"Bright" 2010 resolution

As much as I wanted to avoid the term "resolutions" this January, I find them creeping into my scrapbooking...the term just fits.  Oh, well.  Just go with it.  (That's part of my OLW exercise but the explanation is for another layout...)

So have I told you that I'm so excited to be part of the new Design Dollies DT?  It's such a fun concept - there are 3 different challenges each week - a color, elements, and sketch challenge.  Come on over to check us out!  This week I was assigned the color challenge (see my layout here).  I just loved the element and sketch challenges too but hadn't had a chance to play along in time to post on the Dollies site - so I'm just going ahead and making them for myself anyway!

So, here's why I'm talking about resolutions.  The elements challenge is to use any derivation of the word resolution.   And I sooooo couldn't pass up the sketch challenge because I loved the "really, really long title", LOL!

Here's my really, really long titled resolution layout(or one of them for 2010 at least):

I am married to the most wonderful man who loves his family and works hard for us and I've not been a very good wife the last couple years.  I feel like I've just sort of been "phoning it in".   I resolve to step up and be more of the partner he deserves.  (Oversharing?)

Don't you just LOVE the yummy BRIGHT colors of this layout??  The papers, Thickers, and Humania people clips are from the January Torendi "Bright" kit!!!!  

This kit includes:


3 pieces of American Crafts Cardstock
2 12x12 sheets of American Crafts Teen - Class President Patterned Paper
2 12x12 sheets of American Crafts Teen - Drivers Ed Patterned Paper
1 package American Crafts DayDream Foam Thickers
2 Stamps from the Shinzi Katoh NY Stamp Set - Taxi and Statue
2 Rolls American Crafts Allure Ribbon
4 Humania "people" clips
2 sweetheart brads
 

I've stamped the Thickers with a calendar-like stamp from the {ippity} set Life's Little Moments.  (Check out that and the other {ippity} stamp sets I have available for sale HERE.) 

 

How key-yute are those Humania people clips??   Just had to have them holding hands!

And, of course, a layout just isn't a layout without the tangy zip of machine stitching:

Come on over to the Design Dollies site to play along with us!  The color challenge is due Sunday, the elements Monday, and the sketch Wednesday.  OR you can make the trifecta on one layout which would be due Sunday.

And make sure you grab one of those Torendi Bright kits before they're all snapped up.  Stay tuned all month for more projects made with the kit. 

Hope you're having a great Friday and the weekend outlook is "bright".

Heidi

Details:  Paper, Thickers, & Humania people clips - Torendi Bright Kit; {ippity} stamp set "Life's Little Moments"; StazOn ink; Dymo label machine; thread. 

p.s.  On a sad note, Brianna has made the difficult decision to close down the Spunky Scrappers site.  I really enjoyed being on her Design Team.  Brianna came up with the greatest, fun prompts and the DT made some of my fave layouts I've seen in the past few months.  I will miss the team and the site.  I wish Brianna the best of luck in all her future endeavors and hope to run across her in the blogosphere often! 

Bucket List

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  My kids had one heck of a great time. 

But, as much fun as Christmas was I'm relieved to kiss the stress of the last couple weeks goodbye.  Looking forward to the new year.  2010!  Wow.  Of course, this time of year always begs musings and ponderings about life.  Which brings me to this week's Spunky Scrappers prompt:

Yep, the prompt is to make a bucket list, a list of things you want to do before you die. 

I realized while making my list that there aren't a lot of crazy, daring things on my list.  But I think that's because I don't feel I need to make some death-defying grand gesture to make my life feel complete.  I think that's a good thing, right? 

I didn't count how many items I managed to include.  I basically just started writing.  But I feel like I've got a pretty good list going.  I'm really liking this layout, despite its lack of embellishments.  It's basically paper, pen, and stitching.  Lots of stitching.  It's hard to see on the darker paper just how much stitching there is but just look at the back of the paper:

Hilarious, eh?

So anyway, what's on YOUR bucket list.  Show us.  Join in on the fun on Spunky Scrappers.

Have a great Monday!

Heidi

Details:  Basic Grey paper, Zig Millennium pen, thread.

What Inspires Me?

