Scrappin' Sisters

(Kelly) "Bubble Bliss"

2012-03-03T12:46:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon!! It feels like it's been awhile...I had a fairly busy week having my Mom here to visit, and haven't had a lot of time to scrap. But I did get to make this layout last night, using Sketchabilities sketch #66 . I am seriously in love with Karen Gerber's sketches, they are beautiful, and so fun to work with. I love that they pack multiple photos onto a 1-page layout, perfect for me! I was really excited to see that my "1 Month" layout that I made using sketch #65 was in their "Features" and is displayed with the rest of the top five in the Sketchabilities blog header, pretty neat!

I changed up the sketch just a touch, instead of the doily element, I decided to fussy-cut this hexagon/honeycomb pattern from MME's Follow Your Heart: Be Amazing collection. I never thought the hexagon trend would be something I'd get sucked into...but it just worked out perfectly here, I love it! And the colors in this paper line are some of my favorites.

I journaled about Lilah's current obsession...bubbles...or "bubb-O's" as she calls them :) I pretty much hear about bubb-Os all day long!! I took these fun photos a few days ago, I ended up turning the photos b&w, because the colors just would not work for what I wanted to do with them. I just had fun getting a little "messy" with the random misting, stitching, and doodling. This was one of those layouts that just "came together" quickly and nicely, I didn't over think it, just started layering and liked what I saw! Thanks so much for taking a look!!

Oh, and another thing I thought I'd share...(please don't laugh, as I'm starting to look like a small whale)..Here is a photo taken yesterday, me at 33 weeks..woo hooo not far to go, now!!

(Erin) "Love Her Smile" ~ My Creative Sketches!

2012-03-02T10:08:00.002-06:00

Good morning and happy Friday!! Supposedly, the technician for my satellite internet is on his way here, but considering I've waited over a month and a half for this appointment, have been jerked around and cancelled on, I won't get too excited until it's actually DONE!
So today I have a layout to share with you that I completed last night. It's for the current sketch challenge over at My Creative Sketches. I really loved this sketch and knew that these adorable photos of my baby girl Aspen would fit perfectly here. I've used some more of the gorgeous Bo Bunny "Country Gardens" collection and what more perfectly pink papers to use on a baby girl page?? Pink and brown, like pink and black, is a color combo I just love.
Here is my layout: I simply cannot resist her cheek-bursting smile- she is just WAY too adorable!! And such an easy going, patient baby...I'm thinking what people have told me about Baby #3 just might be right! She's been a breeze compared to my little Gunner!
Here are a couple close-ups:And the amazing sketch:And there you have it! My mom is coming up today! For most of the last 10 years she's lived all over the country, mostly in the southern half and we have not seen much of her, which has been hard on me as a daughter and even harder on me as a mom as my kids haven't had their grandma around. But now she's (FINALLY) decided that what's important in life is her family, so she quit her job in Texas and just came up here! She's been at Kelly's for the last week and will now be staying with me until she finds a job and a place to live. So things should be interesting! But I'm going to be thankful and take what I can get.
I hope you have a great day and an amazing weekend...I'm sure I'll be around.
Take care :).

(Kelly) Artful Delight March Kit reveal!!!

2012-03-01T20:21:00.000-06:00

Good evening, I know this is a late post, but it's the 1st, so it's time to share the new kit and monthly sketch from Artful Delight!!! You can play along with the sketch challenge for a chance to win the April kit!! I'll get right to it. I just got my kit today, and I really love it!! It has tons of fun embellishments, and some great new My Mind's Eye and American Crafts papers!! Take a look:

SCRAPBOOK KIT

CARD KIT

Head over to the Artful Delight Store for a complete list of products. I promise you, these kits are jam packed full of goodies, I'm always so impressed with them!!

Here is the sketch for this month, I love it!!! I can't wait to get to work with it (which I will be doing as soon as I finish typing this!! Lucky me!)

I will have my first project using this kit to share with you on Wednesday!!! Thanks for taking a look!

(Erin) "(Me)" OUAS/BITW

2012-03-01T09:34:00.002-06:00

Good morning (again)! This is already my second post today so be sure to scroll down to see my layout for the ScrapFIT Workout #63 reveal!!

I'd like to share with you a layout that took me pretty much ALL DAY yesterday to complete! It was one of those days where the kids would not give me a moment to breathe- even during naptime- so I added pieces here and there and really had a tough time getting this one done. As always, I was instantly inspired by Nadia's gorgeous sketch over at Once Upon A...Sketch, and the journaling prompt which asked us to scrap ourselves and what we're good at. I've slowly been getting more comfortable scrapping about myself, but for this particular challenge I was a bit nervous as sometimes the "real me" can be misunderstood due to my bold and outspoken personality. I'm a redhead, what can I say- and I've got the attitude to go with it! But it also means I'm extremely impatient (my WORST trait), and a huge perfectionist. So when discussing this challenge with Kelly on the phone yesterday I joked that "I'm good at everything I do"- but that's only because, being a perfectionsist and a sore loser (lol)- if I'm not good at it, I don't do it. Simple as that. Isn't that horrible? But at least I can admit it, right? Here's my layout:

I'm in LOVE with Bo Bunny's "Country Gardens" collection! Isn't it just beautiful?? Here's a closeup for you of my Dusty Attic lampost that I dressed up with some gesso and Prima rose ink, then wrapped with some little Prima flowers and burlap twine. I also love what I came up with for dressing up my photo- I used my Martha Stewart "Garden Rail" punch, then threaded some fabric through it:My journaling is a bit lengthy. I wrote it on a scrap that I cut out of the back of my page, folded it up and tied it with some burlap twine (if interested in my journaling, I've included it in the end of this post). I used the word "Discover" to fulfill the current challenge over at Bird is the Word- which is to use the word "discover" in either your title or journaling!Finally, here is Nadia's beautiful sketch- leaves so much room for interpretation!Thank-you for putting up with this lengthy read. As promised, here is my journaling:

"She's sun and rain, she's fire and ice- a little crazy, but it's nice. And when she gets mad, you best leave her alone. 'Cuz she'll rage just like a river, then she'll beg you to forgive her- she's every woman that I've ever known."

"She's Every Woman" by Garth Brooks describes me to a "T". That's me- emotional, passionate, unpredictable. And that's why, in most cases, I tend to do well at the things I do. I was just joking with Kelly this morning that I'm good at everything I do, haha! Not that I'm arrogant or conceited, but because of my extremely competetive nature and poor sportsmanship, I refuse to be anything less than good. And if I'm not good, I quit. Pretty sad, huh? I never would have made it in contact sports because I would have taken out my aggression on others. The only sport I did play - volleyball - I was pretty good at but quit because every time I made a mistake, I beat myself up over it. So now I really stick to independent hobbies and am learning to be okay with not being perfect. I've always loved outdoor activities- horseback riding (especially at a blinding gallop!), hunting (I've always been a VERY good shot), fishing (the only thing for which I have endless patience in wait of that 1 big catch!), 4-wheeling (I love adventure), gardening/canning (what a reward to harvest something you grew yourself!). I strive daily to be a better wife and mom. And discovering my passion for scrapbooking over the last 1 1/2 years has taken me places artistically I never knew existed! I'm so blessed to be the woman I am and be able to involve myself with so many things- all the while teaching me to appreciate my talents & accept when I fall short of my own expectations.

If you get the chance, you should give this song a listen. It's one that ANY woman can appreciate! Take care :)~

(Erin) ScrapFIT Workout #63!!

2012-03-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning! It's time for the first challenge for the month of March over at ScrapFIT: Workout #63!! It's a sketch challenge, and for those of you who were Sketchy Thursdays fans, you're gonna love this one- it's a sketch by Diana Fischer!! I tell you, I used to be a loyal Sketchy Thursdays participant, so it was so much fun being able to work with one of Diana's sketches again :).
I created this layout of my oldest, Wyatt. To compensate for the two photos in the sketch, I cut my photo in half which I was a bit nervous about, but actually liked the result~ I always enjoy finding ways to add interest to my pages :). I definitely went more "artsy" on this one- skipping a lot of the frills and flowers like I usually like to play with and got into some mess instead, with just a little bit of pretty. I like the boldness of this layout, befitting its subject. I just love how Wyatt has never been afraid of water. He's always the first one to get in and come summertime, he always loves to go to the lake to swim. Here's Diana's fabulous sketch:The sponsor for Workout #63 is the etsy shop "Paper Quirks":Offering this amazing giveaway!:You have the entire month of March to play along!! Can't wait to see your takes on the sketch- I'll be stopping by to check them out!
And on a side note, my much-anticipated satellite internet was supposed to be hooked up yesterday, but apparently the tech went into the ditch during the snowstorm and is rescheduled for tomorrow morning. So for the time being, I'm still plugging along...slowly...with my dial-up. So please bear with me!
Have a great day!!

(Kelly) "My Perfect Pair"

2012-02-29T12:39:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon!!! We are in the middle of a huge snowstorm here, predicted to get about 12 inches or more. So far, I have no idea how much we have gotten, but because of the high winds, the drifts outside of my door are a couple feet high!! I'm so glad I do not have to go anywhere today!
I have a layout to share that I made, combining a pile of challenges!! I started off with Sketch #197 from Creative Scrappers. I love this sketch, so I stuck pretty close with it. The next challenge is Case File #8 from CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration. (Please see the sketch and case file details below!) This is also for the word challenge over at Bird Is The Word to use the word "Heart" somewhere in your title or journaling. I used it in my journaling, see close up. And last, but not least, Erin is hosting the weekly challenge over at ClubCK She did a fun challenge, another word challenge, and the word I chose was "Pair."
I absolutely adore this photo of Jeremy and Lilah, taken this past June on Father's day. Part of the CSI challenge was a journaling prompt, and I chose "The star of the show" and journaled about the two people in the photo. For the "Evidence" I chose Liquid Mediums (I used glossy accents and Shimmerz paint on the flowers and edges of paper) and "Something that sparkles" once again, the Shimmerz paint was used to add "sparkle" to my flowers, vines, and title.

Journaling close up:

Thanks for taking a look!! As always, I really appreciate all of your lovely comments. Have a wonderful day!!

(Erin) "Sleeping Beauty"

2012-02-27T14:29:00.002-06:00

Well, good afternoon to you all! I'm back from my trip and though we had to travel into and through a big snowstorm, we made it home safe and sound last night. We got over a foot of snow here, and because my hubby is one of the plow guys at his work, he had to get up at 2 AM, plow for 7 hours, and then work his shift until 6:00 tonight. I don't have a clue HOW he does it...but I'm thankful that he's a hard worker and can make it through!- especially after surviving me constantly nagging him to slow down for the last 3 hours of our trip. We almost went in the ditch once and came within inches of rear-ending someone- and while I was having a heart attack, he kept his unwavering cool. I just love that about him!

But anyways, I do have a purpose here today other than to ramble on, and that is to share with you my layout I created for the current sketch challenge over at Get Creative. As mentioned previously, they have teamed up with Once Upon A...Sketch this month and together they have both brought us some amazing inspiration to go along with their incredible sketches!! I will admit, this sketch had me scared, lol! I am not a grid person, but I got the idea into my head of creating a sort of "garden trelllis" to act as the cross bars on this sketch. So I punched a couple strips of paper and began adding flowers to create this sort of dreamy, garden scene to go along with these serene photos of Aspen at 2 weeks of age.You have got to agree with me that there is nothing more peaceful than the deep sleep of a newborn baby :). Here's a couple closeups for you: And the sketch:I'm so glad to have been able to get this one done! I have always enjoyed playing along over at OUAS and never miss their challenges- and now I am feeling the same about Get Creative! Love them! Thanks for coming out and having a look. I just got two big boxes of new scrappy stuff to play with and I just can't WAIT! So I'm sure you'll be seeing a big of me around this week ;).

Oh, and in two more days I get to be finally free of dial-up!! Whoo hoo!!!! So definitely be expecting more visits from me to your blogs :)- BYE for now!!

We are Guest Desingers today at Keeping the Best!!

2012-02-27T12:03:00.000-06:00

Good Morning, I just wanted to share that the two of us are Guest Designing over at Keeping-The-Best!! They are a Russian sketch blog who recently contacted us, and asked if we wanted to design a sketch, (a new thing for us!!), And to help provide inspiration, as well!! So for the first time ever, I (Kelly) sat down and tried to figure out how to draw a sketch!!! I was super intimidated, but I like what I came up with, and we made a couple of cute layouts to go with it!! Head over to http://keeping-the-best.blogspot.com/ to have a look, and to play along, too, if you'd like!!! Here's the sketch, and our layouts!! Hope you are all having a great day, we are enjoying the "sunny day after the storm.." watching the snow plows cleaning up and the neighbors shoveling out..and tommorow we are supposed to get another snow storm!!!

Here is Erin's layout:

And here is Kelly's layout:

As always, thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, and leaving lovely comments..we sooo appreciate it!!

(Kelly) "1 Month"

2012-02-25T15:20:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon!! I hope you all are enjoying your Saturday..I just got off work, and am waiting for my Mom to get here, she drove all the way from Texas! I thought I could get in a quick post, first! I have a layout I made that is actually a "re-do" of an old layout. I thought I'd never do this, but I redid a layout that I really disliked..it was the 2nd layout I EVER made, and it was terrible...So in order for it to look decent in Lilah's first year album, I made one that I like sooo much more! I used this awesome sketch from Sketchabilities, I love their sketches. I was also inspired by Workout #61 at ScrapFIT, "Blank Canvas." So...here's Lilah's new and improved "1 month" layout....funny posting this, as my last post was her 19 month layout...time sure flies!! Have a great afternoon!

(Erin) "Keep Up!" Scrappin' Patch layout

2012-02-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

Hi there! This is actually auto-posting for me (hopefully!) as I am out of town, but I wanted to make sure I shared with you my final layout for Scrappin' Patch using the Nordic Holiday collection from Basic Grey.

