Safari Expedition Layout

Good morning all.

After being away on vacation for a week I really found myself antsy to get into my craft room again.  Don't get me wrong, vacation was fabulous!  What could be wrong about spending some time on the beach on the Pacific Ocean?

My first layout that I created combines two files that I acquired from Little Scraps of Heaven Designs.

I also used the "Safari Chic" DCWV stack

My latest tool and accessory from Epiphany Crafts.

And THIS is what I came up with.

The full two 12"x12" page layout

Close up of Giraffe

Close up of mat with Pull out tag tucked in

Close up of Lion

Close up of Hippo

Close up of girl and boy in jeep

The left page

The right page

Dimensional View

Dimensional view

Dimensional view

Both mats open up to expose space for additional pictures and/or journaling

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  If you have any interest in this layout, you can purchase it NOW on eBay.  Just click HERE for more details.  Thanks for looking.

Summer Halloween Hop - August 27 & 28

Welcome, welcome to the summer Halloween hop.

I am so glad that you have joined me for the Summer Halloween Blog hop hosted by Abby from Scrapbookaholic by Abby

If you are here from Candace's blog, you are on the right track. If you are joining us here first, please head back to the beginning at Abby's blog and you will be back here in no time at all.

Here is the line-up for the hop just in case you get lost along the way!! Please be sure to stop by and check out these wonderful creations and get inspired by these ladies (Possibly some blog candy too).

Abby www.scrapbookaholicbyabby.com

Tricia http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/

Candace http://papercraftsbycandace.blogspot.com/

Dawn http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/ ***YOU ARE HERE ***

Emily http://createserendipity.blogspot.com/

Erika http://www.craftysprouts.com/

Janet http://createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Julie http://designs-by-julie.blogspot.com/

Katie http://happyscrappinmom.blogspot.com/

Kim http://rickettscricuts.blogspot.com/

Michelle http://www.scrappinwithmybug.com/

Nancie http://www.alittlepieceofmebynancie.blogspot.com/

Raven http://love4stamps.blogspot.com/

Sandra http://365daysofcricut.blogspot.com

For my project today I decided to share one of my older,  but a favorite,  layouts that I made. I just arrived home from vacation and was hoping to get something pulled together before the hop, however the challenges of getting off schedules with children have set in, and therefore must share something a bit older with you.

This is a two page layout I created using some Paper Piecing patterns from Treasure Box Designs.

I am not that much of a 'dress up' kinda gal. I never was. Never really liked the costumes. BUT what I ALWAYS liked about Halloween was the cool Fall weather, the awesome sunflowers and corn fields.

It wouldn't be a hop without some blog candy, would it?

I am offering a halloween scrapbooking kit. The kit will contain papers, ribbons, buttons, and embellishments that can be utilized to create Halloween layouts or cards.

All you need to do to win is

(1) Leave a comment here. If you would like to follow me, I'd love it, but it is not necessary.

(2) For an extra chance to win, join my facebook page, and be sure to let me know. HERE is the link.

Now, head on over to Emily's blog to see what amazing creation she has to share.

Thanks for hopping with me today.

Summer Halloween Hop - August 27 & 28

Please join me next Saturday for the "Summer in Halloween" blog hop hosted by Scrapbookaholic by Abby.

Rapunzel layout

Happy Friday eve all,

I hope this post finds you well.  Tonight I find myself feeling blessed.  For many things, including my family most of all.  I've been struggling with a few things and feel like I am back on track.  Things have finally started running smoothly and I look forward to an up and coming family vacation on the Pacific Beach.  What could be better than that?  Are you feeling thankful today?  If so, what for?  If not, I pray that you find your blessings and can get to this 'happy place'.

Today, I have a new layout to share with you.

It is a layout based on the princess Rapunzel.  Some of you may be familiar with her through the Disney movie "Tangled".  I have to admit I struggled a bit with this layout.  I am not really a 'girly' girl.  I never have been.  Not necessarily a Tomboy, but not the pink kinda girl with frills and lace, ya know?

Although, not 'frilly' and 'girly' I think I am pretty happy with this layout.  To me, it kinda feels a bit masculine, but maybe it's just because I have two boys, or the deeper colors I chose.  Whatever the case, here is the layout, and it is listed HERE on ebay if you have any interest.

