Musings of Me

It's alive...

2012-02-02T13:21:00.003-06:00

Yes I know I've failed miserably at this blog. Really, I do. But I do hope to come back, for no other reason that I like having a log of projects and life and the reasons behind why I do something.

I have several projects I've posted online since bailing on the blog and hope to spread those out along with adding new projects in the coming.

One big item of news is that after a long infertility battle we are expecting our first child in April. A little boy to be named Riley. Can't wait to start in on all of the cute pages I have in mind for him.

A quick share.

2010-12-12T20:43:00.001-06:00

A simple little card I made a couple of months ago. I've been busy trying to make some Christmas presents and instead of doing that right now I'm procrastinating. Hope you like it!

OCCC Rocks!

2010-10-11T09:46:00.003-05:00

I'm loving my new Blooming Button Bits set! Which was the perfect set to try out on this weeks Our Creative Corner Sketch, which can be found here.

My take.

Not sure if comes across on camera but the base was embossed with holographic embossing powder using hero arts cling dots background stamp. I love using clear, holographic, or a clear glitter powder on a white paper. It just seems to add a little something.
I also used the same technique I discussed in my last blog post, painting with glimmer mist.

Hope you enjoyed!

Blooming Button Bits TESC131

2010-10-11T09:02:00.003-05:00

Buttons are becoming a new obsession of mine, why? I'm not so sure, but they do add a certain pizazz to a project. Since I've been collecting PTI's buttons I figured I would pick up Blooming Button Bits, it's such a cute set.

My jumping off point was Taylored Expressions current sketch.

Along with the SCS Ways to Use it Challenge featuring tissue paper. I decided to use the tissue paper to tone a piece of patterned paper, it was a little too bright on it's own.

Not sure if I really love the end result but it did it's intended purpose, the piece of paper isn't so in your face anymore.

I also figured out a way I can use my glimmer mist. Since I'm not a big fan of spraying it on paper I decided to use a paint brush with it to apply it only where I wanted. Love the results of that!! Using Pumice Stone distress ink with Dazzling Diamonds glimmer mist on top makes my vase look like pewter. Such a great way to use because it doesn't warp your paper this way.

Hope you enjoyed!

Mojo Monday 159

2010-10-08T17:47:00.006-05:00

Hello all! Sorry for the absence, I've been busy working on Christmas gifts.

This is for Mojo Monday 159 and they are giving away Verve stamps! I really hope I'm selected I've been eying Verve lately and getting to try them out would be amazing! Their designs are fabulous and the design team is outstanding! Truly I want everything they've ever created, lol.

Anyways, here is my entry.

Personally I think it might be one of my best cards to date, hopefully you agree!
If you are interested in the flower you can find the tutorial here.

Also added it to the Off The Wall Craftiness challenge you can find it here.
The inspiration is this photo.

I could really go for a piece of that cake!

Thanks for looking and fingers crossed on my owning a Verve stamp very soon!!

Birthday Butterfly

2010-09-06T19:59:00.005-05:00

This is a CASE from a card I came across on Flickr, I love Flickr and can spend hours here. In fact I have.

So pretty to be so simple.

Almost everything is PTI, except the MS border punch, cuttlebug embossing folder, and the EK Success punch for the sentiment.

Happy Birthday Card

2010-09-01T15:29:00.003-05:00

Using a lot of Hero Arts goodies!

I love the Ocean Tides color from PTI so I picked up the recommended copics to compliment it. It really isn't close enough to me but I do think over all it looks pretty good.

A couple of cards.

2010-08-27T17:01:00.006-05:00

Just a quick couple of cards. Using my new I {heart} Hearts stamp set, and a couple of Ali Edwards stamp sets from Technique Tuesday.

Sorry about the color, my lighting is horrible and the gray just made it worse.

List:
Cardstock: Gray Hobby Lobby, Vellum Hobby Lobby
Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Lily Kate Collection
Stamps: Stampin' Up, I {heart} Hearts; Technique Tuesday, Everyday Words by Ali Edwards; Technique Tuesday, Loving Words by Ali Edwards
Ink: Charcoal Chalk Ink, Versamark
Other: Lavender embossing powder American Crafts, Stardust Stickles
Tools: Corner Chomper WRMK, Scallop Sentiment Fiskars

Stampin' Up! Haul!

2010-08-26T19:41:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited this is my very first Stampin' Up! order. Don't get me wrong I have some SU! stamp sets, but they were already retired. For the first time I have something current, Woohoo!

You can see that I didn't order much, just 5 punches and one stamp set. And most of it is hearts, lol. For some reason I have a weakness for hearts and butterflies. I had bought the Delightful Decorations stamp set from a woman on Two Peas, so I had to have the punch. And I had bought the So Many Scallops set from Ebay so of course I had to have that punch as well.
Overall I wish I had placed an order a long time ago, but I'm very happy that I waited on the punches since they are all the slim design now.
Coming soon I'll have a couple of cards using the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set pictured above.

My First Mojo Monday card

2010-08-12T09:42:00.007-05:00

While looking for card sketches I came across Mojo Monday. I love the sketches and all of the great examples you find with each sketch.

This weeks sketch:

And my interpretation:

You'll notice that I didn't use ribbon, instead I dyed some string with Aqua Mist ink.