I saved the cooler grey and blue tones for this layout and utilized lots of scraps to create the matting behind my photos- typical photos of Gunner when we're outside. It's very difficult to get any good shots of him when we're outdoors as he takes off the moment his feet hit the ground! Usually he wants to go straight down the driveway, which drives me nuts! Lol...

On this particular wintry day he trudged through the snow like no other :).

Be sure to check out the Scrappin' Patch blog here to see my post. Have a great day and I'll see you soon!

(Kelly) "19 Months"

2012-02-24T08:44:00.000-06:00

Good Morning...I have a layout to share today using the February kit from Artful Delight. This is my last project with this kit, and I gotta say, I have really loved this kit and what I have been able to create with it!! I believe there are still Scrapbook Kits for sale in the AD Store. I kept this one pretty simple..I've been trying to document each month of Lilah's life to keep track of her likes/dislikes, personality quirks, and the cute little things she says and does, that I'm afraid I may forget otherwise. I used bits of the LYB Paradise collection for this one, and more of the Pink Paislee Mistables trim, misted to match the teal colors in the papers I used. I used sketch #196 from Creative Scrappers, I just rotated the sketch. I hope everyone is set to go for a wonderful weekend!! (Me, I'll be working...and we're supposed to get a huge snow storm...)

(Erin) "Let's Ride"

2012-02-22T14:40:00.002-06:00

Good afternoon!! I hope this Wednesday is treating you nicely...as it should :). I'm feeling a little bit of scrappy "pressure" today~ we leave tomorrow afternoon for my hubby's hometown 7 hours away to attend his best friend's wedding reception (they married in Mexico). We'll be gone for FOUR days...and four days without scrapping is like four days without BREATHING!! Lol...but seriously, I am a daily scrapper, so not being able to touch my supplies for four long days will be tough for me. So I'm trying to get as much in as possible before I leave :).
Today I have a layout to share with you that I created using the February sketch over at Crafty Sketches. I've been trying to figure out what I wanted to do with this one ever since it came out. It seems there are a lot of sketches lately with circles (which I really do love) and I'm always trying to come up with new ways to do my circles. I've had this idea in my head for a while now but wasn't really sure it would work...luckily it did :).
These photos are of my oldest, Wyatt. After doing so many pages lately with "pretty" colors, I really needed to do a more subdued, masculine layout with just a hint of pretty. The colors in these photos are tough for me to work with but I didn't want to turn them black and white as I just loved them the way they are (especially how you can see the pretty dogwood bushes in the background of the left photo- they are so pretty and red in the winter!). So I dug in my stash and decided on these Webster's papers from the "WonderFALL" collection. I don't normally use the reverse sides of the more designed papers, but in this case they worked out quite well. Here's what I came up with: I loved adding all the pretty earthy-toned elements, especially my "bare branch" which is leftover from a little Prima flower bunch from which I'd cut all the flowers. I also used burlap twine remnants to accent the circles and create a pretty little bow to dress up my bare branch:Here's a little bit of a closer look at my torn circles:And the lovely sketch which provided me with much inspiration! :And there you have it! The kids are ALL napping right now so I'm off to see if I can fit just one more project in before we take off. But if not, I wish you all a wonderful weekend and you'll be sure to see me back here soon! Take care :).

(Erin) "Smile" Prima February BAP

2012-02-21T23:00:00.000-06:00

I decided to join in again this month over at Prima for their Build a Page challenge. We were provided a lovely sketch to work with :). I just love this sweet photo of Gunner and the colors came together really nicely...I am, however, uncomfortable with the white space...I'm never real comfortable with white space!Here are a couple of closeups for you. I touched up almost everything with a small amount of gesso:And the sketch:Thank-you for checking in and having a look. Now go and enjoy your day!

(Kelly) "Fashionista" Get Picky sketch challenge

2012-02-21T12:15:00.000-06:00

**This is our second post today. Please scroll down to see today's FD sketch reveal!!**

Good morning!! I hope you all are doing well. Things are going great here..Lilah had the flu for the last two days but fortunately seems to be 100% better today! I am so very thankful because she is nearly 2 years old and I can count on one hand the number of times she's been sick..she's a super healthy little girl, and I thank God for that. I definitely count my lucky stars, especially knowing what Erin is going through having a house full of sick children! I can't imagine!

On to my layout...I made this for the sketch challenge over at Get Picky. I found these photos that I had forgotten about...Lilah's Grandma had given her these sunglasses and this hat, and for an entire day, she wore them around the house..thinking she was sooo cool...lol..

I used more MME paper, I tried to do something different with it and grunge it up some. I had a lot of fun messing with the flowers, using various mists and gesso to get them to match my photos. I also have a new found love...my sewing machine!! I have rearranged my room so it is more accessible, and whereas I used to use it on occasion, I've now been using it on almost every layout, I love it!!

Sketch Along Tuesdays 2.21.12...Farewell Frosted Designs!!!

2012-02-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!!! We are excited to share a couple of layouts with you for this week's sketch challenge over at Frosted Designs. Sadly, this will be our last set of projects for FD, as our DT term is ending. We both really have enjoyed being a part of such a wonderful community..FD was the very first DT for both of us, starting when we guest designed there back in July. We felt sooo very honored to be asked to join the team, and have truly enjoyed taking part in inspiring Frosted Designs' followers and participants!! But life has become quite busy for both of us, and we had to make the choice to not sign on for another term. We just want to thank Barb, Debbie, Andrea, and all of the other leaders and members of the team for the wonderful experience!!! Ok, enough with the sappiness :) Here's the newest sketch, and our layouts!!

Erin's layout:

Kelly's layout:

(Erin) "Itasca"

2012-02-19T12:13:00.003-06:00

**This is our second post of the day- please scroll down to see not only Kelly's version of the OUAS Feb 15th challenge, but also our BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY WINNER!!**

After the weekend I've had, I'm surprised I was able to get a layout completed! My poor little Gunners got sick Friday night (when Josh was gone, of course)- he was up ALL NIGHT long, vomiting- coughing- feverish- just MISERABLE. Turns out he has a horrible ear infection (a first for him) and he's been having just the worst time with it. Up again all last night as well. Really makes me wish that my kids had grandparents around so that I could get some rest! It's tough...my dad passed when I was 13, Josh has no relationship with his dad, my mom is at the opposite end of the country, and Josh's mom is 7 hours away...so at times like this, we're pretty much on our own. Friday night when he was so sick, I called the Emergency Room and the nurse told me I should bring him in. But since Josh was gone (and had the only vehicle of ours that can fit everyone), there was no way for me to do so. And she commenced to make me feel like a horrible mom because of it...like I was supposed to find some magical way to transport all three of my children into town to the doctor @ 11:00 at night.

Such a horrible feeling.

So for those of you who have that extra family around to help you out, be grateful. I know Kelly hates it when I tell her that since her SO's parents drive her nuts most of the time, lol...but still. It's a fortunate thing to have that backup when needed...

But on to my layout. I created this page for the February 15th Once Upon A...Sketch challenge focusing on vacation memories. Once again they've teamed up with their sister site, Get Creative for this one! They had tons of amazing inspiration to offer us!

I chose to scrap a photo of Kelly and myself at the Mississippi Headwaters at Itasca State Park. We would go there every year for a family reunion and I have so many fun memories from that time. Unfortunately, this photo is old and grainy- but it's really all I had to work with. I used the new MME Miss Caroline "Howdy Doody" line for this one. It got really busy on me, but I think I like the result despite it. I knew I wanted to do a bunch of layering and to break up the business, I smeared some gesso all over my background. And of course, Nadia's sketches always seem to bring out the best in me... I was fortunate to get my hands on some gorgeous Manor House flowers, including the large pink one. LOVE them...
My journaling reads as follows: "My most fond of vacation memories are of the Ingebrigtsen Family Reunions @ Itasca State Park. Catching frogs w/Mark & Steve- and Kelly of course! Fishing for sunnies & crappies. Pocahontas & John Smith. Scaring eachother at night in our tents. Tons of family, bike races, and the famous croquet tourney. So fun!"

Nadia's beautiful sketch:Thanks for having a look. Oh, and if you're interested in a little Crackle Paint tutorial, I have one up over at the Scrappin' Patch blog!! It's pretty basic, but for those of you who have never tried it out, be sure to head on over there. You just might like it when you try it!!!

(Kelly) "Getaway" Plus Blog Hop Giveaway Winner in this post!!!

2012-02-19T10:10:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!!! Happy Sunday..I love Sundays, my favorite day of the week..relaxing at home with the family, scrapbooking, and hopefully some baking/cooking are in my plans for today. But lets get down to business :) I have a great layout to share with you, that I made for 2 different challenges. The first is the current Once Upon A...Sketch sketch/journaling challenge...with the criteria being Holidays/Vacation. The second challenge this is for is the A-Z challenge at Scrapbookers Anonymous, the current letter being "G". But before I go into detail..it's time to announce the winner of our RAK for the Love is in the air blog hop.....
Using Random.org....the winner is...#21 Jasmine S!!!! Congrats, Jasmine!! Please email me your shipping info...scrappinsisters4@gmail.com, so we can send you some goodies :)

Anyway, back to my layout...I decided to scrap this photo from our summer trip up to Grand Marais this past summer. The photo was taken in front of one of the beautiful waterfalls on the hike up to Devil's Kettle...a truly magnificent place to go!! The journaling says:
"When vacation time comes, we always head up north to visit family in Grand Marais. This photo was taken on a hike up to Devil's Kettle- so beautiful there!!"
Now, for the letter "G" for the SA challenge, I used G in my title "Getaway" and I also used some wood Grain paper, and there are Globes on the top left of the patterned paper background!! I thought this paper was perfect for a travel themed layout!
Ok, enough chatting :) Here's my creation:

Here's the OUAS sketch:

(Kelly) My Creative Sketches Challenge

2012-02-18T11:04:00.000-06:00

Good morning!! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend so far!! Me, I'm pretty tired today, after a late night in the ER last night (don't worry, everything is fine, now.) And very little sleep after finally getting home from there, only to sleep poorly. Oh, the joys of pregnancy!!! But the plus side is, I have a day off today, and Lilah's Grandpa is here today playing with her, so I have the whole day to be creative, if I want!! So that's wonderful. I got started this morning with this layout, which I made for the current challenge over at My Creative Sketches. This sketch is wonderful, I knew I wanted to work with it right away..and then I saw that they are giving away Prima products, and I was sold!!

I was excited to use some of the new My Mind's Eye Howdy Doody line, so beautiful!! I'm really loving the floral and woodgrain patterns, very girly and charming. I also used some Kaisercraft flowers, die cuts, and wood doilies, and Prima flowers and flourishes. Thanks for looking!!

(Kelly) "You Two..." MME Challenge

2012-02-17T11:33:00.000-06:00

**This is our 3rd (Wow, 3rd!!) post for the day, guess we're trying to get em all in before the weekend!! Please scroll down to see A lovely layout from Erin, and an AD layout from me!! Thanks for visiting!**

Good Morning...again!!! I have another layout to share, I made last night for Blog Challenge #32 over at the My Mind's Eye blog..using the lovely sketch they offered up, along with a "You" theme. I just checked over there, and there are already over 50 entries! So anyway...here's mine..I adore these photos of Lilah and Jeremy the other morning..just way too cute!!! I'm not sure how comfortable I am with how "full" this page is..it started out simple and beautiful, but then I kept adding more and more, and I'm not 100% sure how I feel about the final outcome..oh well!!

(Erin) "18 Months" Get Picky Sketch #17!!

2012-02-17T10:41:00.002-06:00

**This is our second post for today- make sure you take a look at Kelly's adorable Artful Delight page!!**

Hi there! Normally, I am happy for it to be Friday. Josh only works until noon on Fridays but today he's making a 6-hour drive to get our new vehicle and won't be home until late late tonight :(. So it's another day of "single mom", lol...again, I sympathize and respect those parents who do it all alone!

But moving forward, I have a layout to share with you that I created using Sketch #17 over at Get Picky! At first, I had no clue what to do with this sketch- but it just seemed to come together. I've been having so much fun keeping track of Gunner's little quirks every month- he is just ever-changing!! He has the funniest and most persnickity (sp??) personality. He never fails to make me laugh :).

The sketch:I sure hope you all have a GREAT weekend!! I'll be putting in some scrappy time, I'm sure- so check back! I always love it when I get visitors :)- and guess what?? In just a couple of weeks, I will FINALLY have satellite internet- meaning NO MORE dial-up!! I do try to make it to eveyrone's blogs as much as I can, but it takes a LOT of time to do so...I look forward to being able to show you some more love here real soon!!!

(Kelly) Artful Delight Feb. Kit & Creative Scrappers sketch!!

2012-02-17T06:00:00.003-06:00

Good morning...and happy Friday :) I have a layout to share..I once again combined my February kit from Artful Delight with a wonderful sketch from Creative Scrappers...I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I really LOVE this kit!!! For this layout, I used almost 100% Jillibean Soup...such fun, bright, adorable colors and patterns!! I thought they worked perfectly for these photos of Lilah when she was just under 2 months old..isn't she sweet? I'm sure it's clear by now that I definitely do not scrap chronologically...I really skip around. I just have had these photos sitting around, and I love them, and felt they deserved a layout all their own!! Thanks for looking!!

