Giving away my first Inspiration Blog Award!

Drumroll please!

Congratulations to Kelsey at Vanilla Joy!  You have won an Inspiration Blog Award!
 

Now that you have received the award, copy the part of this post written in bold into your blog post and copy the Inspiration Blog Award to be placed on your blog at your discretion.  Next you pass on the award to someone else. 

I am going to look for blogs that inspire me no matter how much bling, posts, links, etc they have on them.  If I see something that actually invokes a change in they way I look at the world or how I think about papercrafts or if  the person says or creates something that brings about novel ideas in me then they get the award.  I will post their first name and a link to their blog.  I will leave them a message on their blog letting them know what I thought was so inspiring.  Then, on my blog,  I will write five or more sentences describing what kinds of things inspire me, what do I do with the inspiration and how can I pay it forward to others.

Here's what inspires me:
I am inspired by everyday people who do things that encourage me to be a better mother and wife.  I like to take the inspiration I get from them and bless others with it.  I also take the opportunity to let the person who inspired me, know that they touched my heart and that I appreciate what they do.  I feel a connection with the person be it a local friend, a distant friend, or an internet-based friend.  I take the inspiration and put my own twist on it to preserve the magic of their craft or their ideas and mine.  I pay this inspiration forward by serving others, even if it is as close as my own home.  I try to inspire others and let them know that we all have talents and need to work on discovering them by trying all kinds of creative and healthy outlets. 

Have a Great Day!
Natlie

I like to give kudos!

I got my first blog award and it inspired me!  And every time I think about it, I examine what it is about my creations that have a spark.  Lots of things inspire me, but I believe that our Creator made us to be that way!  So in celebration of all you inspirational papercrafters and bloggers I made up an Inspiration Award.

When you get the award, copy this message into your blog post when you pass on the award to someone else: I am going to look for blogs that inspire me no matter how much bling, posts, links, etc they have on them.  If I see something that actually invokes a change in they way I look at the world or how I think about papercrafts or if  the person says or creates something that brings about novel ideas in me then they get the award.


I will post their first name and a link to their blog.  I will leave them a message on their blog letting them know what I thought was so inspiring.  Then, on my blog,  I will write five or more sentences describing what kinds of things inspire me, what do I do with the inspiration and how can I pay it forward to others.

I am going to start searching tomorrow and I will pick one person tomorrow.  This does not mean this person was my favorite, this award goes to an inspiration discovery.  We need to uplift each other always!  I will continue to pass this award around and I encourage you to give it to a few people who really inspire you as well.
Have a great week everyone!
Hugs,
Natalie

Altered Art-Books

I made altered books for my mother and father.  I did these before I even got into making scrapbooks.  I started stamping first, did altered art, then the scrapbooking, die cutting, etc.

I am going to post an album at the bottom of the blog with more pictures of the books I made.

The one I made for my mom did not have personal pictures as my dad's did.  Her's was more of a muse and his was a memory book.

I used Altered Books and More Altered Books from Hot Off The Press.  I bought them at Michaels a few years ago.  They had some really great ideas and actually helped my scrapbooking creativity as well.  I also used the HOTP epehemera books: Feminine, Garden, Alphabet Tiles, Tags 1, Tags 2, and various others.

From Altered Art-Books

I used a lot of colored leaves, feathers,fibers, brads, colored glass, large skittles, stamps, paper clips, all kinds of stuff!!

These pages are from my father's book.   I cut out images from vintage ephemera books from HOTP.  I used stamped mulberry paper for the background.  The criss-cross bulletin board is made of vellum strips and brads.  Then I paperclip the images to the mini bulletin board.

From Altered Art-Books

These pages are from pictures taken in Philadelphia when my father and uncle came to visit me.  I printed out a tiny version of the Declaration of Independence.  I made a pocket and a background from the same vellum.  The other paper embellishments are from HOTP again.  I was really into all of their collage line!

Petscrapping

I realized the other day that I don't have any pages up with my cats.  I made this page before I had any snazzy scrapbooking tools, like die cutters and such.

This one is of my little girl cat, Cami. She was sleeping on the couch next to a blanket and I noticed after I took the picture that she looked like a little lioness.  She always looks like she is smiling, too!  I am very fond of Cami.  I found her at the Dairy Queen in Bigfork, MT in August of 2000.  She is not this gold in color, but who cares.  She's gorgeous regardless!

Printable Michael's Coupon Thru Oct.31, 2009

Get your printable Michaels Coupon here.  It is 45% off one item from October 8th through the 31st!

