New to me

I know I am not the only one in the paper arts world that is inundated and overwhelmed by the choices of paper, embellishments, tools, and goodies that exist to make all of our project wishes spectacular.  I am very much a lurker and when new products come out I just am not one to jump on the band wagon.  One product that I have been giving a lot of thought to lately is Core'Dinations paper.

I have been looking around the internet and trying to find websites and videos that demonstrate how to use this cardstock as well as which different color choices yield which type of core colors, etc.  I will keep searching and if you have any great websites or blogs that you think would help me as well as others discover the wonders of this product, leave me a comment!

Wonderful Summer Card

I love cards that are homemade and made by someone who thinks outside the box! Check out this card over at If It's Groovy!
Do you have any cards that you'd like me to check out?  Leave me a comment with your blog addy!

Natalie

Free Card Design Downloads

I was just looking around my blog and noticed that there is a site where you can download free card designs!  I love free idea sites with pictures and inspiration!  Check it out!  Free Cardmaking.com

Gift Ideas!

Need some gift ideas for friends or a special teacher?  Check out If It's Groovy and see what project I made for just such an occasion!  If you have any questions about how to complete the project, let me know! 
Natalie

National Sandwich Month

Over at If It's Groovy, they are celebrating National Sandwich Month with some great layouts! Head on over and join in on the fun!

Here's my entry for the challenge:

This layout is from my own sketch and I used the bottom of a large dixie cup to make the "coffee cup" stains!  I used my Cuttlebug to put the texture in the red paper.  And the cork is actually real scrapbook friendly cork-paper!

Back from Vacation

Hi all, I am back from a 3 week vacation in Missoula, Montana! We took three days to drive there and three days back. We saw all kinds of friends and family and helped my parents celebrate their 50th Anniversary! I got to go to Jo Ann Fabrics, which we don't have where I live and I bought some great Fiskars products and paper pads from Die Cuts With a View!
I also bought a scalloped border punch that I have used for all kinds of page accents as well as making tags!
I also picked up some mini color pads for mounting pics on and using in my Cricut to do fun font and shape cutouts without having to sacrifice big sheets of paper!

Peek-a-boo!

Hi all!  I am so excited to share one of my handmade cards over at If It's Groovy.  To see the card click here!
I hope you enter the monthly challenge over there for a chance to win a prize!  My last post talks about the challenge over at If It's Groovy. 

Above Rubies Studio has a new tutorial up for a couple of cute summer layouts, too! Go here to see what Megan made for CustomCrops.com.  Be sure to check out the other tutorials on the Above Rubies Studio website.  Make sure you sign up for her newsletter for upcoming announcements for the new Club Ruby! 

I am going to be going on vacation to Montana for three weeks and I will still be posting as much as I can.  I will try to get some pictures up for you to see.  Is any body else going on vacation in July? Where to?

Alphabet Overload

This month's challenge over at If It's Groovy is Alphabet Overload.  For my entry I decided to use my trusty Cricut and five different fonts.  I used them in five different colors that coordinated with the Berry Sweet paper from K and Co. that I like so much.  The star of the LO is of course my daughter.

Happy Father's Day Card

Here's the card I made for my daddy!

Help Celebrate Above Rubies Studio One Year Anniversary

Hi everybody! I am so excited to spread the news that Above Rubies Studio turns One today! Hurry on over to Above Rubies Studio and leave comments from June 10th through June 17th for a chance to win prizes.

Above Rubies Studio strives to help people who use the Provo Craft Cricut line as well as the Gypsy with tutorials and instructional DVDs, see below. She also has the latest testimonials on great products that all paper crafting fans love to use.

Sign up to receive e-mail updates from the ARS website and don't forget to download the free Cricut cutting guide for paper and other materials! I did and I use it every time I cut something with my Cricut!

Tri-Shutter Album Tutorial

I subscribe to Obsessed with Scrapbooking and they have a post today that takes you to Paper Pleasing Ideas which has a tutorial you have to check out!Tri-Shutter Album Tutorial !! - Paper Pleasing Ideas

Warehouse Sale

I grew up reading and using Dover books and they are having a huge sale.
You can use many of their books to make cutting files for your SCAL and MTC programs as well as other cutters. You could even cut out their designs and color them with your favorite markers, inks, or chalk. Enjoy!
Warehouse Sale

Remember photobooths?

Hi everybody!
The challenge this month over at If It's Groovy is to make a LO using photobooth picutes. So, go dig up those old photobooth pictures, go make new photobooth pictures, or make your own by using a website like Big Huge Labs. The challenge ends June 30th and Groovy Deb is giving away a goodie box!!!

Here's my entry as a member of the DT over at If It's Groovy:

 Don't forget to visit the If It's Groovy blog and become a follower.  Invite your friends, too!  Look for If It's Groovy on Facebook, too!
If you love the paper and embellishments, I used K&Company Berry Sweet Paper and Embellishments.

