Destiny

My sweet little boy, climbing his way through time to find his destiny . . .
CREDITS: All papers and elements, including alpha, from Magic Feelings by Newlife Dreams; font is MA Simple Pleasure; lyrics from "Climbing" performed by Lionel Richie

Rocks

My little boy loves rocks. Every time we go to my mother's home, he stops to collect rocks from the gravel driveway. But his favorites are these big river rocks that line a path next to my mother's goldfish pond.


CREDITS: All papers and elements from Out of Africa by Chaos Lounge; Paper and Glitter Alpha by Amanda Dykan; font is Peas Breathe Easy

Joy That's Unspeakable

These are my children . . . the joy they inspire is unspeakable . . .

CREDITS: All papers and elements from My Sunshine, The Early Years by Scrap N Tag; font is Peas Breathe Easy

Dream Meadow

My lovely daughter on Easter . . .

CREDITS: All flowers by Newlife Dreams from Spring Fever and Just For You; butterflies from Envolee de Papillons by Newlife Dreams; background paper from A Day In The Sun by Dianne Rigdon; mushroom, birds and bouncing elf from Bouncing Brownies & Bunnies by Lorie Davison; Shimmer2 Alpha by Blythe Evans; font is CK Ali's Writing

Sue

This is my mother yesterday when we got together with some family that had just come in from out of town. I am so blessed to have this incredible and beautiful woman as my mother!

CREDITS: Papers and elements from SBG's Impressions of Calm & Healing (background paper, butterfly by Manuela Zimmerman; frame, dried flowers by Lorie Davison; lace, flower by Birgit Kerr; ribbon, gems by Berna Datema; glitter by Michelle Godin; Stitched Flowers by Dana Frantz); Blue Plastic Bag Alpha by Dirty Feet Designs; font is Peas Breathe Easy

Noah

CREDITS: Background papers (two patterned papers blended) and patterned paper used as photo mat, cardboard pieces from Where The Road Leads by Scraps By Jenn; fiber by Angelfaye Designs from Do It Digi April Inspiration Kit; eyelet laced ribbon from Annabelle by Angelfaye Designs; Copper Penny Alpha by Tina Chambers; font is junko's typewriter

Me & Nanny

My daughter and her Nanny at Easter.


CREDITS: All papers and elements, including alpha, from Double Raspberry Latte by Trish H. Designs; template by Templates N More/Trish H. Designs; font is Digs My Hart

C.J.

CREDITS: All papers and elements from Do It Digi April Inspiration Kit with the exception of: Date Chip by Angela & Emily Powers from Blossom & Shine Collab Kit; Frame by Bridget; Distressed Date Stamp by Sugarplum Paperie

Beauty

CREDITS: All papers, elements and alpha from Layer Me Lilacish by Broken Jar Creations; font is CK Fantasy

The World's In Love

My brother and his girlfriend at Easter.
CREDITS: All papers and elements from Too School for School (Girl Version) by Raspberry Road Designs; font is Love Letter TW

Victor

CREDITS:
Background paper (2 papers blended) and cross (blended) from Captivated by Eressea Design; 1800 Photo Frame, credits unknown; Photo by Christopher Potter at stockxchng; Doodles by Sabry Card; Doodle Border by Nikki Painter; Shimmer2 Alpha by Blythe Evans; font is Love Letter TW

On My Way

CREDITS: Background paper, frame, feather, ribbon, glitter splats and paint smears from Unforgettable by Raspberry Road Designs; Altered Art Frame by Raspberry Road Designs; Pink Painted Newspaper Alpha by Manda J. Designs; font is Chocolate Box

Sad

This is my dear son, in tears over the fact that there were no more eggs to color!


CREDITS: Background paper, frame, stitches, hydrangea from Sunshine Sweets Collab by Sunshine Studio Scraps; Leaves by Julie Bullock from Grateful4U CT Appreciation Collab; Hand Stamped Alpha by Michelle Coleman; Font is Love Letter TW

Spring Is Here

CREDITS: Background paper, leaves (hue altered), ric rac from Midnight Butterflies by Heather Manning; Paper frame, string & sequins from Untamed Heart Freebie by Rachel Martin; Vintage Frame by Kate McClellan; Shimmer2 Alpha by Blythe Evans; font is Liorah BT