Alert! Michaels Increases Gypsy Promotion

Go here to see the details.  Get 800pts in Cricut Rewards!!!!  Hurry, offer ends Oct.31st!

I'm Wandering

I got my Gypsy last night!  My husband found it on HSN.com when they had a one day special as their second release of the Gypsy.  I am looking forward to learning how to use it.  I went to the Cricut website and registered my Gypsy.  I also went under the FAQ and found the user manual. 

I am trying to find as many tutorials as I can to make a reference list for Gypsy sites on my blog.  If you have any that you'd like to refer to me, please do!

I am so excited to use it and make some great creations!

Fun Printables, Templates, Clipart, Tags, Boxes, and more!

Here are some sites I found or others have shared with me for holiday ideas, printables, and die cutters.
Disney Family Fun Site
Do It Yourself Christmas Cards and Stationary
Bag Templates
Teacher Help  Just click through the sites for templates and coloring pages.
http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/
Coolest Holiday Parties
DLTK 
Kaboose 
Thanksgiving Printables 
Thanksgiving Clipart
Holiday Clipart
Coloring Pages
Craft Ideas
Tag Templates
Box Templates

These are just some.  All you need to do to find more is enter "templates" "printables" "tags", or "boxes" after the holiday you are looking for in Google.  Ex.  "Christmas printables"  or "Gift tags" or even "Halloween box templates".

Free Mini Albums 2008 Idea Book

Visit here for a free download for a  Mini Albums 2008 Idea Book.   This book is from Scrapbook Trends Magazine.  Be sure to go into the options and download an offline version of it.

My Rendition of Sketch #41 at 52 Sketches 52 Weeks

This weeks sketch #41 at 52 Sketches...52Weeks can be seen here.  This is my take on their sketch.

I am still trying to break out of the mold a little.  Instead of doing a circle I did a flower under DDs picture.  I also did individual embellishments as a border along the top instead of a single scalloped border.  I did 5 lines of journaling instead of three.

I thought at first, and you might agree, that the colors would be too bold.  However, I think that they worked well as a focal vortex to focus your eye on the less busy part of the LO which is the picture of my DD.  The print on the paper in which the picture is on resembles the print on her shirt.  She loves butterflies and calls them "Yi-Yi's" with a long "i" sound.
This is my first entry over at 52S52W and I hope my work inspires some others as they inspire me.
I used K&Co paper, and embellishments from their "Berry Sweet" collection.

Another Book I want!!!

Outstanding Mini Albums: 50 Ideas For Creating Mini Scrapbooks (Paperback)

by Jessica Acs (Author)
Listed at Amazon.com

UPDATE! I entered to win a Gypsy: A couple days left

 Well, I did not win another Gypsy!!!  I have lots of luck, don't worry!  Bad luck!  Ha ha ha ha ha!  I want to congratulate the new winner!  Her blog is My Little Spot of Sanity.  Stop by and see what great things she's been up to.
Cartridge Helper is a great site!  They are having a contest to win a Cricut Gypsy!  The contest goes until the 15th.  I went there and they have really quality images of the die cuts on the Cricut Cartridges.  They also support Pazzles and Slice.  Check em out!

Birthday Card

I made a Birthday Card for my friend using K&Co. paper, and the Storybook, Home Accents, and Home Decor Cricut Cartridges.

I cut out the heart shaped keleidescope shape from the Home Accents Cart.  Then I cut out the bottom shape which was on the Home Decor Cart.  It is a flower with a solid circle and a circular ring.  I wove the circular ring around and inbetween the hearts on the first shape.  I used sticky foam circles to elevate the top shape.

 I Then cut out the marquee shape and the "Once upon a Time" from the Storybook cart.  I used K&Co. sticky jewels for embellishments.

 This is the view from the side. You can see how it looks in 3D.  I love the wild colors.  I think they are fit for celebration.

Card Making Book from Annies' Attic

I received an e-mail from Annie's Attic regarding a book they have for sale: Fabulous Folds for Cardmaking.  It looks like it is a great book and it is also available as a PDF electronic download. 

I am not endorsing this book; however, it looks like one I would look into buying. If you are interested in it, try to find reviews on it.  Reviews usually help me decide whether or not I should buy a book.

If you have this book, let me know what you think of it.

(UPDATE!) This competition ended. Congrats to all who won. Die Cutters and Cricut's 100th cartridge Week #5: Final Week!

