kissed him. Lucky him, lol! My wonderful boss at Scrapbook Express sent each of her DT girls a brand spankin' new QK Silhouette!! Can you believe it?! I LOVE that woman!! If you don't have one of these bad boys, you really should check it out! They are having a deal right now- WOW!!

Anyway, that means your tips, this week are going to be cutter related. There are so many ways to save money with these darlings!! Here:

1. To sharpen blades: Several cuts through heavy duty aluminum foil.

2. You can make your own mats- and it is easy! Thin, but rigid vinyl- I use the cutting sheets you get at the dollar store, and repositionable spray adhesive. It's that simple!

3. Simulate chipboard by making the same cut several times- I keep the 5oo sheet pkgs of office quality cardstock for this (and, yes, it IS acid free)- and stack them. Put your pp on top- instant chipboard.

Here are some sites for great shapes and downloads:

1. www.mydiecuts.com This is a favorite of mine!

2. http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/ This isn't free...but they are stunning!!

3. http://mamawslegacy.com/cut/cut.html Free- and very nice!!

4. http://mamawslegacy.com/cut/cut.html Free- and a huge library!!

And, here is a list of QK font matches for download: http://www.scrapbook.com/blogs/19078/view/3115.html

Hope this all helps!! Have fun!!

Again

A few weeks, I was fortunate enough to win a drawing of Bella Blvd papers. I love it when God has cool little treats for you! I was so excited to work with this new line- as I had been admiring their paper since they launched. I was not disappointed, either! The weight and colors are just wonderful!

This layout just screams fun, to me. I used felt for the cloud, and paint to highlight the sun. The trim around the frame is pearl paint.

Leaf Hunt

This was done using Basic Grey's Ambrosia Line...what a perfect line for fall pictures. I used a corregated paper under the pictures, and love the texture it gives...and the sewing- I love texture!! Be sure to check out Scrapbook Express for all your Basic Grey paper!!

Scrapping Cents

I love, love making my own embellishments. Not only do you get the fun of making them, they are cheaper! And, I can usually get just what I want- an extra bonus. This week, I have a couple of tutorials that will help you be making your own flowers in a snap...and for pennies!!

This video shows how to make the Maya Road felt flowers...and I LOVE felt flowers!! I tried this- it is quick, easy, and they look so darn cute!!

Here's a tutorial for paper flowers. This a are a snap to...and if you use a 1" or slightly larger circle- you will be amazed at how much they look like Primas!! Too cool, huh?!

Scrapping Cents Sightings

Tuesday Morning: MM storage containers spotted for a great price. Also, MM Christmas ornament kits.

Dollar Tree: Alphabets that look exactly like AC Thickers spotted. Chipboard and vinyl.

Scrapping Cents

With Christmas coming up- and gift making and giving at hand, I have found the perfect resource for you, today. I have found a free template for making your own little gift boxes. The great thing is, there are different sizes and shapes. Add some great paper, a few embellishments- you have a killer gift box!! Enjoy!!

Gift Box Template

Trust

I did this one for my DT work at Apple Blossom Studio Stamps, and My Sketch World...a two-fer! The sketch is a wonderful Lucy Chesnea sketch- and was a blast to work with---as usual! And the stamps, sigh...I love the stamps. Look at how versatile these are!! In one layout, I have used 3 stamps- the scalloped stamp cut out made the lovely scallops on the top of the journaling area. The journaling block cutout and popped with foam dots added a great decorative touch to this journaling area, as well. Then, the links stamp-simply stamped as normal...added a fun horizontal element to the page. I tapped of spots of ink on the chain stamp before I added it to the page- to give it an uneven vintage/distressed look. I loved the way it turned out!

I snapped this picture a couple of weekends ago, as we were driving down the road to a conference. I immediately thought of this verse- of God making our paths straight. But, if you read the verse...and I mean read it, there is a condition to this promise. We have to TRUST Him. Not my best thing, trust. And, if I am completely honest, I will admit that this is something I struggle with- trusting God. Really trusting Him. Oh, I trust that He came in the form of Jesus, that He died, rose again, and by His grace has saved my soul. But, the day to day, living trust? I confess, sometimes I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to fall...like it is going to well. Or, I find myself thinking that God is almost waiting to 'disciple' me...to teach me some cosmic lesson. Almost as if God enjoys watching me struggle...just so I will lean on Him further...how ridiculous is that?!!

So, I have chosen to combine this verse with another:
"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to bring you hope and a future." Jer 29:11
Put these 2 verses together...it makes it so much easier to....TRUST!!

Ready, Set, Go!

This is the All Fall collection from Fancy Pants- and I must say...I love it!! I love the colors and the patterns..and the subtle scroll patterns twisted in the argyle. I traced this artisan shape from another paper, and hand cut it- one of my fav tricks for getting a die cut shape from any pattern. I did this one for my DT work over at Scrapbook Express.

This was Carrie's first 5K...and a great deal of fun! She did great, I must say!

Snowflakes

So, have you been playing along with our 12 Weeks of Christmas Card Challenges over at Scrapbook Express? You really should be- we are having the best time!! And, getting tons of fun cards made! This one is for Kay's Snowflake Challenge...we were to have snowflakes on our background, a focal flake, and some bling. I am loving the white on white look, this year! I've actually done a few cards this way...I'll have to show them to you...

Scrapping Cents

Many times, on Scrapping Cents, I have brought you some nifty digital downloads- and digi tools. Does that make me a digi scrapper- oh NO! I love me my paper!! BUT- I really believe, if you own a printer, you have a heck of a scrapping tool!! Just by playing with some very simple things- like types of paper, and printing sizes, you can print soooo many things to add to your cards and layouts.