Close As Hands & Feet - Featuring Spring Fever by Newlife Dreams

This is my brother and sister at our family Easter dinner this weekend.
CREDITS: All papers and elements from Spring Fever by Newlife's Dreams; Sueded Alpha by Theresa Hernandez; font is Chocolate Box

Eggs - Featuring Bouncing Brownies & Bunnies

This is my dear son and his first hands on, get all messy, dye some eggs experience . . . just Saturday morning!
CREDITS: All papers and elements from Bouncing Brownies and Bunnies by Lorie Davison; Ready for Spring Alpha by Betsy Tuma; font is Chocolate Box Decorative

Abi - Easter 2007

Ahhh . . . a little sneak peek at Lorie's newest imaginations: Bouncing Brownies and Bunnies Collection! It's coming soon to scrapbookgraphics.com so keep hopping back for the official release date!
CREDITS: All papers and elements from Bouncing Brownies and Bunnies Collection by Lorie Davison; font is Chocolate Box Decorative

Now & Then - Featuring Day of the Daffodils by Scrap N Tag

Wow! This is an incredible collection, and the sentiment behind the creation of it is so sweet and sad . . . Carolyn made it to honor her stepfather who passed away from cancer. You can get this collection for free by making a donation of $9.99 to a cancer charity in your area - read full details on Carolyn's blog HERE.

And this is my layout with the collection, featuring me at 2 and me at 37!

CREDITS: Background Paper, leaves (hue altered), flowers, bow, film reel from Day of the Daffodils by Scrap N Tag; zipper frame (hue altered) from Walking After Midnight by Scrap N Tag; Postcard Alpha by Natalie Bird; Ampersand (hue altered) from a felt alpha by DDiva; font is Problem Secretary

DECK OF ME CHALLENGE, WEEK 7

This week's prompt is SHOES: THERE IS ALWAYS A STORY TO TELL.

Perhaps it's the pair of shoes you wore when you were married. Or the ones you wore to prom. Or your favorite pair. Or the most comfortable. The pair you lost on the beach that night . . . the pair that you wished you had gotten, but never did. They all have their own stories to tell.

For this week's challenge, I focused on some of my baby shoes. My mother was so great about keeping things for us, and these she kept safely in a Stride Rite shoe box in a trunk filled with all kinds of childhood memories. My favorite shoes out of this bunch are the red ones with the little white fluffy at the toes . . . but I think each of them has a story that will tell me a little something about myself, 'cause I don't have any first-hand memories of the shoes.
TO VIEW CREDITS, PLEASE CLICK HERE

To view Emily Falconbridge's notes for this week and to view her card, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

I can't wait to see what shoes made a difference in your life . . . or maybe it's a pair of shoes making a difference NOW . . . either way, I'm looking forward to seeing your cards this week. Please be sure to post them in the Shakin' Challenges, Deck of Me Gallery HERE. Happy Traveling . . . I mean, Scrapping!

Wanna Win A $25 Gift Certificate?

It's very easy to win a $25 Gift Certificate to the The Shaker Box.

That's right!

All you have to do is visit SHEETLOAD OF CARDS BLOG and post a comment with your first name and last initial along with your email addy. Like this:

michele c - ciolabunch (at) emailaddy (dot) com

or a link to your blog if you have your email on there. She just doesn't want to hunt you wonderful members down like a mad dog. LOL

The winner of the gift certificate will be announced on March 23rd! Deadline to enter is March 22nd Midnight CST.

Don't forget The Shaker Box has a crop coming up March 28th - April 4th with some very generous sponsors!!!
Also don't forget to check out our blog for the latest news from the Shaker!!

Noise

CREDITS: Background Paper, string, buttons, frame: Paper Blitz by Booland Designs; Leaf Vine: Alice Koh from Grateful4U CT Appreciation Kit; font is Barbara's Hand; Paper Glitter Alpha by Amanda Dykan

Dorothy 1943

This is a school picture of my grandmother taken in 1943.
CREDITS: All papers and elements from Midnight Butterfly by Heather Manning with the exception of the diamond elements from Trish's Collection by Scrap N Tag; Shimmer 2 Alpha by Blythe Evans

Snack Happy

CREDITS: Background paper (two papers blended: striped background paper by Candice Wong from Simple Goodness PPF Collab and dotted paper from Xtreme Couture by Kryss Bourque Designs); Paint Smears by bittbox; Strawberry Mango Alpha by Scarlett Heels; staples by Rachel Martin and journal block by Krystal Hartley from PPF Simple Goodness Collab; font is CK Elmer

