Blog Cramp

Hey everyone,
Sorry, I had to take a little bit of a blog break and get caught up on some other stuff. I will be the first to admit that I get obsessed with things and then I can't concentrate on anything else, but that. I have been busy with some other things, but my obsession this month has been planning and more planning and list making and tip searching for our upcoming family vacation to Disney World. YEAH!!!

Other than that, I've been busy trying to finish up my nieces scrapbook, volunteering at my son's school with the Art Masterpiece program and working on some Disney stuff. When we get back I will be doing some more cupcake challenges over at Taylored Expressions blog, be sure to check it out she has created her own stamp cupcake stamp line. That is just so cool! and a dream. I wish her all the luck and much success.

Well, back to my projects. The count down is near. So, here are the things I've been working on.
1. Close To My Heart My Creation Display Album, paper is from the Giggles and Grins set. looks very Disney, but does not say Disney on it at all.
2. Autograph book I made for my daughter. I used misc. CTMH paper and Disney paper, the back of the book is plexi-glass, with some rub-ons, the pages are made from memory protects and then I taped on some trading card clear slips to hold the Disney Trading cards. My idea is that the characters can sign on top of the card. Then when I'm ready to make a scrapbook page I can cut out the autograph on the clear protector and then put it over a picture of my daughter with the character. Hopefully, it will work and the characters don't have a problem signing on it.
3. Hair bows for my daughter. All my ribbon and buttons came in handy.
4. outfit for my daughter to wear at Animal Kingdom. Found this black tank at Old Navy. It had the clear rhinestones around the collar, I just added the cheetah Mickey head and then the black gems around that. Then added some cheetah material around a jean skirt. I think it looks so cute. Thought about making one for me too. LOL





Lots of new stuff with Close To My Heart to. Please check out my website with new CTMH TV. love it.

Happy Fall! And I look forward to posting more in a few weeks.

Happy Haunting

Cupcake Challenge 30

Hello everyone! I've been busy this week trying to get some scrapbooking done, which I plan on posting on later this week. I just had to get my Cupcake challenge fix out before it's too late.
Yeah, and I'm not sure how I messed up the challenge order but last week I put challenge #30, but I guess this is week #30, sorry about that.

Is it too early to start thinking about fall??? I'm sick of this AZ 110 + degree heat. Just thinking of cooler weather makes me happy. I love anything Halloween, the colors the decorations the fun and yes the chocolate, lol. This is one of my favorite Haloween stamp sets too. Trick or Treating by Close To My Heart. I also used the Happy Haunting set for the web. The cute little trick or treaters are done with waterbrushing and inks. The pattern paper is, yikes...I don't know, they were just scraps I was trying to use up. I think the polka dot is from Rusty Pickly and the web might be from Making Memories.

Have fun and check out Taylors blog for all the rules:
Here is the sketch.

Cupcake 101

Cupcake Challenge #30
Wow! I can't believe that I was picked to be the featured Cupcake sampler this week for the Taylored Expressions Blog. It was such an honor and I really enjoyed doing this little number with all the circles. Great Design Taylor!

When I first saw the sketch, I stared at it for awhile and then it came to me... A cupcake study. My only problem was that I didn't have 8 little cupcake stamps. And once I have an idea in my head it's very hard to steer away from that idea. My philosophy is, if you don't have it then make it. That's just what I did for the cupcakes.

I wouldn't call myself a very good drawer and I prefer to use stamps when all possible, but these were very easy to draw. Simple and cute, that's about the extent of my drawing skills.

I hope you enjoy and have fun with yours.
To play along you can visit Taylor's blog for all the rules and details.

Here's the sketch ->



Thank you all who have stopped by this week and gave comments. They were all so nice and complimentary.

Supplies used:
Close To My Heart cardstock in Buttercup and Chocolate
Polka dot paper from the CTMH My Reflections Good Times paper pack
Prisma Glitter, Liquid Glass and red sparkles from CTMH
Waterbrush and ink colors: Buttercup and Twilight
Black satin ribbon

Love Your Life

Cupcake Challenge #29
I've been itching to use this set by Close To My Heart called: With Love. I've seen so many cute things done with the flowers and vase. I thought this sketch by Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge was perfect. I needed it to be long to fit the vase and flowers. I am so in love with the little circle placements she puts in her sketch.
Here is what I used:
All products but the dew drops are from Close To My Heart
Stamps: With Love, Cottage Floral and Adorable
Pattern Paper: More to Adore
Colors: Chocolate, Vanilla Cream, Vineyard Berry, Blush, Hollyhock, garden green, Olive and sweet leaf.
Other: Ribbon and Liquid glass
Card Size: 4 1/8 x 9 1/2