(Erin) "Glow"

2012-02-16T14:38:00.002-06:00

Hi again! I'm a little on the scrappy ball today- and I have a second layout to share with you. This I created using one of the Saturday Sketch Challenge sketches over at the KaiserCraft blog. I used their new "These Days" collection, which is very romantic and has real pretty earthy tones to it.
I'm also entering this layout into the current challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous. It's their A-Z challenge, and this month's letter is "G". I used a "G" in my title, the subject is a Girl, and I used Gesso on my wooden butterfly and bird.
But I gotta run now- all three kids are napping and I'm in the middle of a project!! Gotta take what I can get! :)A little closeup for you:And the sketch!:

(Erin) "Love Your Eyebrows!" STG February 2012

2012-02-16T08:52:00.002-06:00

**If you are here for the Frosted Designs blog hop, please go here**

Hello! How is everyone doing today? I'm well- other than the usual fatigue that comes along with being a mom of 3 young kids! Yesterday was tough- DH worked all day, came home for 45 minutes for supper and then headed off to a 4 hour CPR certification class which is now a requirement of being a bear hunting guide. I definitely sympathize with the single moms out there or the moms whose hubbies work on the road/are overseas/etc.- it's tough doing it all day, all evening by yourself!

But anyways, I'm here to share with you my layout for the current challenge over at Scrap the Girls. We were asked to use turquoise as our predominant color, chipboard, and the word "Love" in your title. I chose to scrap this photo of Aspen. Josh and I always laugh when she does this- she'll get surprised or interested in something and her eyebrows shoot to the top of her head and her eyes get really big! Lol- we always shout "EYEBROWS!!" when she does that! Kinda one of those things where you have to be there to really GET it, haha...So here it is.I had a tough time getting a good photo of this one. The background looks more green than the pale turquoise that it really is- but I think I used enough turquoise throughout the page to meet the requirement. My chipboard is from The Dusty Attic- I just love that stuff. I chose to partially paint it with gesso, leaving some raw parts to show through. Here's a quick closeup for you:

Thanks for having a look!

(Kelly) "(Seriously) Cute" Get Creative challenge!!

2012-02-15T12:09:00.001-06:00

**If you are here for the Frosted Designs blog hop, please go here**
**This is our second post today, please scroll down to see Erin's post, too!**

Good afternoon!!! It feels like it's been forever since I've posted...I guess life has been a little busy between work, and Valentine's day, and to be quite honest, 3rd trimester is kind of starting to kick my butt a little!! So I've been devoting the little bit of scrappy time/energy that I have had to mostly DT work. But last night, I decided to check out some of the challenge blogs to get me motivated again.

I recently discovered Get Creative, (I found them through their sister site, Once Upon A...Sketch) and I really loved their last sketch. The new sketch does not disappoint!! I was a little intimidated by it at first, I thought "Not my style.." but as soon as I sat down with photos in front of me it all fell into place, and I love it!! I decided to flip the sketch to work with the portrait pictures.

The photos are from Valentine's Day, yesterday, of Lilah...who's favorite thing lately is to be completely uncooperative with the camera!! She pretty much refuses to smile...but I decided even her serious pouty faces are super cute!! I dug into my stash and found these older Authentique papers from the Bllissful collection...beautiful colors..yellow is my favorite!! Thanks for taking a look, I've missed you all :)

Here are some close ups!

Here's the sketch, which I rotated:

(Erin) ScrapFIT Workout #62 & Creative Scrappers DT news!

2012-02-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

**If you are here for the Frosted Designs blog hop, please go here**

Good morning to you all! Today we have a couple orders of business, starting with Workout #62 at ScrapFIT: XOXO! In the spirit of love, ScrapFIT is wanting to see some X's & O's on your layouts- however you want to do them, as many or as few as you wish- show the love!
Here's my example for you:

K Studio is back, offering this amazing prize package from their etsy shop:
Next, I am very excited to announce that I have been accepted onto the design team at Creative Scrappers! My term begins March 1st and I can't wait to start creating with their amazing sketches. I've always admired the quality of designers at Creative Scrappers and am honored to be a part of their team :).

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by- and make sure you join us over @ ScrapFIT! Can't wait to see what you come up with :).

(Erin) "Pushing Ahead"

2012-02-14T09:22:00.004-06:00

**If you are here for the Frosted Designs blog hop, please go here**

Good morning!! I have a layout to share with you today using both the current kit and sketch from C'est Magnifique! I don't normally do layouts about myself, but I have been struggling with some stressful things over the last few weeks and just felt that in order to get through them, I needed to put my thoughts and feelings into words- just get it out. When I was talking on the phone to Kelly yesterday about this page, she made the comment about our scrapbook pages being kind-of like a diary. That's so true. I always used to keep a diary from the time I was very little all the way through High School- until my mom did the unthinkable and read my diary. After that, I never kept one again- until now, I guess. Scrapbooking is the perfect way to explore and share our deepest thoughts and feelings on the things in our lives. So I went ahead and recorded what has been going on with the hopes that I will be able to someday be able to look back on them as a learning experience. My mom always used to tell me (and still does!), "God never gives you more than you can handle." At times, I have my doubts. And yet here I am, alive, and pushing forward. So, okay...bring it on!

(Aren't these papers gorgeous?? They're by Riddersholm Designs out of Denmark)

Here is the beautiful sketch, created by Nadia Cannizzo:

And a couple of close-ups for you. You can see my hidden journaling here:

Supplies Used: Patterned Papers- Riddersholm Designs, Flowers- Prima Marketing, KaiserCraft, Leaves- Prima Marketing, Chipboard- The Dusty Attic, Tiny Type Alphas- My Little Shoebox, Foam Letters- American Crafts Thickers, Butterfly & Tag for hidden journaling- Riddersholm Designs, Other- misc trims, necklace, cheesecloth, gesso, machine stitching, foam adheseive.

(Erin) GDT @ Bird is the Word!

2012-02-13T10:23:00.003-06:00

**If you are here for the Frosted Designs blog hop, please go here**

Hello fellow scrappers!! I'm excited to share with you my guest designer layout for the current challenge over at Bird is the Word!! The new word is HEART, to be used in either your title or journaling. I chose to scrap this touching photo of my hubby holding our daughter Aspen. I just love how his hand looks so strong and protective in comparison to her tiny little feet! Well, truth be told her feet are quite long, but they sure look tiny here :). Being his only daughter, she will always hold a very special place in his heart, and I hope she knows this always.

If you get the chance, stop on over to Bird is the Word for this challenge. You could win one of their fabulous prizes, or even have a shot at guest designer yourself!

Thanks for taking a look!

(Erin) "Good Book"

2012-02-12T15:01:00.006-06:00

**If you are here for the Frosted Designs blog hop, please go here**

Hello again! I had a great time creating a fun layout for the current sketch over at Sketches With A Twist! I took these pictures just yesterday of Gunner, all wrapped up in this book (even being upside down, lol!)~ they were just too adorable to put off scrapping! So here we are. This style is a little different than my usual, but I think I like how it turned out. I was able to put the current kit over at Artful Delight to use- I just love how everything coordinates so well! (Thanks Leanne!!)~

Recognition

2012-02-12T08:40:00.002-06:00

**If you are here for the Frosted Designs blog hop, please click here**

Good morning :). I hope you are all doing well- it's Sunday morning here and there's lots to be accomplished today so I will try to be brief.

Kelly and I have decided, due to the high volume of posts here on our blog, that we are going to once a month condense our "winnings" posts. Everyone loves to win, be a favorite, and be recognized. Sometimes, however, it's difficult to share these things with others without sounding boastful. And we thought that maybe by putting it all in one post, together, we could avoid that.

It's very important to me that people know who we really are...and braggarts we are not. But we do have a lot of excitement for this hobby and it never gets old to see a piece of your work featured.

So here I go...

Kelly made the Top 5 again at Once Upon A...Sketch here! I was so happy that while I was guesting there in January, she finally decided to start joining in on their challenges- Nadia's sketches are definitely some of the best around!

She was also the very first winner for the new sketch blog Sketches With A Twist January challenge here! Our good friend Laurie LaRiviere designs there :).

Finally, she was chosen as a favorite last month at Creative Scrappers here!

I (Erin) just have to start out with my win over at Prima! I was chosen as the January Build A Page (BAP) winner here~ they have some incredibly talented contributors and was in shock to have won this one!

I also made the Top 5 again over at Bird is the Word for their "Promise" Challenge here. Since I was in 2nd place again, that means I will be not only guest designing this month, but also in March too!

Finally, I was in the January 31st Gallery Highlights over at Club CK here :).

And that should pretty much do it. I hope you have a great day and as always, thanks for stopping by!

(Erin) My very first Scrappin' Patch post!

2012-02-11T00:01:00.001-06:00

**If you are here for the Frosted Designs Blog Hop, please click here to view the post**

I'm happy to share with you my very first layout created as a design team member for the New Zealand-based and online scrapbooking store, Scrappin' Patch! In my kit this month, I was sent the Nordic Holiday collection from Basic Grey, and here is my very first inspiration layout I created with it!

For details on how I went about creating this project, and for an amazing offer from Scrappin' Patch, please visit the post here!

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and having a look :). Have a great day!

Love Is In The Air Blog Hop At Frosted Designs!!!!!!!

2012-02-10T00:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the "Love is in the Air" Blog Hop!!! If you arrived here from Erin Reed's blog, then you are doing great!! If you just starting here, and want to play along, then head over to Frosted Designs or to Barb's blog to get started!! This post will be kind of long, so bear with us!!! I promise, it's worth it, plenty of great prizes and loads of inspiration to be seen!!

Frosted Designs will be giving away some great prizes, from Boys Rule Scrapbooking Kits, and Vintage Street Market!!! In order to win, you will need to do 2 things. First off, hop along to all of the blogs, and each DT member will have a word for you. Since there are two of us here, the words from our blog that you will need, are WITH and CHOCOLATE!! So, write those down...you will find a word on each blog, that will give you a phrase, which you will need to email to Diana at danica4us@yahoo.com. Next, you will need to play along with this week's Fabulous Friday/blog hop combined challenge, which is to use the word "LOVE" on your project!! Then head over and link it up at Frosted Designs!! You have until Thursday, February 16th, at 12pm Central time to play along!! That gives you plenty of time to participate!!

But wait...there's more!! We also will be giving away a RAK from the two of us, to one lucky winner!!! All you need to do, is be sure that you are a follower, and leave us a comment on this post...pretty easy, right?

Now, as promised, we have a couple of layouts to share, to hopefully lend a little inspiration!! Once you've checked them out, head over to http://boysrulescrapbookkits.blogspot.com/, Your next stop on the blog hop! (If you get lost, the complete blog hop list/order is at the bottom of this post!) Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Here are our "Love" themed layouts!

Erin made this wonderful creation...

...And here is Kelly's "lovely" layout..

Once again, if you get lost along your way, here is a complete list of all the blogs you will need to visit!

1. Barb http://barbcraft.blogspot.com/

2. Debbie http://lovelifeslittlepleasures.blogspot.com/

3. Ann http://annsnovemberrose.blogspot.com/

5. Joanne http://www.bigislandlady.blogspot.com/

6. Lydia http://www.kiwimumscraps.blogspot.com//

7. Angela http://www.angemuir.blogspot.com/

8. Teresa. http://www.teresajaye.blogspot.com/

9. Erin R. http://scraps-of-reflections.blogspot.com/

10. Kelly and Erin http://scrappin-sisters.blogspot.com/

12. Boys Rule Scropbook http://boysrulescrapbookkits.blogspot.com/

13. Melissa http://melshappyscrappyplace.wordpress.com/

14. Beverly http://scrappinthread.blogspot.com/

(Erin) "How We Do..."

2012-02-09T16:52:00.004-06:00

Good evening! I've been super busy lately and had a pretty rough day today, but I did manage to complete a layout for the current Inspiration Challenge over at Get Picky. We were asked to use 4 photos and complete a layout about a vacation.

These photos are from about 4 years ago. For us, "vacations" meant going to visit family, and before we moved back to my hometown (which used to be 7 hours away), that is where we used to vacation at. Here, my sister Kelly and I were having just the greatest time doing what us northwoods women do best- getting dirty! I took out my brother's 4-wheeler and just beat it to death in the mud :). Doesn't get much better than that!

My journaling reads as follows:

...vacation! Yep, before moving back to Grand Marais, I always looked forward to getting out in the woods, 4-wheeling, couch riding, and getting dirty! Here, Kelly & I took out Casey's 4-wheeler to the gravel pit and just got MUDDY!! I totally packed the radiator w/mud which presented problems later that night couch riding- but it was so worth it! What a blast! ~July 2008.

I'm still not sure what to think of how this page turned out. It's really grungy and dirty, obviously befitting the subject. But I think it really reflects my mood today! I'm feeling the need to do a girly, frilly page after this one :).

Thanks for having a look-

P.S. "Couch Riding" involves putting an old couch on a trailer and hooking it up to a 4-wheeler. Add a driver for the wheeler and some good friends on the couch with some beer- and you've got a backwoods good time! We have always gone at night down some pretty creepy trails way back in the woods. Once down a well-known area for bears my brother decided to shut the 4-wheeler down and, in the pitch black, tell probably the longest joke I've ever heard in my life. And it wasn't even that funny...or perhaps we were just more worried about the bears coming out to join us?? Not sure...

(Kelly) "Enjoy Nature"

2012-02-09T04:00:00.001-06:00

Good Morning!! It's been a few days...Erin and I have been busy with our DT work, so we haven't had much to post. But today I have a layout I made using my Artful Delight February Scrapbook kit..I just LOVE this kit!! I made this layout using almost 100% Little Yellow Bicycle's Paradise collection! Great colors, wonderful patterns, and the paper has awesome texture!! I love the paper flower making kit that comes with it, the best...it definately makes accordion flowers easy, they are already scored for you! I thought the teals/greens/browns went perfect with these pictures from a visit to Cascade River this past Fall. I used a sketch from Creative Scrappers to get me going on this one (Sketch #194)..

Last I heard, there were still a few February kits for sale. You also have the chance to win one, if you play along with the current Frosted Designs Sketch Along Tuesdays challenge..you really don't wanna miss this one, it's a wonderful kit! For more inspiration, head over to the Artful Delight blog.