This week on Spunky Scrappers the prompt is "what inspires you".  (Brianna, I apologize for posting a bit early.) 

I found this topic a bit intimidating but used the prompt over on Dreamgirls to help me out a bit: "List It!"...make a top 10 list.  OK, then, 10 things that inspire me it is!!

I had a lot of fun making this layout.  It's an amalgam of all the different things that inspire me. 

So, let's see:  1) "Them" - my family.  2) Sketches. (Bet you can't guess which sketches inspire me the most, LOL.)  3)  Texture - and I tried to add a TON of texture to this layout.  I really like a touchy-feely element to my layouts.  I want you to want to touch the layout, although heaven help you if you actually TRIED to touch one of my layouts, LOL.  The brads that say "texture", some fun, tactile trims, a soft, wispy feather, the bottom edge is heat embossed with rough silver embossing powder, curled and wrinkled masking tape, plus lots of other dimension throughout.   4)  My doodled, zebra stripe flourish says, "Let my mind wander..."  I swear my most favorite layouts and cards were all born either in those few minutes right before you drift off to sleep or in the shower. 

5)  Scrap crap - I often design a whole layout or card around a papercrafting element that caught my eye...patterned paper, a pretty flower or rhinestone flourish, ribbon, a stamp, etc.  6) STRESS - it's stamped several times on the clear acrylic clock face (another Dreamgirls challenge requirement - a clear element).  I've come to realize that no matter how much notice I have on my DT stuff, I'll always end up leaving it until the very last moment.  But it's sometimes that stress that frees my creativity.  I just go with the flow instead of agonizing over every little detail.

7) Popular culture, such as music lyrics or current fashions or even good ol' Miss Barbie herself, the epitome of current trends.  8)  Words - a quote, a prompt, a title, you get the picture. 

9)  Color!  Color plays a big part in my layouts.  It sets the mood on the layout and sets MY mood for how I approach making it.  If I'm not "feeling" the color combo, I have a very hard time working with it.  It blocks me, so to speak.  And, yes, these are real crayons.  Luckily they're not any thicker than some "normal" scrap elements so they shouldn't do too bad in the scrapbook itself. 

And, finally, #10 which is probably the most employed element of inspiration for me:  "...but mostly I just throw something at the paper and see what sticks."  (This is just killing me, too.  I meant to say "stuff" instead of "something" but under the influence of restless children the mind acts like a text messenging program sometimes and annoyingly fills in a word before you know what happened.)  This is represented by the hot pink paint splat, which was one of the first elements thrown down on this entire layout.  I am so jealous of those people (you know who YOU are :):):):):):):):):) ) who can instantly envision what their layout will look like, grab all the appropriate products, and get it all put together in under an hour.  That just doesn't happen for me!  I start with an idea and as I'm building the layout I grab items I think will work.  Probably 75% of them don't actually make it on the final layout.  (And 50% of those lately haven't made it back to their homes, either...my scrap area is a MESS!)  

You'll notice a bunch of different fonts on this layout, too.  A) THAT is so me, too, and B) that's the third element in the Dreamgirls challenge.

So, there you have it.  What inspires me.  And, yes, the layout is a giant mess of stuff but then again...that's so me. 

Jump on over to the Spunky site to show us what inspires you.  While you're there, take a look at what the team made for your inspiration. 

Have a great Monday!

Heidi

Spunky Scrappers "Thankful"

Happy Monday!

This week's prompt on Spunky Scrappers is to scrap what you're thankful for - BUT you can't use the word "thankful" in the title.

I'm thankful for my two little ankle-biters.

OK, yes, technically this is an Easter layout, but it works for this prompt!  I didn't use "thankful", LOL! 

This is a sketch from one of The Studio's charity:water challenges last weekend.  It's made by Scrapbook Calls magazine for Anam Stubbington:

Details:  Paper - DCWV, The Paper Co.; Basic Grey cardstock alpha & trim; SEI buttons; Dymo labeler.

Head on over to the Spunky Scrappers site to see what other members of the Design Team made.  

And check out our NEW MEMBERS of the Design Team!!!  Woohoo!  What a great expanded team! 