I use two cutters.  The Craft ROBO with Funtime Scrapbooking Pro and ROBO Master 5.1.  I have had to take a lot of time to learn this machine, but with the help of all the great Yahoo! Groups and various websites and blogs I am learning how to do more than cut words and weld.

I also have as a new edition to the craft family at my house, the Cricket Create with "Don Juan" cart.  I also got "From My Kitchen".  I love them both!  I have been trying to follow the groups that use this machine and learn how to get the most out of it as well.  I love the cartridges as much as creating my own.  It is the best of both worlds.  If you haven't already, you should check out Provo Craft's Cricut website as they are coming out with new cartridges and innovative gadgets all the time.

Right now they are celebrating their 100th cartridge (Winter Woodland).  Here is a copy of their announcement to win a cartridge.

Help us celebrate our 100th Cricut cartridge—Winter Woodland! That’s right, we reached 100 cartridges. As a thank you for our great Cricut community members we want you to celebrate with us. So, we’re giving away 100 cartridges over the next five weeks (20 per week).

Here’s how it will work.

Each week we will be posting a thread. When you respond to the thread you will be entered to win. You can enter once by replying and you can enter a second time by posting on your blog about the celebration and linking back to the cartridge product page. Here is the link to include in your blog. Once you’ve posted on your blog with the link back you can post again to this thread.

Cricut's 100th Cartridge Product Description

Have a great week.  Natalie

Provo Craft has a new September Special for the Cricut Expression

Oh, if I could only own one!  "You just got the Cricut Create!" my husband says.  Hee hee.  I know, I know.  I just didn't think I wanted an Expression.  I really didn't and truthfully we can't afford it right now.  I am so spoiled.  I will get one someday.  I didn't know I would want it to make the big bracket cutouts or the scalloped edges on my papers.  I feel like I have had my scrapbooking eyes opened.  Oh the humanity! 
On that number, I saw this great new bundle that PC is putting out.  Here's the link to the special.  Sigh.....
I need a cup of Night on Glacier Bay tea.

New Files Uploaded

Picnic times have passed in some areas but are still enjoyable down south.  Here are some things you may find at a picnic. A blanket, a table, a fly, and an ant.  Please give Timeless Legacy Designs the credit for the picnic blanket.  The other images are from Printmaster 17 and I altered them.

Click here to download the files. The password is nopirating.

Please let me know if you cannot download this for any reason. I am new to this file sharing business.... I can always e-mail you the file.  Also if there are any that you would like me to try and create or change from a j-peg to something else, I'll do my best.
Natalie

Ordered My Gypsy Today

I am so excited.  My husband ordered a Gypsy for me off of HSN.com.
They were having a one day sale and we also used a 15% off discount.
Gypsy by Cricut personal design studio with Accessories

This Event is for Today only.
Sorry I didn't post it earlier, but I just found out!

Item: 567-277Sorry

HSN Price: $349.95

 Event Price: $314.95

 | You Save: $35.00

MSRP: $483.96

FREE Shipping & Handling

Experience crafting freedom right at your fingertips with the Gypsy by Cricut personal design studio with Accessories. Liberate your inspiration and design anywhere—work on projects in the waiting room, on a plane, in the backyard, or at a friend’s house. Gypsy stores all your cartridges and makes them easily searchable so you find just what you’re looking for. Save any unfinished designs and work them later. Once it’s completed, just connect to your Cricut Machine (sold separately) and cut.

Gypsy by Cricut personal design studio with Accessories Include:

• Gypsy personal design studio with 2 pre-loaded full content cartridges (Gypsy Wanderings and Gypsy Font)
• Destinations full content shapes cartridge with keypad overlay and handbook
• Decorative black and pink Gypsy protective cover - measures approx. 8-1/2"L x 3-3/4"W x 1-1/3"H 
• Stylus
• Black and pink carrying bag
• AC adapter
• Car charger
• USB cord
• Cartridge connect cord
• Instruction start card

Product Features:

• Easy-to-use - create your very own designs; when you're ready to cut your projects simply connect (with the included USB cable) to the Cricut machine (sold separately) and press the cut button.  Allows you to design on the go.
• Large memory - stores thousands of cartridges and your own custom projects
• Easily preview and manipulate the full library of Cricut cartridges - no need to use the keypad overlay or manual; use the shift key to quickly flip through the variety of cartridge images; select images from the library of Cricut cartridges and once you find one you like, purchase the cartridge and use for everyday crafting
• Variety of features for each image - easily rotate, stretch, flip side-to-side or flip top-to-bottom; group the images to make them easier to move or edit; weld 2 images together for 1 large, unique image
• Choose your size of paper mat based on the Cricut version you own (6" x 12", 12"L x 12"W or 12" x 24")  
• Built-in layout board - view your project before you cut the paper
• Search function - allows you to search through all of the images by keyword (even those you haven't yet purchased) or all cartridge names
• Open existing saved designs as templates - use as a basis to create new designs
• 2 exclusive pre-loaded "electronic" full content cartridges - equivalent to 2 physical cartridges; Gypsy Wanderings Shapes and Gypsy Font (available only on the Gypsy)
• 4.7" touchscreen display
• Black and pink carrying bag - zipper open, top carry handle, adjustable/removable shoulder strap, silvertone hardware, interior mesh zipper pocket, interior divider and flat bottom
• UL listed
• Made in Philippines
• Comes with a manufacturer's 6-month limited warranty

Note: This item is for use with all versions of the Cricut Cutting Machine (sold separately). Gypsy allows you to search and design with the entire Cricut cartridge library. If you design with an image from a cartridge you do not own, you’ll need to purchase the cartridge in order to cut your designs. Once you load a cartridge into the Gypsy it cannot be used with another Gypsy machine; however, the cartridge remains active for use with other Cricut machines.

For warranty information, please call HSN.com Customer Service at 800.933.2887 (8 am-1 am ET).

Decorated Recipe Box

This box was given to my by my mother.  I added the embellishments and the title.  It matches the colors in my house.
The title is supposed to be French for "The Queens Delicious Cuisine".
I had to do some reinforcing of the box with glue, but I think it turned out to be a functional and decorative addition to my kitchen countertop.

Home & Garden Crafty Halloween Ideas Candy Bar Costumes

Home & Garden Crafty Halloween Ideas Candy Bar Costumes

Here is another "sweet" project.  Of course I would make them with a pound of embellishments on them!!!

Shared via AddThis

Home & Garden Crafty Halloween Ideas A Pumpkin Treat

Home & Garden Crafty Halloween Ideas A Pumpkin Treat

Shared via AddThis

I think this would be a cute, easy project that you could use any of your die cutters to make the face pieces.
I am going to go to Wal-Mart and see if I can find any chocolate oranges. 

Home & Garden Fall Front Door Decorations A to Z A is for Animals

Home & Garden Fall Front Door Decorations A to Z A is for Animals

Shared via AddThis

Last Stop for Me on the Blog Hop Challenge

I am not sure if I met the time deadline or not.  For me in PST it is still 10:07 pm and technically I still have till 12 midnight to get this in!  The challenge did not say which time zone.....so with that said, without further ado..here is the card I made for the Peachy Keen Stamp Challenge.

I used Que Sera Sera paper by K and Company. The heart stamp is by Autumn Leaves Clear Stamps: Scribbles Hearts and Stars by Rhonna Farrer.  The "Many Thanks" sentiment stamp is from SU! I got it years and years ago.  I love this card. It made me feel like I had just gotten back from traveling in France and wanted to thank my cat-sitter!  Hmmm.

Next on the Blog Hope Challenge: Chirper Challenge and Scrapbooks & Stuff

The challenge for Chirper Challenge is here and the challenge for Scrapbooks & Stuff is posted here.
As time is running out for me and this blog hop I have cramps in my fingers, blisters, and chapped lips.  Well that's from licking them so much while I work!  Didn't know how bad that habit was!!!!  So here is my LO.

I am not really thrilled how this looks digitally, it looks "Sweet" in person!  A little Napolean Dynamite for you!  Anyway......I used Berry Sweet papers for the the LO and cut the font with my Craft ROBO.  I then used Autumn Leaves: Stampology clear stamps; Flowers by Rhonna Farrer.  I used the stamps with glue and then put glitter on them.  I colored in the rest with SU pens and used an EK success butterfly punch for the butterflies.  I don't have any of those cool colored staples (wish I did) so I embroidered the little fiber at the top and bottom of the vertical paper slice. 
The pictures were edited with Photoshop Elements 7.0 and I used "diffuse glow" effect.  It looks much better in person and less creepy!  This was taken a few days after my daughter's 1st birthday, May, 2008.