Sketch Along Tuesdays 2.7.12

2012-02-07T07:49:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!! The two of us have a couple of layouts to share with the new sketch at Frosted Designs!! We also want to remind you all of the "Love is in the Air" Blog Hop, coming up this Friday!! There is sure to be some awesome prizes, and lots of inspiration coming from the Frosted Designs team...we'd really love if you played along!!

Here is the new sketch, it's a lovely one, isn't it?

And here's some inspiration for you...

Erin's layout:

and Kelly's layout:

(Kelly) "Sisters"

2012-02-06T15:14:00.000-06:00

*This is our second post today, please scroll down to read about the CS e-book release!*

Good afternoon!! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I, unfortunately, did not...I had the flu all weekend, and wasn't able to do much. But that's how it goes, I guess...I'm feeling better now, and I want to share a layout that I made on Saturday, before I got sick! I made this one for the Kaisercraft Saturday sketch (#1). I used almost 100% Kaisercraft Hummingbird for this one. I love this line, but it is quite intimidating..very bold, interesting colors and patterns. I love the cute little tag that says: "A good friend knows all your best stories. A best friend has lived them with you." I thought this was so fitting for a layout about my sister and best friend, Erin. This photo was taken at a favorite spot of ours on Cascade River, back in 2010. I really wanted to add more to this one, some flowers, or something, but it ended up looking too busy, so I left it the way it is. Thanks for having a look!!!

Here's the sketch:

Creative Scrappers E-Book!

2012-02-06T07:45:00.003-06:00

I'm happy to finally announce that I've been published in the very first Creative Scrappers e-Book! I just received my digital copy last night and I was just blown away!! It's packed full with tons of awesome sketches and examples from 50 different designers from all over the world! You can head over to purchase either a digital copy OR a hard copy from Kristine by clicking here. I promise you, you won't be short on sketchy inspiration with this one :).

(Erin) "My Love Story"

2012-02-05T10:33:00.005-06:00

Good morning! I'm happy to report that my migraine disappeared yesterday after 5 awful days and I feel GREAT! It's amazing how something like that can completely ruin your day...

But I'm back to my old self and have a layout to share with you today that I really put my heart into. It's for the current challenge over at Once Upon A...Sketch, to create a layout (or card/altered project) about the man you love. I have three "men" in my life who are very special to me, but my main man is of course my husband. And since he generally gets put on the back burner scrappy-wise, I decided to dedicate a layout just to him.

Challenges like this one are perfect for reminding ourselves of how important that significant other is in our lives. My husband and I have been together for 5 years now and I know I'm guilty of taking him for granted. We have one of those amazing love stories and I'm excited to share the details with my children someday when they are older. I knew I loved him the moment we met, which happened to be in an interview where I was the boss and he the interviewee, lol. It's a long and complicated story, but I will never forget laying in my bed one day (with my sister Kelly, talking) contemplating my life. The moment I decided to pursue a relationship with Josh is the moment my life changed for the better. It was a huge risk to take- I left my job, my money, my home- everything. But I took it and have never looked back.

And so, reflecting on this, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have such a good partner. I love him so much and appreciate that I am able to take the time to remind myself of that. My journaling reads as follows:

"If I never believed in love at first sight before, I believed it when I met you. I loved you instantly. I loved you when I shouldn't have. I risked it all for the chance that we would work- and I'm so glad I did! You truly are my own personal real-life fairy tale- my very own love story. Josh, I love you so much."

Thanks for letting me share. I hope you all have the chance to join in on this challenge and are able to take the time to think about and appreciate the significant other in your life. Have a beautiful day :).

(Kelly) "My Love"

2012-02-04T12:02:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend...I know I am, I had a long work week and now have the weekend off, and am so excited to relax and enjoy it!! I have a layout to share that I absolutely love!! I was inspired by two different challenges, the first being the current sketch challenge at Once Upon A...Sketch. Something about the sketches over there, that every time I use one, I love what I make!! The journaling criteria for this challenge was a "Love" theme, and to journal about a "male" you love. I chose this photo of my wonderful fiance, Jeremy, from just a few months after we met..I just think he's so handsome :) I was also inspired by the challenge over at Scrapbooker's Anonymous, to use hearts and stitching. This challenge motivated me to thread my sewing machine, dust it off, and get using it!! I also thought these two challenges went hand in hand...(hearts + love theme = obvious combination, right?) So, thank you to OUAS and SA for the wonderful inspiration, as always!! Here it is:

And here's Nadia's lovely sketch:

Thanks for stopping by and having a look!!

(Erin) "Always Be You."

2012-02-03T09:04:00.006-06:00

**Please note: This is our second post today, please scroll down to see the February Kit Reveal for Artful Delight and a project Kelly created using it!!**

Good morning to you all...hoping your morning feels a little better than mine. I've had a pretty rough week with Wednesday being the worst- won't get into it, but let's just say it was about the worst day I've had in a very long time...probably since last summer when I was dealing with rain coming into the house- but that's a whole other story! I've had a migraine for five, yes FIVE days now and I'm not sure how much more of it I can handle. But it's the weekend and thankfully Josh only works half days on Fridays and he'll be home early...I really need him right now!

But depressing stuff aside, I did manage to put in some scrap time last night and I created a page that I just love. Sometimes it seems when I feel my worst, I do my best...does that make any sense? Lol...but I'm very excited as this month Once Upon A...Sketch is teaming up with their sister site Get Creative. This is a new challenge blog to me and they had a sketch that I just couldn't wait to do!! What makes it really fun is the fab OUAS design team will be judging these entries! So I jumped right in and created this lovely page for my little girl. After having two boys, I knew I wanted a girl but I also knew what comes along with having a girl...I see how much pressure is put on teenage girls now and can only imagine what it will be like when Aspen is that age. I look at her and see such beauty and innocence and wish she could stay that way forever. But I remember what it's like to be a young girl and feel as if you need to change yourself to fit in...to impress that boy...to gain the approval of your peers. I just hope that I am able to raise a strong and confident daughter who can always be herself. And so I was also inspired by the current word over at Bird is the Word..."Journey", to be used in either your title or journaling. I want her to remain true to herself and never feel that she needs to be anyone or anything other than herself along this journey called life.

Isn't that what we all wish for our children? Thanks so much for stopping by, having a little read, and checking out this special page. And I always appreciate your comments, they truly brighten my day :). Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

(Kelly) Artful Delight February kit!

2012-02-03T07:35:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!! Today I get to share with you the new kit from Artful Delight, along with the February sketch challenge, and a layout I created with the sketch!!! I love this new kit, packed with LYB andJillibean, it's very bright and fun...Every month, Artful Delight has a sketch challenge, where you can enter to win the next month's kit!!! Here is a little inspiration for this month's sketch challenge. Be sure to head over to the Artful Delight blog and play along!!

Here is the Scrapbook kit, see content list here.

Here is this month's Card kit, see contents here.

(Kelly) "The Sweetest Love"

2012-02-02T14:32:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon!!! I hope you are all well, I just got done with a long, exhausting day at work, and am looking forward to a nice relaxing afternoon. I have a layout to share with you, that I made yesterday, for the February 1st Sketch challenge over at Get Creative. I found them through Once Upon A Sketch, they are partnering up with them this month!! The sketch really caught my eye, and I knew I would be working on this one right away!! I have had this photo sitting around for awhile now, it's from back in October 2010, when Lilah was only 4 months old. I just adore this one, the feeling it gives me, when I look at it, is too much to put into words!! So much love here :) I decided to use Crate Paper's Paper Heart line for this, it is a line I love, but have found the colors challenging to use, that's why I used a sepia photo. I love the little chipboard heart banners, so cute!! Thanks for taking a look, be sure to head over to Get Creative and check it out!

(Erin) My first post as a FITGirl!!

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning everyone! This is my very first post to kick off my 6-month term as a FITGirl over at ScrapFIT! So very excited about this~ and what better way to start out than with a GREAT Workout??

Workout #61 is to use a BLANK CANVAS. All you have to do is start your page with a white background paper and go from there! The possibilites are truly endless :). I personally loved this challenge...it enabled me to use the one and only cardstock I generally use, which just so happens to be white. I used some of Webster's Pages "Sweet Season" for this ultra-SWEET layout of my little SWEETheart Aspen :)~ okay, I'm done with the sweet stuff...but really, she is just that.

So what do you say? Will you join us? The sponsor for this challenge is K Studio, offering up this delicious scrappy sampler!

Thank-you for allowing me to share a little bit of my excitement with you today. Hope you get the chance to play along...and that you have a truly gorgeous day :).

(Erin) "Dainty Girl"

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning! I can't believe that January is almost at an end...and good riddance!! It's one of the coldest months for us (February is just as bad usually), and by getting it out of the way means we're that much closer to a much anticipated (albeit short) summer!

I have a layout to share with you today that I created with a couple of places in mind. First of all, it's based on Sketch #192 from Creative Scrappers. I made it my own, as I usually do- using a couple landscape photos with one portrait, but being as they are small, they ended up fitting into the sketch pretty well. I also created this with the Letter F challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous, by using Flowers, Fussy Cutting, Feminine, and Fiskars scissors (for my cutting). I really enjoyed coordinating all of the pinks with Aspen's little outfit. She looks so dainty and beautiful, I am just in awe of her :). Thank-you for coming on over and having a look. Have an enjoyable day!

(Kelly) "My Baby" CSI Case file #4

2012-01-29T14:35:00.000-06:00

*This is our second post for today..please scroll down to read a fun post full of Erin's observations*

Erin recently introduced me to a fun new challenge blog, CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration. This place is unlike any other!!! Very unique, fun challenges, with a given color scheme, and various options for embellishments and journalling. I won't go too far in depth here, because if you frequent our blog, you have probably read some of Erin's posts about this site and seen what she has created....but definitely head over there and check it out- I guarantee you will find super fun, unique challenges, and oodles of inspiration from their incredible DT and Guest DT!! This is my first time playing along, the color scheme caught my eye immediately, I LOVE IT! Here it is:

You need to choose two options from the "Evidence" list, I chose more...I used a frame, a wet medium (Shimmerz paint and Glossy Accents), stripes, and tulle.
From the "Testimony" list, you choose one option, I choose to combine a few, Reflections, journal in a frame (my title is part of my journaling, and is inside the frame), and the word "change" as a jump off. My journaling reads: "You're 19 months old, already- changing so fast...but you still are, and always will be...My Baby..Today, tommorow, and forever.

What I've Learned...

2012-01-29T08:15:00.002-06:00

...or should I say what I have learnt since participating in International blogs...
It's Sunday morning today, we haven't had a blog post in a couple days so I thought it would be the perfect time to share with you a few of the differences I have discovered between Americans and Australians/the rest of the world-- I say Australia since the majority of the blogs I participate in are Australian-based...
At first, I thought I was just seeing spelling errors...until I started seeing them everywhere...and then realised (realized) that I was very simple-minded in thinking that our way of talking/writing was the ONLY or RIGHT way...and since I'm an absolute spelling NUT (errors drive me CRAZY!!), I felt compelled to organise (organize) a short list of these differences and have spent the last fortnight (two weeks) doing so...
First of all, I must say that there is DEFINITELY something in the water over there...I swear, each and every one of those other-side-of-the-world Ladies are UBER-talented!! They should bottle that up and sell it in the online scrappy stores so we can ALL have some!! Or maybe it's just a scrappy talent gene that's embedded in them? I don't know, but whatever it is...I want some.
While we have colors, they have colours.
If you participate in their challenges, you might find yourself honoured (honored) to be one of their esteemed favourites (favorites)~ who doesn't love THAT?! I love being a favourite!! :)
While we plop ourselves and our kids down at the table for LUNCH........they give their children tea ~
And as I'm suffering with -30 F weather with plenty of snow and biting wind...they're enjoying a steaming hot summertime...swimming and sunbathing and laughing at me...
But most importantly, while I dream of ONE DAY maybe possibly taking a vacation with my family to SOMEWHERE...they seem to constantly be on holiday doing all of these fun and fabulous things....
Ah, the joys of discovering another part of the world...all the while being reminded of how boring a life I lead, LOL! But seriously, all joking aside, I'm so happy to have discovered so many of these great blogs and the wonderful people who participate in them. I've really learned so much from you (and obviously ABOUT you!!)~ and truthfully, you've opened up a whole different scrappy world to me, and I THANK YOU for that!
I hope you've enjoyed this read and that your Sunday (or Monday-- since you are about 17 hours ahead of me right now) is treating you well. We'll be seeing you soon!

(Kelly) "You, Me, and the Sunshine"

2012-01-27T09:23:00.000-06:00

Good morning everyone, and happy Friday!!! I'm excited today, because Erin, Josh, and the kids are coming down for their monthly shopping, and hopefully a quick visit! I hope you all have fun weekend plans...I have to work the next 4 days, so I'm enjoying my Friday as much as I can! I have another layout to share, made with the Artful Delight January Scrapbook Kit, this is my 5th project with this kit!! Amazing what is packed into those things :) These photos are from July 4th, 2011, a wonderful day spent together 4-wheeling, and enjoying the hot summer day...Thanks for taking a look!! Now head over to the Artful Delight Blog and check it out. The February kit has already been revealed, and it's fantastic!! I believe there are still January kits for sale, check out the store, here.

This layout is pretty clean and simple, but I love these photos and didn't want to distract too much. Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend!!

