ALSB Before and After

Before These are my blank ALSBed pages made with Crafter Classics Moody Blues collection. Crafter Classics paper collections are available when you host or attend a banquet with an FFC Crafter. I created the ALSB instructions for this set from a combination of my favorite layout recipe cards, other ALSB layouts, and altered combinations of them.

After Some things to keep in mind when looking at these After layouts: The pages have been added to, subtracted from, turned the whole page or just a matte. My theory on ALSB is that it is a spring board for me. I'm not likely to leave them as is. When I add photos I will also add the embellishments and a title that help carry on the theme of the pictures. Somtimes the paper has a theme that matches the photos and sometimes I pick the paper just for the color . CS designs are so artistic and classic that they can blend or stand out depending on how you choose to use the page.

This page I added Cricut cut letters from moody blues light blue, Stratosphere dark blue and fuchsia. Stratosphere tags, stickers, mini brad and ribbons. The tiles are CS but not sure which kit. I ordered them in the GHM! dept. Prima flowers and MM blue button brads. I also inked the edges of some of the paper in RangerAdirondack Denim.

This page I added several mattes to the 5x7 pic and some hinges. (see open page next pic). Not sure who made the hinges, they were a gift. I used some of the left over scraps to add layers. And got alot more pics on this layout. Stamp from CS sampler 07. Stencils from Musical Interlude, and Steppin Out. Tab from Tailored Tabs by Scrapworks. Journaling stencil from Chatterbox. Metal photo corners from MM.

This page I added Cricut letters and traced around them in Slick Writer pen in Denim. I used a tag and brads from Wheel and Sprocket. White paper from Refresh. 06 sticker from Stratosphere. Green letter stickers from Mrs. Grossman. More ink in Ranger Adirondack Denim.

Here's the last of this group. :) White paper, triangle paper clip and fern stencil from Refresh. Stamp, cutout, sticker and brads from Stratosphere. More Ranger Adirondack ink in Denim and Slick Writer marker in Denim.

This is a long post for me, but a great tribute to ALSB. I love this process. I get so much more scrapping done, and with so much more artistry than I can find in any store. TFL

Don't forget you can click on any of these pics to enlarge the view.

File Folder Card

This is my version of a file folder card from instructions on Beate's Splitcoast Stampers Blog. It was sent out last week to my OCAM recipient :) Hope she likes it! So much fun to make this one. I used all Club Scrap Refresh (2/07) papers, beads, embellishments, fibers and stamps. A Prima flower and some MM Twistel. I decided to make two inside cards instead of the one in the tutorial. I sewed the sides with CS nylon beading cord after piercing the holes. I used my corner rounder without the gaurd to make the scallops. The ink is Adirondack in lettuce.


This is a pic of all the pieces pulled apart. I used my craft knife to cut out the leaves of the fern and tuck the paper leaves under them.

I think this card could work well for retirement.

Caardvarks Micro Challenge: Shrimp and Scallops

This is my entry into Caardvarks Micro Challenge. The entry has to have scallops!! I used my Cricut Celebrations to cut the scalloped squares, Fiskars scissors to cut the scallops on the right edge, and scalloped tag from Club Scrap Friendship (4/04) kit. All of the other papers, foam core board, stickers and curly stamp on the shaker box frame are from Club Scrap Chapter One (6/07) kit. Ruler, screws and hammer stamps on the frame are from Club Stamp Workbench (8/05) UM. i & u are Thickers from Club Scrap Bistro (7/07). "LOVE" stamp origin is unknown and embossed with JoAnn Etc. gold embossing powder. Clipboard clip from Karen Foster.

I made this one with a masculine theme for DH. Don't know what occasion to give it to him. Maybe I'll just stick it in his briefcase for no reason :) Thanks again for a wonderful challenge Caardvarks.

Club Stamp Journal Project

This month's Club Stamp Be Still (9/07) project is a handmade, pleated spine journal. It came with amazing 1/4" book boards for the covers, all of the inside pages, paper for the covers, waxed linen and needle. I made my front cover (picture on the left) by following the instructions in the Stamp Rap. It showed how to use a printed transparency and a photo for the shaker box cover. I used the edified felt from Club Scrap Academy (8/07) kit. I printed the picture of flowers from my back yard in black and white on the transparency and also printed it in color on photo paper for the back ground. In the pic it looks like its blurry but IRL it looks like 3D. There are also some random seed beads that you can see in the top right side of the cover. I made a wonderful little book mark to go with my journal (picture on the right) It is a jumbo paper clip from the Club Scrap Be Still (9/07) kit. I attached tags with gold brads and one ribbon holder brad, tied on ribbon and waxed linen, strung beads on the waxed linen and a heart charm, all are from the Be Still embellishment pack, except the gold brads are from the Autumn Splendor (10/04) kit. TFL

I plan to use this journal for my Familia group that just started last week. We have a study guide and read one chapter every 2 weeks and then get together to discuss what we read :) The teachings are based on Pope John Paul II writings. We also review the Gospel readings for the coming sunday. It is a wonderful group for me as I am new to the Catholic faith and this is a great group to ask questions and learn and meet other moms.