Check out more great ideas from this sketch on Taylored Expressions:
Here is the sketch and Rules:
.You're not required to use cupcakes for the challenge, but if you got 'em why not use 'em!? :)
2.You're welcome to create something other than a card, just stick as closely to the sketch as possible and you'll be eligible for the prize drawing!
3.If you're uploading to Splitcoast use keyword TECC28 (for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge 28 or link your creation on this post.
4.Each week, I plan to have a Featured Cupcake Sampler! The cutest and most creative sample from the previous week will receive the featured cupcake sampler honors. The winner will receive the sketch ahead of time in order to create a card that will be featured along with a link to your blog on Cupcake Friday!
5.Featured Cupcake Sampler this week is Sarah from Scrampin' Mama!

Make It Count

Color Challenge # 30
This is a card I did for the Mommyscraps blogspot.
Colors used:
Cranberry, Bamboo, Grey wool, and Black
Stamps: Make it count from Close To My Heart
Pattern paper and ribbon; Silhouette Creative Basics from Close To My Heart.


Check out more challenges from Mommyscraps

Hoppy Birthday

Cupcake Challenge 28
Here is my entry for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge. I finally got to use a new cupcake stamp: Birthday Cupcake by Inkadinkado. I thought this cute little bunny was perfect too. If you haven't already, you have to check out Taylor's site. She is so talented and I just fall in love with her artwork and the color combos are so eye catching. Feel free to play along, the rules are all up on her blog.
TECC28 Sketch:

My supplies:
Cardstock and pattern paper from Close To My Heart Colors: Spring Iris, Heavenly Blue, Sunflower and Sweet leaf Stamps; Birthday Cupcake by Inkadinkado, Birthday Wish by Close To My Heart
Waterbush and liquid Glass from Close To My Heart
Pop dots, and satin ribbon

Mommy Scraps Color Challenge #29

Thanks A Latte!
This Challenge comes from Mommyscraps.blogspot.com. I was a little nervous about the colors at first, but then I found my CTMH Coffee Shop stamp set and thought these nice warm tones would be perfect. Thanks for another great challenge! Colors: Barn Red, Olive, Cocoa and or Chocolate and Honey.



I know, I'm really liking all these challenges. I normally don't make lots of cards, I much prefer scrapbooking, but I do have to say that these challenges have been letting me explore different techniques and layout designs. This card sketch is from Taylored Expressions blog. It was one she created for a Cupcake challenge a few weeks ago. I've done several cards with this sketch and they all have turned out so cute and clean looking.

I've also noticed on a lot of blogs and forums that Copic Markers are the big thing now. Well, I don't have any, but I've seen a few techniques with shading that I thought that the CTMH markers would work well too. I used Taffy and Barn Red markers for the coffee mug. I just used the water brush for blending in some of the harder lines.

Buried Treasure Challenge #02

SHOP TIL YOU DROP!
I liked the sketch when I made it up and then I really struggled with what stamps and papers to use. I was trying to use something else shiny than the sparkles, but they just needed to be used again :) I went digging through my scrap paper and found this oldie but goodie paper from Close To My Heart - Stylin'. It was perfect to "bling" up. I stamped the shoes in black ink and then used liquid glass and black glitter to add more glitz.
Stamps: CTMH Let's Shop
Glitter: doodlebug designs, sugar coating

The sketch:


Here's how to play:
Buried Treasure Challenge: Dig out all those scraps and some bling to create a little treasure to share.

Here are the details:
1. Create a card or a scrapbook page using scraps and some kind of "bling". Shiny paper, metallic paper, glitter, gems, cequins, window charms or liquid glass.
2. Follow the sketch as close as possible.
3. Post your Buried Treasure on your blog, gallery or email me a picture as an attachment (dnmchone@cox.net)
4. Leave a comment on this post with a link to your blog post or gallery.
5. All entries must be posted by Thursday and the winner will be posted on Friday.
6. HAVE FUN!

Cupcake Challenge #26

This is Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #26. This is my second time participating in her challenge. I love her sketches and I love to see all the cards that come out of this challenge.

I did go buy some cupcake stamps, but I decided to use this stamp set from Autumn Leaves: Birthdays. The set is more of a "hand drawn" look. Very Fun!
Paper is from Close To My Heart Silhouette Creative Basics. Cardstock in Black, Watermelon and Ocean. Ribbon: CTMH designer ribbon rounds Black collection. I used the water brush and coordinating ink colors to color in the cake. Liquid glass for the cake plate and sparkles for accents on cake and flowers.

You can play along too;)
Here are the details.