(Erin) "Growing Up"

2012-01-26T08:06:00.004-06:00

Good morning all you fellow scrappers :)! I have a layout to share with you today that I completed using the very first sketch over at the brand new challenge blog Scrap Africa!! It is the first scrapbooking challenge blog to hit the African continent (how cool is that??) but is open to international participants! The very talented Nadia Cannizzo is guest designer there as well as- for you Creating Keepsakes Ladies- Kim Watson!! Be sure to check out their amazing work, as well as the Design Team samples, and play along! You have until February 9th :). I also created this layout with the Stitching challenge over at C'est Magnifique in mind. I've always loved stitching, especially with my machine, and it's something I've started really using again after a bit of a dry spell. I like it for many reasons, but mainly because it adds that something "extra"...and because I have multiple layers on the edges of my pages (repetetive I know, but a layout just doesn't seem complete without lots of outer layers!), it helps hold everything together! ;)

This photo of my little Gunner was taken on New Year's Day and I just look at it and see a teenager! Yikes! Seriously, when did he start looking so old?? :( This sketch was perfect for a double photo- something I can't seem to stop doing, either- using two of the same photo just seems to emphasize its importance. And it also left a lot to the imagination- I love sketches like that! So this is what I came up with:

(Kelly) "Remembering..."

2012-01-25T13:13:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon...I wanted to share a fun layout I just finished, for the sketch challenge over at My Creative Sketches. I really had a lot of fun making this one, starting with the super fun, adorable photo of Lilah, when she was 9 months old..I really just "let go" making this one, grabbing whatever and putting it down on the page, and I love how it turned out!! I used more of the Pink Paislee Mistables paper for the background, man I love that stuff, such a unique look it gives! I realized, after I took the picture of my layout and put it on the computer..that I forgot to finish the journaling..oops!!! I had to go back to look for the date for the photo, and meant to come back to it, and I didn't! Oh, well....Thanks for looking!! Have a great afternoon, everyone!

A Couple Wins!

2012-01-25T11:02:00.002-06:00

Kelly and I both had a couple of wins over the past few days...Kelly was in the Top 5 @ Bird is the Word for the "Wonder" challenge, and I was tied for the win over @ Challenge Me Happy for Challenge #14!!
This is just one thing to love about the online scrappy world...scrapbooking is something I would do anyway, challenges and prizes or not-- but it always is a nice bonus to be recognized for the work you do and love.
Thanks to both sites for that recognition, we appreciate it so much :)!

(Kelly) "I Can't Wait!" OUAS entry

2012-01-24T12:36:00.000-06:00

**This is our 2nd post for the day, please scroll down and check out the new FD sketch and our inspiration!**

Awhile back, Erin made a really great observation...that Prima and Kaisercraft should totally get together. I think this layout proves this is so true! This layout is equal parts of two different lines, Prima's Alla Prima collection, and Kaisercraft's Hummingbird. They coordinate so well! The colors and patterns of these two lines, to me, are a match made in heaven!! Anyways...I made this lovely layout for the current challenge over at Once Upon A...Sketch. The journaling criteria is Hello 2012 or Goodbye 2011? I chose to journal about what I am looking forward to in 2012. One of the biggest things, of course, that I am looking forward to, is meeting my baby, in April!! I am 27 weeks in these photos, taken a few days ago. (See my journaling below.) The sketch was so inspiring and beautiful, there's something about a really attractive sketch that makes me so happy!!! (also see the sketch below.) Here's my layout, and some closeups, too!

Journaling reads: "What am I looking forward to the most in 2012? that's easy- I can't hardly wait to meet my new baby girl in April! What a wonderful year this will be!"

Sketch Along Tuesdays 1.24.12

2012-01-24T08:31:00.000-06:00

Good morning! It's another Tuesday, so we have a new Frosted Designs sketch to share, and some inspiration, of course! The lovely Ashley Horton designed this sketch, and it was a lot of fun to work with it! Head over to the FD blog and check out what the rest of the team made, and play along for a chance to win a wonderful prize!

Here is Kelly's take on the sketch:

And here is Erin's take:

Thanks for stopping by, we really hope you play along!

(Erin) "Sweet Heart" STG January Challenge

2012-01-23T08:15:00.000-06:00

So apparently Kelly & I must have some sort of scrappy connection because we both did our layouts for the current challenge over @ Scrap the Girls on Saturday night- but neither of us knew that the other was doing so. It wasn't until Kelly posted yesterday that we made the discovery...so I waited until today to post my page. The challenge is to use a monochromatic color scheme. I've done these before and enjoy them, but I really wanted to do a color I hadn't done before. And though it was a bit daunting (and difficult to photograph), I went with white. Because it was white, I wanted to keep it fairly simple. I used another photo from the series I took of Aspen the other day as I got a ton of super cute ones :). I used a bit of gesso in the background to add some texture, but is difficult to see here. And all the white space (literally!) makes me somewhat uncomfortable as I'm used to "filling" my pages... Ah, well...thanks for having a look. Enjoy your day :).

(Kelly) "Happy"

2012-01-22T12:24:00.000-06:00

Good day! I hope everyone's been enjoying their weekend, I have had a nice relaxing weekend off of work. I was even able to make some time to scrap last night! I decided to take on this month's challenge over at Scrap The Girls...this will be my first time participating there, although I've been checking them out for awhile now! The current challenge is to use a monochromatic color scheme. I decided on these light blues..I really love this page, it was hard to photograph due to the cloudy dark day we are having here, but you get the idea :) I spent some time yesterday sorting my scraps, and put a few of them to use here! I had half a sheet of this light blue floral print to fussy cut, from Pink Paislee's Nantucket collection, and it fit perfectly, I think! Thanks for taking a look!

(Erin) "Perfect" Prima BAP & CSI #3

2012-01-21T11:42:00.004-06:00

Good morning! It's another -30 F morning here in northeastern Minnesota! Yuck, but that's January for you! I saw a lynx on the way to town this morning (a type of wild cat that lives out here in the woods)...I figured it was the only creature around other than myself crazy enough to be out and about!

But I've got a page to share with you that I just love. I used the colors/requirements from over at CSI for challenge #3 to complete my January Prima Build-a-Page. I created the background of my paper with a Prima mask and some Tattered Angels glimmer mist. Really loved the way it turned out...the colors just really came together on this one. The palette I had to work with was just beautiful-- the only one that isn't very visible is the lavendar, which is actually on one of the two tags I used for my hidden journaling (see close up below). For the evidence details, I chose to include tags (hidden journaling), gold metallic elements (flowers & leaves), & circular elements.
I actually took these beyond adorable photos of Aspen yesterday and obviously couldn't wait to scrap them! I don't think she could possibly get any CUTER.
Thanks so much for stopping and having a look. Hope you all have an excellent weekend :).

(Kelly) "Remember this..."

2012-01-20T10:44:00.000-06:00

**This is my second post today!! I couldn't resist posting one more before the weekend. Please take time to scroll down and check out my Artful Delight project below!**

So, I couldn't resist, I had to post this layout I finished last night. I made this for two challenges, one is the Get Picky sketch challenge, This sketch was great!! This will be my second time playing along over at Get Picky. The other challenge, is for the newest Bird is the Word challenge, to use the word "Remember" in your title or journaling. I came across these photos, taken back in October during a visit to Grand Marais to see Erin. The two of us took Lilah and Gunner to a favorite spot on Cascade River to let the kids play, and to take some photos, of course. I used hidden journaling on this one, just a sweet message to my little girl...hidden behind the larger photo.

Here's the Get Picky sketch:

Supplies: Patterned paper is Onirie...Flowers, leaves, vines, and lace are Prima..Chipboard is Dusty Attic..Stickers are 7 Dots Studio and American Crafts.

Thanks for looking!!

(Kelly) "Sing it Loud" Artful Delight project!

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!!!!!!!! I have a fun layout to share, that I made using the January Scrapbook kit from Artful Delight!! I love the cute felt flowers, the red/white twine, and the little touches of MME garland I added. And of course, this adorable photo of Lilah singing her little heart out!!! So, if you love this kit, too, head over to the Artful Delight store to purchase it, you will not be disappointed!!! Also, there is still time to play along with this month's sketch challenge, for a chance to win February's kit. You have until the 23rd to enter!! I hope everyone has a great day, thanks for stopping by!!

Everything on this layout is from the January kit, except for the die cut behind the title, that is from the Dec. kit. I also used some misc. red thread from my stash.

(Erin) CSI "Most Wanted" List!! :)

2012-01-18T22:01:00.003-06:00

Excited to see that my "16 Mos." layout made the top 5 Most Wanted list over at CSI for their very first challenge!! I'm in a group of some pretty awesome layouts, be sure to check them out!!

(Kelly) OUAS TOP 5!!!! And a layout to share :)

2012-01-18T10:28:00.000-06:00

*This is our second post today, please scroll down to read about the Frosted Designs DT Call!*

I was so excited to see that I was in the top 5 over at Once Upon A...Sketch!!!! This, to me, is such an accomplishment and an honor!!! You can see my layout, and the other ones featured, here.

I also have a layout to share, using Sketch #191 from Creative Scrappers, and is also for the A to Z challenge at Scrapbookers Anonymous. The letter right now, to use, is "F" so I used flowers, family, and flourishes!! Thanks for checking it out!

Frosted Designs is having a Design Team Call!!!!!

2012-01-18T08:50:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!!! As many of you know, Erin and I both joined the Frosted Designs team last summer. It was our very first DT, and it has been such a blast doing this together. Unfortunately, life gets busy, and the two of us have decided not to sign on for another term. We both are definately gonna miss the fantastic, talented, sweet ladies on the team!!! We will be finishing up our term at the end of February.
Here's the good news for you...Frosted Designs is looking for new members!!!! Here are some of the details, head over to Frosted Designs to learn how to apply!!! Good luck!!

We are looking for papercrafters of all kinds! If you can make scrapbook layouts, cards, altered art items, home decor items or like mixed media.... we want you!! One of the best things about Frosted Designs (in my opinion) is that we celebrate all kinds of crafters! We are not just a scrapbooking blog or a card blog. We want to let everyone share their skills and with 3 challenges going on all the time, there is something for everyone! We would like to fill some positions on all three of our teams. Let me tell you more about each one....

Fabulous Friday Teams: We have two teams of ladies that make up our Fabulous Friday teams. The focus of this team is to use up supplies you already have laying around the house that may have been neglected and forgotten about. For this team, you should be willing to do any of the following: scrapbook layouts, cards, altered art, home decor and mixed media items!

Sketch Along Tuesday Layout Team: This team makes scrapbook layouts that are inspired by the sketches we give them.

Sketch Along Tuesday Card Team: This team makes cards that are inspired by the sketches we give them.

No matter which team you prefer, the requirments for all of our designers remain the same....

1. Be willing to commit to a six month term. Your term would start the beginning of March and go until the end of August.

2. Create a project every other week for your assigned team.

3. Share a step by step tutorial 2 times during your 6 month term. (This can be with photos or video)

4. You will be required to comment on some of the projects that are entered into our challenge each week.

5. Keep an active blog that is updated frequently.

6. Post our challenge and your project on your blog on reveal day and link back to the Frosted Designs blog.

(Erin) "Remember..."

2012-01-17T14:45:00.002-06:00

Hi there!! We've got MORE cold weather, reminding me that it IS in fact January in Northern Minnesota...but that aside, I've completed a sweet layout featuring my littl girl Aspen :). The January sketch challenge over @ C'est Magnifique features one of the lovely Nadia's sketches, so I just had to play along...I was also inspired by Bird is the Word's current word challenge "Remember", asking that we use the word in either our title or journaling. I felt compelled to tell my daughter a few simple- but important- things...That she is beautiful, That she is so loved, and (since DH & I are pretty sure we're done having any more children) That she is my one & only baby girl :)...

Supplies Used: Papers- KaiserCraft "Primrose", Flowers- Prima Marketing, KaiserCraft, Other, Letters- My Little Shoebox tiny type & American Crafts Thickers (for the dots), Rhinestones- MME "Kraft Funday", Other- pearls, book pages, doily, misc trims, machine stitching, gesso, foam adhesive.

(Kelly) "My Promise"

2012-01-16T20:48:00.000-06:00

I am finally posting this layout, I made over a week ago!! The reason for the delay is, I just really don't love this one. I do love the photo and the journaling, though, although the photo is super grainy because it is a cell phone photo!! It was taken shortly after Jeremy and I met, which was only a couple of years ago, but I call it "back when we were young.." I can't quite put my finger on what I don't like about this one, but hey, can't love them all, right? I used Sketch #189 from Creative Scrappers, and was inspired by the "Promise" challenge at Bird Is The Word. Thanks for looking!

(Erin) "His Obsession" CSI Challenge #2

2012-01-16T08:50:00.004-06:00

Good morning! I am excited to share with you a fun layout I created for the CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) Challenge #2! As I mentioned before, they are a new challenge site which incorporates great color schemes with journaling prompts and other requirements to get you started on some really great projects!

We were asked to use these five colors shown in the case file pictured here and choose one prompt from the list of journaling details and two elements from the evidence details. For my page I chose to include flowers and a fence for my evidence details, and for the journaling I chose to write in a stream-of-consciousness, or free-writing, way. My journaling reads as follows regarding my younger son Gunner's obsession with cans!:

"Oh my little Gunners~ your obsession with cans is so clear in these photos! What a strange thing for a child to love so much! But you do...you literally shake with excitement when you see a case of pop! You love to stack them, sort them, put them in boots- and the toaster oven- but most of all you love to throw them! So infuriating- but you love them so!~"

Thanks for stopping by- hope you can also get the chance to play along this week with CSI!

Supplies Used: Papers- Webster's Pages "Garden Gala" & Echo Park "Victoria Gardens", Flowers- Prima Marketing & KaiserCraft, Letters- My Little Shoebox tiny type & American Crafts Thickers, Tag- October Afternoon, Mist- Mister Huey's White, Other- twine, book pages, cardboard, paint.

Once Upon A...Sketch January 15th Challenge!!

2012-01-14T22:26:00.009-06:00

The January 15th Sketch Challenge over at Once Upon A...Sketch is up!! This is my second (and final) layout as Guest Designer there this month and it has been such an honor to have been given the chance to design with some incredibly talented ladies!!

Thank-you SO MUCH, Nadia, for allowing me this opportunity. I loved it!

