amy wilges

well some things have changed...

2010-09-03T04:16:00.000-07:00

the brick and mortar store didn't happen. things fell through as it was up for sale and someone was in contract (we were only going to lease it to start). anyway, my photography venture is picking up and i really enjoy it. i also have been refurbishing/repurposing still and am joining in my first flea market this holiday weekend here in my hometown. that should be interesting. i have TONS of stuff sitting around here but i still feel i don't have ENOUGH. lol i'm writing two blogs right now so i'm not sure where that is going to end up. my new blog is mostly focusing on my refurbishing of accent furniture and thrifty decor rehabs. i hope to share my homelife here and get back into scrapbooking. i haven't scrapped in several months and that makes me sad. :(

hope to share more things soon so for now i will leave you with this photo of my little guy and his creation out of his geo tracks toys...it's a Colts "U" (horseshoe for Indianapolis Colts NFL)

photography and business venture

2010-05-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

that title is jam packed with info. i feel like i've been neglecting the ol' blog...ok i HAVE BEEN. lol can i blame it on the weather? thanks. =]

i'm dabbling in photography on a more professional level now. no, i don't have all the proper schooling but i do have the natural desire to photograph people in settings that are unconventional. no standard portrait sittings here. i've done a few shoots and am loving the feeling of capturing moments. up on the left side is the link to my photography website.

now i did mention 'business venture' in my post title but it has little to do with photography. lol i also have a passion for refurbishing things and giving them new life...maybe even new purpose. more directly with furniture and other home decor pieces. half way down on the left of this blog you will find some home decor links to some of my fave blog spots to visit for inspiration. hubby and i have been in talks with a local building owner about opening up a shop for us to sell our refurbished 'finds'. most of our inventory is coming from auctions, flea markets, garage sales and even curb finds. i have no shame in rescuing a damaged piece of wood furniture along side the street. i feel i am doing my part in keeping the earth green. why not keep it out of the landfill, make a little income for my family and just do something i totally enjoy??? this blog entry will give you an idea of what i'm talking about. hope to share more photos soon of finished goods but for now...here is a peek at what my garage looks like. lol

don't mind my Chopper, he thought i was taking him for a walk. his leash is right behind me and every time we move past it he thinks it's coming down. lol

i need to get a move on and break out the sander, paint and have hubby repair some minor things. just wish the rain would stay away for more than a half of a day. blah.

so...what have you been up to? lol

check this out...

2010-04-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

if you have a second i would totally recommend visiting this inspiring blog! she has a giveaway going on right now and it's wonderful! hope to see you there. :)

just a peek...

2010-03-30T07:25:00.000-07:00

yeah i know, spring is here...easter is this weekend but my mantel isn't quite ready yet. i do have a peek just so you believe me that i am working on something. lol

have a sunny day!

spring mantle scape...ATTEMPT! lol

2010-03-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

i've been blog hopping A LOT lately looking at all my fave home decor blogs and was totally inspired by this gal to try to put some 'spring' into my family room. before last Christmas i talked my hubby into hanging a mantle style shelf up on the wall in our family room...see my post here.

so, i got the urge to run out to my local thrift stores and dollar store today and this is what i scored for just under $15.00!

where do i begin...

i bought most of this at salvation army except the 3 frames, large ceramic egg and bird. egg and bird are from the dollar tree and the frames came from goodwill.

these ceramic eggs where in a bag for $3. i don't necessarily like them all but i can use some and paint them too. not sure how i will tuck them into my scape.

what a fun (heavy) candlestick. for .75 cents i can definately add this in somewhere. i'm trying my birdie out on a few things. lol

don't mind that irridecent shred, it was in one of the eggs i bought. lol i have some great earthy moss i plan to use. LOVE this sterling silver candlestick that has that cool 'hook' on the side to dangle something from. gotta think of something cute. maybe a word sign saying "spring"...i dunno yet.

new frames, hallmark...nice and chunky with those cute name plates on front. i have three kiddos so these are perfect...for just a total of $3.

i'm not a 'bunny' person as in decorating for easter but this bunny....he is JUST. TOO. CUTE!!! don't you agree??? he was a whole .75 cents and is in like new condition.

ok, i gotta get off here and do something creative with this stuff. oh, i WILL be back to show you what i done with it all.

have a creative day...

weekend crop @ The Mosy Scrapper!

2010-03-14T04:28:00.000-07:00

if you haven't visited The Mosy Scrapper than you should get over there and get registered for their crop this coming weekend (March 20 & 21st)! check out their blog to see all the fabulous prize donations that keep pouring in. i've even donated items from my etsy shop as well.

shared a simple technique...

2010-03-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

over at Scrapperie....come on over. :)

playing with my camera and lighting

2010-03-05T03:52:00.000-08:00

i still need to move my lighting around more and learn how to use the strobe but i had fun taking pics of my little guy. i didn't realize how much of a ham he is in front of a camera. he was soooo helpful and he was doing poses that made me laugh so hard. :)

technique tuesday @ Scrapperie

2010-02-23T00:23:00.000-08:00

it was my week again to share a technique tutorial over at Scrapperie. come on over and join in and be iNsPiReD!!!

i'm getting my mojo back...hope to be back with more scrappy stuff soon. =]

i can see clearly....now.

2010-02-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

nothing major, just some squinting long distance while driving. it's a big change that is for sure. it's been a week and i am slowly getting use to them. :)

more interesting stuff....i am back at my fave hobby....estate auctions! look at this fun stash of junque i picked up.

this little old man kept E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G! this box holds hundreds of flower labels and tags. he was an avid flower grower (i'm sure he was more than that but i'm not sure what you would call him). lol all i know is i went through this mess and washed many, many fun tags and labels that have plant related info but can easily be used on layouts or other scrappy projects. be watching my etsy shop for updated items as i have a TON to list. :)

oh yeah. i got a little something for my anniversary from the hubs. ok it is a BIG something....

meet 'Rebby'. lol yes i named her. ha. i explained to the kiddos that SHE is apart of the family and they needed to respect her. then i gave them the stink eye and a run down of the R.U.L.E.S. lol

*all pics in this post are taken with Rebby. :) i am slowly picking up tips for different settings so i can change my shutter speeds and stuff. fun process indeed.

Techniques @ Scrapperie

2010-02-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

i do a technique every other week over at Scrapperie so come by and try one out! this one is on the topic of making your journaling set in behind your photo or paper.

oh yeah...that is my newest niece, Eleecya. i haven't gotten to hold her yet but i snagged these photos from my sister's fb page. lol this is also the first i've scrapped in a long while so i'm thrilled to have gotten it done and now i'm slowly finding my mojo and have started some other projects. what have you done lately?

my little guy turned 5.

2010-01-24T23:26:00.000-08:00

sniff, sniff. :(

Brody is five and i feel like i will never have a baby in my arms again. sigh. i should be glad to finally have time for me but i'm not....atleast not at this moment. he is sooooo eager to start kindergarten this fall it's not even funny.

this is the first year i have decided to keep the kiddo's parties "low key". i've never had a party for any of my children without balloons....until now. i'm sure i will go all out again but my mindset for this year is to not go overboard but enjoy the moments. Brody requested a Transformer cake so that is what he got. i made it using a kit i bought from the bakery dept.

he was insistant on cutting the cake. more proof of his independance that i am not ready to see. sigh.

every birthday i run a series of photos of my kiddos on the tv...through the wii. everyone loves looking at random photos of the birthday kiddo. =]

he recieved great gifts such as zhu zhu pets, clothing, money, lego sets, tattoos, view master slides and more. happy birthday sweet boy...don't rush to grow.

say hello to my newest niece, Eleecya!