Blog Hope Challenge for SPCC and Sew Many Cards

I decided to combint the two challenges together.  See Scrapmaster's Paradise Color Combos challenge here and Sew Many Cards' challenge here.
This was a difficult challenge for me as chalking is not my strong suit.  But I did it anyway and it turned out okay.  I like the colors that were in the challenge. 

I used SU cardstock, pens, and chalks.  I happen to have some brads and fiber that matched as well.  I think I'll send this card to a relative I haven't talked to in a while to cheer them up! 

Scrapbook Trends Current Call

I got an e-mail from Scrapbook Trends and they are looking for layouts for their March 2010 magazine.  The link for the site is here.

Blog Hop Challenge From Whimsical Scraps and Bugs

Whimsical Scraps and Bugs challenged their blog readers to make a Halloween themed goodie bag label.  This is my take on the challenge.

      I don't have anything that embosses paper so I spritzed it with water and pressed it down on a large stamp that had bumpy-swirly texture.  I didn't have the Cricut cart with the marquee cut so I had to exacto the thing out of black paper!  I used a font called "D" for the letters.  The spiderweb is from Digital Designs by Stephanie.  I had to glue black ribbon on the orange and trying to tie it to that blasted clip was fun!  Slippery ribbon!  I used Martha Stewart onyx and fire opal glitter for the web bling.  I am not able to go shop as my foot is still recovering so I had to use some old milk duds I had!  Well, don't worry, they won't go to waste. ;)

Creative Twist Blog Hop Challenge

The next project I have completed was from Creative Twist.

........ here is your challenge for my site. I would like for you to use the following title for some sort of inspiration on your page. LETS GET DOWN AND DIRTY- for a little help I think of children playing in the mud :) For taking the time to visit during the blog hop this week, I am giving away a JoAnn's gift card to ONE lucky winner, whose name I will draw next Friday, October 2.

Here is my take on their challenge:

My daughter was enjoying eating Bar-B-Que and chicken.  She really got into it!  But look at that look of mischief!

I used a layout design from Scrap Sketch .

I used red embossed paper to match the BBQ sauce and then the greenish-blue to match my daughter's eyes and the bib.  I used distress ink to make the paper dirty and used a font called "A Da** Mess" and cut it out with my Craft ROBO.  I put distressed ink on it and then chalked white and light green on it.  It turned out feeling and looking really grungy and cool!  The larger rectangle and circle are Bo Bunny from a couple years ago.  Stickers are K and Company. Other paper is Creative Memories, I believe.  Gel pens were used for the rest of the title.  I had total scrapper's block about what to use for the decorative embellishment on the left so I will add something later.  Has to be juuuuuust right!    

The Crafting Pot Entry for the Blog Hop Challenge

Here's what they say over at The Crafting Pot:
Our Challenge:

For our challenge we are Kickin' It Old School Scrapbook Style.... put away your cricuts, your cuttlebugs and all the nifty gadgets you have received over the years and step with us into the waaaaay back machine... we are talking fiskars shape scissors... mrs. grossman stickers... pre cut page boarders.... back when your page shapes were circles, squares, rectangles and triangles. When your circle cutter involved a pane of glass, and exacto knife and a bowl... when you used stencils... traced them and cut them out by hand... when we journaled to fill empty space...

Do you remember those days? We sure do!

So break out your 8 1/2 x 11 or 12 x 12 scrapbook pages, those basic papers... put all your fancy tools and gadgets away and create an OLD SKOOL layout...

Here's my Old Skool Layout! I am so shy about putting it up because that was not my image at all back then!!!

I used to work at a ShopKo and they were having glamour (sp?) shots and so I was talked into getting them.  Apart from the experience being very corny to me I really had big hair, eh?  I had to put on 4 coats of mascara!
I inherited a box of old scrapbooking stuff that was a mish mash of old Creative Memories stuff, old premade cutouts, pattern and shape scissors, glue stick, shape templates, and well everything you see on here.  I even added some goopy gel pen journaling in neon pink!  Remember when writing on black paper became cool? 
So I  hope you enjoy this LO from the Crafting Pot Blog Hop Challenge!  I had so much fun making this one!  I felt 18 again!!!!

My first Scrap Recipe Layout

I have decided to take a break from the current album I am working on(my husband's life up to before we met) to make a recipe scrapbook of holiday recipes I love. Here is the first page. I am also going to enter this little thing in the Just Buggin' Blog Hop Challenge.

Our Challenge for the Blog Hop is simple: Use any die cut on your project but you have to ALTER IT! That's right, don't just slap your plain old die cut on your project! Jazz it up a bit first. Your die cut can be from ANY die cut machine, it doesn't have to be a Cricut die cut.