Here are the details on the challenge:

January 15th Challenge
Journalling Criteria:
HELLO 2012 or GOODBYE 2011?
For this challenge, the journalling theme is new beginnings, upcoming adventures but also saying goodbye to yet another year.. Are you glad 2011 is over? Are you looking forward to starting fresh in 2012? What are your goals or resolutions for the year ahead? What are you most looking forward to? Or maybe you can journal about your thoughts for the new year.
Things that you can journal about: a new job, house, baby or new scrapping adventures or Design Teams. Are you taking time off work? Are you planning a holiday somewhere? Maybe your children are starting school or you are getting a new pet. Or you could tell us why you are glad 2011 is over or why you will miss it. Anything goes really!
Remember that you are allowed to also create a card or altered project based on this sketch and instead of the journalling criteria you need to use a quote.
**You must combine our journalling criteria/theme with this sketch. **

And here is my take:

(Kelly) Top 5 @ The Paper Variety!!

2012-01-14T16:18:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to share that my layout "Rosy Nosed" made the top five at The Paper Variety!! Check it out, along with the other beautiful projects chosen, Here!!

(Erin) "Brr!" C'est Magnifique Distressing/Grunge Challenge

2012-01-13T10:55:00.004-06:00

**Please note: This is our second post of the day, make sure to scroll down to see Kelly's Artful Delight page and also check out her layout posted late last night!!**

Good morning! This is the perfect day to be posting this type of page as it is VERY cold out this morning! It's 10 below zero (Fahrenheit for you overseas Celcius people lol), and I'm willing to bet it was at least 20 below zero last night- we kept our woodstove going strong though so we're nice and warm inside!!

C'est Magnifique has a challenge going on right now to use Distressing and/or Grunge on a project. I saw this and was like "Yes Please!"~ totally up my alley! I use some type of distressing on every one of my pages and I really focused on the distressing on this one. Lots of tearing and curling and sanding and yep, you guessed it, more "gesso-ing" (we established yesterday that this is a word in my book)~ I've had these photos sitting out by my scrappy stuff for a while now of Wyatt freezing his little butt off! He insisted on taking off all of his clothes to go pee outside like a big boy-- and it was zero degrees or colder out. You better believe I followed him and got some great pictures of him! (Mean Mom!!)~ Also got a shot of the ice-covered birch trees too :).

I really loved putting all the of the "icy cold" elements together on this one.

Products Used: Patterned Paper: Prima Marketing Ledger Pad, Flowers: Prima Marketing and KaiserCraft, Letters: American Crafts Thickers, Mist: Mister Huey's White, Other: misc trims, gesso, pearls, glitter sprays, misc mini flowers, rhinestones, snowflake buttons, machine stitching.

(Kelly) "Baby Love" Artful Delight January kit!

2012-01-13T06:00:00.010-06:00

Good Morning!!! I have another layout to share using the January Scrapbook kit from Artful Delight, and also the sketch for this month's challenge. You can play along to win next month's kit!! I love these adorable photos of Lilah with her "Baby Alive" dolls she got for Christmas, she loves them so much! I had fun fussy cutting from the SC papers, and layering along with the kraft for just enough color on this one. OH, and my favorite thing about the Thickers in this kit? I can make them match anything! I just painted them white for this one. I hope you'll head over and check out the Artful Delight blog for more inspiration, and to play along with the sketch challenge, you have until the 23rd!

Here's the sketch:

(Kelly) "Just Us"

2012-01-12T22:13:00.000-06:00

Good (late) evening!! I know it's kind of late, but I meant to post this earlier, and took a nap instead!! I just want to share a layout I made for the current challenge over at Scrapbookers Anonymous, to use mist, ink, or paint, and masking on a project. I had this photo strip from awhile back that I was wanting to scrap, but was unsure what to do with it, so it had been up on my inspiration board waiting. Well, here's what I came up with! For the masking, I used various punched circles and buttons, and some charcoal grey mist. I loved the teal as an accent color! Thanks for looking!

(Erin) "Learn" January Stuck?! Sketch

2012-01-12T09:42:00.007-06:00

Good morning. I have a layout to share with you today (using the January sketch over at Stuck?! ) that I'm still not sure what to think of. It's much more bold than my usual taste but when it comes to my oldest, Wyatt, he tends to bring out that side of me, Lol. I thought that age 3 was difficult, but I'm quickly learning that 4 is even harder...in his case, anyway. He's desperately searching for his independence and HATES to share with his brother. Our house is a rather loud place on a daily basis, fighting over toys, one always wanting what the other has. But yesterday it was so peaceful and I came to the realization that my poor little boy is just bored. He NEEDS to be in school! But being born in October, he missed the September 1st cutoff date for preschool and so has to wait until next fall. He has a Preschool book that he loves to work in and probably did half of it yesterday- learning his numbers and letters, lots of sorting and coloring. He adores puzzles and has no trouble putting them together in a hurry. He also loves to watch his Getting Ready for Kindegartern movie (my favorite part is where they show you how to clean up your bedroom because Wyatt, prompted by the kids on the movie, cleaned up the livingroom 3 times yesterday!)~ I don't think he even played with a toy until yesterday afternoon after his nap. So I was inspired to document this day and let him know just how smart he is. It amazes me how quickly he catches on to things...and how much he knows for his age. Makes me very proud :).
Products Used: Cardstock: Bazzil, Patterned Papers: KaiserCraft "Hummingbird", Red & yellow flowers: ManorHouse Creations, White & blue flowers: Prima Marketing, Letters: American Crafts Thickers, Masking: Prima flourish mask, Stars: Jenni Bowlin chipboard, Rub-Ons: KaiserKraft, Other: hand-dyed doily, baker's twine, tissue paper for journaling strips, black acrylic paint, gesso.

(Kelly) "Pure Joy"

2012-01-11T13:47:00.001-06:00

**This is our second post today, please scroll down to see a beautiful layout by Erin!**

Good Afternoon! Seeing as winter is my least favorite season, I'm quite suprised at myself with all the snowy layouts I've cranked out lately!! I'm loving the snow photos. Maybe it helps a bit that this has been the mildest winter I've ever experienced..very little snow, and record breaking warm temps. This lovely photo of Lilah was taken the other day, and it was 45 degrees out!! That is just unheard of for January in northern Minnesota!! I made this layout for the 1-2-3 Challenge, to use the word "Joy", the colors silver, and splats (paint, mist, etc.). I really enjoyed using these papers from The Scrap Cake, their stuff is gorgeous!! Thanks for taking a look!!

(Erin) "Timeless" Crafty Sketches January Sketch

2012-01-11T10:14:00.006-06:00

Good morning! Yet another late night spent scrapping. I actually started this page yesterday when all 3 kids were napping but got very little done on it and had to put it off until last night, and put the final touches on this morning.

I used the January sketch over at Crafty Sketches, and as usual, I did my own thing with the sketch. I used Webster's Pages "Hollywood Vogue" papers and I knew when I saw this particular piece exactly how I wanted to use it. Can you see the little bonus photos in the film strip? Adorable.

Lots of layering, distressing, gesso-ing (yes, a word in my book), stitching, misting, and playing with trims & flowers...all my favorites :). Oh, and did I mention that my little girl is adorable? I think I did, but just had to say it one more time...she is adorable. And beautiful.

I'm so blessed.

Thanks for stopping by...

7 Dots Studio Giveaway!!

2012-01-10T12:57:00.002-06:00

7 Dots Studio is offering a giveaway of their newest collection, "Wonderland"~ it's absolutely gorgeous!! My favorite piece is their "Mad Tea Party" paper~ so much awesome texture!! So many possibilities!! See their blog post here for details!!

Sketch Along Tuesdays 1.10.12

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!! It's another Tuesday, so that means another fun sketch for Sketch Along Tuesdays at Frosted Designs, and two layouts to share with you!! This week's sketch was a real challenge for both of us, there are so many ways it can be interpreted! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!! Here's the sketch:

Quite different and interesting, isn't it? Here is what we came up with.....

Kelly:

Erin:

I think it's funny how one of us did a winter themed layout, and the other did a summer layout! Thanks for stopping by and checking it out. Head over to Frosted Designs to see what the rest of the DT created, and to see the prize you can win!!

(Erin) January 123 Challenge

2012-01-09T15:53:00.005-06:00

I can't believe I finished this layout in time to get a picture of it before the daylight was gone! I bought some silver Christmas sprays last weekend at a local store in town with the intent to use them for the January challenge over at the 123 Challenge Blog. We are asked to use the three following things: the word "Joy", the color Silver, and Splats. So I put together this layout of my sweet little girl Aspen. I just love that when she smiles it's as if she smiles as hard as she can! She's such a sweetheart.

BITW Challenge winners!!

2012-01-08T21:31:00.006-06:00

Okay, so this is the 6th post of the day- whew!! Just so much going on for a Sunday!! Please make sure to scroll down to see two great layouts by Kelly and my layout for the CSI challenge, my design team announcement and the Manor House Creations giveaway post!!

I just couldn't wait to share the exciting news over at Bird is the Word. BOTH Kelly and myself made the top 5!! And as an added bonus, the top 2 winners (the amazing and incredibly talented Heather Jacob took first) get to guest design there next month-- and since I was winner #2, that means that I get a GDT spot alongside Heather and a randomly chosen guest, Claire!! Looks like next month is going to be a busy one for me- starting up on two new design teams and also guest designing over at Scrap Our Stash :). Very exciting things going on and I couldn't be happier!! Just another reason to LOVE this amazing hobby :).

Thanks to Bird is the Word and the lovely design team for putting both Kelly and I in your Top 5. It's an honor!

(Erin) Scrappin' Patch 2012 Design Team!!

2012-01-08T18:25:00.002-06:00

I am proud to announce that I've been selected to join the 2012 Scrappin' Patch Design Team- all the way over in New Zealand!! I look forward to using the latest products from the top manufacturers and joining Adrienne's very talented team!! So honored!! See my bio post here, on their blog.
Thanks for letting me share!! :)

(Erin) "16 Mos." CSI Challenge #1!!

2012-01-08T13:05:00.007-06:00

*Please note this is our 4th post of the day! Please scroll down to check out a couple great layouts by Kelly and the Manorhouse Creations giveaway post!!*

Good afternoon! I hope your Sunday (or Monday, whichever it is for you where you are) is treating you well! We finally took our massive Christmas tree down- what a MESS! But so glad it's done and I'm getting the chance to put my newest layout on here.
This is for a brand new challenge site which I found through Nadia's guest designer post. It's called CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) and let me tell you, I think this site is going to be something big! It has an incredible setup with great graphics, a diverse and talented design team, and you even get to have your own login and gallery where you can share your projects with the CSI community! I'm looking forward to making some new friends there and checking out some amazing work!
But the greatest thing about this new challenge blog is the challenge itself. We are shown a case file as follows:

From the "evidence" column you are to choose a minimum of two to include on your layout. From the "testimony" column you are to choose at least one for the setup of your journaling. The "scheme" is the color palette which we must include on our page, with minimal amounts of neutral tones (black, white, cream, gray, kraft) and other colors if necessary, but being careful to keep these "extra" colors to about 10% or less on your project.
I chose the "Wonder Fall" collection from Webster's Pages, as its color scheme was as close as I could possibly get to the 5 given colors, and chose to base my page on Gunner's 3 most favorite things @ 16 months of age. To fulfill the "evidence" requirements, I used distressing, numbers, and a lacy element (see the trims in my clusters). And for the "testimony" I chose to use a numbered list to journal these 3 favorite things.
This is my first time fussy cutting a photo. I've seen it done (and done well) many times by other talented scrappers out there, but didn't really think it was something I would like to do. But here, it just seemed to fit! I thought sticking my little Gunners in there with the other children was such a fun idea! And the balloon...don't know where that one came from, but again, it just seemed to fit. I like that I can look at this page and laugh. I had a lot of fun with it.
Thanks so much for stopping and checking it out. I hope you have the chance to check out this great new challenge site!

(Kelly) "There is always Love here"

2012-01-08T12:26:00.000-06:00

**This is our 3rd post today...if you are just getting here, please be sure to scroll down to see the previous posts! Our blog gets pretty busy with posting some days, and we'd hate for you to miss something :)**

Happy Sunday!! The layout I'm going to share with you is one I made for a new challenge blog called Sketches With A Twist. They have their first challenge up, a fun, interesting sketch, with a "twist" which is to use two different fonts in your title. I was inspired by this sketch, but my printer is really low on ink so I was only able to print two photos before I ran out!! So, I made this 6-photo sketch work with just two photos!! I did a super clean and simple page, and while it was tough for me to just "leave it alone" and quit adding stuff, I am really satisfied with the outcome!! Here it is:

The journaling reads:

"We aren't perfect, we don't have it "all figured out" but one thing's for sure, we are so lucky, because- There is always love here"

I love the wood letters and hearts I used on this one, just some things I picked up at Michael's awhile back and forgot about. I used a combination of papers from 7 Dots Studio, Studio Calico, MME, and Lily Bee. Here's the Sketches With A Twist sketch:

MANOR HOUSE CREATIONS GIVEAWAY!!

2012-01-08T10:06:00.004-06:00

**This is our second post for today, please scroll down to see Kelly's Artful Delight/Sketch Inspiration post below :)**

A flower giveaway!
Yep, Manor House Creations is having a flower giveaway !

Here’s what you can win….

…a bag FULL of flowers! There are 3 to win!
(I quickly counted and there are about 50 in one pack and 25 in the other 2).

TO WIN…….
* ‘Follow’ our blog
* Leave a comment about Manor House Creations flowers – what you think, what you love, what you don’t love…we want to know!
* ‘LIKE’ Manor House Creations on Facebook HERE.
* Leave this image and a link to this post, on your blog.
* * * *
The prize winners will be chosen at the end of the month (31st January, 2012) for the best and most useful comments. MHC want feedback!
So anyone can win! But we’ll be checking to see if you have done all 4.
Can’t wait to see who wins!