In The Treetop - Featuring After Midnight by Chaos Lounge

This is my dear son who fell asleep in the living room on his own one afternoon this month out of sheer exhaustion. Of course, I was at the ready with the camera! LOL! He looked so dreamy and this collection was perfect for my nursery rhyme fantasy!
CREDITS: All papers and elements from After Midnight by Chaos Lounge; Dirty Cloud Brushes by Miss M./rebel-heart.net; Cardboard Alphabet by Monika69

DECK OF ME CHALLENGE, WEEK 6

Your prompt for this week is: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

Pretty simple, really. What do you love?

I chose to highlight my relationship with my husband, but I was really tempted to do my cards about my love of digi scrapping. After some time of indecision, I went with the relationship with my dear husband. I used a portion of a poem by e.e. cummings on my card in lieu of journaling.

You can view credits for these cards HERE IN THE SHAKIN' CHALLENGES GALLERY.

You can view Emily Falconbridge's card for this week: EMILY'S BLOG.

Please remember to post your cards in the Shakin' Challenges Gallery under the DECK OF ME CATEGORY.

By Daddy's Side

Jay and Olivia before going to the Father/Daughter Banquet at church tonight.
CREDITS: Background paper (2 papers blended): Bronze Age by Bobbie Wheeler Design; Bronze Age Alpha: Bobbie Wheeler Design; Ribbons: New Life's Dreams; Grass, brackets and dragonfly: Grass Is Greener Alpha with bonus elements by Krystal Hartley; Wild Flowers: Mary Giles/mom2niryza; Font: CK Girl

SIR ELTON JOHN CONCERT POSTPONED

UPDATE . . . AND NOT A GOOD ONE . . . CONCERT HAS BEEN POSTPONED . . . SEE THE FOLLOWING LINK: ELTONJOHN.COM.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My sister Anna is the coolest on the planet. We're going to see Sir Elton on March 14th . . . we are so excited. On Saturday, she gave me my official concert prep kit, which included my Elton John sunglasses and a CD of the Rocket Man Number Ones (which he'll play at the concert). I also got an invitation to the pre-party at Anna's. We are gonna have so much fun! I am so excited!

Hope you are liking the music, 'cause it's gonna stay that way until after the concert! If you're wondering what I'm doing right now, I'm scrapping with my fabulous glasses on and I'm shakin' my BOOTY!


CREDITS: Background Paper and Marquee Frames: Krystal Hartley; Black Frames: Christina Renee; Font: Laundromat 1967

Daffodils

CREDITS: All papers and elements from Simple Goodness, March Collaboration from the PPF Design Team (Background Paper: Heather Manning; Frame, stitching: Rachel Martin; Brads: Krystal Hartley; Flower Border: Melissa Daniel; Journal Bracket Brush, Ribbon (hue altered): Blythe Evans); Poem excerpt: "Spring Song" by Lucy Maud Montgomery; Fonts: Baron Kuffner and Brandywine

So Charming

I created this layout for the Do It Digi Wednesday Challenge at The Shaker Box ~ Charmed, I'm Sure! The challenge is to "hang" charms or other embellishments in a layout.
CREDITS: All papers and elements from Something to Remember by New Life's Dreams with the exception of the diamonds from Trish's Collection by Scrap N Tag; fonts: Mutlu and CK Ali's Writing

Baby Love

This is my little boy last September, loving on a baby that belonged to his cousin Abi.
CREDITS: All papers and elements from Shabby Dolls by Raspberry Road Designs; Floral Brushes 1 by Hawksmont; Grid Paper Alpha 2 by DigiDiva Designs

Secret

This is one of my cousins, Kindall, who is so smart and sweet!

CREDITS: Flower Stamp: Spring Essence, Tracy Robinson; Alpha: Swirly Alpha, Willro&Co; Background Paper, Doiley: Jane Austen, Willro&Co; Daisy Bunch, Bling Circle, Frame: Mixed Embellishments, Willro&Co; Diamonds: Trish's Collection, Scrap N Tag; Font: Pea Jordan

PPF Great Scrap-Off Grand Prize Winner, I mean, WINNERS

Okay, so it was down to me and Andrea/Boyerville Scraps. We waited. And waited. And waited. At one point I commented that I felt like we were on the American Idol stage and were awaiting the results . . . and Ryan Seacrest had gone to a commercial break! LOL!

