It's Back 2 School Time At The Cuttlebug Spot

Hey yall! Happy Monday! Can you believe August is already gone?!! Where did it go??? Time just goes by too fast. It's that time of the year too...back to school! I am so glad I am finished with school! LOL. I always dreaded that first day back. My Mom has been back at school for weeks now, but I know many others are just now starting. So this week at The Cuttlebug Spot, we are celebrating Back To School. Here is the link for you to check out the challenge and see the other DT's fabulous projects.

http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/

This week I created a little altered box. I cut this out using my Cricut Expression and the SCAL software. I found the SCAL (Sure Cuts A Lot) file for this box on the Sure Cuts A Lot Forum. It is a 'top note die' box. Here is the link to that file if anyone is interested:

http://forums.surecutsalot.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=4935&hilit=top+note

This was super easy to cut and create. I thought it would be nice for a teacher on the first day of school with a little apple and some treats tucked inside. Seeing as I do not have any children, I guess I'll have to either put this back for safe keeping or give it away. I created some 'Cuttlebug Confetti' for this project. It was so simple to make and I really like the effect it gives. It makes a great, inexpensive filler on those baskets. I embossed my Confetti with Swiss Dots. I also used my Cuttlebug to cut the marquee shape and embossed with the 'Created For You With Love' embossing folder. I also added some ribbon, toile, and bling. Here it my little gift box:

As always, thank you for stoppin' by today! I hope you have a wonderful week!!!

Unscripted Sketches #21

Hey guys! Saturday has arrived!! I hope you all are enjoying a great weekend so far. Of course, as always, on Saturdays we have a new sketch for you at Unscripted Sketches. Here is the link for ya:

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

I stepped outside of my comfort zone this week and went with a card. I used the 'Graveyard' and 'Spiderweb' border punches by Martha Stewart. I added some ribbon, bling, stamping, and inking. Here is my card....

Up close of border punches....

Also, this week we are debuting some new Unscripted Artists!!! I would like to say a big 'Welcome' to all of them! I think they are gonna be a wonderful addition to our team!!!!

Hope you guys have a great day!! Happy Scrappin'!

Wanna chance to win a $250 gift card????

Hey girls!!! Wanna chance to win a gift card to The Scrapping Cottage??? Go here....

http://scrappingcottage.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-250-shopping-spree-at-scrapping.html

Good luck!!! I just love their dies!! They rock!

Have a good day girls! Happy Scrappin'!

Looky Looky At My New Belle (SCAL)

Hey yall! How are you doing today? Good I hope. I wanted to share something that I just LOVE with you today. Let me back up a bit first though. For our 7th wedding anniversary, Brandon bought me the Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) software. If you are not familiar with this, it is a program that you can use with your computer and Cricut. Provo Craft, the makers of the Cricut, do NOT make this program. It is by a different company called Craft Edge. If you use it, it will void the warranty on your machine. But this was not an issue for me. I've had my machine a while and the warranty on mine is already out. But this software is perfectly safe for your machine and gets rave reviews. You can say goodbye to those expensive cartridges, because this software will allow you to cut anything!! The options are endless. Now, I'm not sayin' I won't buy any more cartridges (Hee hee), but I can promise you I won't be buying as many. There are files, lots of 'em free too, all over the net that you can use with this program. Also, you can design your own unique files, which is what I'm about to show you. Anyways, I found the SCAL forum and there is a member on there who is taking requests. Well, I knew when I saw it that I had to give her an image of one of my favorite 'belle's.' Yall know me, I love anything like this. So here is the image I gave her....

Then, she took the image and made it into a file so that I could cut it.

So I downloaded the file and brought it up in my SCAL, which is so user friendly. I then cut her out and added some Stickles. Ain't she a beauty??!!! I love her!!!!

I think next time I will do some shading on the bust area and add some embellishment on the hat, sleeves, and train portions of the cut. But for the first time, I am very excited! I can't wait to start cutting more with this software. I LOVE it!!!!

I just wanted to share that with yall today. I hope you all have a wonderful day! Happy Scrappin'!