1.You're not required to use cupcakes for the challenge, but if you got 'em why not use 'em!? :)
2.You're welcome to create something other than a card, just stick as closely to the sketch as possible and you'll be eligible for the prize drawing!
3.If you're uploading to Splitcoast use keyword TECC26 (for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge 26 or link your creation on this post.
4.Each week, I plan to have a Featured Cupcake Sampler! The cutest and most creative sample from the previous week will receive the featured cupcake sampler honors. The winner will receive the sketch ahead of time in order to create a card that will be featured along with a link to your blog on Cupcake Friday!
5.Featured Cupcake Sampler this week is Denise from The Paper Landscaper!

Buried Treasure Challenge #01

I'm starting a Monday card making challenge. The point of a challenge is to get you motivated and inspired and maybe to step out of the box and use something new. I will try to come up with some creative sketches or I will give credit to another sketch artist. I will post the challenge on Monday mornings and then the winner will be revealed on Friday.
I made this special card for my beautiful Aunt who is recovering from a mastectomy. She has been battling breast cancer for almost 2 years. Aunt Diane...I wish you a fast recovery we are thinking of you and we love you.

Products used:
CTMH Life Delights paper pack
CTMH Blush cardstock
Stamps: Butterflies and Say it in Style
other: liquid glass, just blooms and sparkles

Buried Treasure Challenge: Dig out all those scraps and some bling to create a little treasure to share.

Here are the details:
1. Create a card or a scrapbook page using scraps and some kind of "bling". Shiny paper, metallic paper, glitter, gems, cequins, window charms or liquid glass.
2. Follow the sketch as close as possible.
3. Post your Buried Treasure on your blog, gallery or email me a picture as an attachment (dnmchone@cox.net)
4. Leave a comment on this post with a link to your blog post or gallery.
5. All entries must be posted by Thursday and the winner will be posted on Friday.
6. HAVE FUN!

This is a layout I did for my daughter's birthday party. See, I did use my scraps :)

Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #25

I've been looking at this blog Taylored Expressions for several weeks now and I just love the idea of this Cupcake Challenge. Just to say cupcake is fun. It makes me want to go out and buy all different kinds of cupcake stamps. The rules state, that you do not have to use cupcakes, so for the time being that is what it will have to be until I can get my hands on some cute cupcake stamps. Thanks Taylor, for letting me play along. I love it and your work and all the fellow Cupcake challengers are great artists! I enjoy seeing all the different cards and it has inspired me to keep creating cards.


Here is my creation. I used Close To My Heart Cocoa Cardstock, My Reflections Stickease from the School Zone, polka dot paper is from the My Reflections Route 66 paper pack, Cranberry designer ribbon rounds, and then I used some liquid glass on the apple just to add a little shine.


So if you want to play along here are all the details you need to know.
1.You're not required to use cupcakes for the challenge, but if you got 'em why not use 'em!? :)
2.You're welcome to create something other than a card, just stick as closely to the sketch as possible and you'll be eligible for the prize drawing!
3.If you're uploading to Splitcoast use keyword TECC25 (for Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge 24 or link your creation on this post.
4.Each week, I plan to have a Featured Cupcake Sampler! The cutest and most creative sample from the previous week will receive the featured cupcake sampler honors. The winner will receive the sketch ahead of time in order to create a card that will be featured along with a link to your blog on Cupcake Friday!

If you like the idea of challenges check out this site:
mommyscraps.

I am also in the process of creating a weekly card challenge called Burried Treasure Challenge. Be on the look out on Monday for that one.

New York Album Part 2

Alright, here is the 2nd part of the New York album. I'm playing around with different slides. This one is pretty cool. One of my favorite layouts is the Architecture page. Lovin' those chip board letters! Leave a comment or a question on any technique or product that I used, I would love to hear from you.

I'm Hired!

I have to thank my awesome sister n' law Heather, that hired me to do a few albums for them. This is the first album I've ever done for someone else and got paid to do it! Yippee! Her and my brother n' law went to New York for their ten year anniversary, so I wanted to make it extra special. I love the way it turned out and so did they. I have a ton of pictures, so I will do a few this week and then finish up the rest of the post next week. Most all products were Close To My Heart. I did find a cute album at Hobby Lobby and some New York stickers and papers from a local scrapbooking store: Scrapbook Barn in Gilbert. This is an 8 x 8 album. I like the size, but it would have been nice if it was a 9 x 9. I had to cut some brochures and cards down just to make them fit. But, I really liked the album, so I had to work around that. Leave a comment or email me on any of the products used or if you have a question on any technique you want to learn more about.
Thanks.