Making New Friends

I love meeting new people who scrapbook and inspire me.  Today I visited a blog by one of my new Facebook friends and I was really blown away by how talented she is.  Stop by her blog and follow her!
http://mistysscrapbookcorner.blogspot.com/

If you ever have any blogs that you think are worth sharing, let me know!  I would love to check them out and add them to my roster!!!

Happy Scrapping!
Natalie

Good deals equal happy me!

The other day I went into Michaels to buy a Xyron 510 because I had a 40% coupon.  As I was walking up and down the aisles I noticed one of their dollar bins as having small containers of flocking.
So I bought each set of 4 colors for $1 a set.  I am glad that they were in small amounts, as I don't use much on my projects, but didn't want to pay so much for huge bottles! 

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8

I am so excited, I got Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 in the mail today!  My dear Hubbs got it as the Deal of The Day on Amazon and then it has a $20 rebate which will bring it to $34.99!  I think our Costco sells it for $80!

One of the reasons I wanted APE 8 is it's ability to open AI files!  This is important when you use a die cutting program like Make the Cut or Sure Cuts A Lot as well as the other programs that go with the various die cutting machines.

If you use APE in any version, you know this program is great for more than pictures, it is also great for digital scrapbooking and making scrapbook sketches.

I would like you to know that I have heard of some people having problems with this product.  I can attest that every once in a while it will freeze and crash.  I can also attest that if I restart my computer before starting this program it usually avoids this type of problem.  I have heard people say they don't like the interface or this and that about it.  However; for what I use this product for, editing photos, creating digital photo creations, and creating scrap sketches, I love it.  I also have used it to convert images into blackouts that I can then save and then cut out on my die cutting machine.  

Here are some links to reviews on this product:
PC World
Photography Blog
PC Mag

Rest In Peace Michael Dupey

I just found out today that Michael's founder, Michael Dupey, passed away on May 1st.  I would like to offer up thanks to him and his vision of a craft superstore, which has allowed me innumerable opportunities to express myself and my fellow crafters.  I pray that his family is comforted in this time of grief and that others will raise up to continue his vision and hard work.

If you'd like to read more, please see this article at Scrapbook Update.

May's Altered Art Project

For May I chose to alter a huge monogram 'H' at the If It's Groovy blog.  I also have a link to the tutorial for the technique.  The finished project looked much prettier in real life, but I don't have the lighting expertise it requires!  This technique was found on YouTube and the link for it is mentioned in the tutorial I made. 

I had a great time learning how to expand my technique repertoire!  I am starting to look at objects I see in retail/craft stores or second hand stores and yard sales as blank canvases that come in many shapes and sizes.

Two great challenges from If It's Groovy

There is only two more days to enter If It's Groovy's April Challenge.  Hurry over and enter to win a prize.

Pay It Forward Day!  Head over to If It's Groovy and leave a comment about a random act of kindness you performed for someone today!

I hope you all are doing well and enjoying Spring!

What are you doing on National Scrapbooking Day?

National Scrapbooking Day is May 1st! 

I was invited by my local Creative Memories Consultant to an all day crop.  I can't make it all day, however I am going for a couple hours.  I am so glad her daughter said she'd play with my little girl. 

I subscribe to Scrapbook Update and they put up some places online that are having activities.  Link.

Don't forget to stop by your favorite blogs and forums to spread the word. 

Ultra Sound Pictures of the Newest Family Member

This is a picture from the U/S I had yesterday.  The baby is about 15 weeks.  Just thought I'd share with ya!

What Can a 7.2 Earthquake do to a Craft Room?

On Easter of this year, April 4th, at around 3:40 pm.  my husband, daughter, and I we driving home in our SUV from the next town.  As we pulled into our development, the SUV started shaking back and forth violently.  We were dumbstruck and then it dawned on us, this was a huge earthquake!  People were almost falling down and cars were bouncing up and down.  The road was rolling and light poles were bucking up and down furiously!  We were terrified that something might fall on us.  The quake lasted 45 seconds!  We crept along and made it home only to have a 5.4 aftershock hit.  It is April 19th and we are still experiencing earthquakes, some as large as 4.4 to 5.1.  We have pretty much calmed down, but I wanted to share with you what it did to my craft room.  Thank goodness for the building codes we have in the US.  It could have been much, much worse!  Some people's craft rooms might look like this all the time!  LOL!

Moving and shaking!
Natalie

Challenge at IIG- If It's Groovy

I did this LO for If It's Groovy.  The challenge was to create a LO with a shadow in it.  Well, this LO has my black cat, Shadow, and his shadow!  Isn't he so cute?  He's so fuzzy!  Go here to see the rest.

