Thanksgiving RAK

When my son and first born was 3 years old, we made a harvest color chain and wrote on each strip all the things we were thankful for. We making great memories while having grateful hearts. The reason I remember it so well, is because my mother-in-law, pulls it out every year and hangs it up with her decor. It's the cutest thing and it warms my heart!

I want to reflect on some things that I'm thankful for today as I write this post. First, a few scrappy things to share. These two cards, I'm extremely thankful to say, were picked up by Scrapbook Trends and are in the current November issue that came out last month.





















Have you had a chance to see this issue yet? I haven't seen it irl yet. Anxious to get my hands on a copy though! This first card is full of some of my favorite products and I just loved the way it turned out.























I love thanksgiving and I read the greatest quote about it today.

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." - W.J. Cameron

I'm so thankful for my Pastor, husband and best friend who I trust, honor and love with all my heart.

I'm so thankful for my three precious babies who growing into independant thinkers that love the Jesus. That warms my heart.

I'm so thankful for the rich heritage on both sides of family. What a blessing to be raised by such Godly people.

I'm so thankful for my immediate and extended family who put up with all my shortcomings and love me anyway.

I'm truly, truly so thankful for a roof over my head and for the warmth I feel each night when I go to sleep.

Most of all, I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior who continues to amaze me with His unconditional love, grace and mercy.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 says "Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Ya know, when I reflect on my life, I realize I've had it pretty easy. I've never lost a best friend, child or immediate family member. I've never had a huge, life altering experience. Some times I wonder if an enormous trial came along my path, would I be able to handle it and give thanks in all things? Ah....but then I'm reminded. That is what is so cool about God. It is at that time in our weakness that He becomes our strength and gives us the grace to handle whatever it is that comes our way. Phew. Such wonderful reassurance and just one more thing to be grateful about.

My list could go and on and on. I'm sure yours could to. There's many things to be thankful about. Right now, I'm thankful for my blog readers and to thank you, I want to offer another give-away. I truly do appreciate each and every one of you. I love it when you post comments but even when you don't, I'm thankful that I've been able to be an inspiration to you.

Here is what I would like to offer for this Thanksgiving RAK. It will be open until next Friday, Dec. 4th, midnight PST.
















May the Lord richly bless you and yours this Thanksgiving Holiday.

Nutcracker excitement builds!!

Supplies: Spellbinders™S4-23 Labels Nine Nestabilities Die, S4-235 Fancy Tags, Pattern Paper: (Shocking Pink) Robin’s Nest, Girl Friday (Saturday) Cosmo Cricket, Pearls: Creative Impressions, Big Pink Brads: Creative Impressions, Robin’s Egg Mesh: Magic Mesh
Grunge Board flower: Tim Holtz, Color Box Yellow Cadmium Chalk Ink: Clearsnap, Stickers: Pink Paislee,American Crafts,

We are anticipating and gearing up for the Nutcracker once again this year. Those lil' 4 and 5 year olds are just too cute! Here is a layout I created for Spellbinders, of my sweetie getting ready last year. She loved every minute of it.

I'm off to work. Have a fabulous day! Thanks for stopping by.

Vintage Flower Tutorial

Supplies: Spellbinders™S7-014 Classic Lace Border Grand die and Spellbinders™ S4-230 Labels Six die, Webster's Pages Pattern Paper, Pink Paislee Alphabets, Prima flower and crystals, Clearsnap chalk Ink, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Zip Dry adhesive

Some of you asked for a tutorial on the flower that I made. Again, this is from another blog that I read and I apologize that I don't remember which blog it was. I'm assuming there are many out there.















1) Cut a 1/2 inch x 12 inch strip of paper (pattern or solid.) I used scraps so my paper wasn't quite 12 inches which just makes the flower a bit smaller.















2) Twist the strips of paper so they are all ready to lay down.















3) Using a hot glue gun or zip dry, place glue in a circular pattern creating the swirl for your flower on to a piece of scrap cardstock. Immediately begin pressing the twisted strips from the inside out. Once the first one is one, begin the second one. This can be a sticky mess and you may want some wax paper near by or something that will help you press it down without getting all sticky.















4) Place some wax paper or the back of an adhesive sheet over the flower and place something heavy on it to let it dry for awhile (30 min. or so.) Then you are ready to make it sparkle with your favorite glimmer mist or Maya Mist. Place the flower in your sink or in a shallow cardboard box and spray a mix of glimmer mist or Maya Mist to coordinate with the color of your project.
