2010-01-15T02:21:00.000-08:00

this is the third for my younger sister and the first that i was NOT there for when they were born...bittersweet. i'm hoping to get to visit them in the next couple months. they live about 6 hours from me and it's just not in the cards right now to take a trip away from home. :(

chair facelift

2010-01-07T04:28:00.000-08:00

i don't know what it is but the new year has brought out the desires to 'freshin' things up around my home. i've moved a few things and have even given some things new purposes. a task i took on TWO days before Christmas is my fave so far....

i have this dinning set that my grandmother had given me about 15 yrs ago and it's hard to say how long she had it before that. it's a sentimental thing as i love my grandmother to pieces and it reminds me of her often. BUT...it's looking a little rough with having three kiddos use and abuse them, the chairs needed something. so, i took the seats off...recovered them with some discount fabric. off to the garage to sand the chairs down (i usually do a project while hubby is gone so i can dig through his tools and experiment without him standing over me questioning my logic. lol i managed to sand them down, paint them a couple coats of coalmine black paint and rough up some of the edges for the distressed look. after they were air blown off (love that hubby has oodles of tools, lol) i sprayed them with a clear coat, kind of a kid protection, if you will. lol screwed the newly covered seat cushions back on and they were good to go. now, i always keep a table cloth on my table so i plan to just refinish the table legs soon.

before:

(notice the marker at the front of the chair wood trim part....nice. not.)

there were soooo many dints and dings in them that they desperately needed SOMETHING.

after:

sorry not the best of photos but i gave up after several tries one evening. i know, i know...should take them during the daylight. lol

thanks for looking...hope this inspires someone to give something a facelift. :)

2010 Scrapperie Design Team

2010-01-07T04:06:00.000-08:00

wanted to give a shout out to all the talented girls who will inspire everyone over at Scrapperie this year. i'm luck to get to work with them all. if you haven't been to Scrapperie ever (or in awhile) you should definitely start coming around as there are fabulous new challenges starting up and they are daily so you will never run out of inspiration!

Yay! the NEW year is here!!!

2010-01-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

can you tell i'm excited about 2010? i just want to put 2009 behind me as it was a trying time (financial wise) and although i am greatful to have made it through and learned a lot i am looking forward to the plans that were put on hold over this past year....like more house reno and business ventures. =]

i want to jump back a few weeks and express how much i enjoyed my holidays. aside from being tired of eating holiday foods, i am thankful for the time spent with family and friends. it seems that Christmas morning changes every year as the kiddos get older and their excitement isn't as obvious (well, Brody still squealed, lol). i think they enjoyed their gifts but they looked more like zombies than wide-eyed young-ins. lol

THEN...

the new year's day brought my daughter's 14th birthday. i just can not believe every year when my kiddos get older. i can't help but be flooded with memories of when they were smaller. this year's party was VERY low-key. if anyone knows me there has not been a birthday party for my children that DID NOT include balloons and other party decor but this year, my sweet Syd was just surrounded by a few distant relatives and a fun cake. i have promised her a day at the mall with a friend. she has saved her money from the holidays and her birthday so she has PLENTY to spend. =]

well, i'm sure i will be sharing much more creative decor ideas, home renovations and the crazy things my family does throughout this 2010 year. stay tuned. lol

repurposing

2009-12-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

i have yet to really share many of the things i have repurosed (with MAJOR help from the hubby of course) on this blog. i had wanted to start a seperate blog for just that purpose but i just want to share this now and hope for the new blog to start in the new year. this old child's size dresser was sitting in my mother inlaws garage for awhile and they were intending to just dispose of it. being that hubby is a master-woodcraftsman, i quickly had ideas for it. we've done a few before too but this one i had a plan for, the others we sold after refurbishing them.

hubby took it completely apart and sanded it all down. then he added a covering (to make it a shelf) for the bottom of where that last drawer was to go. he could have doctored up the broken drawer but i love the look of some open space.

(don't mind the books...i was moving some things around and stuck them there to get them off the floor, lol)

after a few coats of black satin paint (hand brushed on) i was ready to use this piece in my front room. it will display my 'Cocoa Station' that i will be sharing soon with you all. right now it holds mags and books and would even work well backed up to my sofa that sits out in the center of the room. for now i need it near a plug for my hot water source for the hot cocoa. =]

have you repurposed anything?

more festive decor

2009-12-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

just thought i would share a few more peeks at some things i've put up around the house.

here is the wreath that adorns the front entry of our home. the blue coordinates with the blue lights that outlines our house roofline and the blue ribbons that go down our step railing {future updating project, lol} and the red berries coordinate what red is 'going on' in the front living room (see previous post).

i found some fun goodies while "thrifting" at my local goodwill/salvation army stores. this red hurricane style lamp is about 10" tall and has a battery powered light that reflects the snowflake designs around the outter cover and it casts them on the wall and table (sure wish i knew how to take a photo of that detail, sigh). i snagged this for $1.00!

i can not tell you how giddy i was to run across this box of ribbon candy at my cvs. it brought back a flood of memories of my grandmother and how she use to always have three tiered candy dishes on her tables with oodles of ribbon candy and other hard candies that i just loved to sample.

each color/design has a different flavor and the best part, they are FAT FREE! =]

happy holidays

2009-12-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

it's almost here...the BESTEST time of the year! i'm going to give you a run down of what fun stuff i did here at our home this year. i didn't take pics of ever. single. thing. but this is the jist of it.

this first tree is in our formal living room. i started, two years ago, to collect ornaments of black, glass and silver colors. everything you see on this tree is a product of an after Christmas clearance or Hobby Lobby 50% off sales before Christmas. this year i decided it needed a splash of another color...i chose red. i. love. it. =]

see the lamp across the room there? that has a sign hanging from it that says "Merry Christmas" that is in black sparkly velvet covering. i snagged two of those at HL after Christmas a couple years ago for $.99 cents!!!! they were 90% off. sweet.

{don't mind our lack of crown molding...it's on our 'to do' list, lol}

see the silver bows with black velvet designs on them? i have them on each lamp around this room. love the little 'extra' that it adds.

don't mind my terrible pics of my tree lit. =[ i'm not good at having a steady hand and choosing the right flash setting. i THINK you can get the idea though. this was about a week ago as i have oodles more presents under it.

ok, if you've read my past blog post you will see the mantle shelf i was talking about pulling out of my attic. this is it. with a quick dollar store/thrift store holiday makeover it's working for me this year. =]

that empty frame is for our family photo that will go in it VERY soon. i still will probably add a few more photos here and there. {i only put black and white photos in black frames in this room, if you haven't read my past posts}

these stocking holders have been a major topic with me this year. well, not these particularly, but the whole holder thing itself. i haven't ever had any before as i've never had a mantle to hang my stockings from. since i came up with this fabulous idea of putting this mantle shelf up i was destined to get holders for our pretty stockings.

well, as frugal as i am, i didn't want to spend much of ANYTHING on FIVE stocking holders. lol i searched the net for a couple days on ideas to make my own with NO luck. i searched the bigger box stores and even thrift stores and the cheapest i could find was $4 each ones that weren't pretty AT ALL! blah. i was even ready to pull the spray paint out if needed...still NO LUCK.