The announcement finally came last night . . . and we BOTH won the GRAND PRIZE. Some very awesome goodies and a chance to CT for the site for one year.

See the official announcement at the PURPLE PAPER FLOWERS BLOG

When I first registered for the Great Scrap-Off, the post in the forum that I read didn't say anything about a CT position being a part of the contest. I thought I was just competing for prizes. It was brought to my attention by a designer I CT for that yes, indeed, a CT position was included in the prize package. I went to the PPF blog . . . and yup, there it is in black and white ~ two CT positions were up for grabs. I was already at Challenge 3 or 4 at this point. I'm already on quite a few CTs, but the designers at PPF are incredible, so I decided to continue the contest and see what happened. And WOW, the prizes are awesome and I think the CT position is going to be one I'm really going to enjoy.

Prepare yourself: now's when I start rambling. I feel very blessed to CT for the designers and the sites that I do. Some teams have more requirements than others . . . but I'm going to be scrapping anyway and it's a pleasure to be able to work with their designs. I am so overwhelmed by my passion for this craft that I start to get emotional . . . it feels like I am a child again filled with the wonder and joy of life. Don't get me wrong: I have an awesome life apart from scrapping. My dear husband and two children are incredible and my immediate and extended family are a big part of that, too. I have a relationship with Christ that is still growing. I love to read as well. Yet there is something about digi scrapping, the ability to create, that is immensely satisfying and rewarding. Part of that is learning how to scrap my faith (thanks Faith Sisters) and letting that come through in my pages . . . being able to share Christ's love through scrapping . . . wow! The other part is feeling that I am doing something of lasting value. I'm still not finding the words to get this out right. I am just grateful that I have found something that makes me feel so ALIVE.

So off my soapbox and back to reality . . . woo-hoo for me and my prizes and my CT position at PPF! I think this is gonna be a GREAT year!

Purple Paper Flowers Great Scrap-Off Layout Entries

Over the weekend, I participated in the Great Scrap-Off at Purple Paper Flowers. These are my entries. For credits, look here: MY GALLERY AT PURPLE PAPER FLOWERS. Each challenge round had different specifications for each layout, and the time constraints made this difficult, especially on a busy weekend! But I felt like I was able to stretch myself and grow some in my layout designing skills. I've created some pages that I really treasure. I love that I captured my daughter in a less than happy situation . . . sometimes that's part of life, but not one we often document in photographs or in our layouts. I also love the layout with my son who is just discovering the joy of books. Considering my great love for books, it is very delightful to see how studiously he examines the pictures on the pages.

The winner of the Great Scrap-Off is to be announced today, Monday, March 10, 2008 . . . I'm anxiously awaiting the news!

DECK OF ME CHALLENGE, WEEK 5

This week, we are going to be using ephemera on our cards.

Wikipedia explains that ephemera is transitory written and printed matter, not intended to be retained or preserved. The word derives from the Greek, meaning things lasting no more than a day. Some collectible ephemera are advertising trade cards, airsickness bags, baseball cards, bookmarks, cigarette cards, greeting cards, letters, pamphlets, photographs, postcards, posters, stock certificates, tickets, and zines. Decks of personality identification playing cards from the war in Iraq are a recent example.

In library and information science, the term ephemera also describes the class of published single-sheet or single page documents which are meant to be thrown away after one use. This classification excludes simple letters and photographs with no printing on them, which are considered manuscripts or typescripts. Large academic and national libraries and museums may collect, organize, and preserve ephemera as history.

So what papers have been in your life this week? Dig around in your junk drawer, on your bar, at your desk and find pieces of paper that say something about what's been happening with you this week.

This week, my sister gave me the most awesome concert prep kit for the Elton John concert on March 14th. My photo contains more than the paper bits, but the kit included an explanation of what was in the kit, an invitation to the pre-party, a CD of the greatest hits, and some fabulous sunglasses. I'll probably keep the sunglasses and the CD, but don't know that I'll keep the prep kit explanation or invitation to the pre-party. So now it's documented . . . just a little slice of my life right now that says something about me and my sister!

VIEW CREDITS FOR MY CARD - CLICK HERE

You can view Emily Falconbridge's card for this week by clicking HERE and you can see her use of a Metro ticket from Paris.