I used my Craft ROBO to cut the words on this page. I had to cut the outline and glued four copies of each word over the outline to create a raised "chipboard" look.  I used a brownish metallic paper, so if you zoom in you can see the detail in it.  The leaves are from Michaels and I put glitter on the brown one.  I used autumn brads to keep the front attached to the back.  I went to allrecipes.com for the recipe.  The green tape ribbon is from Michaels.  The picture is downloaded from the allrecipes.com site.  For the edges I used black chalk from the Stampin Up! pastels and then glitter gel pen on the very edges.  For the paper behind the picture of the pie I tore handmade rose petal paper and chalked the edges.

For the inside of the recipe card/page I took a plain piece of printer paper and used Jim Holtz Distress Inks in "antique linen" and "vintage photo".  The edges were then curled and inked darker and then outlined with glitter pen.  The catchy phrase on the upper left is matted on a red shiny fiberous paper.  The pie was cut out using my Cricut Create with the From My Kitchen cartride and then I drew drizzles of glue and put on bronzy glitter for the caramel and used paper scraps for the pecans.  The whole project is mounted on a 6 x 6 piece of dark green textured cardstock.  The red cardstock was already round with scallops and I just cut it into quarters for the rest of the album.  The glue I used is by Scotch.  It is Quick-dry Adhesive and it is awesome.  It has a very small opening in the spout and makes it so easy to glue small items.  It really doesn't seem to alter the shape of the paper like other glues in how they make it all wrinkly and such. 

More pages to come.   Please let me know what you think of this one so far. 

Take Care, Natalie
You can start from the beginning of the blog hop here: www.scrapsketch.com

Blog Hop Challenge from All About Me and the Practical Scrapper

The Blog Hop Challenge at the All About Me blog is a combination twisty loop!  I had to make a layout describing what "Color" I am.  Then the twist was to Scrap Lift (new term for me!  At least it is legal in this sense! Ha!) one of the DT (Design Team) layouts.

For my layout I chose to Scrap Lift Mette Kallander's layout and use the color brown.

I also used this layout at The Practical Scrapper.  They challenge at their site was to use die cuts.  The letters and some of the embellishments are die cuts.

I did not have the brace/bracket template or paper, so I had to create one and trace with an exacto!  My aching finger....Anyway, I used metallic light brown and that reflected a lot of light in the picture making it hard to see the journaling which says

I am Brown-Digging in the dirt-Earthy-Planting seeds-Baking for my loved ones-Chocolate-Comforting their souls-Warmth in the home-Safety-You can trust me-Feeling the bark of trees-Woodsy-Nature's gentle hue-I am Brown

I used many different scraps of brown paper I had with different textures printed an embossed on them.  I also used Jim Holtz distressed ink in Vintage Photo.  I used various embellishments I had laying around and used my Cricut to cut out the daisies, the single brown slender leaf, and the title words.  I used a Jolee's guitar embellishment and colored the leaves with distress ink, too. I altered my photo using Photoshop Elements 7 with a sepia filter, a diffuse glow filter and adjusting the color to be a more chocolaty-brown.

Blog Hop Challenge From Scrap Sketch

Here is my layout for the Blog Hop Challenge from Scrap Sketch. 

I am finishing up a scrapbook about my husband's youth and I find this challenge was a great way to inspire me to find new ways to do layouts.  I felt my layouts were starting to get less exciting.  Most of the time I do picture matting and embellishments as well as journaling and a title.  Adding the sewn or ric rak look with the brackets was something I always wanted to try.  I really wanted to use my sewing machine but it is kaput at the moment and I will get it fixed soon.

I used Blue Canopy paper and embellishments from K and Company.  The two lower flowers were cut out with my Craft ROBO.  I had to create the notebook page as I didn't have any lying around.  I used Jim Holtz distress ink to jazz it up.  The butterfly stamp on the upper right is an EK Success and the other one is from Martha Stewart.  I cut out the title with my Craft ROBO and outlined it with gel pens.  The doily that the title is on was cut out with my Craft ROBO as well.  The whole project is outlined with the same distressed ink as the notebook page. 
Have a scrappy day!  That's an order!
Natalie

Happy Fall Card

I went to ScrapFIT and they have a 2009 Challenge Blog Owner Blog Hop.  So I signed up.  Their site's challenge is to make a "Happy Fall Card".  So here's mine. Hope ya like it!