5) Once that is dry, cut around the flower on the cardstock that you used so that just the flower is showing.
















6) Add a flower center (bling, pearl, button ect.) and ahdhere some lacy trim to the back. My example here has too much trim in my opinion. Now, you are ready to add it to your project!
















This flower was created for this layout and you can see this post to see what it looks like on a card.

Ya, kind of a lot of work for a flower. But, if you love that ol' vintage, distressed look and don't want to constantly be purchasing them, then it's definitely worth it!

I've always loved the look of real simple, clean layouts but I've never been able to pull them off real well. This weekend, I took a part in a challenge to complete a layout in 30 min. I couldn't believe I did it! So, although this is not my most favorite layout ever, I wanted to share it because I think the photos make up for its cuteness!





















Speaking of cuteness and Max. Time for an update. Now that he is done with his vaccines, we were able to take him to the beach yesterday.





































In the morning while the kids were at school, just A and I went. You can imagine how well that went over with the kids! So, we caved...and took him for a second time later that day, with the kids! It started out a gorgeous sunny day with no wind. Perfect. You know that I have 300+ photos. I'll try not to go photo crazy on ya here! LOL

Twice to the beach in one day. Now, that's one spoiled dog!








I think we wore him out!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'll be posting a Thanksgiving Day Rak on Thursday (it will be time released of coures....Thursday will be purely family time for me! LOL) Hope you enjoyed the tutorial. Have a fabulous week!

So Thankful

Supplies: Spellbinders™ Label Three Die, Pattern Paper - Webster's Pages, Stickers - Pink Paislee.

Today is our dedication Sunday our new building. I'm so thankful for all the people who worked so hard to make that happen. Bless you!! And of course, thankful to God for His goodness to us.

It's handmade!

Handmade gifts can be so special and appreciated. I think I'll be putting together a few of those this year. I created an ornament yesterday from some Webster's Pages paper and chipboard.


















The next holiday crafted item I wanted to share was created using my Spellbinders™ supplies and Melissa Frances Papers.

Recognize this lil' guy? I have to say, this place card idea using the clip is a direct 'lift' from my fellow Spellbinders™ Design Team member, Christy Farneth Kerr She had created the most adorable ones when we went on or Design Retreat back in April. I decided to apply the same concept for a Thanksgiving setting and created my own napkin ring to go with it.


















Supplies: Dies – Spellbinders™ Paper Arts: Standard Circles LG (S4-114), Classic Scalloped Circles LG (S4-124), Flower Creations (S4-072)Pattern Paper – Melissa Francis, Cardstock – American Crafts, Stickers – Pink Paislee, Clip – Staples, Bling – Creative Impressions

If you want some serious table setting inspiration you should check out this video that is on the Teri O. show. Karen Taylor, another friend and fellow Spellbinder™ DT member created this design. Unbelievable!!!!!!!

http://www.terriocraftprojects.com/download_archive1.php?aid=167

Okay, now I have to share a bit of sweet, family happenings. It's the cutest thing. Last night when I was tucking in the girls, they asked if they could wake up in the morning and take a shower. Then they wanted to get all dressed up 'lovely,' do their hair and get some jewelry on. Then they wanted to go on a date to someone special. I said with 'who?' LOL So, they are off on a special date right now with their Daddy. I tried to explain to them that this is the first day in...FOREVER that we didn't have to rush off to school, soccer, church...ect. And they could just relax in the morning and maybe go at...lunch time?? Nope. They were showered, dolled up and ready to go before 7:45!!! My girls are growin' up. YIKES!

Blessings on your weekend!

Spellbinders Christmas Tag Tin

I know that I'm totally late posting this but I have to share the news that they are featuring my layout on Scrapbook and Cards Today Magazine Blog they had such sweet words to say about it! And thanks to everyone who made a kind comment on their site as well. It truly is one of my most cherished layouts. It makes me smile when I see it thankful that I scrap my photos.

Are you ready for Christmas? I'm just getting geared up and super excited!! Everyone seems to be watching their pennies these days and I wanted to share a project with you that I created for Spellbinders™ that is easy to create and I think would make a great gift.























Supplies: Spellbinders™ S5-019 Labels Eight; S5-018 Poinsettia Frame; S4-225 Holiday Cheer; S4-224 Snowflake Border Petite, Pink Paislee pattern paper; Taylored Expressions, Bling; Clearsnap, Colorbox Chestnut Roan Fluid Chalk Ink and Silver Fox Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink; Creative Imaginations, Pink Ribbon; Hero Arts, Stamp; Cosmo Cricket, Rub-On

I just started out with a Maya Road tin and added some yummy Pink Paislee pattern paper and embellished with all the Spellbinders™ die templates.