Supply List:
Patterned Paper: Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Papertrey Ink Stampers Select White, Papertrey Ink Spring Moss
Stamps: Stampin' Up Friendship Blooms, Hero Arts Raindrop Background
Ink: Papertrey Ink Spring Moss, Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist, Distress Ink Black Soot
Punch: Ek Success Photo Label, Fiskars Apron Lace, Fiskars Scallop Sentiment
Die: Nestabilities Labels Four
Other: Clear Rhinestones, String, Quickutz Embossing Folder Vines

Butterfly Dreams

2010-08-11T08:05:00.004-05:00

Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways.
I've been on a card making kick and it's all thanks to this stamp set. It's so easy to use thanks the the matching die and the fact that it's gorgeous doesn't hurt.

Thank you to the commenter on my last post that linked to a great picture taking tutorial. That along with some message board searches has improved my photos.

And a close up that shows my sentiment punch trick. I love the look of the white paper but it get's lost against the other white elements. I just use the same punch and back it slightly off center. No tedious cutting and it just adds a little something to the final product.

List:
Carstock, PTI (Stampers Select White), Bazzill (Black)
PP, October Afternoon (Fly A Kite)
Stamps, PTI Butterfly Dreams
Ink, PTI Berry Sorbet, Distress Ink Black Soot
Punches, Ek Success Journal Plate and Bracket, Fiskars Scallop Sentiment
Other, PTI Berry Sorbet Buttons, PTI Rustic Cream Button Twine, Kaiser Craft Clear Rhinestones

Thank you for looking and have a great day!

Up, Up and Away card

2010-08-06T17:42:00.003-05:00

My first card using my new stamp set! Just a warning, my pictures aren't great, it's so much cuter in person. If you know of any scrapbook/card picture taking tutorials let me know!

Click for larger photo.

A little close-up.

Products used:

Stamps: PTI Up, Up, and Away
Die: PTI
Cardstock: PTI, Stampers Select White
Ink: Lime Pastel Colorbox Chalk Ink, Tumbled Glass Distress Ink, Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink, Milled Lavender Peeled Paint Distress Ink, Forest Moss Distress Ink, Black Soot Distress Ink

Other: Fine Detail Clear Embossing Powder, Cuttlebug,

I {heart} Papertrey Ink

2010-07-30T13:52:00.006-05:00

I really do! We've been apart so long and I for the life of me can't figure out why. I bought a fairly large order in spring of 08. Then... nothing. Well I'm back in full swing, I plan on doing at least once a month orders so I can catch up on all the colors I've missed.
This is my haul. Sorry for already setting up the stamps, I was excited :).

Ocean Tides is gorgeous and I can't wait to use it. It's my first new color since the very first six colors PTI released, I know it's been awhile.
It almost exactly matches the color I'm painting my bathroom, now I need to figure out how to use it in a project for said bathroom.

One thing I have say about what brought me back, dies. I hate cutting around images, I do it because it looks good, but it's tedious. I love their dies that match the stamps! ~SWOON~

The buttons also helped. I've loved buttons my entire life, I remember going with my Mom to fabric stores and there being barrels full of buttons. I would play for an hour, no kidding. It was heaven and my button stash takes me back to that place.

Thank you Papertrey Ink , I've missed you and I'm glad I'm back!

Play

2010-07-23T00:20:00.007-05:00

A new layout that is on the simple side of things. I've been loving the use of white space lately and this layout has plenty of it.

For my title I know I wanted to use an old Heidi Swapp stamp I've had for years, it's about time that stamp met some ink. I decided to emboss a piece of vellum for my title. 1, because I'm horrible at lining up images and getting good impressions. 2, because I like Nichol Magouirk's way of using vellum to help tone down a distracting background.

It just a nice little extra touch to me.

Cardstock, Bazzill Kraft, Bazzill White
Patternd Paper, October Afternoon 8x8 Fly a Kite
Stickers, October Afternoon Report Card, October Afternoon Weathervane
Punches, EK Success Photo Label, Making Memories Slot Punch, Fiskars Scallop Sentiment
Ink, Distress Ink Mustard Seed, Versamark
Embossing Powder, American Crafts Zing! Rouge
Other, Me and My Big Ideas Rhinestones, The Paper Studio brads,

It's the little things...

2010-07-21T02:53:00.007-05:00

That excite me. Why? I'm not sure. For years now I've had a love affair with this guy.

I would guess that some of you do too. It seems that a lot of scrappers have a love affair with office products.
While his normal work is great.

BTW, this is a favorite punch that will be featured on my next layout.
The picture on the front of the punch is what I go off of, however, I like to remember the name when I'm listing products here on my blog. Serves it's purpose just fine, but lacks any sort of personality.
Wouldn't you know a light bulb went off when I used this punch on a layout. Why not use it to dress up my labels?
So I printed a new label stuck it to a piece of printer paper, lined it up, and punched it out.

Then end result was so much better.

Nothing major, but again, it's the little things that excite me.

Home Decor projects

2010-07-07T19:12:00.006-05:00

My walls are shockingly bare, don't get me wrong there are a few things up but nothing is complete. Since my bedroom is the first room in the house that will be complete, hopefully sometime this year (hear that honey?), I decided to make it the first area get some artwork. Nothing fancy, just a way to show off my scrapbooking skills, or lack thereof, on my walls.

My plans are to make four coordinating 8x8 pieces, this is the first.