I used a dingbat of a mother and child walking together and turned it into an image and then vectorized it.  Then I cut it out on my Craft ROBO.  Then I cut out Happy Fall on some really flimsy fall paper!  Good grief!  Well I chalked the silhouette and the outline of the title and then added gel pens with glitter and metallic specks to the edges of everything.  Can't you smell the sweet smell of the leaves as they start to ferment in the sun?  Mmmmmmm! 

This is what the inside of the card looks like.  I used the same autumn paper as the front and highlighted a leaf in each dominant color with Stampin Up! pens and used the gel pens to accent the edges.  The lower section has ribbon tape from Michaels and a felt leaf with a little blingy on it!  I live where there really aren't many trees and they certainly don't shed many leaves in the fall.  So included a pithy comment for my wonderful parents as they have many maple trees in their yard and two of them are so huge it is beyond comprehension to me!

This is a close up of the upper portion of the inside of the card.  I wanted the leaves to pop out and wetting certain papers with patterns can cause them to pop!

Here is the lower portion of the inside of the card.  I wrote the sentiment with a metallic gel pen.  I did use a pencil and a guide to make lines.  I am not one of those lucky people who is blessed with perfectly straight handwriting! 

I hope you enjoyed my card and if you have any questions or want a copy of the dingbat I used just let me know.

Thanks, Natalie

Hawaii Trip Scrapbook Layouts

I posted some of my layouts from my Hawaiin Vacation scrapbook.  My husband and I had been planning this vacation for months in 2005.  We were going to be going on a whirlwind vacation that year.  First to Missoula, Montana, my hometown, and then home for a bit and then off to Hawaii in late September to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary.
My work would not give me the time off, so I ended up quitting as I was overstressed and miserable anyway.  So we got back from Montana and a couple weeks before we were to leave for Hawaii we found out that we were expecting our little Hannah.
So I still have to scrap the Montana Trip, but I finished the Hawaii one.  It is not a really spectacular book, but I  like it a lot.
Natalie

Hawaii Trip Scrapbook Layouts

Price List for Custom Albums

Custom Services for Memory Albums (with or without pictures)

Includes 12 x 12, 8 1/2 x 11, 8 x8, and mini albums

The “Basic” Design: All products used are both acid and lignin free.

      - Simple, clean layouts on premium cardstock and/or patterned papers
      - Single matted photos
      - Journal boxes where you can record your written memories
      - Stickers, sayings, and quotes
      - Page titles for all layouts
      - Your choice of: album theme, title and color-scheme
      - Unlimited Consultation* via email

The “Deluxe” Design: All products used are both acid and lignin-free.

      - Detailed layout designs on premium cardstock and/or patterned papers,
accented with vellum & mulberry papers, fabric, ribbon, and other
deluxe embellishments**

      - Double or triple mounted photos
      - Your choice of one paragraph of Computer Font Journaling or journal boxes
per layout (either single sided or double sided)
      - Stickers and vellum quotes
      - Tags
      - Eyelets and/or brads
      - Page titles for all layouts
      - Your choice of: album theme, title and color-scheme
      - Your choice of these Special Techniques: 1) Borders;
2) Geometric Shapes; 3) Altered Art; 4) Interactive Elements
      - Unlimited Consultation* via email

*Consultation: Please understand that refunds on any Custom Services cannot be given.
**For additional details on pricing and available embellishments, please refer to my contact information.

Embellishments can include, but are not limited to: Buttons, brads, eyelets, ribbon, flowers, rub-ons, stickers:flat, cardstock, 3-D, die-cut, embossed, epoxy, chipboard, vellum, pockets, tags, sprinkles, mesh, beads, magnetic clips, Velcro, chipboard adhesives/ shapes, alphabet, etc., alphabet charms/ metal alphabets, sequins, charms, hook-ups, die cuts, punched shapes, altered art, wire, envelopes, memorabilia keepers, slide mounts, borders, geometrical shapes, paper dolls, paper piecing ephemera, quotes/sayings, metal objects/keys, adhesive ribbon, puzzle pieces, velum shapes, leather: piece or lacing, metal nameplate/frames, machine stitching, embossing, 3D toppers/borders, baby bracelets, personal memorabilia, confetti from your special event, concert/movie/museum tickets, sticky rhinestones, felt shapes/adhesives, fabric, stamping, stamps, fibers, paper-clips, overlays/transparencies, mini plaques, chalking, distressed ink, rub-on color, dies (similar to charms), grommets, decorative tape, staples,????????!
Unfortunately the kitchen sink will not fit!