Some Monday Night Fun!

Above Rubies Studios is planning on having a Live Ustream on their site at 9 pm EST (6 pm PST) on Monday, April 12th! Mark you calendars!

They will be discussing the new Cricut Cake Machine, the Gypsy A to Z DVD, Club Ruby, Accessories - The Above Rubies Studio Top Secret Mission and much more!

If they can get 1500 viewers they are going to give away a HUGE prize package!  So tell everybody and post it on your favorite forums and your blog!  They are also going to have plenty of prize announcements that everyone will have the opportunity to participate in.

Remember I am one of the new Master Design Team Members for Above Rubies Studios and I'll be making projects for you to enjoy on their site!  I'll let you know when I have a project on their site!  You're going to love what is coming at Above Rubies Studios and the girls over there are terrific!

Altered Hanger Project

This month's Altered Art Challenge over at If It's Groovy is to alter a hanger and incorporate it into a layout that you could hang from the wall.  To join in on the fun go here.

My altered hanger has a nature feel to it and showcases some places where I like to "hang" out in Montana.  It is entitled "Hanging Out In Montana".

I used small and large craft sticks for the title background.  I distressed them with ink to make them look like a wooden fence.  I used some extra silk flower sprays that I had to resemble the sweet little foliage that grows around the large pine trees. 

The locations are, Glacier Park, Ross Creek Cedars, The National Bison Range, the Bull River, and Flathead Lake.

I used my Gypsy and Cricut to make the letters.  I outlined them with my gel pens.  I added some green ribbon and copper wire for some extra texture.  I also distressed the pictures and then wrote the locations on the pictures to make them look worn and loved!!!

Sorry it's been so long...

Well folks, I have been ill for a while and getting better.  I have had a heck of a time getting any crafting done.  My mojo went on vacation!
I did have a project I wanted to share with you that I did over at If It's Groovy this month. 

You can find instructions for this project at If It's Groovy Altered Arts.

I will be posting a new project for April on the 1st of April, and that ain't no joke!  LOL!
Natalie

Meet Jeanie, Guest Blogger and get 30% off her online store!

I am so thankful that Natalie contacted me a few months back…I think it started because we both love Montana. I am so happy for her Master design team call and I enjoy her beautiful projects.

My name is Jeanie and I am mostly a traditional paper crafter…card making, scrap booking, home décor….I think the best source of inspiration is nature and each other.

I love learning new techniques and then putting my own interpretation on them then help others to create…

This winter I have been on a new journey learning digital paper crafting….drawing my own accents, using my own paper and loving it. I love printing and adding things from my stash. This is one of my first pages…done in class with Jessica Sprague.

I will never give up traditional hands on- let me see it and touch it paper crafting. The thing I think we need to remember is it is about OUR stories, it is about connecting past, present and future….who we were, who we are, and who we will become and that connection can go beyond us from who we came from to our children and our children’s children. It is about the things we love to do and being able to remember those times and find peace and rejuvenation from the moments of our journey so scrapbook a picture remember the moments…because every day is a once in a lifetime event and we individually are a once in history event (live inspired books)……….

I just took a break from my digital classes and created 5 mini albums!!! Check them out at http://jeaniesdesigns.blogspot.com/ and find more ideas at the web store www.momscrapbooks.com and connect to our face book page from the web page for more ideas. For all of those here at Natalie’s blog receive 30% off at www.momscrapbooks.com discount code is natalie {expires April 15, 2010}. Have a great paper crafting journey today!!!! =0)

When It Rains...It Pours!

Good news everyone!  No!  Great News!  I applied to be a Master Design Team Member at Above Rubies Studios and I was chosen to be one of 5!  Yay! There are also a bunch of wonderful part time Design Team members that I will get to work with!  What fun!

I am so excited and I have many people to thank for having the confidence to be a design team member.  I especially want to thank my good friend Groovy Deb at If It's Groovy for taking me on and letting me be me!  She has allowed me to grow and has guided me.  The other gals at IIG have also been a part of this growth I have experienced as a scrapbook and paper arts designer.  I want to recognize Jennifer at Scrapping and Crafting Friends, too!  She is so supportive and flexible!

Most of all thanks to Meg at Above Rubies Studios for recognizing in me the qualities she likes in a Design Team Member.  I am so happy I have put effort into developing my skills and have put time into studying scrap and paper art design.  I don't have formal training, but I learn fast!

Stay tuned, as I will be turning out some projects that you'll love!  I await my first challenge!

Remember when....

I said I was going to my first live crop?  There were only 4 of us altogether, but that was perfect!  I was able to get three LOs done amongst the merry making:)

This first one made it into the scrapbook before I realized that I hadn't taken a picture of it.  So that's why it's all wonky!

RASCAL
I used the Cricut and Cuttlebug for this LO.