Aaaaand, we also have a Spunky blog now!  AND flikr site for YOU to PLAY ALONG WITH US!!!  Aw, come on!  Come play along.  :o)

On another note...do "little things" ever get you just all riled up and you have a hard time moving past them?   I'm just so irritated right now about a message someone wrote on my wall on a ning site that I'm a member.  Someone I don't know.  It said, "Thanks for being a jerk in that chat room."  I've not been on that site's chat room, EVER, nor have I been in a chat room anywhere in ages.  I know that shouldn't bother me, right?  But it just does.  Which irritates me more. 

OK, well, there's my rant for the day.  Grrrrrr.

Here's looking forward to a better rest-of-the-day.

:o)

Heidi

Set Your Dreams Free

Happy Monday to you all! 

This week's prompt over on Spunky Scrappers is "free". 

Details:  DCWV paper; KI Memories "bubbles; unknown typewriter key brads; thread.

Head on over to the Spunky sight to see how the rest of the Design Team interpreted the prompt.  We also have a Guest Design Team member this time!!

I'd love to see you play along!

Have a great Monday!

Heidi

Splatter Play & Crazy N R G

Happy Monday!! 

It's that time for your weekly color and spunky prompt inspiration!

SPLATTER PLAY

We have a fun color combo for you this week on SPCC:

This reminded me of the sign in our playroom that the kids splatter painted a while back:

I was going for a splatter effect with the buttons but I don't think I succeeded.  Oh, well. 

Come, PLAY along with us this week on SPCC.  You can create anything your heart desires:  a layout, card, 3D item, anything the colors inspire you to make. 

And guess who's back to sponsor this week's prize??!!  iCopic!!!!!!!

Look what's up for grabs:

That's a pack of Multiliner Copic Pens and some Copic paper!!!  YUM!

Hook yourself up to Mr. Linky on THIS POST for your chance to win!!

Details:  Buttons - Stampin' Up!, SEI, unknown; The Paper Company paper; Zig Millennium pen.

CRAZY N R G

For your prompt inspiration this week on Spunky Scrappers we have "Random Thoughts". 

Doesn't that remind you of Jack Handy's Deep Thoughts from SNL??  LOL!

So my random thought is WHY is it that the more tired kids are the crazier and more energetic they become??

So, I was thinking about one of those Super Bouncy Balls when I made this because that's exactly what my kids resemble when they're tired.  The literally bounce off the walls.  (Yeah, tired also equals diminished sense of size so that they often misjudge the size of door-and hallways.  LOL.)

Another I-had-this-odd-sized-piece-of-paper-so-I-just-thought-I'd-go-with-it layout.  I even used the top of the paper where it attaches to the paper pad that is meant to be cut off because I love the contrast of the white expanse next to the unfinished edge of the pattern and because I knew just what to do with the hanger hole. 

The idea for the scribbled edge frame around the picture comes from a layout by our Sketchy Thursdays November Guest Designer Jennifer Campbell.  Unfortunately, I can't link you direct to the inspiration layout because it won't be revealed until this Thursday BUT be sure to check out her blog to enjoy her wonderful talent!

I liked the way it looked with the end of the string sort of petering out at the end, just like the kids eventually and thankfully do at the end of the night. 

Did you know Spunky Scrappers is in the midst of changing from a Ning sight to a Blogspot blog?!!  Woohoo!!  Come on over and check us out!!  No more signing up.  Just follow us!!  It's going to be just that much easier to join in on the weekly prompt fun.

Details:  We R Memory Keepers paper; DMC floss; Brads - Stampin' Up!, Karen Foster.

Hope you are having an awesome Monday!

Heidi

Not Always So Sweet

The prompt this week over on Spunky Scrappers is Things Only a Mother Could Love.  The timing of this prompt was serendipitous because I'd just come across a picture of my daughter that I knew I wanted to scrap but I didn't have a "direction" for it yet.

April 2011 issue

Take a closer look at the actual picture...

That was a common pose whilst around my daughter in her first few months of life.  That girl was STINKY with a capital STINKY!!  I mean it was foul.  It was embarrassing.  It was so much worse than normal baby stink.  But it was hilarious!!!  We were choking trying to shield our noses from the assault while laughing hysterically.  And let me tell you, that girl is still the gassiest little thing, too!  I'm just waiting for the day she burps her ABCs.  LOL!