You can see there isn't a ton of dimension because I want these to go into regular frames. There will be two on each side of my headboard and I didn't want a shadowbox frame sticking out farther than the headboard.

PP, Die Cuts w/a View
Bling, Creative Cafe
Brad, The Paper Studio (HL brand)
Cricut carts used Home Decor and Home Accents
Other die cut, QK nesting label die
Distress Inks, Old Paper, Stormy Sky, Walnut Stain

Family Christmas

2010-06-28T02:55:00.006-05:00

This is my very first Christmas page. Crazy, right? I've just always felt that I wouldn't like the outcome and I didn't want to spoil the pictures. Well after this page no more worries.

I love the outcome. This is my own sketch, so that is exciting. To tell the truth I started with another line of Christmas paper but I didn't like the way it was heading, so I tore it apart and found this. The stripe piece isn't even a Christmas line, just an older October Afternoon line.
And to stretch my PP even more I cut circles around a couple of the snowflakes (hated that I was covering those up), since the cuts are under the striped piece no one will ever know.
A few close-ups.

All patterned papers and stickers, October Afternoon.
Vellum, HL
Buttons, BasicGrey
Brads, Doodlebug
Pearls, Kaiser Craft
Snowflake accents, Dress it Up (at HL)
Embossing folder, Provo Craft
Die cut, Nestibilites (the year is on cut piece)
Stamp, Hero Arts
Embossing Powder, American Crafts
Circle cutting system, Coluzzle (the pieces under the scalloped OA stickers)
Thread, Coats
Other, Glossy Accents (added to give some snowflakes shine)

Fly

2010-06-24T07:35:00.007-05:00

A new layout that's a bit of a different look for me. I went with only a little bit of color except for the butterflies. I must say it was out of my comfort zone but I really like it. Thinking of submitting it to CK, but not quite sure if it's good enough. With all the glimmer mist it really shines in person, unfortunately that doesn't come across on camera. And the dimension is great!

And here is a close-up shot where you can see the dimension a bit better.

PP, Scenic Route(Grey box) and October Afternoon(everything else) : Title, Cricut cut from Songbird cart, inked with distress ink: Rhinestones and pearls, Kaiser Craft: Other, glimmer mist, fiskars border punch, Martha Stewart butterfly punches.

1st grade

2010-06-19T00:49:00.008-05:00

This is my first try on using an Allison Davis sketch. After this I am for sure going to get all the sketch books. To try out a layout for yourself click here. You will see the layout I used and a few others to test out her sketches for yourself.

Cardstock, We R Memory Keepers (love the new stitched colors!); Die Cut, Provo Craft (apple); Stickers, Thickers (title), October Afternoon(all others); Button, Foofala; Border punch, fiskars; String, Coats.

If at first you don't succeed, keep adding.

2010-05-16T18:27:00.006-05:00

First try, it just seems to be missing something and it has waited until November waiting for that something. Yes I know, I'm a slooow scrapper sometimes but that is alright by me. I do this for fun, not to rush so I can be done with it.

With a few simple changes I like it much better!

Font: CK Woodbine

Cardstock: Bazzill

Patterned paper: Creative Imaginations (Green Apple background), October Afternoon (Yellow pattern, Green/Red Apple)

Chipboard: Bo Bunny (back), American Crafts (to school), Making Memories (arrows)

Embossing Powder: American Crafts

Brads: Making Memories

Grommet: We R Memory Keepers

Die Cut: Accu-cut (scalloped square)

Label Stickers: October Afternoon

Other: Glossy Accents

Sketch: Page Maps, October 2009 online

Still stuck

2010-03-31T15:44:00.002-05:00

Why is it feast or famine when it comes to scrapbooking. When I'm on, man can I crank out the pages. When I'm off, it's a dead standstill. I decided to put the page I was stuck on aside and start working on a birthday page. So far I'm loving the way it's coming together. Since it's for my Becca and she is a girly-girl, I'm doing glitter overload. It fits so well with the pictures, the focal photo is hilarious and shows her personality so well. This page will be a first for me, I'm doing over 20 photos on a 2 page spread, highlighting all the activities from her birthday weekend.

February

2010-02-28T20:11:00.002-06:00

Which came and went without so much as a scrappy moment for me. Not that I minded, okay maybe a little. I'm focusing more on getting healthy lately. This has been a great month for that, I'm right on track with where I want to be there.
Now that I'm going more on automatic mode with that I think I can add some scrappy goodness in with it.

I've got a project that has been sitting since last November and for some reason it doesn't look finished. I'm not entirely sure what's missing but I think I'm going to make it my priority first.

Several days in and what have I done?

2010-01-06T00:29:00.002-06:00

We are several days in. At the time of this writing we are 6 days in and what have I accomplished? Well, not much. My husband and I have moved a few things in my scraproom in an effort to include him in this room as well. So I guess that should account for something. But truly I haven't done many scrappy things.

My dream was this Jan. to start recording some tutorials. However, the lighting in my room just isn't up for it, the videos were extremely dark. I still may play around with that and see what I can come up with.

I've also been playing with my new Cricut Expression (Thanks Mom!!) and it is heavenly. So many buttons to push, lol.

Still hoping to get more done in January and I know I shouldn't be thinking of things like it's all gloom and doom when we are just 6 days in, I guess that's just the perfectionist in me.