Everyone needs tags for their Christmas presents, right?

A flower tutorial and give-away will be coming soon. Did you know that you can have a partial feed of any blogs that you follow on your blog? That way, you can see what's going on right here without even leaving your own blog! I think that's so cool! I'm learning more and more everyday. LOL

I pray your day is blessed! Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Fall!!

It's been awhile! We've been hosting family and having fun learning a new favorite game. Rook. Any Rook lovers out there? A few more years and everyone in the family, including our youngest, will be able to play together. That will be fun.

I've been so excited to share a 'Fall' card that I put together for Spellbinders. I used my new fave Spellbinders Fancy Tags (of course!) and Pink Paislee 'Amber Road' pattern paper and I just LOVE the way it turned out!






















Supplies: Spellbinders™ S4-233 Labels Nine; S4-235 Fancy Tags; S4-114 Standard Circles LG, Clearsnap, Colorbox Chestnut Roan Fluid Chalk Ink; The Paper Company, Gold Shimmer Cardstock; Hero Arts, 'Happy Sentiment' Everday Sayings Clear Stamp; SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L, Craft & Photo Tape; Copic, E35 Sketch Marker and Air Brush System

I created the design behind the embossed circle by cutting and embossing several Fancy Tags in half and laying them down to form a circle. Who said you have to use tags for...tags, right?

I have some more exciting news. Scrapbook and Cards Today Magazine contacted me and asked if they could feature one of my layouts on their blog this Thursday!! If you're reading this and it's Thursday, check it out! It's one of my favorite layouts ever. If you're reading this and it's Wed. check it out anyway! LOL They have some great stuff on their from Kimber today. And, don't forget to check back tomorrow so see one super duper smiley kid!!

I also wanted to thank you blog readers for your sweet comments! I do read them, for sure! Several of you were asking about a tutorial on the flower I did in the last post. I'm going to try and do that some time this week. They are super fun and easy.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!

hello.

Supplies:
Pattern Paper - Webster's Pages, Hambly, Alphabet Stickers - American Crafts (Nutmeg,) Glimmer Mist - Tattered Angles, Crystals - Prima Marketing, Ink - Clearsnap (colorbox,) adhesive - zip dry, trim- misc.

Just wanted to share a fun card I made. I'm getting totally addicted to my glimmer mist! Wow, I love that stuff. Prima Marketing has come out with so many divine flowers, I thought I'd try and make some 'look alikes.' I didn't come up with this technique myself. I wish I remembered where I read about it. Somewhere blog hoppin'!

I'm waiting for a few boxes (from 3 different companies to be exact) and then crunch time will really happen! I'm hoping to get as much done before the holiday season as possible.

My sweet 2nd graders teacher came down with the swine flu yesterday. So, I'll be in her class this week. Just when I thought things might slow down a bit!! Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to be able to teach in my daughter's class. What a blessing! I just hope and pray he gets over it soon and that it hasn't spread to anyone else.

Although this doesn't quite look like a poppy on my card, I can't help but to remember today about growing up and receiving a 'Poppy' flower to pin on my shirt on Nov. 11th. That was the way we 'remembered' those who have served up in Canada. And we also drew a poster about the poem 'In Flanders Fields.' I'm still so grateful for the many soldiers who have fought and are fighting on our behalf.

God Bless all our faithful veterans!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Spellbinders Love Notes Box

Over on the Spellbinders™ Paper Arts page, their are new pieces of art for some great inspiration. One of them is mine so I can now share it with my blog readers. It's no secret that the new Spellbinders Shapabilities® dies called 'Fancy Tags' is one of my new favorites. I used this one of the tags on this project as well. I also used the masking technique that I mentioned a few posts back.

My sweeties are always surprising me with the most heartfelt 'notes' that they have written. I truly want to cherish them, so I created a box to keep them in.

















Supplies: Spellbinders™ S4-235 Fancy Tags; S4-216 Kaleidoscope Border Petite; S4-137 Classic Scalloped Heart; S5-019 Labels Eight; S4-192 Blossom; S4-016 Timeless Heritage, Pattern Paper - My Mind's Eye, Penny Lane Tiny Dancer Chase, Jazz Paper; Brad - 7gypsies; Opaque Shell Pink Glitter - Sparkle N Sprinkle; Ribbon - Creative Impressions; SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L, 3D Foam Squares; Flower Soft - Polar White



















Thank you so much for your prayers and comments regarding Kasey. Arte is visiting him again today. He will be having several more surgeries today so please continue to pray for him and his family.