So, I hadn't done a sweet, "girly" layout in a while and thought it was perfect for this one.  Lots of fun with floss and buttons.

I have a huge supply of buttons that I rarely use. 

Details - DCWV paper; K&Company chipboard alpha; DMC floss; unknown buttons.

Be sure to jump on over to the Spunky Scrappers site to check out what the fabulous and talented ladies on the Design Team made for your inspiration.  You will not be disappointed!! 

And, did you know there's a Design Team Call going on at this very moment??!!  We're looking to add 4 to 6 more team members and a couple sketch artists!!  So, if you think you're a Spunky Scrapper, you have until the end of the week to submit your name, blogsite, and 3 layouts to creativedesignsbybrianna@gmail.com. 

Spunky Scrappers is also in the midst of changing from a ning to a blogspot site!!!!  Such exciting changes going on!! 

Hope you had a great Monday and are on to a great week!

Heidi

My Treat

Hidy Ho Neighbors!

This week on Spunky Scrappers the prompt is Tricks or Treats.  I went the treats route with an ode to one of my fave treats, the Mother's Iced Lemondade cookie.

Doesn't that almost look like a bag of cookies??  I did cut my bag apart to use on this.  Oh, gee, darn, just had to finish off the bag to make this.  Oh, well!!  LOL. 

This is the top of the bag which I stitched to the layout.  The backgroud paper, btw, is an 8x8 DCWV stack paper.  I fussy cut the "most beautiful" words and flowers so I could tuck part of the cookies picture behind it. 

Aren't these little typewriter key letters cute?  They were a RAK from the lovely Miss Monica over on Memories Always-Forever!!!  LOVE THEM!!  Thanks, Mon!

Pop on over to Spunky Scrappers to see what other design team members made for this prompt for your inspiration. 

And, exciting news happening on Spunky Scrappers!!  Brianna is taking the site from a ning to a blogspot so it'll be much easier for people to participate and enjoy all the fun, spunky prompts Brianna brings you every week. 

AAAAANNNNNDDDDD, to make Spunky Scrappers just THAT much more fun and inspiring, Brianna is adding 4 to 6 more scrappers to the design team!!!  Check out her call on the Spunky main page. 

Hope you are having a great Tuesday!! 

Be sure to check back in here later today for my Torendi Round 3 entry.  THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who voted for me to keep me in the running!!!  Round 3 is the last round and at the end, only the top 2 vote getters will make the design team. 

- Heidi

Little Piggies and Mommy's Little Pole Dancer & Drag Queen

Hey all! 

First, I want to thank everyone for supporting me and voting for me in the first round of the Torendi Challenge!  I've made it through to round #2!!!  I have made the cutest (IMHO) card and can't wait to reveal it for you later tonight!!  I just need to survive this week and next!!! 

On to today's business...

It's Monday (OK, so it's Tuesday...I'm a day late!!) so it's time for your next installments of SPCC and Spunky Scrappers.

LITTLE PIGGIES

This week's SPCC Color Combo:

At first glance this one brought to mind fall for me.  But this week's color combo had a twist...we also needed to use our sponsor's product on the layout. 

DRS Designs, a rubber stamps and more vendor, sponsored this week's color combo and they generously provided each SP Diva with free stamps to use on our projects!! 

One of the stamps I chose was the cutest little piggie sooooo that made me immediately want to scrap some pics of my kids playing in the rain on a warm summer day. 

You can see the progression of "piggieness" in the pics from top to bottom.  Note how my son's underwear went from white with a blue design to dark brown!!! LOL!!  I didn't mind...they had a blast and they didn't ruin anything that wasn't either washable or replaceable!  I think they were most surprised that mommy allowed them to do this!!! 

I splashed some "mud" (watered down brown paint) on the flower the title piggies are dancing on, as well as on all the piggies to make it look like they were playing in the mud. 

I colored the two chipboard elements, the flower and the flourish, by taking Stampin' Up! ink pads directly to the chipboard and rubbing it all over until they were completely covered.  Then I covered each with Crackle Medium to give them shine and a cracked finished (like dried mud). 