In an effort to ensure your total satisfaction, your creative feedback is very important. As I create your scrapbook pages, I will send you scanned images of the layout designs via email. You should respond to each email within 24 hours; in your reply, please either APPROVE the layout design or SUGGEST CHANGES.

Having your album custom-made will cost you less in the long run because you don't have to buy all the tools, extra paper, and supplies required. I use albums, papers, embellishments, and adhesives as well as other methods and tools to make these albums so that my craftsmanship will last for decades to come.

I do not smoke, and my pets, husband, and daughter are not allowed in my "work" environment.

Price List For Custom Services** Rates are based on several considerations. The amount of time that is spent creating your album or art, the cost of the supplies used, and the degree of difficulty of your project among other things.

Rates are as follows.

“Basic” Design:
____12x12 Album - 20 pages: $160
____8.5x11 Album - 20 pages: $160
____12x12 each single page: $8
____8.5x11 each single page: $8
____8x8 Album 20 pages: $12o
____6x6 Album 20 pages: $120
____8x8 each single page: $6
____6x6 each single page: $6

“Deluxe” Design:
____12x12 Album - 20 pages: $240
____8.5x11 Album - 20 pages: $240
____12x12 each single page: $12
____8.5x11 each single page: $12
____8x8 Album - 20 pages: $200
____6x6 Album - 20 pages: $200
____8x8 each single page: $10
____6x6 each single page: $10
Premade pages (single side page)
(insert your own photos)
12 x 12: Basic $6/Deluxe $10
8 1/2 x 11: Basic $6/Deluxe $10
8 x 8: Basic $5Deluxe $8
6 x6: Basic $5/Deluxe $8

**A page is defined as one single 12x12, 8 1/2x11, 8x8, or 6x6 layout. An album with 20 custom pages will contain 10 page protectors each holding two custom pages (one per side). Double-sided layouts are considered 2 pages. Prices listed DO NOT include the cost of the physical album. I offer a selection of albums, ranging in price from $15 to $30. Or you have the option of providing your own album.

Shipping and handling: These fees are in addition to the album packages. I will use USPS flat rate shipping with delivery confirmation and insurance. I will provide shipping information as part of my consultation services based on your zip code.

Additional Options:

Computer Journaling*

• .25 cents per paragraph
• estimated # of paragraphs ____

You provide me with the journaling you would like to include on your pages and I will type and print it out for inclusion on your page. I have hundreds of fonts to choose from.
* One paragraph of computer journaling per layout is included in the Deluxe package
Albums
Standard Albums with page protectors. Brands may vary from manufacturers such as Pioneer, Colorbok, and K & Company among others. I will try my best to obtain the album in the color of your choice. Of course, you may always purchase your own album and provide it to me.

Prices vary depending on where the albums are purchased and California tax is added (7.75%).
Prices:
12 x 12 $20-30
8 1/2 x 11 $15-25
8 x 8 $15-20
6 x 6 $15-20

Photo printing service for digital pictures currently done at Costco 1-hour photo lab.
The cost is .20 cents per picture and you can choose glossy or matte finish. Any cropping required can be performed before printing.

Basic photo touch-up service:

• Fixing red-eye, pet-eye, lighting and color balance. - .25 cents per photo
• Removing or blurring distracting backgrounds. - $1.50 per photo
• Special effects such as sepia, colorization, and other artistic effects - $1.50 per photo

Scanning Services:

• Scanning photos, memborabilia, or other items. - .25 cents per item
• Please note that if the photos scanned will also be touched-up and re-printed, charges will apply for those services as well.

Providing Acid-Free Treatment - .50 cents per item
Basic Single Layout with your provided cardstock, paper, and embellishments
Often you had every intention of creating several scrapbook layouts or albums, but you never find the time or found that you did not enjoy the scrapbooking process. There is no need to let the supplies you purchased go to waste. This is a great cost effective way to get those pages completed. You provide everything required and I will put it all together.

• 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 x 11: $8 a page
• 8 x8 and 6 x6: $6 a page

Payment terms:
After our first consultation and you decide which option(s) you would like to proceed with, I require a 50% deposit on the estimated cost with the remainder due at the project completion. I accept cash, local checks, money orders and credit card payment with Paypal. I can accept a page by page payment for now as well.
Memory Album Consultant at Your Service