Thanks for stopping by. I pray you have an awesome Monday!

Every day is precious.

I was reminded of this yesterday when I received this shocking news about a friend and young family in our church. This is the news we heard:

Last night Kasey Deckard was hit head-on by a drunk driver in South Beach. He was seriously injured and life-flighted to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. He was listed in critical condition this morning with both legs broken, one arm broken, a broken pelvis, major internal injuries and a ruptured spleen. He went in for surgery this morning, and our latest information is that he has been stabilized and it looks as if he will survive. Please be praying for the Lord's continued healing of Casey, wisdom and guidance for the doctors and medical staff, comfort and encouragement for his wife, Kelley, and a deep sense of God's loving care over them all.

My heart aches for this family. I know and believe that God will give them the strength to make it through this. Please pray with me for this family.

Thank you so much.

Are you in need of some fall inspiration??

Although I wasn't able to work with any of any of the new release picks that Prima highlighted on their blog this month, I did complete a layout with some of my fave Prima products and some of that gorgeous canary yellow. Check out my fashion model!!























Supplies:
Spellbinders™ S4-235 Fancy Tags; S4-123 Flying Beauties; S4 -232 Blossoms Two (#3,#4); S4 – 198 Flourish Accent; S5 – 004 Sunflower Garden; Clearsnap Yellow Cadmium; Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink; Clearsnap Chestnut Roan Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink; Chatterbox Yellow Fabulous Ribbon Butterfly ribbon; Chatterbox Teal Fabulous Chipboard Chipboard; Tattered Angels Coffee Shop Glimmer Mist Glimmer Mist; Chatterbox teal Fabulous Glitter Pattern Paper; American Crafts Brown Thickers (Nutmeg) stickers; American Crafts Green Thickers (Delight) stickers; Jenni Bowlin Studio Brown Reverse Brown stickers; Prima Marketing Teal Flutter Vine Vine; Making Memories Blue Noteworthy (Audrey Polkadot Strip)Pattern Paper; GCD Studios Yellow Cantando Collection Pattern Paper; Bazzill Brown Cardstock; Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink Ink

















Is she not the sweetest thing evah?? You can click on the image for those of you (relatives...hee hee) that want to get a better look at her priceless expressions!

See that 'Fancy Tag' that is yellow?? This is one of my very favorite, new Spellbinders Shapeabilities® Die Templates. LOVE it!

I know, I know. This is not actually a fall layout and as much as I hope it inspired you, I was actually refering to the fall inspiration that you can find on the Prima Marketing blog when I wrote my title for this post. When I saw this gorgeous color scheme full of goodies...**gasp** **swoon**...I, for one, was completely inspired! And although I was able to get any of these exact picks, I do think I was able to create a pretty fun page.

I LOVE the colors of fall. We don't see them so much on the coast which is why I find every reason possible to go on a trip. LOL The drive into the valley is just absolutely breath taking and I'm in awe of our Creator every single time.















Tropics Paper-840976
New Alpha Letter Stickers in Orange and Yellow-531096, 531102

Trellis Roses in Orange and Yellow-533144, 533151

Jewel Box Butterflies-532376
Say It In Pearl Centers-530679
Sultan Centers in Autumn Gold-535094
Gypsy Petals in Burnt Orange and Goldenrod-531621
Donna Downey Wildflower Iron-On-920234
Country Elegance Hydrangeas in Orange-533465

Parlor Petals in Sunflower Yellow-534423
Crystal/Pearl swirl in Burgundy-530471
Gossamer Wings in Dark Orange-533953
Medicci Flowers in Orange-532949



Although I can't share it at this point, I created a fun layout of Ashley as well, using some photos that I took a while back that I just LOVE of her.












































Hmmm...wouldn't some of those picks look good with these series of photos that I have?

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have fabulous Wednesday!

Gina K. Designs October Release Party

After drooling over some the stamps released during the party at SCS, I decided to join in on the challenge. Here is one of the cards I came up with.














Supplies: Spellbinders™ S4-114 Standard Circles LG, S4-124 CLassic Scalloped Circles LG, Pattern Paper - Pink Paislee, Chipboard - Pink Paislee, Stamp - Justrite Stamps, Markers - Copic (Frost Blue: B00, Chamois: E35, Rose Red: R85, Pea Green: YG63)

Thanks for checking it out! Blessings on your day.