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-01T00:13:00.001-06:00

Here's to a new decade filled with infinite possibilities.

Simply Enjoy Life

2009-11-15T19:22:00.002-06:00

Another layout coming out today. This wasn't the original title I wanted but I couldn't come up with anything better. Gotta love that Graphically Speaking cartridge!
I went with lots of bling and shimmer, since the photos themselves are rather dull.

Went to another crop.

2009-11-12T00:22:00.003-06:00

I've been wanting to go to another crop for a while now and finally got up the nerve to go. Eclectica holds daytime crops one Wednesday of the month. Wouldn't you know I was the only one there, lol. Oh well, didn't bother me. Only got three layouts started. When the third started giving me fits I figured it was time to go.
Had a very rough evening from then till I got almost home. I won't bore you with the details but it was NOT fun.

On the other hand I picked a lot of fun new items, including a Hero Arts cling stamp I've been wanting! Woohoo, can't wait to play with it.

Two layouts in one week!

2009-11-06T14:25:00.003-06:00

I know, I can't believe it either. I got lot of yummy goodies from Two Peas and the Scenic Route sale. I was so inspired to create. That's what I need to do apparently, shop more, lol!

No particular inspiration came for this one. It uses Scenic Route's Liberty line (some stickers and paper), October Afternoon (some label stickers), Scenic Route (journaling spot), and some MM brads. The title is a combo of a cricut, graphically speaking cut and thickers. Hope you like it!

New layout! Spring Break

2009-11-05T23:28:00.002-06:00

I took inspiration from April, Celebrate the Seasons class at Two Peas. Also from Two Peas Stamp Camp, week 4.

I used lots of background stamps and embossing powder with this one. Normally I'm not a cutesy layout kind of person but I really like it.

A new layout

2009-10-05T02:45:00.004-05:00

Becca reading in bed. The picture was taken in July and it was extremely hot outside. We wanted to beat the heat, but at the same time I didn't want everyone to sit in front of some sort of screen. So we implemented screen free time, no computer, TV, etc.

It uses BasicGrey's Urban Prairie line. I loved this paper but had no idea how I was going to use it. I always have problems with papers with big patterns. I thought a simple no frills layout was in order, I think it turned out well. I added lots of pearls and rhinestones, plus I used glossy accents over the butterflies. In person it has a lot of dimension which can be hard to get with so few layers.

I entered the fair, and won!

2009-09-27T21:51:00.002-05:00

Yep, I won first place with both a layout and a card.

The layout was the You and Me layout I posted just below this post.

Here is the card:

I couldn't be more thrilled!

New Layout!

2009-07-27T11:08:00.005-05:00

I'm so proud of this one! I used the paper ray technique, messed one ray up but it's hidden. Lots of products went into this one. Hope you like it.

Some close ups.

Another Cuttlebug Challenge card

2009-07-18T09:41:00.004-05:00

Time for another challenge card.

This card features items cut from my Cricut using both the Graphically speaking cartridge (pink piece) and Base Camp (faux thickers).
I cut the pink piece using what looks like a semi-circle notebook page on graphically speaking. I then cut off the end and used my upper crest fiskars border punch. Then run it through my cuttlebug to emboss it using the textile folder.
Next I used base camp to cut 3 of each letter used. Adhered them together to create my faux thickers.
I then embossed the letters using Rangers silver embossing tinsel.
Add some ribbon around the middle, pop up the embossed pink piece, add some gems and you have a simple but elegant card.

Supply List
Carstock, Papertrey Ink White and Berry Sorbet
Ribbon, Hobby Lobby
Silver Embossing Powder, Ranger
Rhinestones, Kaiser Craft

Can I just say, I'm loving the Challenges over at the Cuttlebug Challenge blog!

Cuttlebug Challange card.

2009-07-16T22:30:00.002-05:00

A new card I did for the Cuttlebug Challange Blog! You had to use blue, orange, and green. Along with a cuttlebug embossing foler, and a woodsy animal. I used more muted colors because that is what I had on hand. The green is actually a scrap from a piece cut from my Cricut. It's popped up using pop dots to create a window effect. The owl and one branch are also popped up.
Thanks for looking!

Dying Eggs layout

2009-07-13T19:04:00.002-05:00

My first time using faux stitching. I have the gel pen from American Crafts, do NOT buy that one! I had to go over some of the lines 7 times to get them to show.
Sorry the photo isn't very good. I have a hard time getting a good pic of a two pager.

Free Photo editing class!

2009-06-17T14:59:00.002-05:00

www.jessicasprague.com

New Lo's!

2009-05-10T15:23:00.003-05:00

It's been a while and I need to post a couple of my Lo's.

Both using cricut cartridges.

Finally!

2009-03-05T05:11:00.002-06:00

I am just about finished with the LO I was stuck on. It took buying some new cricut cartridges (on clearance!) to find something to work with.

I picked up:
Storybook
All Mixed Up
Mickey Mouse Font
Sans Serif
Stone Script

I can't wait to upload my new LO. It's kinda rockstarish. Hopefully that will be later on today, if the lighting cooperates.

Stuck

2009-02-09T16:30:00.001-06:00

I'm stuck. I tend to get this way several times a year. One LO is sitting on my scrap desk and I can't figure out what else it needs. I'm thinking just journaling, but I can't figure out what to say.

Another I want to start but can't find the right paper to go with the photos.