For this layout I used the Little Scraps of Heaven "Rapunzel Collection" paper piecing pattern set.

I also used the "Ride for a Cure" horse.

I hope you enjoyed looking at the layout.  I'd love to hear your feedback.   

Digi stamp card

Happy Monday all!
Well, I've been given the opportunity to start my week off with a bang and get up early, thanks to my one year old who insisted on getting up at 5 am.   This may prove to be a challenging day once we hit the four o'clock mark.   Wish me luck.

Today, I'd like to share a small project with you that I made last night utilizing a digi stamp from Little Scraps of Heaven Designs.  I used the "Snake on a Branch" digi stamp.  You can click on the pic below to be taken to the stamp itself.

And here is what I created utilizing the stamp:

I'm looking forward to getting some more copics (I have a few on the way) so that I have more blending capabilities.  One thing I am learning with Copics is to have some different shades to blend.  Although you can use just one color, you can really gain depth and dimension with several different shades.  I mentioned this in my post yesterday, but THIS is a great book to help to learn about blending, how to do it, and how to choose your colors.  Of course the issue is getting all of the copics :)

Surprise! Happy Birthday Deborah! (blog hop)

Welcome to the Happy Birthday Deborah!!! SURPRISE Blog Hop! Today is Deborah from Scrapping Mammas Birthday! Some of her awesome friends have decided to have a BIG SURPRISE BIRTHDAY HOP since we can't all be in the same place for a SURPRISE party! This is the next best thing!

This blog hop is a one day blog hop to wish a very special woman (fellow crafter) a very special Happy Birthday. So Happy Birthday Deborah (aka Scrapping Mama).

If you are coming from Kristy's blog you’re on the right track. If you just joined us, you can go back to the beginning HERE

and hop along with us. We’ve had so much fun creating this hop (not to mention keeping it a secret from Deborah - which wasn't easy! You will visit some amazing bloggers who want to wish Deborah the Happiest Birthday EVER! We've each created a card or something extra special JUST for her!You will see some lovely projects and even have a chance to win some blog candy.

Now Let's get this party started!!

Here is a list of the complete lineup for this hop:

Lisa@ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Cheryl @ http://cardsbycg.blogspot.com/

Julie @ http://designs-by-julie.blogspot.com/

Kari@ http://purplefuntastickcreations.blogspot.com/

Shawnee @ http://blessedonthebrightside.com/

Amber @ http://pixiperfectcreations.blogspot.com/

Kristy @ http://scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com/

Dawn@ http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/

Rachelle@ http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com/

Jamie @ http://myamusinglife.blogspot.com/

Lisa C @ http://lisa-craft-blog.blogspot.com/

Jenny @ http://www.crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/

Gina @ http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/

Ashley @ http://www.theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/

Janet @ http://createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Kimmarie @ http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/

Lisa P @ http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

Lynne @ http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/

Jearise @ http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/

Janet S @ http://ladyluvbug.blogspot.com/

Linda @ www.lindascreativity.blogspot.com

Nicolette @ www.beyondscrapin.blogspot.com/

Brynn @ http://www.flairandfrillscreativity.blogspot.com/

Now, here is my birthday card that I created just for Deborah.  I decided to pull out a Sarah Kay stamp, some copics, hold my breath, and color and shade away.   Blending, shading and getting the light just right with copics is one of my overall dreams.  I'm pretty happy with this, although I know I still need some work ... and after reading THIS book, I know some things that I'm doing wrong, but that requires buying MORE copics :)

The sentiment circle stamp is from Lili of the Valley.
The girl with the flowers is a Stamp from Stampavie by Sarah Kay called "Olivia with her kittens Kiki and Sugar".  I purchased this at a store, but HERE is a website where you can view these stamps and where they are available for purchase.

 I've decided to do things a bit different for my blog candy, and hope that you can truly appreciate it.  On behalf of all the hoppers here celebrating Deborah, I would like to send her this Copic Coloring Guide as a gift.  (Deborah, if you already have it, please let me know ... he he)

As I said in my card .. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my friend.  I hope that you have the most fantastic, relaxing, enjoyable day ever!!!  

Now please hop along to the next stop at Rachelle's blog to see her fabulous project for Deb!

PS - While you're here, I 'd love for you to follow my blog, or my FaceBook Fanpage .. but even more, I'd love for you to show Deb some love on her blog HERE