Mojo Mondays

I am so thrilled with the way this card turned out. It was such a joy to put together. Of course I had a wonderful sketch to follow from http://www.poeticartistry.blogspot.com/ . I used the Club Scrap Stratosphere (4/07) papers, cut outs and beads. There are also some beads from Club Scrap Bistro (8/07), Refresh (2/07) and some were a gift from a secret sister swap. The "celebrate" sticker is a Jellishment from Doodlebug, spirals are MM wire that I twisted, and silver square stickers are JoAnn Essentials $1.00 bin. Ink is Ranger Adirondak in Slate. I used black foam core board from Club Scrap Chapter One (6/07) and Staples brand transparency to make the shaker box. Thanks again Julee for a great challenge.

Handmade Note Pads

These are some little note pads that I have been making lately. They aren't my original idea, but I came up with my own way to make them from a combination of ideas. I used Club Scrap POPs (pound of paper) , used a 3 hole punch with moveable hole slots, Cuttlebug paper trimmer with the perforator blade ( you could also use the Tonic Mini Perforator and a ruler), Club Scrap Bookbinding adhesive, and JustRite DIY Monogram stamper. These examples don't have covers on them, but I have made some with covers that were made from a single pop with the holes in it and scored at the top instead of perforated. Check back soon for a tutorial on these. There are some other ideas for these posted on the CS Addicts Wiki at http://csaddicts.wetpaint.com/page/Notepads.

Mojo Monday

Ok, yep, it's another card challenge entry. I'm really enjoying these lately. I stumbled on a new challenge site and just had to try their method. You get a sketch to make your card from. These are a little busier than I normally make my cards so I thought I better try and see if I can do it. Of course I had a blast! The site I found is http://www.poeticartistry.blogspot.com/ . The challenge is called MOJO Mondays. I tried this one twice. The first card (at the left) seemed kinda cramped to me (4"x6")so I did another larger(5"x8.5") card (at the bottom). I used mostly Club Scrap To You With Love (2/04) papers. The pink, red, pink printed letters, white translucent, stack of letters sticker, and kraft papers are TYWL. The light grey is from Chapter One (6/07) and the dark grey is CS but not sure which kit. Cream color is from Friendship (4/04). The gold brads are CS from Autumn Splendor (10/04). World map stamp is CS not sure which kit. Twist tie at the bottom of card 2 says "together is a wonderful place to be", it is from Friendship (4/04). Thinking of you" stamp and "My Perfect Day" ribbon slide are from Club Stamp Simply Beautiful (5/07) UM and Club Scrap respectively. Gold embossing powder is JoAnn essentials. Brown ink on card 2 is Rhpasody brown dye ink from CS Rhapsody (3/07). I think that covers most of the details that you can see. I used Glue Dots Glue Lines to hold em all together and my Circle Scissor to make the circles.

My entry for the Caardvarks Micro Mini Card Challenge

I made this cutie for the Caardvarks Micro Mini Card Challenge. I has to be 2.5"x3.5", the size of a standard ATC. I used all Basic Grey papers from the Fusion collection. The plastic stickers are from a lot I won on Ebay. Not sure of their origin. This was a quick, but very fun card to make. DH even said it was cute :)

Sticker Shock!

Here is my entry into the Caardvarks sticker shock card challenge. This card is #9 from the set detailed below. This one I had messed up the bottom front of the red so I just cut it off with my Fiskars scallop scissors and added a blue panel. Paper, brads, and ribbon from Club Scrap Academy (8/07), EK punch, Music note stencil, Just a Note sticker and Art Publication Seal STICKERS from Musical Interlude (12/05). Ink is Adirondack pitch black and black embossing powder from Ranger. OCAM participants, watch the mail, this one is going out as my OCAM this month!

My set of Nathalia's Quick Cards

I followed the wonderful tutorial Quick Cards at http://www.funkyphreshpapierkreations.blogspot.com/

I know I only have 8 of the 9 cards. I totally ruined the 9th card. I'll get frugal with it later. For this set I used Club Scrap Academy (8/07) kits papers, fiber pack, Greetings to go embellishments, stamps and stencil. Also stamps from Mocha Java remix(o7) UM , Bistro (7/07)UM, Chapter One(6/07) UM and greeting WM, Refresh(2/07) UM, Sampler (07)UM. Leaf embellie from Refresh(2/07). Adirondack inks in Espresso, stonewashed, and antique white acrylic dabber. Eyelets from PC winter collections, Thanks to Stacy for letting me know about the sale on those. Royal punch from Tonic, and corner punch from EK. Tonic mini distresser used on paper edges.