Can't forget to note that the design of this layout is an early Sketchy Thursdays sketch...one of my faves!!

Head on over to the SPCC site to check out the inspiration from the rest of the SP Divas. 

DRS Designs is offering this week's winner a $15 gift certificate to use in their online store!!  They have some seriously cute stamps so you are really going to want to get in on this action!! 

Details:  Paper - DCWV, Stampin' Up!; DRS Designs stamp; Ink - StazOn, Stampin' Up!; Chipboard - Fancy Pants, Stampin' Up!; Ranger Crackle Medium; American Craft white pen; Stampin' Up! marker; Zig Millennium pen; Making Memories felt alpha stickers, paint; Stampin' Up! ribbon.


FUTURE JOBS LIST (not!)

Monday is also time for a new Spunky Scrappers prompt!  This week's prompt - Top 10 Lists. 

OK, so I didn't go for a "traditional" Top 10 list...this is more a Top 10 in Hell List:

See, I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to scrap this particular picture for a while now.  It's so funny.  It's like the picture you never want to see of your kids when they're older and understand what they're wearing/doing.  (AGAIN with the incredibly embarrassing pics!!  Poor kids!  But remember, sometimes mommy laughs AT you.  I just can't help it!!)  I always thought the title would be something to the effect of "Mommy's Little Pole Dancer & Drag Queen".  (I'm going to hell, aren't I?  LOL!)

So, my Top 10 List is 10 future potential jobs this pic brings to mind.  Most quite shudder-worthy, some very tongue-in-cheek.  And at the very bottom I wrote, "So Proud".

As you will notice, this is another non-12x12 layout.  I had an irregularly sized piece of leftover patterened paper so I just went with it without trying to make it fit any conventional layout size.  It's quite freeing and makes things much simpler. 

Be sure to pop on over to the Spunky Scrappers site to play along with the Top 10 prompt and see what the Design Team made for your inspiration! 

Details:  Paper - American Crafts; Sassafras Lass journal card; Making Memories alpha stickers; Zig Millennium pen; thread.

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Heidi

Life Lesson #42: Sometimes Mommy Laughs AT You

I know.  I know.  As mommies, we're supposed to protect our children, both physically and emotionally.  That we're to assure them we're always their champions.  That we are to teach them the "right" way to treat each other and that it's rude to laugh AT other people.    But come on!  Sometimes they do things that are just so positively, insanely hilarious that we can't help but laugh AT them.  Mommies are human, too!

Yes, this is my SON.  He did this himself. 

And one day this will be a cornerstone in my blackmail arsenal. 

I made this layout for this week's prompt on Spunky Scrappers: Confessions of a Real Mommy.  Be sure to head on over there to check out what the rest of the DT made.  Very "enlightening".  LOL!! 

Incidentally, there's an informal contest going on over there on Spunky...let's see who can bring in the most new members.  So, hey, if you feel so inclined, head on over and sign up.  Be sure to let them know on THIS POST that Heidi sent ya!  ;oD  Seriously, we have had and will have some great, SUPER FUN prompts for your scrapping inspiration.  You'll be glad you checked us out!

This layout also satisfies all the challenges from the first week on the Design Dollies site!  Three forms of bling, check!  (Rhinestones, mini mirrors, Ting A Ling Sparkles glitter glue.) 

Color combo, check! (Royal blue, white, black.)

Sketch, check!

Whew!

Head on over to check out the new Design Dollies website!  What an amazing amalgamation of talent!!  You'll love it.

Aaaaaaaand, I also incorporated the prompt on Category Stories:  Laugh.  I'm really enjoying their prompts.  I've played the last couple months and there's just something so non-confrontational about their prompts.  Somehow that doesn't sound like a compliment but it is.  It really is!!  Their prompts are just easy to slip into. 

(Incidentally, I also included the Pile It On 3D challenge but couldn't post it before that one closed.  Oh, well.  LOL!  I'm so addicted to combining challenges!)

I think I better go kiss my son.  I have a feeling I'm going to get it one of these days for sharing this pic.  LOL!

Have a great Monday!!

Heidi