THEN...out of the blue i was AGAIN back at my local dollar store and there they were. albeit, gold, but they were ONE DOLLAR each...i was resisting the urge to jump up and down. seriously. i have every intention of turning them to silver but i couldn't wait to get them up and take some photos to share. although the gold tends to fade into my yellow wall color. lol they aren't heavy enough to hold FULL stockings but that is ok as Santa always leaves heaping full stockings laying on gifts left for the kiddos. ; }

now, this tree, is in our back family room that we use daily. it's more of a 'whimsy' style that is still 'work in progress'. again, all these ornaments were dollar, thrift or clearance bought. i'm ok with that. =]

{don't mind the leaning star...we've grown to love it like that, lol}

we actually use this tree to display our gifts for distant family and friends. we keep OUR presents under the front room tree and that is where we open gifts. this tree here is where we hold gift exchanges with a few distant family members. it's fun to keep them separate.

this lime green birdie is my fave. he sits nestled near the top of this whimsy tree.

thanks for browsing our holiday decor. please share a link to yours, i would love to take a peek!

happiest of holidays to you and yours.

Design Dazzle

2009-12-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

ever been to this site? if not and you have children then you should. it's a great site for room decor and party ideas for children. they even shared my idea for my son's Wii party i had recently...check it out here.

other news....

see that black shelf (well i call it a mantle as it is heavily constructed) on the wall? i got an idea the other day when i was doing my daily read over at this blog and i have really longed for a proper place to hang stockings as we do not have a fireplace in our current home. so this past spring i found this mantle at a yard sale for $3. it had a dark stained finish and it wasn't in too bad of a shape as it was but i'm not into the wood look. it quickly went up into the attic and that is where it stayed until a light bulb went off in my head the other day. i dug it out, sanded it down and painted it a satin black finish. so when hubby came home off is job it was ready and waiting (ok he works on the railroad so i had a couple days, lol). he couldn't put it off as it was all ready to go.

i will be back here to show you how i decorated it for Christmas. i'm still puttin some touches on it. :)

hey, before you go...look at this peek of a project.

(don't mind the books, i didn't have anywhere to shove them temporarily)

November flew by

2009-11-29T14:21:00.000-08:00

we had a great thanksgiving and sadly i did not take photos other than catching my little guy in action while he helped me make desserts the night before.

i can't believe i did not make it to the black friday sales this year...a first in MANY MANY years. it just didn't work as i didn't have anyone available to keep an eye on Brody. it's all good as i actually got an early start on my Christmas shopping this year and i'm over half done. i probably would have been done this weekend but my frugal side kicked in and i was resisting the prices on some things as i am confident i can find them less somewhere else. lol this might come back to haunt me but my stubborn side won this weekend.

Brody was a big help with putting up both trees today. he amazes me daily at what he can do and the things he talks to me about. just tonight my daughter (13) asked me why i talk to him like he's an adult. i had to stop and realize what she was saying but i then answered that i talk to him like i would anyone else. i don't do the baby talk. i don't discuss things that aren't appropriate either but i try every day to make situations...learning experiences. Brody is my little sponge. he knows so much and his memory he DID NOT get from me. lol

have i ever mentioned that he can make a mean cheese roll up??? lol

i'll be back soon to share some holiday decor and a project i'm working on.

holiday hugs!

what a busy weekend!

2009-11-16T04:23:00.000-08:00

hubby and i hosted a surprise 50th birthday party for his father. we chose a 60's "peace" theme and it was fun with guests dressing up in their tye dyed shirts and john lennon glasses....loved it!

that was just saturday.

sunday was spent helping with a benefit for a high school friend that has been ill. she is doing better now but doesn't have insurance and just spent 12 days in the hospital. we pulled together a silent and chinese auction and a kickball tourney. it was a blast!

i actually won a few things...yay me. :)

hope everyone is excited about the holiday season fast approaching....i am, i am! lol

Christmas music and shopping!

2009-11-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

oddly our local radio stations are blasting the holiday music. don't get me wrong, i LOVE my holiday music but not at the beginning of November. not sure why they are doing it so early this year. i shouldn't complain as it was nice hearing it in the stores i shopped today to get a start on my Christmas shopping.

i finally made it into this GREAT store today for the first time and i'm in LOVE! i found several great Christmas gives at fabulous prices. if you have a Gordman's near you...please pay them a visit!

i also managed to get a start on the stocking stuffers. stocking stuffers for my kiddos have always been important to me. every year i've made it a challenge to get the most unique and fun trinkets and special things to fill each stocking. they rarely get candy but sometimes there is a special treat that they favor in there. i just have a truly good time finding specific things for each of them.

well, i'm beat...it was a busy day shopping today and i'm ready to hit the hay and relax.

Wii themed birthday party

2009-11-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

Lake turned 11 a week ago and his party was slightly delayed due to everyone being sick in the house. at any rate his party day came and went without a hitch this past weekend.

it started off with guests arriving and getting their mii badges to wear during the party

the wii had a slideshow of photos going of Lake through out his 11 years. everyone enjoyed the cute baby photos to those nekkid ones and then on to his accomplishments and school functions.

the rooms were filled with blue colored decor such as; blue light bulbs, blue mylar balloons, blue cups, goodiebags, etc...

speaking of goodie bags

i found some wii controllers that were candy dispensers, cute medal awards that go around your kneck, gold covered chocolate coins and blue neon glow sticks. they also got waterbottles with labels of the birthday boys mii on it (didn't do well in the photo department).

i made a quick attempt at a wii controller cake but still wished i would have had close access to a bakery supply shope for better writing tools. i did also have a cupcake stand of blue sprinkled cupcakes to go along with the party.

he doesn't look too thrilled here but he told me many times that he loved his party.

Lake and his friends and some cousins had fun playing wii games and snacking on fun foods.

other fun decorations where 8x10" sized mii images that were hung around the rooms of all the family and guests. hand made banners weren't the best but done up to have different fun phrases for competing.

everyone raved about the theme and had a great time visiting, playing games and snacking. as for me there are more things i would have liked to have done but oh-well. lol

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T01:17:00.000-07:00

just a quick entry sharing a pic of my two treaters from last night. our treating was a day early in my town. besides the rain, wind and lack of interest from my boys it wasn't all that bad. ha.

they got their share of candy and had fun visiting family and friends houses. my little guy was a "in-ja" (ninja) and my NOW 11 yr old wanted to be a barbarian. i enjoy every year making something out of much of nothing. i don't think this was my best work as lingering colds kept us from getting a good head start on making costumes this year but it didn't turn out too bad. i get satisfaction when someone guesses right off what he is and that happened at about our third stop at treating. Lake was a real sport going to the Salvation Army store to hunt downt he perfect clothing pieces to transform into his costume. fun times, good memories.

hope your halloween is memorable. be back tomorrow to share some birthday party pics of Lake's 11th birthday Wii themed party.

pumpkins....trains....fall....

2009-10-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

love it. fall that is.

after a LONG week of being sick it was so nice getting out and taking in some fresh air. sure we still have a bit of a cough but we put that behind us as we were happy to be doing something fun. i ran across a website where they had a 'pumpkin train' at a local farm.

i was bummed to realize i didn't have the good batteries for my camera so i was very limited on the photos as the camera kept dying. *cry* i did manage a couple for my scrapbook so i'm good for now. as for the kiddos that keep swiping my rechargables for gaming controllers...that's another story. grr.

quick update for now...