Today's resource is a great example of that! I am giving you the link to a killer digi site- chocked full of digi kits to download- all FREE. Yes, I know...I said I'm not digi...but look at the elements IN these kits!! Journaling cards, little flowers and doodads, titles and alphas...all perfect for printing off and adding to your layouts. And, all it will cost you is the paper and pennies for the ink! Tell me that is not a killer deal!!

And, here's a tip...I actually keep a folder on my harddrive for these goodies. That way, when I need a journalling card, I just go shopping on my harddrive! Easy-peasy! Plus- looking around for these elements on the internet can be a great way to go 'shopping' and ease that need to collect- without spending money!

OK- here's your resource for today: Shabby Princess The kits on this site are awesome!! Have fun!!

Scrapping Cents Sightings:

Tuesday Morning: Lots of nifty MM kits and storage reported.

Berry Yummy!

Oh my goodness- I cannot believe I forgot to show this to you. My only excuse? I was crazy busy the first of the month with the WCD celebration at SNR. Sorry!

This one was made using 3 Apple Blossom Studio Stamps. I love these stamps! Cannot say that enough! I embossed the candy cane stripe onto the black cardstock- great look! Then, I used the scalloped border to go around the edges...so simple- but I love the look! Then, I used the Circle journaling stamp- and then used foam squares to pop it out. The bottom circle is made of seed beads- sewn on.

Dr Robotic

Made this a ways back for the Card Section at Scrapbook News and Review. Fun, huh?! I love the Cogsmo line from Cosmo Cricket! Too cute!

Smile

Sometimes you either laugh...or pull out all your hair in frustration! I choose to laugh! He he he!

This one was made for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Think Pink Contest over at Scrapbook Express. Be sure to join us for all sorts of fun and contests in our gallery!

Scrapping Cents

Saw this awesome idea for Stickles storage, and had to share!! How easy is this- and it would work for Stickles, liquid Pearls, alcohol ink, paint tubes...heck, you could even store glitters, sequins, beads, etc this way! Love it!! Thanks, Lulu- what a great, simple...and CHEAP idea!

Stickles Storage

Birthday Chuckle...

I don't think I ever shared this card. I made it for a young friend on his 16th birthday...and it still makes me chuckle! So...know anyone like this? Remember the days? I do, lol!

The Journey

Used the stunning Basic Grey Scarlett's Letter collection for this...I just love this collection, such depth and detail to this paper!!


Journaling:
When I started this diet, it was just that- a diet. A temporary thing to loose a
few pounds. It always had as the primary goal to lose as many pounds as my
body would allow me. I knew that would probably not mean ending up buff.
It quickly developed into more than a diet, though. I realized that in order to do
anything of value, I was going to have to let Jesus guide me. It became a journey.
I learned that the changes would have to be life long and come of a desire to please
Him. I learned that Jesus is my strength in all thing-this too. I was taught that
self control is not gift of the Holy Spirit, but a fruit- for all who claim to be
Christians to wield. Through the process, I grew so much closer to my Lord.


Somewhere along the road, I lost sight, though. I forgot the goal, and substituted
another...the perfect dress size. So, when the end of my weight loss came—I was
actually disappointed. I had lost 120 pounds, and all I could ask was- is this it?
I looked in the mirror and saw what Satan wanted me to see. I had to be
reminded...reminded of the goal. I HAD lost every pound my body would allow.
More importantly, I had to be reminded of the Lesson. I had to be reminded
that it was never about the destination. It was always about the Journey...
and Who I allowed to lead it! And what I allowed Him to teach me along the way.

Looking for the Scarlett Letter Paper pack from Basic Grey? Check out Scrapbook Express!!

Issue 7 is up!

Great news! The October issue of Scrapbook News and Review has published! We now have 4 times the content of the leading scrap mags- with complete sections for card, altered art, mini albums, product reviews, and more...in addition to just plain awesome layouts and scrapping articles!! And, remember- $4.99 gets you access to everything we have ever published- for one month...not just the current issue!! Imagine...a scrap library for 4.99!! Check it out!!

Scrapping Cents

This week, our Scrapping Cents is going to deal with Fonts. If you have an electronic die cutter, fonts are invaluable. But, Even if you do not, fonts can be a great asset to a scrapbooker. Whether you use them for printing journaling, printing dingbats to use as embellishments, making your own rub ons, or to print a title- fonts are a huge weapon in our arsenol!!

This week, I want to introduce you to 2 font managers- both free. Nexus Font is a slick application that lets you view, compare, install, uninstall and even create favorite lists for every font on your system. Font Thing does many of the same things- but it also allows you to load the font for one time use...you reboot the system, and the font is automatically uninstalled. Now, why do you care? A couple of reasons...first, every font you install uses system memory. This means if you have a lot of fonts installed, your system will slow down, and performance will degrade. Also, if you have hundreds of fonts, like I do, sifting through them to find the exact font I want can take forever! A font manager lets you organize them into catagories- like titles, script, dingbats, etc.

Oh, and now that you have a great font manager, I thought you might want a great site for free fonts: check out DaFont. It Rocks!!

Scrapping Cents Sightings:

I have seen some reports of awesome clearance prices at T's...you might want to check it out!

Fancy Pant-sy Clock

It's been a while since I've shown you anything altered. So, what do you think of my 50 cent clock? I found this at a garage sale...and paid all of 50 cents for it. Then I painted it, added a bunch of Fancy Pants goodness to it...and voila- a Fancy Pant-sy Clock!! I love this line of papers- don't you?! You can get them over at Scrapbook Express!