I hate being stuck!

General Life Blog

2009-02-07T17:20:00.001-06:00

Here is a link to my general life blog. I didn't want to clutter up this blog with all of my ramblings.

Some of my favorite blogs

2009-02-06T13:57:00.002-06:00

I'm becoming quite the blog junkie! So, I thought I would share some of my favorites. Unfortunately I don't have all of my card blogs because at one point my computer wiped out all of my bookmarks. I was so depressed that day, lol.

They are in no particular order, just the way they are in my bookmarks. These aren't all of my bookmarked blogs these are just some of my favorites.

Finer Things in Life
Organizing Junkie
The Pioneer Woman
Smitten Kitchen
Bakerella
Chocolate & Zucchini
Joy the Baker
Everyday Me

I know there is only one scrapbooking blog in there. I can't find the really good ones. I don't have time to go around 2peas and pop in every blog I see. If you have a blog leave me a comment with a link! I would love to see it!

Only her

2009-02-03T16:41:00.004-06:00

Yep, she is a funny one. Becca seems to think that anything makes for a good photo. Even laying on the couch posing with none other than a water bottle.
I've been going through a lot of older photos lately and I admit I'm ashamed at the number of photos we have of her lounging on the couch. I promise she does go outside and play! lol

I have to do something about the my photographs. I have been taking them out on my front porch so that the light wouldn't be harsh (It's covered). But it seems to really wash out the coloring. You can really tell in this LO, that's bright Fancy Pants paper but you can't tell.

Pretty Bad week and a Tag

2009-01-31T20:17:00.004-06:00

Well our county had one of the worst Ice Storms it had ever seen this past week. My power went out Monday night and came back on around 10:30am Tuesday. It went back off shortly before 1:00pm and came back on Saturday Morning around 7:30. Our Electric company said the worst ice storm it had seen was in 2000 when around 1,400 poles were snapped. This storm snapped over 3,000! There are areas that will be without power for a month! I'm grateful that we had a place to say (My Aunt's house) so we didn't have to sit in the cold. Any good thoughts or prayers will be very appreciated during this time. We were without one pay check there are people that will be without more, they need all the positive energy you can come up with!

Now, onto a lighter topic. A tag! Becky Fleck had on her blog that she was tagged to go to her 6th picture folder and get the sixth photo. Hers is adorable and you should check it out. Mine is Becca of course. It looks like she had just gotten out of the shower because her hair looks wet. And she had been into my makeup. I let her play while she is here, I figure it isn't going to kill her. She's already pretty good and applying makeup and who knows, she could make a career out of it! Anyways it was just for fun we were playing around. She had just turned 7 in the photo although she looks much older. I promise she is wearing clothes because you can see the strap in another photo. She has a serious look down.

Pillow Fight

2009-01-22T08:06:00.002-06:00

A new one for me. I wanted something that would stand up to the photos, I think that was accomplished.
I hope you like it!

CHA sneaks!

2009-01-21T10:03:00.002-06:00

I am loving some of the new CHA sneak peeks that are coming out. I thought I would put all of my favorites on my blog.

Here are two. First off is American Crafts embossing powder! How yummy are all of those bright colors.

Second is Dream Streets "Fresh" line. It is just so beautiful!!!! I can't wait to pair some black and white photos with it.

Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

2009-01-20T06:09:00.004-06:00

DH really isn't a fan of enchiladas but I decided to give it a whirl anyways. Here is the recipe, I promise it is very good.

Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas

SERVES 2 -4

Ingredients

Cooking Spray
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts (about 1/2 lb)
1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided (4 oz)
1 cup picante sauce
3 ounces neufchatel cheese, diced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 cups bottled green taco sauce
8 6-in flour tortillas

Directions

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and saute onions until soft. Meanwhile, mix chicken, 1/2 c. cheddar, picante sauce and cream cheese. Add to onions and cook over low heat until cheese begins to melt. Spoon about 1/3 cup filling on each tortilla and roll up. Place enchiladas (seam side down) in a 9x13 baking dish. Drizzle with taco sauce and remaining cheese. *Note:I flash freeze them and bag at this point in family size portions. If you are going ahead and eating now cover and bake at 350F 15 minutes. If you are pulling from the freezer, thaw in the refrigerator then bake.

All Grown Up

2009-01-19T11:17:00.003-06:00

A new layout using very old pictures. I'm not totally happy with it, but I can't think of what would have made it better. I used thickers for the very first time!!! Woohoo, nothing like being behind the times. hehe

Digi revisited.

2009-01-15T14:28:00.002-06:00

I thought it was missing something. So here is a new design. I also have one with the two smaller pictures in black and white. But I think I like this one better.

Digi LO!

2009-01-15T12:26:00.004-06:00

A quick post from me today. It's a digi LO of some old pictures, my niece was being a model. It was super funny that day. I did manage to get some good picture out of it. My favorite of course is the largest one. Proving a subject doesn't have to be looking at the camera for it to be a good shot.

New card!

2009-01-13T23:18:00.003-06:00

My nephew has a birthday coming so I needed a card, but he is a teenager so I'm sure he wouldn't want a handmade card. So I started off with paper that I could have taken in a masculine direction but ended up putting a feminine twist on it. I think it turned out cute. This is the same digital journal block from the Isn't he pretty LO, I just resized it even smaller. Prima Flower, Making Memories brad. PP is from Basic Grey as is the ribbon. The font is Diesel from Dafont.com. I hope you like it!