American Pride

I'm PROUD to be an American! And I love the Red, White and Blue. The Blue Ribbon paper pack from Close To My Heart is the perfect paper for any 4th of July pictures. I love the stickers too.
This year I want to take lots of pictures and put them into this circle album, also by Close To My Heart.
The next two layouts are from past years. My favorite tradition is to buy patriotic shirts for the whole family and then take a picture by our Flag. Some day I want to frame our flag and put it in our family room. How cool would that be?

Happy 4th, show your pride!

P.S make sure you scroll down to my play list to activate the GOD BLESS THE USA!

Round Robin

This game is so much fun to do and it's so neat to see every one's creative side. It's called Round Robin and I saw it first on a SIS TV episode, only they did scrapbooking pages. Haven't tried that, but the cards seem to be less intimidating, but still gets those creative juices flowing.

When doing cards, I feel that you need to have a group of no more than 5. If you have a larger group, than break off to smaller groups.
Setting Up you will need: One card base for each person, different color cardstock scraps, different pattern paper (that coordinates), variety of stamps and inks, embellishments such as, buttons, brads, ribbon, ribbon, distressing tools, scissors, punches, a variety of adhesives and a timer. I put all these things in the middle of the table for everyone to reach.

1. Everyone picks their card base to start. The time keeper sets the timer (I usually do 2 minutes, depending on how many people). You get two minutes to start a step on the card. Beware, not to do too much the first step, for when it gets to the last person, they need to be able to do something too. The Step is up to the creator. They may choose to random stamp on the base or they may want to distress the base or they may want to stamp on a separate piece of cardstock to cut out.
Tip: I don't let anyone glue anything to the card base till the last step, that way there is more freedom for the others to create on the card as they choose and it gives the last person with the card something to do.
2. After the 2 minutes are up you let everyone finish their design process and then everyone passes their card to the left. Now you will be adding a step to the card that the person next to you started. Again, each person adds their touch to the card. It can be more stamping, distressing, adding a different piece of paper, using the decorative scissors, or maybe coloring in a design.
3. 2 minutes are up, pass the card again to the left and create some more.
4. Again pass the card to the left, at this point the card will be getting close to done. Before it returns to the person that started the card, it needs to be finished. This is when it should be all glued down. After the 2 minutes are up, the next step is passing it to the person who created the card.
I love to see what everyone does with the card that I start. I might have a vision of what I see my card to be and start to design it a certain way, but by the time I get my card back, it has gone a totally different way. Which is so cool, because I think, Wow, I never thought to do that. Now you have a card that all your friends helped create.

PICTURE CUTOUTS

I saw that these cutouts were offered by a photography studio for a pretty steep price. This is when my wheels start turning and I think, hmmm I wonder if I can make one of those. Yes, yes I can and here they are. I think they turned out good and the kids think they are cool.
Here is what you need: 1. A photo with a image that would be good to cut around. I cropped my photo so that the cutout would be about 7" high (5 x 7 photo). 2. Mat board or you could even use foam board. 3. Cutting knife 4. Adhesive 5. a file or emery board.
Directions: Cut out image, glue to the mat board or foam board.
Cut out using a cutting knife. This is the hardest part of the project and the most time consuming. It takes several passes with the knife.

Use a File or emery board to file rough edges.
Make a stand: I cut out two pieces of the board and glued them back to back and then adhere to back of picture. Just play around with the size and shape to get it to stand properly.
Have fun, I would love to see what you create.

Scrapbook in a box

I love this cute little box idea that I got from Fiskars craft TV. The box is from a 12 x 12 piece of Close To My Heart cardstock. They recommend using chip board. I think our cardstock works well too. Paper is from the Laid Back My Reflections paper pack from Close To My Heart. For the lid, I used a 7 x 7 square and scored on 1 3/8 all the way around. I also made one for my son's teacher with pictures from the school year and then put a gift card inside. So many great possibilities.

Mother's Day at Saguaro Lake

It was such a beautiful day. We all had such a nice time together. I wasn't sure if we would be able to do some water skiing, but we did. The kids looked for shells on the beach and splashed around in the water. Jay and Heather's Jet Ski was a big hit with everyone too. The adults were a little rusty on the skis, but we all made it up. Some (Dave) stayed on longer than the rest.

Oh, so this is a blog.

Alright, so after visiting several blogs and being kind of in the dumps about canceling my ScrapPirate.com website, I thought I would jump on the (FREE) blogging band-wagon.
I'll tell you , it's much easier to create a blog then a website. I've had to let go of some creative control issues, but overall I am happy with how it looks.

I am using this site to show off my beautiful family and my art work. After all, they are my life and I do take pride with both. It is also a great place for my family and friends to come and get caught up on what we are doing.

Now, all I have to do is the follow through part. My goal is to stay on top of the updates and I am looking forward to putting up video tutorials in the near future. Oh, just something else I have to figure out.
Happy Summer, Enjoy!