2009-10-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

life is just busy right now. with colds/flu traveling around a BIG circle in our family i haven't had much time for anything else. halloween is around the corner and i have YET to get a final decision on the kiddos costumes. sigh. no worries as i've pulled them outta my *uugghhmmm* rear at the last minute before. lol

i'm doing some preping for my middle kiddo (Lake)'s 11th birthday that is coming up this weekend. we've decided on a wii themed party so i am excited to add all the fun touches. i can't help but have Christmas in the back of my head these days. parents are starting to call me and request gift list ideas and it's putting the pressure on me. they all know i will NEVER give them a list for myself but i do try to help them with my kiddos. i am so proud that when i started asking my kiddos for ideas for the grandparents they were ungreedy and only made general suggestions but reassured me they didn't really need anything. sigh =]

i'm getting into the creative groove these days but still have trouble scrapping. i think because i have lost touch with the latest things going on in the scrap community that it's made me a little 'gun shy' but i will come around. i think a quick trip to Michael's or my lss will do the trick.

if you haven't seen me around you can find me on facebook, twitter or through email. i'm currently working on a refurbishing blog and hope to share very soon. it's a fun hobby the hubby and i have been enjoying this year. it's actually helped us financially along this 8 month PLUS layoff we endured. no worries, it has ended over a month ago and we are well on our way to being stable again...my that feels good! =]

be back soon...

Fall Back into Scrapping Crop at Scrapperie!

2009-09-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

*Come join us this weekend, September 18-20, for a fun little weekend crop! We'll have challenges, games and mini contests galore- so many things you'll be scrapping in no time and never wanting to stop! (And you'll have until Tuesday, September 22nd to get your challenges done, so there is plenty of time to hang out with all of us on the boards, play games and mini contests AND get all your scrapping done!) *

Come on over to Scrapperie and bust out some mojo while getting in on some fun prizes! Would love to see you there and be sure to say 'hi'. There is also a fun post count contest going on...jump in! :)

first day of school has come and gone...

2009-08-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

my kiddos are off to a great start. my goal this year is to be more prompt and scheduled with school happenings. i must admit that in the past the homework times have so varied and good breakfasts haven't been inforced. not that my kiddos haven't always had meal options but i just haven't always been health conscious like i should have. i've always encouraged my kiddos and praised them but this year i am striving to be more structured and untop of things more. wish us luck. lol

Sydnee is pushing 14!!!! she has started 8th grade which is the highest level in the middle school. we didn't do much with her visit to the school before hand as she has the school pretty much memorized. she's going to be exeriencing some mixed media art classes and also a work shop style class where she will learn some woodworking skills (i told Josh that she can help him in the garage after that, ha).

Lake will be 11 come end of October. he still loves to play football out on the recesses with his buddies just like for the last few years. like Syd, he is at the top of the grades in his school. i can't believe he is in 5th grade. hopefully the girls won't bother him too much this year as they do every year (wishful thinking). Seriously, i think every year after 1st grade i have had to speak to his teacher on his behalf about the girls that sit around him and how they both his learning experience. don't get me wrong, he's had a crush on one for the last few years but he still isn't all "into" the girls yet.

i so wish them the best year yet!

..........

2009-08-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

these are my kiddos...they keep me busy and are the reason for my grey hairs. lol

hubby's work & school time

2009-08-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

it's been a bit since i've been around this ol' blog. the summer has kept me busy with entertaining kiddos and learning to live on a VERY tight budget. i'm pretty proud of the way hubby and i managed to 'keep afloat' during these trying times. we kept positive and adjusted accordingly and even faced those obvious obstacles that show up at the worst times {broken power window, faulty NEW waterheater, failing oven thermostat, truck breaks, etc}.

oh but there is good news...