Creating Summer, new layout!

2009-01-13T08:31:00.006-06:00

Sorry for the horrible pictures to come. I had to take them inside, where my lighting sucks, because of the wind. Don't say you weren't warned!

Picture were taken just outside of Jackson, MS, at the only Build-A-Bear in the state. We down for a weekend because a cousin got married. My Aunt made the cake and we all helped with the decorations. But I digress... The LO features my Mom with my niece. Not her grandchild but you couldn't tell it.

I covered chipboard, which is still new to me. I've only done it once before and it wasn't on letters. Can I say I now officially love my Basic Grey file set! Makes quick work of all the tight areas. I also cut one photo to spread over the LO, along with splitting the title. It was hard to do that! lol
I cut "Summer" out with my circut, it didn't stand out enough so I used the shadow feature to make it pop more. Of course I couldn't leave it at just that, so I used green stickles on the green portion of the letter. It still needed something though so I put Glossy Accents all over the green and white part to make it look like they are epoxy. Popped them up with pop dots and I think that turned out cute.
I used some of my KI lace paper, I think I bought every design some in muliple colors. It looked too plain with just that so I filled in the large open stars with diamond stickles. And outlined the inner portion of the small open stars with green stickles.
The main PP is Basic Grey. The other is actually theme paper. I usually don't use it because it isn't my style, but I bought it a long time ago. I decided why not try to use small portions, so the red strip and the yellow (on the chipboard) are part of the Creative Imagination Build-A-Bear papers.
Other than that I used a flower from Prima and brads from Making Memories. The little "Memories" sticker is from Sandylion. I love her 3-d stuff, much better than the old school stickers.
I used Jessica Spraques half circle journal spot that you can download for free on www.creatingkeepsakes.com. The font is CK Becky, one of my favorites

Isn't He Pretty!

2009-01-12T00:32:00.002-06:00

A fun LO of my Niece and another Niece's husband. I don't think anyone had told him that I take pictures of everything, haha. At least he knows now.

Journaling:
Your big cousin Clint didn't know what he was getting himself into, when he offered to let you test out your new make-up kit. Christmas 2005 aka the year of the broken finger.

And yes I realize that is a huge run-on sentence.

And here they are.

2009-01-10T17:25:00.004-06:00

The first is a nice simple layout. It is the first time I have used buttons on a layout. Other than that nothing really is new.
Journaling:
The easter bunny brought you sidewalk chalk that year in your basket. I guess he forgot we didn't have a concrete driveway and lived on a gravel road. You were determined to use your chalk anyways and remembered we had been doing some renovations. You promptly took a few of the cinder blocks and started using those. One way or another you were going to fulfill your duties as resident chalk artist.

The second is an interesting one. These photos were hard to scrap because of the ugly hotel bedspread. So, I decided to go with that and try to match the tackiness. I think the goal was meet. LOL This is my first time embossing and hand cutting anything, both were done to the title. Also my first time using my Dymo on a page. I couldn't figure out how to get the journaling in at first, then it hit me, ransom style.
Journaling:
While it was one of the worst comforters I had ever seen in a hotel. You didn't care, you had a big bed.

Hope you like them!

Two more down!

2009-01-10T05:33:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it and I hope this keeps up for the rest of the year. I put the finishing touches on two more. One is waaaaayyyyy over the top, the other is extremely simple.

New Layout!

2009-01-09T15:51:00.002-06:00

I really like this one. I tried several new ideas on this. They aren't my ideas just some I have seen overtime and havne't used myself.
1. Strips of journaling, I've never done this because you can't make the little strips perfect. Well, this year I'm throwing perfection out. I think it came out cute.
2. Layering. I put a rub-on partially behind another embellishment.
3. Title work. I'm really trying to vary my titles this year. This one uses letter stickers, something I usually hate. And I outlined them with a black pen, to make them pop a little more. I also tilted the O to give it a little more interest.
4. Putting things directly onto photos. I have my layered products and my chipboard directly on my photo. I've always scrapped with the you can't hide the photo mentality. But, I think it actually draws the eye in more.

So not new ideas, but ones that I have been afraid to try.

Another complete!

2009-01-08T23:24:00.003-06:00

Yay, I hope this is the start of a good scrapping year. I do keep forgetting to get outside and take a good picture. I wish I had great lighting or a big scanner but that will come later. It will be another clean a little more simple LO. Lot's of white space! I also used a rub-on, I'm so proud. I usually just buy them and they sit, lol.

Two uploaded

2009-01-07T18:33:00.005-06:00

That's right, I uploaded two LO's at Two Peas today! It feels good to upload projects.

The top one is "Blessed". It is a picture of my Mom and Niece (no relation between the two) walking on a pier in MS. This was the first layout I ever used chipboard on! Can you believe it, I've had a lot of chipboard but was always too intimidated to use it. I layered several flowers to hopefully pull your eye into the photo a bit.
Journaling:
You are truly blessed. There are so many people in your life that truly care about and love you. I hope you always remember that.