Artful Delight is sponsoring Sketch Inspiration!!

2012-01-08T06:00:00.036-06:00

Good Morning!! I have a layout to share with you, but first some fun info! Artful Delight is sponsoring Sketch Inspiration this week!! They have a great new sketch, and you can play along to win this month's Artful Delight Scrapbook kit!!!! I have been working with this kit, and let me tell you, it really is fantastic!!! All of the Delightful Designers have played along with this sketch, see the links to all of their blogs below, and please go check 'em out!! Ok, so here's the sketch!

And here is my take on it:

Check out that face!! No wonder she gets her way ALL the time, lol!

Ok, so here are the links to the other Delightful blogs, please check them out, there really are some super inspiring projects in there!! And remember, you can play along, too to win the January kit from Artful Delight!! (Pictured below links!)

Leeanne - Artful Delight

Debbie - Love Lifes Little Pleasures

Abby - Midwest Memories

Julie - The Tucker and Wolek Clan

June - Simply Elegant Paper Crafts

Here's the January Scrapbook kit that you could win!

Thanks for stopping by!!

(Kelly) WINNER!! Challenge Me Happy!!

2012-01-07T11:43:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to share that my "Adorable You" layout was the winner of Challenge #13 over at Challenge Me Happy!! Woo Hoo!!! If you've never been there, seriously go check them out, for great challenges and great prizes!!

(Kelly) "Rosy Nosed"

2012-01-06T12:30:00.000-06:00

**This is our 3rd, (yes..3rd!) post today, please be sure to scroll down, to read Erin's exciting announcement, and to see my Artful Delight page!**

Good afternoon, I totally was not planning on scrapbooking at all today, but I had some extra time on my hands and decided to get started on two different challenges. I used the new Sketchy Thursdays sketch, and was super inspired by the current challenge at The Paper Variety, to use Black and White plus a kiss of one other color. I got really messy with this one, I was on the phone with Erin (of course), and not really thinking too hard about what I was doing, just began to play. I used another sheet of the Pink Paislee Mistables resist paper, black and pink ink, and white acrylic paint, and just started to play!! I am really starting to like how things turn out when I let go of control a little bit!! Have a wonderful day!!

(Erin) ScrapFIT Design Team!!!

2012-01-06T06:30:00.000-06:00

**Please note: this is our second post of the day. Please scroll down to see Kelly's first project using the brand new January 2012 Artful Delight kit!!**

I'm very excited to FINALLY be able to announce that I will be joining ScrapFIT as one of their newest design team members!! I've always enjoyed their super fun prompts and so I'm beyond excited to be able to use those prompts to provide inspiration to ScrapFIT fans :). My term begins February 2012 and I'm very much looking forward to creating for them, as well as being able to work with such a talented lot!

(Kelly) "Good Morning, Pretty Girl!"

2012-01-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

Good Morning!!! I have my first layout to share with you that I made using the January Scrapbook kit from Artful Delight!! This month's kit is amazing!! If you are a Kraft fan, this one is definitely for you, lots of MME Kraft Funday collection, and some Jillibean Hearty Barley Soup, and plenty of color added in from Studio Calico's Memoir collection. There is also a Mr. Huey's mist, and a Studio Calico mask included (which I used on this layout) and tons of fun embellishments!! Check out the Artful Delight Store for details. There are still some really good deals going on, and discounts on previous kits. Ok, let's get to my layout! This one is rather simple, I love these pictures of Lilah taken the other morning, she woke up so happy and sweet, I had to take a few pictures. I cut and punched some of the hearts from one of the Jillibean papers, to make a fun border. Thanks for checking it out!! Please be sure to check out the Artful Delight Blog for more inspiration, and to play along with this month's sketch, for a chance to WIN next month's kit!!! Have a wonderful day!

(Erin) "Old Friend" Challenge Me Happy #14

2012-01-05T12:12:00.004-06:00

Good morning fellow scrappers! I hope your day has been a little better than mine...I've been struggling with a migraine for the last two days, but I've still been able to get some scrapping done- nothing can stop me!! :)

This is for the current challenge over at Challenge Me Happy. We were given a gorgeous sample by the very talented Trina McClune (Prima designer- woot woot!!) to scraplift. Her style is right up my alley, so I was excited to get this one done.

I chose to do a page about my favorite horse, Baron. I've actually never ever done a layout about one of my animals before, which is strange since I've owned so many over my lifetime. I guess it's because with three kids, there's such an endless supply of photos and memories to document that anything else gets put on the back burner! But I have always loved this beautiful photo of him taken in my yard the first day I brought him home. He was a purebred Arabian (as all of my horses were- I'm a sucker for Arabs!) and ended up being one of the best friends I've ever had! We always had the greatest time- here is the hidden journaling:

"Baron was the favorite of my horses. He was loyal and beautiful and fast. We had so much fun together. I used to go on "adventures" with him, finding new trails in the woods to explore. I took him with me to college and spent hours riding w/Ashley. We even took Missouri out once racing & Baron won by a long shot! But then I ran out of money and couldn't afford my board. So he was sold to a family in Graffton. I hate not knowing where he ended up, but I'll never forget my dear old friend."

Supplies Used:

Webster's Pages "Western Romance" papers

Prima and KaiserCraft flowers

KaiserCraft wooden trees

American Crafts Thickers

My Little Shoe Box tiny type

My Mind's Eye Kraft Funday rhinestones (thanks Leanne @ Artful Delight!!)

P.S. How do you like my handmade cardboard fence? When in lack of appropriate product, thou shalt improvise! Ha!

As always, thank-you for stopping by our blog and having a look. I truly appreciate it :)

(Kelly) "Grow, baby, grow"

2012-01-04T14:48:00.001-06:00

**This is our second post for today...if you are just stopping by, be sure to scroll down and see Erin's lovely layout in the previous post :)***

Good afternoon!! I have to say, I have started using bright, girly colors again (after being obsessed with cool blues and muted colors for awhile..), and I am SO excited about it!!! Another thing I am excited about, is finally using a part from one of my favorite children's books. My daughter has a book called "Sleep, Baby, Sleep" by Maryann Cusimano Love, and Maria van Lieshout. I have had it hidden in my scrap room for some time now, wanting to use various excerpts from this book, and now I finally have!! The title and journaling of this layout are from a page in the book, and it goes like this:

Grow, baby, grow.

From our arms you'll go,

unfurling like a butterfly,

cocoon opening to the sky.

Grow, baby, grow.

I thought this was just perfect for these pictures of Lilah, because she is just growing so fast and she looks so big and grown up!!

This layout is for Challenge #14 over at Challenge Me Happy, it is a scraplift challenge, to lift a very lovely layout by Trina McClune. Head over there and check it out!! The layout is gorgeous, and I was so inspired by it. Here's my layout:

I had so much fun with all the layering, the tons of flowers and fussy cutting. Thanks for checking it out!!

(Erin) "I Promise" BITW Promise Challenge

2012-01-04T10:48:00.003-06:00

Good morning! I stayed up way past my bedtime last night to complete my layout for the current challenge over at Bird is the Word. The word is "Promise", to be used in either your title or journaling. These pictures of Gunner and myself on New Years Day out playing in the snow were self-taken, and I just loved how they turned out. I think they really capture the silly time we had. And when I looked at them, I felt compelled to scrap them just for him and make the promise to always love him as much as I clearly do in these pictures. He sure is one special guy :).

I used the Webster's Pages "Country Estate" papers and vellum paper here. Flowers are KaiserCraft and Prima and the wood flourishes are KaiserCraft. Misc trims from my random bag lovingly given to me by my sister-in-law (a Recycling Center -our thrift shop here- find! love her to pieces for nabbing them for me!!)~

Thanks for stopping and checking it out ;). Have a good one!!

(Kelly) "With U" OUAS entry

2012-01-03T12:58:00.002-06:00

Good afternoon!! I am so excited/a little nervous to share this layout, as this is my first time playing along at Once Upon A...Sketch. I will admit, I was a little intimidated to enter this challenge. I have been "eyeing" them for awhile, ever since my sister Erin started participating there, and I always like to check out the DT work, and the winners of their challenges, and I'm blown away by the amount of talent out there!! But I saw this sketch, and could not pass this one up. Along with the beautiful sketch, there is some journaling criteria. The theme for the January 1st Challenge is "New Years Eve." I chose to journal about the perfect New Years Eve, for me. This photo was taken at 12:00 a.m. on 1/1/11, Lilah's first New Years. The journaling reads:

"The only place I want to be on New Years Eve? Home with you, safe and sound. Ringing in the New Year with a peacefully sleeping baby was the perfect way to begin 2011. photo taken 12:00a.m. 1/1/11."

I really enjoyed making the background for this page, using one of the resist papers from Pink Paislee's Mistables collection, I am in love with that stuff, I wish I'd bought it sooner!! Thanks for taking a look!!

January kit/sketch: Artful Delight!!!

2012-01-01T13:15:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post to introduce this month's kit and sketch challenge from Artful Delight!!! This just might be my favorite kit yet!!! As usual, it is packed full of goodies!! Here's a peak:

SCRAPBOOK KIT

this kit will include

My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)

Admit One
Pinwheel Party
Celebration Paper
Front Page News
Remember This
Picnic Paper

Jillibean Soup - Hearty Barley collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)

Canola Oil
Quick Cooking Barley

Studio Calico - Memoir collection 12x12 sheet (1 each)

Cupboard
Wallpaper
Homestead
Book Jacket
Linen
Flower Bed

Coordination cardstock - Bazzill 12x12 sheet (1 each)

Kisses
Papaya
Kraft
Avalanche
Strawberry Splash

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit
1 package - My Mind's Eye- Kraft Funday collection - Happy Days Circle Garland
2 - Jillibean Soup - Brown Felt Blossoms
10 - Studio Calico - Cloud Chip shapes
1 package - My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday collection - Everyday Fun Rhinestones
1 - Studio Calico - Huey's Masks - Intertwined Circles
1 sheet - Studio Calico - Kraft Butterfly Stickers
1 package - My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday - Happy Days Layered Stickers
1 package - American Crafts Thickers - Sunrise (chipboard stickers)
1 bottle - Studio Calico - Mister Huey's Color Mist - Cameo
1 yard - Red Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Pink Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Creative Impressions - Red Crepe Ribbon
4 yards - Pink Jute - Really Reasonable Ribbon

CARD KIT

this kit will include

My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)

Admit One
Pinwheel Party
Celebration Paper
Front Page News
Remember This
Picnic Paper

Jillibean Soup - Hearty Barley collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)

Canola Oil
Quick Cooking Barley

Studio Calico - Memoir collection 6x6 sheets (2 each)

Cupboard
Wallpaper
Homestead
Book Jacket
Linen
Flower Bed

Coordination cardstock - Bazzill 8 1/2 x 11 (4 each)

Kisses
Papaya
Strawberry Splash

Embellishments - size and color may vary per kit
1 package - My Mind's Eye- Kraft Funday collection - Happy Days Buttons
2 - Jillibean Soup - Brown Felt Blossoms
10 - Studio Calico - Cloud Chip shapes
1 package - My Mind's Eye - Kraft Funday collection - Everyday Fun Rhinestones
1 - Studio Calico - Huey's Masks - Intertwined Circles
1 sheet - Studio Calico - Kraft Butterfly Stickers
8 note cards & envelopes - Jillibean Soup - Kraft
1 stamp set - Basic Grey/Hero Arts - Life of the Party Birthday
1 bottle - Studio Calico - Mister Huey's Color Mist - Cameo
1 yard - Red Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Pink Twine - Really Reasonable Ribbon
1 yard - Creative Impressions - Red Crepe Ribbon
1 1/2 yards - White Seam Binding - Really Reasonable Ribbon
4 yards - Pink Jute - Really Reasonable Ribbon

Check out all the wonderful Kraft in there, my favorite!!! Leeanne has some really great deals going on for what is left of past kits, please go and check out the store. Here are some coupon codes you can use:

Save $5.00 off your minimum purchase of $15.00 -use coupon code "FIVE"
Save 20.12% off your minimum purchase of $50.00 - use coupon code "HAPPYNEWYEAR"
FREE SHIPPING with a minimum purchase of $75.00 - use coupon code "FREESHIP"

Awesome deals, right?!

Here is the sketch for this month's challenge, play along for a chance to win February's kit!!! Entries must be linked up by the 23rd.

(Erin) "The Road Ahead" Get Picky Inspiration Challenge #15

2012-01-01T10:40:00.003-06:00

The first part of my New Years Eve evening was spent working on my layout for the current challenge over at Get Picky: Inspiration Challenge #15. The theme is New Years and what our goals/dreams are for the year to come. When I think about the future, I think of the road that lies before me, and this beautiful photo taken on my road during a snowstorm not too long ago seemed a perfect fit for this project. This will actually be the first time in many, many years that I have actually put together a list of things I would like to accomplish this year. The journaling is hidden on this one. You can see the "My Story" pull tag to the left of the photos/cluster and reads as follows:

In the year 2012 I would like to have a little more stability. I want to get a new vehicle in February. I would like the paneling & siding done on the house. I would like to have Wyatt writing his first & last name by Preschool. Start Gunner on potty training. Begin using a sippy cup w/Aspen @ 6 mos. old. As for myself, I would like to practice more patience, understanding, and be more positive. Scrappy-wise I want to continue to build my resume and at least apply to be on a design team for a manufacturer by the end of the year- if I get up the guts! Also I want to continue to build the amazing friendships I have so far made through this wonderful hobby :).

I used Webster's Pages "All About Me" papers, Prima flowers, Manor House Creations flower, and KaiserCraft wooden berry vine.

(Erin) Top 5 @ OUAS!!