When I stamped the medium red and blue cards the ink was not drying quickly, I took it over to my heat gun and decided if I was going to take the time to heat it, might as well emboss it! lol.

I already had my silver JoAnn Etc. Silver powder out so I used it. I did this on the red card where the stencil is and the blue where the city scape stamp is. I love the way they turned out.

For those on my mailing list these are examples of the Greeting card thank you gift in my new incentive program :)

Here is a set of the Quick Cards I made for a Neighbor who brought over a loaf of Chocolate Chocolate Chip bread! I sent her a note that I would have baked her something in return but I'm a terrible cook so I made her paper crafts which I enjoy making.

Paper from : Club Scrap Rhapsody(3/07), Friendship(4/04)

Stamps: Club Scrap Mocha Java Remix (07), Chapter One ((6/07), Academy (8/07), Simply Beautiful (5/07), Rhapsody (3/07), Tiny Treasures (Special Release).

Fibers: Club Scrap : Varisity (6/05) blue ribbon, Friendship (4/04) twist ties , Chapter one (6/07) light blue fiber, and others unknown source.

Brads and photo turns and metallic embellies from Rhapsody (3/07)

Labor of Love Challenge at ClubScrapChat@yahoogroups.com

The rules are:

Your challenge is to create a layout ( one or 2 pages) using at least three different Club Scrap Kits, 3 different embellishments, 3 journaling blocks, 3 photos, and the title must be 3 words.

I used Labor of Love for the title because all of the pictures are of my pregnant bellies while I was in labor and figured it was time for pics cause it wasn't going to get any bigger :)

I used Wheel and Sprocket red and black, Stratosphere dark blue and Chapter one Gray

My 3 embellishments are brads, ribbon, and corner punches.

The 3 jounaling blocks are file folders (Sizzix die file folder) labeled with the years of the my pregnancies in 1994, 1998 and 2006.

My title letters are Cricut Catridge Oppisites Attract and their shadows. I stamped the letters (not the shadows) after I put them on my nonstick craft mat. I then heat embossed them with silver powder. I used Ivory Elegance Club Stamp UMs.

Congrats to Beth Richards on winning this Challenge!!! See all of the entries at ClubSrapChat photo section.

Altered Tape Dispenser

I decided my favorite tape dispenser was looking way too boring so here is what I did!

CS paper and stamps, Adirondack ink and Glimmer mist.

August Stamping Academy Challenge finished page

This page is my finished version of my entry into the August Stamping Academy Challenge at ClubScrapChat . Details for the ingredients on this page are listed below. I used the Club Scrap Academy (8/07) kit papers and embellishments, various stamps (listed below in detail ) with the addition of UM stamps from Refresh (2/07) kit and Slick Writers pens. I added additional layers of photo mattes using left over paper from my frugal scrapping method and journaling is on the "file folders" that are sticking out from under the photos. File folder die from Sizzix.

My Entry In The ClubScrapChat August Stamping Academy Challenge

I am so in love with the shade of blue in the August 2007 Academy kit from Club Scrap. While doing the ALSB I realized I was going to use up all of the blue papers in my kit!! So, when I got to the #7-8 layouts I decided to make a print on the manilla paper instead using the strips of blue suggested in the instructions. The Scrap Rap ink chart recommended Ranger's Adirondak ink in the color Pool. Of course I didn't have that one. I tried Stonewashed and IMO it's a great match when it's on the manilla paper. I pulled out a bunch of stamps that I thought would go well with the kit and here is the "printed" paper that I came up with. I used WM stamps from Club Scrap kits Academy (8/07), Chapter One (6/07), Collections (6/06) , and Science (9/05). I also used UM stamps from Rhapsody (3/07) and Ivory Elegance (12/06). With all of the stamps used in these layouts I decided to enter them in the ClubScrapChat August Stamping Academy Challenge. See next post to view the frugal scrapping methods I used to make the most of these papers.

Frugal Scrapping

The back of one of the Stamping Academy Challenges as seen above. I wanted to get the most out of my papers from this kit because I love it so much. I thought if I take the middle out of the manilla paper where it is covered with the dark brown print I could make 2 photo mattes out of it. And of course I wanted to keep as much of the blue as possible (It's my favorite color) so I trimmed out the middle leaving enough space to attach all of the other pieces to it. This configuration holds up well with Club Scrap's cover stock weight paper. This is the back of the other Stamping Academy Challenge page using the same frugal principals as above. The blue stripe on here is the edge of the blue die cut sheet. I needed something to cover up the adhesive that was exposed.