hubby just went back to work full time and they assured him there would be NO MORE lay offs with the railroad he is working on. whew. things are looking up and we are making plans to get back on "track" as to where we were headed 8 months ago before all this started. a BIG thank you to everyone that kept us in their thoughts. MUCH appreciated!!!

~~~~~~~~~~

the kiddos are headed back to school and i am actually looking forward to it. not to get RID of them but for them to start a new journey. i think we just all need a new path started after the first part of this year not going as planned. my daughter is heading into 8th grade, my middle child {son} is headed into 5th grade and my baby will be going to preschool.

Oh My....TWO KITS!!!

2009-07-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Sandi over at Scrapperie is offering TWO kits this month on her site.

Fruit Salad

and

Farmers Market

As always, pop over to the Scrapperie blog for all updated daily happenings. This includes daily inspiration, questions and spotlighted gallery creations!

July kit Reveal over at Scrapperie

2009-07-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

stop over and check out all the

yummy creations done by

the design team

for this fabulous

kit!

hi...

2009-07-08T20:30:00.000-07:00

just stopping by as we are in full swing of our summer and enjoying every moment we can. we've been enjoying our pool when the weather cooperates...

we got to spend some much needed time with our newest nephew, Jack...

i have a yummy new kit in my hands right now and i'm so waiting on photos to be delivered in the next day or two so i can pipe out some fun layouts to share over at Scrapperie (don't worry, i'll share here too)! =}

oh yeah....i wanted to share a link to a blog that is giving away a FABULOUS prize! Melissa over at Creating from the Heart, is giving away a CUTTLEBUG!!! please go check it out and her wonderful blog for your chance to win!

have a creative day...

I couldn't be more tickled...

2009-07-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to design an album specifically for a kit club and was so stoked to see the kit up today on their site. Check out my handmade etsy shop blog too.

wow...long time NO post! lol

2009-06-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

it's just been a busy time with kiddos out of school and still struggling to stay above water with our finances (darn, darn, darn economy!). we are not giving up yet...hubby has worked a few runs with the railroad lately so there is still HOPE! ;)

i don't have much to share but maybe a layout and some etsy goods that i've put in shop recently.

over at Scrapperie the dt are inspiring everyone daily with different prompts or challenges. i have the friday slot with sharing a technique and this above layout is from last week showcasing a mosaic tecnique that is SUPER easy and fun! head over to join in and be INSPIRED!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

here are a couple fun vintage things that i recently put in my etsy shop so be sure to stop by and check it all out! much appreciated!!! :)

selling this...

2009-05-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

i currantly have it listed on ebay. i've heard of many crafters using the font with other machines like the cuddlebug. i see those trusty blue handled die machines are going for 5.00 on ebay. sigh. lol if you know of anyone looking...please pass it on! thx!

Monthly cRoP @ Scrapperie!!!

2009-05-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Come join us at Scrapperie this weekend as we celebrate with our Spring Into Summer Crop!

Starting at noon on Thursday, May 14th, we'll have challenges, games and some other fun surprises to keep you scrapping all weekend long. The majority of the challenges will be listed Thursday and Friday, but all crop challenges won't be due until Monday night at midnight- so you'll have plenty of time to finish them.

The rest of the weekend will be filled with games, contests and other great activities that you won't want to miss out on! So, mark your calendars and invite your friends (because you just might win) and be here to celebrate as we Spring Into Summer!

__________________

Come join in the fun. If you join tell them I sent ya! I will be hosting a couple challenges and games myself but there will be over 15 different challenges hosted by the DT.

Hope to see you there!!! :)

bonus...

2009-04-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

challenge that is...over at UA. this was a fast one too. :)

i had fun using a vintage bingo card that i've been hoarding. lol

have a creative weekend!

another hair cut!!!!

2009-04-14T03:19:00.000-07:00

yep my youngest has given himself about 3 hair cuts in all of his 4 yrs. seriously, i watch him, i really do...lol this time he was right in the same room with me. he was cutting paper to make "art" and while watching cartoons too..i think he just put the scissors up to his hair and was cutting without realizing it. uugghhh, i can't help but laugh now. thank goodness he is a boy so buzz cuts work out! ha!

going green...

2009-04-14T02:47:00.000-07:00

as in the challenge #3 at Urban Anthology! i finished this up using some random things that would go to recycling or garbage.

follow the link at the top of this entry to see close ups and details about how i made this layout.

hope your easter was wonderful, ours was so just that, that i forgot to get many pictures...kinda bittersweet. lol

this last photo is of my nephew and he just loved sitting on Brody's peddle car. :)

have a creative day!

i went on a hop....

2009-04-08T00:21:00.000-07:00

and i WON! woohooo!!!! i can't believe i will be receiving a delicious prize package from Pink Paislee! YES!!!!

------------------

on another note....i made my first sketch evah for a bonus challenge at the on-going UA contest! i so surprised myself. lol

Scrapperie's May Kit

2009-04-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

i know it's just the first part of April but you MUST check how bright and fun this amazing kit is from Scrapperie coming in May! you can stop by and pre-order it now! i am lucky to get to design with this kit for the May reveal and can't wait to get my hands on this fabulous kit. :) i will be sure to remind you all when i have my creations to reveal. ha.

ALSO...we still have a month long daily card challenge going on at Scrapperie as well.

how inspiring to get daily challenges from the DT! stop by and say "HI"...i would love to see you there! :)

on with the first Bonus Challenge...

2009-04-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

i'm determined to stay on track with this month long contest over at Urban Anthology! this was a short time frame type challenge to use fabric and stamping of some sort. i had been wanting to try some kind of candy gift idea to give my kiddos and their cousins for Easter and this was a perfect time to try this!

now i gotta get down to business with the #2 challenge that is due thursday....be back. ;)

Design Team Hopeful!

2009-04-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

that is what i am right now. i signed up for this month long contest over at Urban Anthology and this is the product of the first challenge. :)

wow, time flies...

2009-03-31T05:52:00.000-07:00

with spring comes a busy time for SOCCER!!! :)

both of my boys are playing this spring and it's the first time for my little guy, Brody. :) soooo fun to watch practices with about a dozen little 4 yr olds running around not knowing what to do. lol

i am also participating in this crazy fun challenge contest over at Urban Anthology

you should definately come by and check it out...it's a great "homey" site and everyone is super nice! :)

have a creative day!

wow, time flies...

2009-03-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

with the weather changing i've been away from my computer and scrapping supplies. i've actually had a few scrap gatherings at my house recently and i am loving it! i managed to get one uploaded today...

also, i didn't get a chance to brag here on my NEWEST nephew, Jack, whom was born on March 14th. i loved playing with this photo...

before i go...over at Scrapperie they offer a blog prompt daily and today they suggested blogging about 10 random things about me so here goes...

1. at 35 my grey hair is really starting to show. :(

2. i love my hubby very much but with his lay off going on two months i'm going to pull the rest of my hair out! lol

3. i am excited as both of my boys will be playing soccer soon...my youngest is 4 and this is his first season!

4. i can't stay consecutive with excercising when i have my equipment right infront of me daily. :(

5. i wish i had more creative motivation lately it's been missing.

6. my son wants to go to the movies with his "girl friend" and i'm nevous about it!

7. i've been narrowing down car choices and i realize i do NOT like blue, green, silver or goldish color vehicles! lol

8. i am trying to figure out a useful way to organize my bathroom cabinet so it's totally functionable...i might take pics and get suggestions soon.

9. my scrap desk has about a dozen NON-scrappy things on it at this moment.

10. i am going to bake banana bread this evening.

have a great day! :)

Mark's Paper Company Giveaway!!!

2009-03-05T20:07:00.000-08:00

Hurry, go HERE and get signed up to win some of this fabulous new released paper! They are a new company that I can't wait to get my hands on some of their product. :)

You can find them on facebook too! I love their concept as they have Digital AND Traditional products that they design...how great is that??? :) Good Luck!

we have visitors

2009-02-23T04:17:00.000-08:00

not good ones either. :( germs are here...everyone is sick to some degree. so far i'm just feeling blah but i know it's coming. sigh...

just this set me back $30 bucks at the store! uugghhh!

on a scrappier note....

(*you can read the journaling if you view my layout album for the close up photos)

i was able to scrap this past weekend with my bff and was actually able to get SOMETHING done considering we chat like crazy. :)

Scrapperie's Kits!!!

2009-02-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