Next up is "Quiet Moments". The pictures are from a very warm Jan. morning on the way to church. It features Basic Grey's granola line! I love that stuff, it's so pretty. I've been wanting to use a few more non traditional girl colors. And the black/grey faux woodgrain paper I think definitely fits the bill. This was the first time I have used paint. I've always been so scared of it because once it is on you aren't getting it off. I also inked some Queen & Co. felt.
Journaling:
In the quiet moments I often wonder what are you thinking? Are you pondering great questions of life? Or, are you wondering what the snack will be today. A quiet moment on the way to church one Jan. 2006

I need to be back, I want to be back!

2009-01-06T16:24:00.004-06:00

It has been months since I last blogged and this year I want to do better. I guess one thing that will help is truly making this a whole life blog. Not just bits and pieces, lay everything out on the table.

This year I hope to scrap more. So far I have been doing better. I actually started in December and have several pages started.

Here is to 2009 the best year yet!

Disney Bound.

2008-06-13T17:39:00.002-05:00

There hasn't been a whole lot going on. And I haven't been very creative lately.

But, we are going on vacation in a little over a week. YAY! Dh and myself along with my Mom, Aunt, and our Niece. Our niece is 8 years old so she is the perfect age to go to Disney World. She's so excited she can't hardly stand it. Hopefully I'll feel like scrapping after we get back. Goodness knows that I'll have plenty of pictures to scrap.

New cards!

2008-04-20T18:23:00.005-05:00

I'm loving my PTI (Papertrey Ink) products. They have many of the good qualities that Stampin Up has. If it all matches (ink, paper, ribbon, etc.) then I'm buying it. And the quality of paper is just great!

All of the cards here use the Perfect Match products and the stamp set Butterfly Kisses.

Busy, Busy

2008-03-28T17:48:00.002-05:00

We have had our nieces while they are on spring break. Ages 8 and 5. Let me get this out now. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Thank you. No, they are pretty good kids. Much better than most I see now days. But they can be a handful at times.

I'm taking definitely taking the job!

2008-03-04T17:45:00.002-06:00

Woohoo! I think I've been doing pretty good. (I asked for a trial run before I would actually start)

Now, what to buy?!?! LOL

March Already?

2008-03-02T22:11:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it. In the third month of the year already. Spring will soon be hear and that means I can work on my landscape. They say you should do anything to your landscape in the first year, to see what comes up on its own. We are now past the first year mark! YAY! Now it's time to dig.

Got my first SU! set today!

2008-02-29T16:31:00.002-06:00

Yipee! I can't wait to use them. I started out with Made From Scratch. I came across some cards that just blew me away using that set. So simple but so pretty.

If you want to see great cards go to Split Coast Stampers. The gallery there will make you speechless. And it is broken down my SU! set. No going through trying to find ideas for the set you have. It makes it much easier to spend money though. Maybe it isn't such a good thing. LOL

The Aftermath

2008-02-28T20:49:00.003-06:00

Or at least that is what it should be called. I had never seen Stampin Up products in person before. At the Memphis swarm wonderful woman that sat across from me had quite a few sets. She was cranking out cards that were gorgeous! So I decided to get a few sets. I now have 11 sets on their way to me. And now I have a whole list of stamp accessories to get too. I really like the idea of making cards and I have only made a few.

Not only that but I'm actually looking at becoming a Stampin Up demo. Might as well get a discount on the new items. LOL Someone seriously needs to save me from myself.

2008-02-26T20:31:00.002-06:00

Another I started at my crop.

I almost didn't want to scrap this because it involves a bad aunt moment. She had been saying her stomach hurt to get out of what ever she didn't want to do. So earlier that day when she said her stomach hurt I told her I didn't want to hear it. Well at the Relay for Life event she took one bite of food and got very sick. I felt so bad! That was 3 years ago and she still tells me about it. LOL I guess I'll never live it down.

2008-02-26T20:19:00.004-06:00

2008-02-25T13:47:00.003-06:00

The LO I did the finishing touches to yesterday.

I am really happy with the way it turned out.

Had a blast!

2008-02-25T13:43:00.003-06:00

I did get everything packed and at a decent time.

The crop was a ton of fun. I had a blast. Can't wait for the next crop. I got 4 pages started and put the finishing touches on one yesterday. I'll upload in a bit.

Should be packing

2008-02-22T14:53:00.003-06:00

Well, I should. Tomorrow is the big crop that I waited over a month for and still haven't packed everything up I want to take. That means tonight I'm going to be up late and all stressed. Why do I do this? I know better but it's the internet, it lures you in and doesn't let you go. :)

Now I need to finish the items for the goody bags I making. I brought in the candy bars for it. Hmmm... Chocolate.

My favorite scrapbooking store has a blog!

2008-02-21T12:04:00.002-06:00

I LOVE Eclectica in Memphis. I often drive an hour and a half just so I can shop there. They have a huge assortment of amazing products. I can easily spend hours in there just looking at everything. Can't wait until Sat. I'll be in town and will stop in at some point.
Check out the blog, you can find the link in my oh, the places we will go section.

Pictures and more pictures

2008-02-20T21:03:00.002-06:00

I'm getting ready for a crop on Saturday and have decided to use Page Maps. Being tired of my usual 4 x 6 size and wanted to break out. I must say this looks likes it is going to make my pages much more interesting. The only drawback is it is taking so long to edit all the pictures to the right sizes. Of course it didn't help that I left several pages of edited pics up one night (unsaved) and my computer decided to auto update. GRRR! Oh well, lesson learned. Always SAVE! LOL! I doesn't matter if your going to continue working on them the next day, save anyways!
So far I believe I have about 17 LO's worth of pics done. I'm planning on doing a few more just so that I can skip around LO's if I so choose.

