Time to Think About Halloween?

I don't have any fun pics of me as a child dressed up in costume to show you, but I'm thinking I can dig up one or two from my adult Halloween days.  I'll have to put that on my to do list today!

In the meantime, I stumbled onto the Die Cuts With a View Blog via Everyday Cricut and they are both having giveaways.  In fact Everyday Cricut has a giveaway every week and you'd better get over there and check it out!  Sign up to receive e-mail notices from both sites and comment on their posts.  Follow their directions for your chance to win the giveaways and be inspired as well! Make sure you visit DCWV on Facebook, too!

I've got about a week and a half to go before baby is due and I'm trying to take it easy and scrapbooking and making cards fits in well!  Even my 3 year old loves being at the big desk across from me and working on her own projects.....lovin' it!

Family Layout

Being on a design team has caused me to mix up the order I usually scrap my layouts.  So I've had to go back a couple of years and start scrapping some of my pictures from family vacations.  I have different albums going as well.

I have an album for my 3-year old daughter and I am also doing an album for me of all family.
This layout is entitled "Family"

The background is craft paper.  The stickers were from Michaels and the strip of denim with chunky glitter was trim from the clearance section of Wal-Mart's craft section.  I believe the patterned papers are from SEI, but I'll have to double check that and rummage through my scraps to see if I can find the maker.  I've had absent-minded pregnant lady mentality lately!  The red polka-dot paper was from the clearance area at Two Peas in a Bucket.  You could easily make it by welding circles together on your die cut machine software or your Gypsy.

Awesome Blog Hop

I just stumbled upon this awesome blog hop today that is for all kinds of crafters.  All you have to do is leave a comment on each blog and follow it!  I came away from this hop very inspired for fall and got some ideas for things to make for future craft shows as well!

The Fall Blog Hop starts here.  Happy Hopping!
Natalie

The Imagine on HSN

Okay crafters, tomorrow is a big day for scrapbooking and card-making enthusiasts!  The people who brought us the Cuttlebug, the Cricut machines, the Gypsy, and the Cricut Cake, are releasing for sale on HSN, the Cricut Imagine.  I am in no way endorsing this machine or even planning on getting one, but I am still going to watch the release for sale of this machine on HSN tomorrow at 9 pm Pacific, 12 am Eastern.  

Here are some websites that have been showcasing this machine and what it is capable of: 

Everyday Cricut
The Pink Stamper
Obsessed with Scrapbooking
Clever Someday

Let me know what you think about it or if there are any other sites that offer good information and projects about Cricut machines and products.
Natalie

Busy week

Today is 9/11 and it seems like ages ago that the Twin Towers were brought down. That year was a pretty terrible one for me. My country was attacked in a devastating way and I was enduring horrible emotional abuse from my new husband in a strange new city and questioning the religious institution I was involved with. I lived way down in San Diego, CA when 9/11 happened and I felt so deeply about these people. I had friends who were not Muslim that were victims of hatred and I saw different ethnic groups react in vast ways to this event. Some were anti-American and were indifferent and apathetic. 

It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the world's events because, let's face it, it affects all of us in a myriad of ways. For this simple woman, it has affected my sense of safety and how I view people and strangers. It has affected my hope in the future of my country and the future of my children. It has affected my spiritual life and has helped my faith grow. I gave my life to Christ, found a husband who appreciates me and haven't looked back.

But in an even more simplistic way, all the world's events have effected the kind of scrapbooking I do! I have sought to create balance and not let scrapbooking take over my life or other crafts for that matter. I have sought to include journaling and pictures in my scrapbooks that tell stories...history, and convey real life as it is or was!
I have also been very careful not to spend too much time envying everyone else's skill level, blog, or craft room inventory. I have been cautious in not letting every fad, theme, tool, embellishment, and craft industry invention suck the money out of me. There will always be pretty things, I tell myself, but I am now an advocate of buying tools and supplies as you have cash for them, not driving up a credit card debt to satisfy a shopping binge! I am going to start going through my papers and start sharing them with others. I suppose the most logical place to do this is on my blog! I'd also love to do swaps with anyone who is looking to get rid of some extra quality paper scraps and supplies and would like some new paper and supplies.

The title of this post is "Busy Week" for a reason. As some of you know I am pregnant and the due date is October 12th. This picture of me was taken about a week ago.  I have about 4 weeks left!

I have gestational diabetes and have been doing fairly well with controlling my sugar, not perfect and I give in to a big bowl of Cinnamon Life and milk sometimes!  I haven't gained any weight which is good since I am over the healthy weight I should be and my appetite is pretty nil....why can't I feel like that when I'm not pregnant!   Anyway, I have to go to the doctor and the hospital once a week for monitoring of the baby.  I am looking forward to meeting my little one and I hope you'll join me in praying for her safe arrival into this world.  I just pray that she is happy and healthy!

I will be blogging and doing projects for If It's Groovy as much as I can, but bonding with baby is number 1!  Right now I am working on a Creative Memories album, girl themed, which happens to have a lot of the pages pre-layered with paper pieces and shapes.  I just have to add pictures, journaling and stickers!

I also received my new issue of Paper Wishes and I am getting some great ideas from their catalog for color combinations and even that crazy Christmas Wish List!!!  Sometimes I use their catalog to just see what new products are out there and which old ones are still available.  I can then look elsewhere on the internet for cheaper prices and if I have a "real" need and money in the bank I might buy a little goodie or two, once in a while!  Check out their website here.
Take care all,
Natalie

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.