2012-01-01T09:17:00.002-06:00

First off, I hope everyone had a safe and fun New Years Eve. Josh and I stayed up watching Animal House and made it until midnight...then went to bed, lol! Unfortunately we weren't able to be with my brother and his family as planned since they all have the flu, but it was nice and low key, the way I like it :).
But anyways, I got on Facebook this morning and saw that Once Upon A...Sketch had chosen the winners for their December 15th Challenge and discovered I made their Top 5 for my "Remember This" layout!! What a way to start off the New Year :). Thanks again to the girls for choosing me!
I pray you all have a wonderful New Years Day. We're getting more snow, so I'm hoping to take the boys outside to play. Take care!

(Erin) Guest Designer @ OUAS!!

2011-12-31T12:37:00.004-06:00

I'm so excited to be joining the super talented team at Once Upon A...Sketch this month as Guest Designer!! Their January 1st reveal came out today and Nadia has yet another amazing sketch for everyone to work with, along with the journaling criteria/theme:

New Years Eve!
Our theme this time is New year's Eve. We would like you to journal about your feelings around this time of year, or tell us about your most memorable New Year's Eve. Where were you? Who were you with? What did you do? Why is this one memorable? Note: the photo that you use for this challenge does not have to necessarily be from New Years Eve. For example, if you spent New Years Eve with your family you can have a photo of your family taken ANY time of the year.
Remember that you are allowed to also create a card or altered project based on this sketch and instead of the journalling criteria you need to use a quote.
You must combine our journalling criteria/theme with this sketch.

And here is my take on the sketch:

They have some great sponsors and incredible prizes to be won!!

Sponsors

We are so excited to welcome some new sponsors to our blog this month!

The Craft's Meow

The Craft's Meow offers a variety of photopolymer clear stamps designed by some of the best artists in the paper crafting world! This means there is something for everyone! We pride ourselves on great customer service and the lowest possible shipping cost. Come see what the buzz is all about! Visit our store blog and follow us on Facebook!

Feature Art

Feature Art is an art paper designing company located in South Australia.

Website: http://www.featureart.net.au/store/index.php

Vicky Alberto Etsy Shop

I am thrilled to be a sponsor for Once Upon A Sketch.Not only do I love the sketchesand the incredible design team interpretations, but I am also proud to sponsor a site that my scrappy friend Nadiacreated. It is one of the top sketchchallenge sites in industry and definitely embraces the true meaning of preserving memories. You can find a selectionof chipboard in my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/vickyalberto. Please note that I have ordered and will bereceiving the newest released chipboard styles towards the end of January.I will also be restocking my site with the most popular pieces at thistime. They sell out very fast so be sure to check back often! Youcan follow my personal scrapbooking blog at http://simplypaperandcreativity.blogspot.com where I post updates about chipboardshipment arrivals.

Prizes

How would you like to be our Guest Designer for February? This is the challenge where you have the chance to win a spot on our design team for the whole upcoming month simply by winning this challenge. As well as being our Guest Designer, as chosen by our Design team, you will also receive.....

An in-stock stamp set from The Crafts Meow of the winners choice..

*example of stamp set the winner could choose.

We also have 2 prizes to give away to two randomly chosen entries.

Our first RANDOMLY chosen winner will win 2 paper collections from FeatureArt.

Our second RANDOMLY chosen winner will receive this Dusty Attic chipboard pack from Vicky Alberto's Etsy Shop

Things to consider when playing along...

**This is an international blog, so anyone can enter

**You are also allowed to flip or rotate the sketch or alter it to suit your needs, but please make sure its still recognisable.

** The deadline for this challenge is midnight January14th, Australian Eastern Standard Time . The Design Team will vote and the winners and the Top 5 project will be announced soon after the challenge has finished.

**You may enter as many times as you like and combine this with other challenges.

**Also, please consider turning off word verification for comments on your blog.

Make sure head on over and check out what their design team has done with the sketch- you're sure to find tons of inspiration!! Thanks for stopping by ;)~

(Erin) Guest FITGirl Spotlight!!

2011-12-30T19:28:00.001-06:00

I recently won Weekend Warm Up #20 over at ScrapFIT and I'm their current Guest FITGirl Spotlight! Check out the post here. A big thanks to ScrapFIT for the feature!

(Kelly) "Moody"

2011-12-30T12:33:00.000-06:00

**This is our 3rd post today (wow!) please scroll down to see a great layout by Erin, and another layout from me using the Artful Delight December kit**

I've noticed something about myself, over the past few months, I am almost completely unable to scrapbook "events" or holidays. All I want to do is scrapbook moments and personalities. I have yet to do anything with all the wonderful Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas photos I took. I really think that's ok, though, isn't it? I mean, my children are going to have these same holidays photographed again and again every year. But their personalities, likes/dislikes, and special little moments are ever changing at this young age. So, I have these fun photos of Lilah, all taken in one day, portraying her ever changing moods. I have documented this before, and I'm sure I will again and again, because I am so amazed by all the personality she has developed in the past 18 months!! Sketchy Thursdays has a new sketch, and of course it is AWESOME!! Yep, I love it!! So I used that, and I also was inspired by the Issue Challenge over at ClubCK to scrap a mood or feeling. I decided to document many moods!! I had a lot of fun with these gorgeous papers from 7 Dots Studio, The bright vibrant colors are so great!! Thanks for looking!

(Erin) "Heart Breaker" CS #188 & Scrap Our Stash "Anything Goes"

2011-12-30T10:55:00.003-06:00

Good morning! It's been FOREVER since I've done a post it seems- a week already?? Wow. Well, we're getting to the end of the month and I'm just itching for the beginning of January and all the wonderful new challenges (scrapbooking challenges, that is) to come! I really loved sketch #188 from Creative Scrappers and used it to complete the "Anything Goes" challenge over at Scrap Our Stash (my first time participating there).

First off, I just have to say that KaiserCraft and Prima should date. Seriously. They are a Match.Made.In.Heaven!!! I pair the two quite often lately, and this layout is no different. The background paper is from the "Sweet Nothings" line by KaiserCraft and the rest is Prima. This model-esque photo of my little Gunner has been sitting by my computer for almost a few months now, just begging to be scrapped. I just adore his expression here- so serious, so handsome (and oh, does he know it!!). He is definitely destined to be a heart breaker! (And yes, ever since I settled on that title, I have had Pat Benatar stuck in my head, lol!!)~

(Kelly) "Impossible"

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning!! It's time for my last post using the December Artful Delight Scrapbook kit. This is my 5th layout out of just this one kit, and there are still some leftovers, pretty awesome, I think! There are still some December kits available, (soon to be discounted, I believe..) and the amazing January kit will be out soon, too! Well, we spent Christmas up north with Erin's family and my Brothers family. We decided to finally try to get a picture of all 7 of the kids together. (ages ranging 3mos to 10 years..) not an easy thing to do, as you can see from these photos! There were so many hilarious photos, but I chose these two to document this moment. Thanks for stopping by!

(Kelly) "Winter Wonder"

2011-12-27T08:59:00.000-06:00

*This is my 2nd post for today, please scroll down and check out the previous post for today's Frosted Designs sketch reveal!*

Hello!! I didn't think I woud get time to do this sketch, but I am so happy I did!! It is sketch # 188 from Creative Scrappers. I have really loved all of their sketches this month!! It was perfect for this photo of Lilah playing in the snow yesterday. I did "take off" from the sketch a bit, and rearranged some things, but I think it works. I also thought this would be perfect for the current challenge at Bird is the Word, to use the word "Wonder." Since it is usually too cold, Lilah doesn't get to spend a lot of time out in the snow, so it is all still so new and exciting to her!! That's why I did a second photo to show a close up of the joyous expression on her face. I really had a lot of fun and spent a lot of time with the layering and the texture on this one. I used lots of leftover bits from my November AD kit.

Sketch Along Tuesdays 12.27.11

2011-12-27T08:01:00.000-06:00

Good Morning!! It's time for the last sketch reveal of the year, for Sketch Along Tuesdays at Frosted Designs. We have a really great sketch to share with you, designed by the super talented Ashley Horton. Head over and check out the rest of the team's inspiration, and play along, you have a chance to win a kit from Burlap and Buttercups!!

Here's what the two of us came up with!

Erin:

Kelly:

GIVEAWAY WINNER!!!!

2011-12-24T23:20:00.005-06:00

Sorry I'm getting this posted so late, it's almost midnight here on Christmas Eve...finally have the kids in bed and last minute presents wrapped and all ready for the big morning tomorrow! Kelly and I did have the chance to draw our randomly chosen winner, which is:

Jordan!!!!

A huge CONGRATS to you! Please email me (erin_divisionair@yahoo.com) with your information so we can get your package mailed out ASAP!! We hope you enjoy your new goodies :)!
Thank-you so much to all of you who took the time to comment and follow our blog. We cannot believe how great a response we had! Definitely a lot of fun...can't wait to do this again!!!!

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy every little wonderful thing this amazing holiday season has to offer!

(Erin) "I Wonder..." BITW "Wonder" and CS #187

2011-12-23T13:23:00.003-06:00

We're getting VERY close to Christmas and I have SO MUCH to do today! So this post will be quick~ I created this layout using sketch #187 over at Creative Scrappers to complete the current Bird Is the Word challenge to use the word "Wonder" in either your title or journaling. How can you not LOVE these photos of my ultra-adorable little Gunner...he is so gosh darn cute, I can hardly STAND it, lol...and I wonder if he knows it too ;) !! Used the totally fabulous "Farmhouse" collection from October Afternoon~ such an awesome, versatile line!!

(Kelly) "Enjoy This Time"

2011-12-23T11:33:00.000-06:00

This is my 2nd post for today, scroll down to see my Artful Delight/Creative Scrappers project, too! I recently won a gorgeous C'est Magnifique Kit from Creative Scrappers. I LOVE all the gorgeous papers it featured, some from companies I'd never even heard of! They have such unique, gorgeous stuff in their store, check it out here. Anyways, I put together a layout using Creative Scrappers sketch # 186. I was also inspired by a challenge over at Bird is the Word, (this is my first time playing along with one of their challenges!) to use the word "Time" somewhere on your layout..this made me really want to use this wooden clock from the kit. Thanks for having a look!!

Scrappin' Sisters

(Kelly) "Bubble Bliss"

(Erin) "Love Her Smile" ~ My Creative Sketches!

(Kelly) Artful Delight March Kit reveal!!!

(Erin) "(Me)" OUAS/BITW

(Erin) ScrapFIT Workout #63!!

(Kelly) "My Perfect Pair"

(Erin) "Sleeping Beauty"

We are Guest Desingers today at Keeping the Best!!

(Kelly) "1 Month"

(Erin) "Keep Up!" Scrappin' Patch layout

(Kelly) "19 Months"

(Erin) "Let's Ride"

(Erin) "Smile" Prima February BAP

(Kelly) "Fashionista" Get Picky sketch challenge

Sketch Along Tuesdays 2.21.12...Farewell Frosted Designs!!!

(Erin) "Itasca"

(Kelly) "Getaway" **Plus Blog Hop Giveaway Winner in this post!!!**

(Kelly) My Creative Sketches Challenge

(Kelly) "You Two..." MME Challenge

(Erin) "18 Months" Get Picky Sketch #17!!

(Kelly) Artful Delight Feb. Kit & Creative Scrappers sketch!!

(Erin) "Glow"

(Erin) "Love Your Eyebrows!" STG February 2012

(Kelly) "(Seriously) Cute" Get Creative challenge!!

(Erin) ScrapFIT Workout #62 & Creative Scrappers DT news!

(Erin) "Pushing Ahead"

(Erin) GDT @ Bird is the Word!

(Erin) "Good Book"

Recognition

(Erin) My very first Scrappin' Patch post!

Love Is In The Air Blog Hop At Frosted Designs!!!!!!!

(Erin) "How We Do..."

(Kelly) "Enjoy Nature"

Sketch Along Tuesdays 2.7.12

(Kelly) "Sisters"

Creative Scrappers E-Book!

(Erin) "My Love Story"

(Kelly) "My Love"

(Erin) "Always Be You."

(Kelly) Artful Delight February kit!

(Kelly) "The Sweetest Love"

(Erin) My first post as a FITGirl!!

(Erin) "Dainty Girl"

(Kelly) "My Baby" CSI Case file #4

What I've Learned...

(Kelly) "You, Me, and the Sunshine"

(Erin) "Growing Up"

(Kelly) "Remembering..."

A Couple Wins!

(Kelly) "I Can't Wait!" OUAS entry

Sketch Along Tuesdays 1.24.12

(Erin) "Sweet Heart" STG January Challenge

(Kelly) "Happy"

(Erin) "Perfect" Prima BAP & CSI #3

(Kelly) "Remember this..."

(Kelly) "Sing it Loud" Artful Delight project!

(Erin) CSI "Most Wanted" List!! :)

(Kelly) OUAS TOP 5!!!! And a layout to share :)

Frosted Designs is having a Design Team Call!!!!!

(Erin) "Remember..."

(Kelly) "My Promise"

(Erin) "His Obsession" CSI Challenge #2

Once Upon A...Sketch January 15th Challenge!!

(Kelly) Top 5 @ The Paper Variety!!

(Erin) "Brr!" C'est Magnifique Distressing/Grunge Challenge

(Kelly) "Baby Love" Artful Delight January kit!

(Kelly) "Just Us"

(Erin) "Learn" January Stuck?! Sketch

(Kelly) "Pure Joy"

(Erin) "Timeless" Crafty Sketches January Sketch

7 Dots Studio Giveaway!!

Sketch Along Tuesdays 1.10.12

(Erin) January 123 Challenge

BITW Challenge winners!!

(Erin) Scrappin' Patch 2012 Design Team!!

(Erin) "16 Mos." CSI Challenge #1!!

(Kelly) "There is always Love here"

MANOR HOUSE CREATIONS GIVEAWAY!!

Artful Delight is sponsoring Sketch Inspiration!!

(Kelly) "Getaway" Plus Blog Hop Giveaway Winner in this post!!!