Remember to post your cards in Shakin' Challenges, Deck of Me Gallery HERE. Looking forward to seeing what's going on in your life right now.

Let The Music Move You

This is my sweet little man who discovered that music came out of that little contraption his sister was always carting around. So cute to see his facial expressions!
CREDITS: All papers and elements from Candy Jar #10 by tammykat at Digital Candy (various color changes and blending used to achieve final results); Glitter Style by Flergs; Calendar Rubon by M. Patry; Fonts: Dear Joe Four and Minion Pro

Divas 2008 - Featuring Layer Me Funky by Broken Jar Creations

My daughter and all her friends the day of her birthday party!


CREDITS: All papers and elements from Layer Me Funky by Broken Jar Creations; Wild Thing Alpha by Ellie Lash

Days 5 & 6 - 21 Day Inspiration Challenge

CREDITS: Background Paper by Bobbie Wheeler; Vine: Sequin Flowers Freebie by New Life Dreams; Flowers: Painted Flowers Beach and Painted Flowers Tropical by Joo Joo Bee; Graphic/Word Art: Rhonna Farrer; Font: CK Ali's Writing

Lucky Me

CREDITS: Papers and elements from Lucky Me Challenge Freebie by Raspberry Road Designs with the exception of the Evening News tab and postcard from Vintage Peddler by Raspberry Road Designs; Fonts: Tiza and CK Ali's Writing

21 Day Inspiration Challenge - Day Four

CREDITS: Background paper: Long Ago Ledger Papers by Raspberry Road Designs; Frame, Lace, Ribbon and Lacing: Legacy by Raspberry Road Designs; Vines and Flowers: Country Glam by Raspberry Road Designs; Graphic/word art: Rhonna Farrer; Quote font: Laundromat 1967; Journaling font: CK Ali's Writing

Answered Prayers - Faith Sisters Inspiration Challenge

CREDITS: Paper and elements: Cutie Pie Denim by Journeys with Jamie; Love brush: 2Peas Sweet Pea by Rhonna Farrer; Font: You Are Loved

21 Day Inspiration Challenge - Day Three

CREDITS: Background paper and paper blended with graphic: Long Ago Ledger Papers by Raspberry Road Designs; Frame, Lace, Ribbon and Lacing: Legacy by Raspberry Road Designs; Vines and Flowers: Country Glam by Raspberry Road Designs; Graphic/word art: Rhonna Farrer; Journaling font: CK Ali's Writing

By His Side

CREDITS: All Papers & Elements: Chaotic Spring by Chaos Lounge; Blue Glitter Alpha: Monika68; Font is CK Ali's Writing

21 Day Inspiration Challenge - Day Two

CREDITS: Background paper, curled and torn paper, frame, journaling block, green wire, flowers: Lolly-Pop Pok-A- Dot by Studio Lorie; Day Two graphic by Rhonna Farrer (altered to replace quote); Swirl Brush: Sweet Pea Bonus from Rhonna Farrer at Two Peas; Word Art Font: Laundromat 1967; Journaling Font: CK Ali's Writing

Cover Page and Day One - 21 Day Inspiration Challenge

So I've picked my habit to make in the next 21 days . . . be kind . . . to others AND myself. The first one is not so hard, but the challenge for me is to be kind to myself.


CREDITS: All papers and elements from Just For You Freebie by New Life Dreams; word art by Rhonna Farrer

CREDITS: Background paper, curled and torn paper, frame, journaling block, green wire, flowers: Lolly-Pop Pok-A- Dot by Studio Lorie; Day One graphic by Rhonna Farrer (altered to replace quote); 2008 Stamp: New Years Freebie from Rhonna Farrer at Two Peas; Word Art Font: Laundromat 1967; Journaling Font: CK Ali's Writing

Raspberry Girls Second Challenge - LUCKY ME!

Our second Raspberry Girls Challenge is up on the blog. CLICK HERE to go to the blog to get all the details.

Here's a little peek at the freebie collection that we'll be using for the challenge.

And check this out: Raspberry Girl Tracy came up with this cute little 4x6 brag book using a combination of Susan's Legacy and Long Ago Ledger Collections that you get for FREE when you submit a layout for the challenge!

AND . . . the challenge winner will receive THEIR CHOICE of any kit from Susan's store. WOW!!

CLICK HERE to go to the blog to download the freebie and get all the details!