Flood in Findlay

The rain started Monday night and kept going on and off through Tuesday night and we had a total of 9 inches in 48 hours. The Blanchard river thought that was too much and rose to between 17 and 18 feet. Flood stage is 11 feet. We live about 800 feet from the Blanchard River and supposedly out of the FEMA stated flood zones. Our neighbor who has lived on the end of our street (farthest from the river) for 30 years said she had only once seen the water come halfway up the street. Today it came up to our driveway. We are 3 houses from the far end of the street.

This picutre is from the "dry" end of our street. On the right is Tim's red truck.

This is the view of our house from across the river, um I meant street.

This is on our street, a little closer to the river. The gaurdrail at the end is usually where the next cross street is and that street runs along the river. There is a good 5 foot drop from the gaurdrail to the river, usually. Don't know how many people stayed in the homes down there as it was too deep to drive or walk through to see who was still there. I know some of them brought their cars to the dry end of our road.

This is the neighborhood across the main road from us. The dry end of our street goes to the main road and that road is dry where we are, but is flooded further into town.

The green rectangle in the bottom left side of this picture is a picnic table that usually has grass, a grill and parking lot around it. It is right by the river.

Been Busy

HI, I have been busy planning banquets and crops. Thanks to all of my supporters. Here is some recent work I have done. This first one is a baby shower card I volunteered to make for a friend to give to one of her friends. I used Club Scrap (CS) Chapter One (6/07) kit: papers in grey print and blue plain, fibers from the embellishment pack, stamp set and the stencil with Ranger Adirondak ink in cranberry applied with the Colorbox Stylus, and edged inking in pitch black. I used the Tonic Distresser on the edges of the blue paper. Inside (picture below) I downloaded the font Jailbird Jenna from http://www.dafont.com/ and printed on the grey paper, and I also used the info from CS Scrap Rap color pallette to print the inside text. Inside stamp is pitch black also.

My entry in the ClubScrapChat Pets Challenge

This page is my entry into the ClubScrapChat@yahoogroups.com pets challenge. I used the CS Pets kit for background paper and Kitty face, trimmed the kitty face from one sheet of the printed paper and used 1/8" Magic Matter wheel to trace the kitty face mat onto the olive cardstock and then cut it out. The olive colored cardstock is from Making Memories Kit for boys. I mounted it all on another piece of the printed paper. I used the CS Pets UM stamps for the title/name tag. It looks very plain to me but I cant figure out what else to do with it. Please post in comments with any ideas!

Thanks to Pam and Jill who both sent great ideas on how to better this page. I added blue and rust photo mattes from Club Scrap (3/07) Rhapsody kit to two of the pics and title, inked the edges of the mattes with Ranger Adirondak ink in Espresso, added fibers from Club Scrap (3/07) Rhapsody,(2/07)Refresh , and Making Memories Twistel to the title. The tab on the title is Scrapworks tailored tabs in Alpine.

Last day of school

Today was the last day of school for the '60-'07 school year. The kids were in good spirits, lol. We had school mass , lunch on the lawn ,and then took the kids home. It was terrible hot today, but there was a great wind and eventually a storm that cooled everything down. We left to go home shortly before the rain. Ah, the lovely faces of a 13 y.o. boy. I just wanted a pic to commemorate the last day of school. I had left my camera in a pew after mass and then spent most of the lunch time looking through the diaper bag for it. When I did get the camera back we were leaving and this was the best pic I could get of Nate before my battery died. I'm glad it's a pic that will always make me smile :)Kayla and Elizabeth gave me great smiles for this last day of school shot. Check out those rosey red cheeks. A testament to how warm a day it was.

Happy Birthday to Nate and Elizabeth

Nate and his friend Devoun playing video games at the movie theatre where we had his 13th birthday party. We had cookie cake, pizza, soda, popcorn and candy!!!! Whoa!

BTW, Kayla took all of these snapshots. I love her point of view. It's a fresh perspective compared to my "everyone look at the camera" shots.

Ok, so I just figured out how to do photo collage! But they are awesome looking and I get to show alot more of the great photo shots we have. You can click on the pics for a closer look. Elizabeth had a great time at her 1st birthday. Tons of people to pay attention to her, new toys, new clothes and sweets! She was saying "wow, wow" at all of the clothes as we pulled them out of the gift bags to show her :) HOw fun to have a baby again.

Just some more pics of the boys at Nate's birthday party!

And the infamous first cake pictures. At first Elizabeth threw her cupcake on the floor. I had to put a taste of the frosting on my finger and make her taste it. Then she proceeded to eat and make a mess .