Wowza...if you haven't been to Scrapperie and checked out the kits that Sandi puts together....YOU MUST!!! Up for preorder right now is the March kit "Cherries Jubilee".

this is just the basic main kit but there are trimmings and extras that are offered too! Come by Scrapperie's forum and hang out with me and a great group of friendly girls!

ribbon...need some, want some???

2009-02-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

just wanted to pass on this great deal i just received in my email. Luxe Designs is having a great deal on ribbon right now!!! 3 yds for $1.00 or 20 yds for $5.00!!! i snagged some various fun designs/colors...go check it out!

Valentine's Day and Etsy

2009-02-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

My Valentine's Day was wonderfully relaxing! Fun breakfast with the family, shared valentine treats with the kiddos...sent them off to grandparents, great steak dinner with hubby, funny movie (Mall Cop), foot massage (hubby gives the best-est ones, teehee), chit chat and snuggling. I got the best surprise this morning when I found that hubby left me the sweetest, most heartfelt Anniversary note on our bathroom mirror...it made me cry....I love him! :)

isn't this cute??? i was inspired as my little guy just turned 4 recently. visit my etsy shop (link to right) and you can order one of these cuties with 1, 2, 3, or 4 candles with it! :)

***off to scrap and catch up on challenges over at Scrapperie!

young love.

2009-02-13T02:41:00.000-08:00

i just have to share...

my son, Lake, came home yesterday from school carrying a rather large gift bag and a smile on his face. He told me that THIS was for him and I couldn't look. But then he quickly pulled everything out of the bag to show me. lol A girl in his class, Emma, has had a crush on him for a few years now. I've gotten to know her and her mother through school functions and such so I was tickled to actually hear it was from her (is that bad as my son is only 10???? haha). Just a day or two before this I had asked Lake if he needed a secret admirer card and he just looked at me funny and thought for a minute and said "nahhh". I proceeded to tell him that when I was younger I had received a few of those for V-day during my grade school years. He just looked at me out of the corner of his eye. :)

So, I took him to our local Halmark store so he could pick sweet Emma up something. He bought her a little 3" bear that says "your cute" on it's heart that it holds and he bought a heart shaped tin with chocolates in it. He came home, quickly wrapped it all up in the gift bag we got and was ready for today. I sooooo can't wait to hear how his day went. :)

this girly tagged me...

2009-02-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

Tonya, thanks for the award! {HUGS} :) you must check out her blog and see just how talented this chic is!!!

I'm going to share the love and pass this on to a few of my favorite blog stops...

Shanna

Danni

Rita

these girls have some fabulous creations on their blogs please check them out! :)

just a reminder...

2009-02-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

The Fantastic February Contest is rolling along at Scrapperie! All month long you can enjoy challenges, classes and games and have chances to win great prizes in the end!

hubby makes things

2009-02-06T13:01:00.000-08:00

hubby has been keeping busy while his job is slow and what better way then to bring extra money home and use his talent. he is an excellent woodcraftsman and i love it! :)

I just love these..

2009-02-05T23:05:00.000-08:00

Potty People!!! I drew them up and hubby cut them out last night. I plan to make smaller versions to go along with the album charms I have made. :) TFL!

Juliana tagged me...

2009-02-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

Here's how you play...
Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.
1. Pick the 6th Folder, then select the the 6th picture in that folder.
2. Post that picture on your blog and the story that goes along with the picture.
3. Tag 6 other people that you know or don’t know to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog or an e-mail letting them know you chose them.

Here is my pic...lol

Brody received the Hulk gloves from Grandma Chris and the Hulk mask from Grandma Cindy for christmas. Grandma Cindy requested a photo of him in his "gear". lol you can't hear it but he is growling in this photo. :)

Ok girls....i tag.....

Hope you girls can play along!!! :)

check these out!

2009-02-04T23:14:00.000-08:00

it's funny as i've always promoted other etsy people but now, i gotta promote MYSELF! plus i'm soooo excited to share these little cuties with you all!

*Introducing - Album Charms*

these fun little album charms can be altered (front and back) to adorn your favorite scrapbook albums! Couldn't you see that little tree with your family name on it? How about that cupcake with the birthday girls name on it? You could always put "To & From" on the backs for documented information. :)

THIS IS LOVE.

2009-02-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

that's the title of this simple layout i threw together the other day. this past weekend i was able to spend the whole weekend with my newest neice and i really was able to bond with her. i actually miss her even though it was a bit overwhelming remembering how much hands on babies are. Brody enjoyed her company too and was so gentle with her. he was very sad when he realized she was going home...he thought we could keep her. lol

tickled to be chosen...

2009-02-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

for Scrapperie's 2009 Design Team! I am officially a Tres Chic Girl for this Italy inspired site. I've known Sandi before she started this site and I've always admired her style and ability to create most anything. She is truly a sweet person and I'm glad to know her. If you haven't checked Scrapperie out, you should stop by as the Fantastic February Contest has started and will last all month long with great challenges, games and prizes!

wow...CHA is upon us...

2009-01-27T02:16:00.000-08:00

Now, for you 'non scrapbookers' {ouch that is hard to think there are peeps out there that DON'T scrap}...CHA stands for Craft & Hobby Association shows. I haven't been too into seeing what all is coming out as the economy has my up-most attention right now but a few of my FAV-O-RITE manufacturers have some fun things going on with their sites and PAPER TRUNK is one of 'em.

Go visit them to check out the yummy-goodness they are giving away!!!

i've gone.....Etsy! :)

2009-01-26T00:27:00.000-08:00

Yep, I've started an Etsy shop along with a billion other crafty people. hehe

Artsy Gifts by WilgesHouse

I'm continuing to list items as I still need to take photos, edit, etc...but I've gotten a couple things in there. If you have an etsy shop please share the link in the comments...I love to "Etsy". :)

***here are a few images of things i have listed.

sniff...sniff...

2009-01-19T03:43:00.000-08:00

my baby is turning 4 on wednesday {Jan. 21st}. :( we had his Cars themed party {his choice} yesterday and he had a blast playing with family and friends. :) just what every child needs....MORE toys a month after Christmas. ha!

love me some february!

2009-01-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

i guess with my anniversary and valentines wrapped into one i feel more warm and fuzzy inside this month! :) i was lounging in bed with my scrappy mags and these two ideas came to me this evening so i jumped up and whipped them up. lol i had been thinking of ideas for my son to take to school for his classmates and his teacher. of course i will have random embellies on the origami treat holder as i have 18 to make but they will be cute all the same! :)

input needed.

2009-01-13T04:46:00.000-08:00

i have been searching for ideas of what my hubby {whom is a woodcraftsman} could make/build while he his off work...due to slow-down/possibly layoff. :( he isn't one to just sit around and he has already built two ladder style shelving units. i've browsed Pottery Barn and few other 'hip' furniture places but am at a loss to what people actually might be looking for.

have you bought something recently? are you currantly looking for a certain style storage type furniture or maybe a mudd bench? i'm just looking for ideas, i'm not trying to sell anything. :)

i will be sure to share pics soon. i am staining some things and painting others. any input would be greatly appreciated!

on another note: my kiddos have been enjoying the snow we continue to get. we are under a blizzard watch tonight. joy! lol

recent stuff.

2009-01-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

yeah, yeah...i finally got around to uploading some of the work i've done lately. :)

*if you want to see some close ups please check out my layout album to the left!

have a creative day!

"200" Contest...

2009-01-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

come check out where i've been hanging out. they are having a contest and if you participate you get entered into a drawing to win a KIT of your choice from their store!!!

The Mosy Scrapper

i'll be back here soon to share a few layouts i've done. i've gotta get my booty in gear to get them scanned and uploaded. :)

it's a NEW year!

2009-01-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

it is also my first child, my only daughter's 13th birthday! it's been a bittersweet day around here.

i guess i totally passed up a post about our holiday. everything went well and our whole family had a great visit with family and friends.

i loved this note that the kids (together) came up with for santa when they left him this treat.

" Thanks for the presents and we all hope you have a good night. Oh yeah, and we hope you enjoy the cookies and milk."

it was too cute watching them huddle at the kitchen counter coming up with something "good" to say. ha.

wishing all my blog readers a wonderful new year. i sure am looking forward to one. :)

{hugs}

enjoying the weather.

2008-12-18T13:28:00.000-08:00

no doubt it's that time of year where our noses turn red, our fingers get numb and the kiddos keep saying "i want to go outside?" lol