I am sure you can guess who won this match, she's the one gouging and biting!  The sketch is from www.scrapsketch.com svaughn, 2009.

 U R A Hoot!

I love this LO.  I used paper, embellishments, and stickers from K & Company's Berry Sweet line. 

The font, arrows, parenthesis, and scalloped box are from my Cricut. 

I added ink around the edges and glitter pens to make the objects pop.

I used Stampin UP! ink and a pink Creative Memories journaling pen.
The sketch is from www.scrapsketch.com ssc19 svaughn,2009

LOUNGE

Everybody loves to hang out on our big king-sized bed!

Papers are by Creative Memories, K & Company, Bazzil.

I used alphabet stickers from K & Company for the title.  The flowers are from the Bridal section at Michaels.  Their centers are the acrylic discs found in the floral department dyed with Tim Holtz alcohol inks.

I used a Stampin Up! marker to do the journaling.  The sketch I used is from www.scrapsketch.com 157 svaughn, 2009.


I switched up the sketches a little by rotating them and what not.  They helped me so much and allowed me to focus more on being social!!!  I talked my head off and the ladies at the crop probably think I never get out!  They're right!  Ha ha ha!

Let me know what you think of them!!!

Beautiful Blogger Award

I am so pleased that I received this award from Tanya!  Her creations are so beautiful, just like she is!  I have truly needed some scraplove!  Thank You!  Her blog is The Crooked Cutter and you'll love it!
In receiving this reward I must share 7 things about myself....
1. Christian
2. Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
3. SAHM (go figure)
4. Married for 5 years
5. Montana Native
6. I am absent an appendix and a gall bladder and don't miss them.
7. I have a diamond-shaped birthmark in the middle of my forehead!

I will now send this in to a couple of my scrapfans.  I know I could send it to more, but I am feeling yukky again! 
Judy at Judy's Cardmaking and Papercrafts
Niki Ray at Niki_Rays Niche


Now there are strings attached with receiving this blog award. You have to say thanks to the person who sent it to you, list 7 things about yourself and pass it on to some of your friends/followers.

Sunshine Award!

I received this Sunshine Award from one of my new scrapping friends from If It's Groovy.  Angela Holt has been a real inspiration to me and this Sunshine comes at a time when I really need it!  Her blog is Scrap Journal Of Angela Holt.

I am going to pass this blog along to 6 other creative people who bring sunshine to me!

1. Laurie at Hiding in My Craft Room
2. Bonnie at BonniesScrappyBlurbs 
3. Karen at Karen's Krafty Moments
4. Hope at 4The Memories
5. Kathy at Ready, Set, Scrap
6. Robin at Barbwire & Roses


Now, the rules of the award are:

* Put the logo on your blog or within your post

* Pass the award onto 6 bloggers who are followers of your blog

* Link the nominees within your post

* Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog

* Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award

Thank you again, Angela, for the Sunshine!

Blog Candy

Love 4 Papercrafts is giving away blog candy.  There is a huge amount of goodies in this stash.  She has a cute blog and also many links to others with blog candy!  CRAZY!

Basic Grey February 2010 Newsletter

One of my favorite product lines is Basic Grey.  I love the colors because of the moods they evoke in me!  I love the texture and durability of the paper.  I get their newsletter and I thought you'd like to take a gander at it, too! It has fun industry updates and creative LOs for you to get inspiration from.
Go here to start reading the newsletter.
Go here to see what products Basic Grey previewed at CHA 2010

What's going on at If It's Groovy this month?

There are a lot of challenges going on over at If It's Groovy this fine February!  Most of the groups are hosting a challenge. 
Groovy Deb's Challenge is here.
Altered Art link.
Sweetheart's Scrapping Boys only link.
Sketches link.
Dollbabies Scrapping Girls only link.
Cards link.
Repurposing & Scrapbooking link.
Faithbooking link.
Two page LOs link.
Mini arts link.
Stamping link.
These are a majority of the groups on If It's Groovy, but there are many more. Find them all here.
Come play along and have fun!!!

Well, hello, crop much?

I am out of my skin...I am going to my first cropping session with people I have never met on Friday the 12th from 6 pm to 12am.  I can't believe I get 6 hours to myself!  Well, for myself anyway!  I am so excited.  That's right, I have never been to a crop!  Only online ones and with people I feel like I know!  Weird!  So I have very few ideas of what to take to a crop.  I am using sketches, I have cropped my photos.  I have cut out things with my Cricut and kind of picked out paper accents, embellishments, and such. 

I plan on bringing my SU! stamping spots and pens, as well as distress ink, chalk, sand paper, glue, scissors, paper trimmer, glue dots/adhesives, shape scissors, punches, foam wedges, and some other stuff. 

I can't wait and I'll let you know how it goes and upload the LOs!!!