Paperclipping live is tonight

2008-02-19T16:50:00.001-06:00

I'll be there ready and waiting. 7:30 central time.

The Melting Pot

2008-02-18T20:34:00.003-06:00

Last night we went to The Melting Pot. I have to say it was fantastic! I have now requested it for my birthday. Dniece had a great time and now can't wait to go back.

Bears and Cats... Oh My

2008-02-16T16:44:00.002-06:00

Today we met DH for lunch. Of course Dniece picked Fuji, which is a Japanese Steakhouse. We LOVE that place. Dniece is getting to be very handy with chopsticks.
After that of course we went to Build-a-Bear to fill up her 2 bears and cat. Everyone's reaction to her with 3 animals was hilarious. I had bought them all previously but she looked seriously spoiled.
We went clothes shopping to find something for dinner tomorrow night. We have reservations for The Melting Pot. We have never been so this should be fun! Dniece picked a green and white sparkly dress. I got a pink shirt to go with some dress pants that I already have.
I can't wait until tomorrow, the reservation is at 5 pm.

Saturday

2008-02-16T16:39:00.003-06:00

Well, my Saturday didn't go too badly. I got to pick up my adorable niece! She is staying through Monday.
She's 8 and so much fun. She is just like me and a total shop-a-holic. We surprised her with the limited edition bear from Build-a-Bear. She now has 8 animals from there. LOL That is my shopping addiction coming into play. They are so cute and reasonably priced so why not.

A Dozen Roses

2008-02-14T20:55:00.002-06:00

My DH came home tonight and surprised me with a dozen red roses, a heart shaped box of Dove truffle hearts (the best chocolate hands down), a Hershey Symphony bar (the second best chocolate), and a card. If I haven't said it before, I love that Man!
I surprised him with the same Dove truffle box (I told you we liked them) and a handmade card. I'll have to post a picture of the card soon. He informed me today that he wanted me to make his card. He loves the other cards that I made and this one he went on and on about. All because it had embossing on it. LOL He is a sweetheart.
Our big Valentines plan tonight consisted of going grocery shopping. That's right, grocery shopping. What can I say we were almost out of food.

Day of Love

2008-02-14T16:02:00.002-06:00

Today is a day that we can take time out of our busy lives and show someone how much we love them. It can be a DH/SO, BFF, Sister, Brother, Niece, Nephew, Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle. Take time out of your life to show someone you love them. Do a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) hold the door open for someone, pull out a cart for someone else, let someone go ahead of you, pay for the person behind yous cup of coffee or dry cleaning. In short just pay it forward.

Another day another... fall?

2008-02-11T20:04:00.001-06:00

So, I decided that I am tired of my "look" and wanted to shake things up a little bit. I went and got my haircut. Not a whole lot cut off, maybe around 4 inches. And I have layers again! Woohoo!
After that I headed off to Hobby Lobby(HL) since they are having a major scrapbook sale and scored some great bargains. Like my new American Crafts, 3-ring album for only $10!
Headed to Wal-Mart to pick up a picture for a layout(LO) I'm working on and have that completed now. I get home, get the mail and start heading in the house. I fall flat on my face on the walkway. So now I have a scraped up knee and hand. At least I looked better on the way down. LOL

The start of it all.

2008-02-10T13:34:00.000-06:00

This is it, the start of it all.
Where I will give the run down of my days (you are warned they can be boring). Where I'll share my projects and general life notes.

Welcome to the Ride!

Musings of Me

It's alive...

A quick share.

OCCC Rocks!

Blooming Button Bits TESC131

Mojo Monday 159

Birthday Butterfly

Happy Birthday Card

A couple of cards.

Stampin' Up! Haul!

My First Mojo Monday card

Butterfly Dreams

Up, Up and Away card

I {heart} Papertrey Ink

Play

It's the little things...

Home Decor projects

Family Christmas

Fly

1st grade

If at first you don't succeed, keep adding.

Still stuck

February

Several days in and what have I done?

Happy New Year!!

Simply Enjoy Life

Went to another crop.

Two layouts in one week!

New layout! Spring Break

A new layout

I entered the fair, and won!

New Layout!

Another Cuttlebug Challenge card

Cuttlebug Challange card.

Dying Eggs layout

Free Photo editing class!

New Lo's!

Finally!

Stuck

General Life Blog

Some of my favorite blogs

Only her

Pretty Bad week and a Tag

Pillow Fight

CHA sneaks!

Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas

Write a Review! (optional)

Ingredients

Directions

All Grown Up

Digi revisited.

Digi LO!

New card!

Creating Summer, new layout!

Isn't He Pretty!

And here they are.

Two more down!

New Layout!

Another complete!

Two uploaded

I need to be back, I want to be back!

Disney Bound.

New cards!

Busy, Busy

I'm taking definitely taking the job!

March Already?

Got my first SU! set today!

The Aftermath

Had a blast!

Should be packing

My favorite scrapbooking store has a blog!

Pictures and more pictures

Paperclipping live is tonight

The Melting Pot

Bears and Cats... Oh My

Saturday

A Dozen Roses

Day of Love

Another day another... fall?

The start of it all.