i know i haven't blogged much but with the holidays quickly approaching my time has been limited.

hope you and your family make the best memories EVAH this year! {hugs}

wedding is over.

2008-12-14T11:12:00.000-08:00

wow, i have never been so busy around the holidays as i have this year! i am breathing a bit easier today as my baby sister's wedding is done. everything went well and she and her hubby surprised me today with a 'thank you' gift for planning their wedding and following it through. :)

on a sad note: shortly after leaving the church the couple (along with a couple friends) hit a deer which led to a delay in arriving to the reception and a pretty much totaled their new car. :( surprisingly, neither one was too upset about it....which was great for all of us. thankfully the state police waited for the tow truck to arrive and they doubled up in a couple vehicles that were following them to the reception. what an interesting story to share later. hmmm.

just look at this gorgeous couple!

***i will have more photos later...these are just a few that i was able to get between overseeing the wedding. lol

busy times.

2008-12-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

i'm sure that i'm not the only one with a busy schedule this time of year. to add to my craziness, my youngest sister is getting married this coming saturday (dec. 13th). so, being the event planner i am, i am helping her with everything! oh help me now! lol

last weekend we attended hubby's work Christmas party...being that he works for a local railroad the kiddos were excited to see what went on. the food was great, a little crowded but was worth it as the kiddos got to walk through an engine and caboose! there were clowns and other activities for the kiddos as well. good times.

also, since it's been snowing, hubby has made a few helpings of 'snow icecream'. this is a family tradition he has enjoyed growing up and the kiddos love it!

hope everyone is enjoying their holidays!

r u ready?

2008-12-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

for Christmas that is!!!! :) i have my two trees up, a few home decor items but i'm not finished shopping or wrapping gifts YET! hoping this weekend I will be done.

please note: new carpet and crown/baseboard molding is on our tax return list. ha! ;)

holiday inspired creativity...

2008-12-03T00:43:00.000-08:00

i've sloooowwwwwlllllyyyy been working on some holiday stuff. here is a cute, cute mini treat package that i found the instructions to on this site!

then i decided to make my tags for all my gifts this year. here are a couple of them that i will be using. i have made about 20 so far...still need many more. lol they are fairly simple but still more cute than the stick on tags i use to use. ;)

i'll be back VERY soon to share my holiday cards!!! :)

amazing cause/amazing prizes!

2008-12-02T21:19:00.000-08:00

this link was posted by a sweet scrappy girl on a site i frequent. i just had to share...these organizations are unbelieveable! of course the prizes they are offering doesn't hurt to look at but if you get a chance, please visit and read about what they do. {i also will keep this in my right side column}

just a little sumthin'

2008-11-24T23:55:00.000-08:00

i altered this clear acrylic cell phone cover this past week. i entered it into a contest featuring Jenni Bowlin products. :)

hello.

2008-11-20T02:06:00.000-08:00

i was browsing the net this morning and as usual, i ended up at Etsy.com. lol i have layouts and altered projects in progress but i get easily distracted. :) here are a few of my faves i found today;

larimeloom - this girl creates the most stryking pieces of clothing. honestly, i wouldn't wear most of it as i don't feel i have the body for it but i am so drawn to her designs. check her out!

oh, check the cutest knitted monkey flap hat out here...citefuzz designs. those babes are sooo cute! i have a new nephew coming so i might be selecting one of these quality hats.

i think i love the packaging as much as i do the pendant necklaces themselves...here at little.bluebird.studios!

lastly...this one brought back memories of my childhood. i LOVED strawberry shortcake! the name of this shop it just too cute also! trunk of prettys

ok, i gotta get back to creating. have fun browsing etsy. :)

SCORE.

2008-11-14T03:17:00.000-08:00

i just got back from shopping at a great seasonal store that is open for the holidays. they sell overstock fundraiser items and most everything in the warehouse is $1.39!!! well, i had heard on the radio that they had scrap supplies this year but i figured they were off brand, kit pack type deals that wouldn't interest me....boy, was i WRONG!

i didn't buy half the items they had there...i was good as i was just there to pick up stocking stuffers and little gifty extras. i can't believe i scored these 7 gypsies stamps for that price.

did i NEED them? no.

will i USE them? maybe.

could i have PASSED them up? never. lol

A Christmas Story...

2008-11-13T02:28:00.000-08:00

i did NOT know that the house where the movie "A Christmas Story" had been restored....let alone fairly close to me!!!! just a couple hours away they have this great Museum, restored house where this fabulous movie was made. thanks to Rach, she had the link on her bloggy. now, to see if i can talk hubby into visiting there. :)

do you watch this movie during the holidays???? we sure do!!!!

fall photos.

2008-11-05T01:18:00.000-08:00

i rounded the kiddos up (two, against their will, more so, lol) and took them to a park in our town that had lots of trees. those make for a great backdrop and can't forget about the beautiful leaves they hold in multiple shades of colors.

i also am still learning my ps7 so the photos that were more blurry i played them up more.

i am proud.

2008-11-04T13:51:00.000-08:00

to be an american...yeah, it sounds kinda corny to me to hear myself "say it" but I AM. honestly, i have NEVER voted before in my life. nope, never. for 17 yrs. i've chose not to vote...because i didn't understand politics. oh, i knew i could just walk into a voting booth and pick SOMEONE....but in my heart, i couldn't do it. not blindly choose a person to fill such a big position. i left it up to other's who seemed educated about political things, or so i assumed.

with this election i educated myself. i was drawn to know everything i could about the canidates at hand. at one point over these last couple months i sat back with amazment of the eagerness i have felt within me to know so much. i still can't tell you where that came from. i think a tiny bit of it stems from the fact that i am getting older, realizing i have to pave the way for BETTER things for the future of my children...their children.

i've never felt that my one voice can make a difference until now.

Halloween 08

2008-11-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

was a great success! the kiddos had fun and all ended with no fighting, being grouchy or falling asleep! woohoo! lol i made my two older children's costumes so i've added comparison photos of the characters so you get an idea of where i was going with this...

our town has business treating before the neighborhood treating so we made our way around our square. at this point my older son left to walk with his buddies and my daughter decided she was too old to ask for candy...so my little guy was my photo subject for awhile. lol

November Reveal at APAAT!

2008-10-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

this is my FIRST ( and LAST) reveal for a newer scrapbooking site;A Page At A Time! i had fun with this whimsy set of winter themed papers. :)

*on these creations i used; APAAT's Stemma Collection Snowfall Stripes, Winter Flakes, Winter Words and It Takes Two Tanzanite and Navy cardstock. you can see these yummy papers by clicking on the names of them by being directed to the store.

here i recycled an embellishement package to make a gift card gift container. i just happened to have an old gift card (with snoopy on it) laying around so i used it for example purposes.

i altered this dollar store aluminum ipod case and i am ticked to use it. i've already got other themes in mind. :)

blog candy.

2008-10-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

hey, i ran across a scrappy chic that is giving away some scrap goodies. please go check out Tammy's blog!

inspiration site.

2008-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

a good scrappy friend of mine started an inspiration community called Outta This Funk! come check it out...would love to see you there! :)

resources.

2008-10-22T01:02:00.000-07:00

i know i can't be alone when i say that i often search and browse around the "scrapping communities" trying to gather insite and up-to-date news and know-how only to have to bookmark atleast 4 sites to refer to! well, this is why i started this....................

at this point....it is a go-to site for information reguarding the scrapbooking world. as everything new...it is a work in progress, but along with a couple great girls we hope to keep building it up so it meets all the needs of a scrapbooker's inquiring minds. :)

there is a gallery to share your latest creations and we will offer creative prompts as well. As my strong focus is on informing members of latests scrapbooking/crafting news...i am open to input from anyone. all the great things in life were NOT built by one person alone. ;)

have a wonderful day!

Amy

i had to.

2008-10-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

i felt this strong urge within me to share this video i ran across on an other scrapper's blog. it centers you.

The Bridge

(i would have embedded it here if i could have figured it out)

i've been tagged.

2008-10-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

by a sweet new scrappy friend....Tonya!

here are the rules;

Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. i am the oldest in my family of: 3 sisters & 1 brother

2. i'm NOT a neat freak but i can't stand clutter of any kind. {if that makes sense}

3. i love hands on remodeling and am always thinking of things to do to my house

4. i love peanut butter and mayo sandwhiches...yum!