It's HOT Over At The Cuttlebug Spot

Hee hee! Excuse my corny title today, but I couldn't resist! This week at The Cuttlebug Spot, we have a HOT challenge for you. You are to use the word 'hot' in your project. Do go on over and check out the rest of the DT's fabulous projects:

http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/

This week, I created a layout. This one is called 'Hot and Humid.' This is Carter showing how to beat the heat on a hot day....by diggin' out Momaw's hose and spraying down! Tee Hee! I used the Swiss Dots embossing folder on the red polka dotted circle. I but the large '&' with the Printing Press folder at 7 1/2". I also brought in some twine, bling, stitching, Thickers, and stickles. Here is my layout:

I hope some of you will join us this week! We'd love to see your projects!!! Thanks, as always, for stoppin' by! Happy Scrappin' and Have a Wonderful Week!!!!!

Nuptials

Hey yall! How are ya today? Good, I hope!!!! I wanted to share this layout with you that I created for the August Newsletter at Treasured Scrapbooking. I chose the 'product review' for this month's newsletter. I am reviewing the Little Yellow Bicycle clear journaling cards. If you would like me to forward the newsletter to you via email, drop me a line at aymee810@yahoo.com and I'll send it right out!!!



This is the layout I created to go with my product review article.

Thanks for stoppin' by today! I hope you have a wonderful day! Happy Scrappin'!

More croppin'....

Hey yall! How are ya doin' today? Any scrappin' goin' on?! :)

I spent Friday at my gf, Michele's, house. We had a ball croppin'...as always! I got 2 LO's done.

First, this one is called 'Got Vine?' These pix are of my nephew Carter. He has a rope, or as he calls it 'a vine,' that he likes to tie to 2 doorknobs and swing from. Silly boy!! Of course, we always watch him closely when he pulls out his rope and put pillows underneath where he swings. He has been known to fall off a time or two. LOL. But he is tough as nails!! I used All Mixed up to cut the title. The die cut paper (circle) and brown patterned paper are from Making Memories. The tree was cut from a piece of patterned paper in the same stack, called Friendly Forrest. I also added some bling, chipboard, and 'vine' ribbon

Second, this one is called 'Plum Tuckered.' I had a laugh with Michele about this one. We say 'I'm plum tuckered out' sometimes in the south to mean that we are just too tired. Tee hee! My southern slang kinda sticks out up here in PA! Anyways, these pix were taken during one of our visits home. Daddy, Carter, and Brandon were all just too tuckered and crashed on the loveseat. I used Lyrical Letters for the lettering and pennants. I also brought in some ribbon, bling, a flourish rub on, and twine. The patterned paper is K&Co. I used the MS border punch for the edge of the blue cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by today!!!! Happy scrappin'!!!!!

Unscripted Sketches #20

Hey yall! Today we have a fun new sketch at Unscripted Sketches. Here is the link for you....go check it out:

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

I created a layout this week. This is Olivia, my bff from high school, Tara's, little girl. Isn't she the cutest?!!! The little dress she has on reminded me of Marilyn Monroe, hence the title "The Future Marilyn." Tee Hee! I used a Martha Stewart punch for the edge of the layout and the corners of the photo mat. I also brought in some stitching, bling, toile', and a pin. I cut the word 'Marilyn' out using SCAL. The other lettering are stickers. This was such a fun, girly layout to create.

Thanks for droppin' by today! I hope you have a great weekend!!! Happy Scrappin'!!!

Croppin' With Michele...

Hey yall! How are ya on this Thursday? Ready for the weekend?! I am because....it looks like Michele and I are gonna get together and crop again tomorrow!!!! Whoo hoo! I was afraid this would be a boring weekend since the hubby is working, but now I have something to look forward to! Yay!

So yesterday I went to my good friend, Michele's, house for some girl time. We had such a good time croppin'! We always do! I only finished 2 LO's, but that was ok. I enjoyed chattin' it up! First, I'd love to share with you what Michele accomplished too! She did the cutest page of little Aiden! He is the cutest little thing. Here is the link to her blog..go check it out! She is one awesome designer!

http://alighttouch.blogspot.com/

Now, here are my 2 layouts. First, this one is called 'Sweethearts.' I cut the title using the Lyrical Letters cartridge. This is for a challenge on TS where you were to use at least 5 patterned papers on your page. I chose 5 patterned papers from Jenni Bowlin. I added this along with the photos on a cream colored background. I hope you can see. It is a very minimal, clean page...not my usual style, but I enjoyed changing up a bit. I also added some twine. Here it is:

"I'm Grateful..."
Next, this layout was created for my sister in law, Caressa. Yall, I have one of the best sister in law's in the world. Not only is she a great friend, but she is a great mother. I am so glad Carter has her for a Mom. She is the best and I love her very much. I hope she will always know that. I cut the title for this one out with Lyrical Letters. The pin and stars are rub ons. I also added some bling and ribbon. The journaling reads:

Caressa,

I am so very grateful that Carter has a Mommy like you!!! You are and have always been the best Mom! You take time to teach him new things and show him new places! You always make sure that he is taken care of! I love you and thank you for being so great!!!