5. i often wish that i was more of an 'outside' person but just haven't been for the last few years.

6. in high school...i was always the friend to everyone....no sides, no clicks...i liked everyone and they liked me {well, atleast i didn't think i had any enemies, lol}

7. when i was 2 i managed to knock a standing propane tank over onto my head and had to be rushed to the hospital for stitches and all i can remember is seeing my dad's feet running down the sidewalk...he was wearing black socks.

ok now i will pick 7 scrappy peeps to send this to...

exciting news!

2008-10-16T03:04:00.000-07:00

i made the design team for a new little site located in Canada. i've met some super sweet girls there so far and am stoked to be hanging out there with them. come visit me if you get a chance.

A Page At A Time

*ETA : I have stepped down from this design team. Thanks for the 'congrats' all the same. ;)

photoshop learning.

2008-10-14T02:07:00.000-07:00

i love learning. ran across this site this morning and am finding it very helpful! go check it out if you've been dragging your photoshop FEET! ha.

photo technique.

2008-10-13T03:38:00.000-07:00

just thought i would share here a technique i've been using lately on my photos. i especially like using it when i intend to overlap my photos on my layout...to show they are seperate. now, i've sanded the edge of my photos for several years now but this is a bit different. go ahead....try it, have fun {i even used this technique on my paper too}!

supplies:
sanding paper {i used my emery board}
solid block or something with a sharper corner {i used an acrylic stamp block}
photo
adhesive {optional}

1. gather a photo and something solid that has a good corner with some thickness {i'm using a smaller acrylic stamping block}.

2. line up your photo so there is a 'over hang' to the block and this will vary depending on your photos image and how you want the finished product to look.

3. *optional...you could add a bit of adhesive to keep your photo more in place as it will tend to move while sanding. i used repositional adhesive here.

4. begin sanding the edge of your photo lightly so you can get the feel for how much it will remove from the edge of your photo. remember, the imperfections are what make the design more 'artsy' and fun! you can do this all the way around your photo {you will have to reposition your "block" under your photo a time or two so if you are trying to make a perfect look it may take some time to line things up as you go}.

5. this is the finished look! it gives great deminsion to your photos and in this case, it made over lapping my photos on a layout more eye catching as they didn't blend together {see layout below}.

here are a couple layouts that i did using this techique. :)

learning photoshop.

2008-10-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

well, awhile back i ordered a photoshop 6 program. ended up with a couple other options shortly after (used cs2 or ps7) and decided to exchange it for photoshop 7. i've been LOOKING at it. lol i've been browsing sites looking for understandable instructions/tips. i managed this today. lol

yes i'm a goober...i joke with everyone about the glasses i bought...i don't really like them but like how well they work (purpose wise). lol i took this photo while stopped at a light...there was no one around. lol

i am determined to learn LOTS MORE with this ps7 program.

love this season.

2008-10-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

finger paint.

2008-10-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

just look at my little artist! not sure what he is THINKING in the last photo.

hope you are having a creative day!

pink paislee.

2008-10-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

ok, i managed to get a bad pic here (it's late here so bad lighting) of a card i did with instructions stemming from Tina's blog!

check it out.

2008-10-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

stumbled across a new little site and i've met some super sweet girls that i can't wait to get to know better. if you get a chance stop over and check it out. it's just getting started so join in and help make it even better.

A Page At A Time

i also put their blinky to the right of my list of scrappy site for later reference. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

as for the card making day....i made about a dozen but i'm so darn lazy today that i never even took pics and uploaded them to any of the galleries that i participated in. lol guess i didn't want to win anything bad enough. :) i will share them soon....maybe tomorrow.

card day.

2008-10-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

World Card Making Day. i am doing this. i don't really know a whole-heck-of-a-lot about it but i gathered this much...

SOMEBODY got together and designated the first saturday in october to kick off the holiday cardmaking season. i've been thinking about diving more into card making lately as i often wish i had them on hand when i remember an event/occasion at last minute. of course i have piped out cards on a moments notice but never do i feel like i've done my creative best. sigh.

so, while continuing to think about card making i ran across this little cutie while out browsing thrift stores in town. isn't she cute and has the greatest potential to hold a loverly cluster of handmade cards...made by ME?! ;)

she appears to be brand new and still had the orignal gift store tag on back when i grabbed her up for a mere .75 cents!!!!!!! i know, i know....lucky me. ;)

well, if you are madly making cards this saturday....have a creative day!

creativity.

2008-09-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

it doesn't always come out of my head onto paper as i want it to and this is just that....this layout was more eye catching in my head and after pushing embellishments around on it for over 3 hours i just gave up and adhered them. lol i still like it as it documents a fun/crazy moment where i caught my little guy using the pc and my ipod at the same time! why do i have trouble helping my pre-teens with homework if my 3 yr old can run these items??????? lol

local fair.

2008-09-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

this past week was our annual fair in our town. i believe it was the 77th. we really enjoy going throughout the week as there is so much to see and do. from animals in the barns to rides and games...fun stuff. :)

also wanted to share a layout i recently completed. it's documenting the short time my bro-inlaw was home for a visit during his stay in iraq. i know it has to be soooo hard for my baby sister to deal with while just starting out in their marriage. she keeps busy with her schooling and planning for their home for when he returns. thanks for looking! :)

have you ever.

2008-09-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

have you ever had to watch your beloved pet pass away? i'm scared and sad. no, my pet has not passed on yet but it's going to happen....sooner then later, unfortunately. :(

12 years ago about this time of year i was told there was a man in a nearby town giving away doberman pincher puppies....yes, GIVING AWAY! i was just starting my life with my husband of two years and a daughter that was about 1 1/2 years in age. we knew this was the perfect time to let her grow up with a family pet. we quickly went to pick a pup out and my (then) step-mother took one too. fast forward about 6 years...i went through a divorce and in the end we (kiddos and i) did get to keep our Chloe (yep, that is her sweet name).

we've had our ups and downs with raising her. she was the most loving, nurturing and gentle dog. i swear she never barked for the first 5 yrs of her life. lol whenever she was around babies she would literally do an army crawl toward them as to show how gentle she could be. man, i love her. for most of her life she lived in doors with us. there were a couple years when she was 2 or 3 that we rented a home and were'nt allowed pets...but in the bad/cold weather i always placed her on a blanket just inside the back "mud room". it was like an inclosed small porch and i respected the landlord as to not let her run the house. i just couldn't let her freeze or get wet while we were in the comfort of a warm, dry home.

over the last 4-5 years Chloe developed allergies to different dog foods. we were nieve when we first got her as to what better foods were and honestly, growing up....my father didn't actually set a caring example with pets (he wasn't abusive he just grew up as pets were to remain outside and they didn't get the quality, love and attention you would give a human). so, i had to learn as i went. we went from quality dog food...to quality dog food. she was on medication for bladder leakage, she would have spells that as i described them were "crazy nights"...where she would pace all night through the house and whimper. the vet never did solve that one for us. she does that once about every two months...it's weird. i am up most of the night with her. :(

about two years ago she developed a lump on the back most part of her rib cage area on one side...about the size of a walnut. the vet assured us it could be something....or nothing. it's common for animals to develop cists that just appear and stay wtih them. they also could get worse. i have no shame in saying i am not weathy by any means so as for testing...it just couldn't be done. that 'lump' stayed there, the same size until about 6 months ago. today it is about the size of my fist. the vet says she doesn't seem to be in any pain from it. there is really no way of knowing if it is something worse or just a weird cist.

the scary part....and why i am even sharing all of this.....is that she has started showing signs of arthritis. :( and since she has started, over a month ago, it has kept getting worse. :( today she woke up and it took her about a half hour to walk to our back door. i then realized this isn't going to get any better. i'm taking her to the vet monday. i am scared.

i am scared that they are going to take her away from me. that they will say there is no miracle drug. they will tell me that it would be selfish to take her home instead of putting her to rest.

she is like one of my kids.