I also tried a little something new on this one. I used my Crop-A-Dile on this one to go around the perimeter of the layout to punch holes. I then threaded twine through these holes. I wanted it to help frame the page and it gives it a great county feel to it. Here it is:

Thanks for stoppin' by! I hope you have a great day today!!!

Started a new blog...

Hey guys! How are ya? I hope you are having a great Wednesday! I am off to crop with one of my bff's today....Michele! Yay! Girl time!!! I so 'cited! Hee hee! I'll be sure to post any work I accomplish on Thursday for ya!

Well, I started a new blog last night!!! I recently found out that I have 3 future publications (1 layout in September and 1 layout/1 card in October) coming up! Yay! So, I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog as some sort of resume' where I could keep up with these types of things. Here is the link if ya want it:

http://asouthernbellesresume.blogspot.com/

There are only a few posts on there now, but we all gotta start somewhere, right?! I also added a slideshow.

That is all that is new for me today. I hope yall have a fabulous day!! Take care and as always, thanks for stoppin' by!!! Happy Scrappin'!

X Marks The Crop

Hey yall! I hope you are having a great day today! This weekend I participated in the 'X Marks The Crop' at Treasured Scrapbooking. The whole crop had a pirate theme and it was, without a doubt, the most fun and creative crop I have ever played in!!! I only wish I could of done more. But I did get a few things done. I did some combining on the challenges, so I got more done than I thought I would. Here is what I accomplished:

"Rosey Cheeks"
This is an 8x8 layout, which is always a challenge for me. I have a problem with these because I never feel there is enough room to embellish. I used the Martha Stewart loop border punch for the layering on the bottom. The alpha's were cut with my Cricut using my SCAL software.

"Suspend"
This one was for a blindfold challenge. You had to have someone else pick out 3 patterned papers, embellishment, and alphabet stickers. Of course, Brandon had to do mine. Now, yall know my husband is great at this sort of thing. He knows all thing scrappy and did a great job....except he picked out the weirdest colors...gray and green! I've never used those together before, so that was a challenge.

"Blimey"

I used SCAL for the alphas on this one. I also used the Martha Stewart Punch Around The Page Spiderweb punches. Love those new punches!!!! The corner flourish is from Home Accents and the ship is from Paper Doll Dress Up.

"Be Whooo You Are"

This is my first layout using my new SCAL program with my Cricut. I cut the lettering and the owl with it.

Thanks for stoppin' by! Have a great day!!! Happy Scrappin'!

Marvelous Monday

Mornin' Yall! How are you doing on this beautiful Monday morning? It is so pretty outside here today. I am ready for a new week!! I'm already ready for Wednesday to be here because I have a crop with one of my good buddies, Michele. She is such a sweetie and has really become a close friend. I can't wait for some girl time!!!! But until then, I need to clean my house and do some laundry!! It's a mess in here! I had a fabulous weekend. I spent alot of time croppin' in our 'X Marks The Crop' on Treasured Scrapbooking. I will post all the work I finished during the crop for you tomorrow.

Anyways, I wanted to share some stuff with you today. First, we have another fun challenge for you at The Cuttlebug Spot. This week we are creating invitations. Here is the link to the blog for you:

http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/

I created a Halloween party invitation card. I used the Martha Stewart Continuous Spiderweb punch system for the edge of the card. I also used the Martha Stewart Drippy Goo punch. I used the following Cuttlebug folders: Boo To You, Spiderweb, and the combo Halloween sign. I also used Stickles and some ribbon. The alphas are Making Memories. Here it is:


Next, we also have a fun challenge debuting today at The Chirper Challenge.

http://chirperchallenge.blogspot.com/

This week are to find a sketch on Scrapsketch and use it on our layout. We also are to use stars and buttons. I cut my circle with Plantin' Schoolbook and Home Accents for the word 'love.' Here is my layout:

"All Because Two People Fell In Love"

Thank you for droppin' by today! I hope you have a great week! Happy Scrappin'!!!!

Debut Day!!!

Good Morning Saturday! How are yall doin' on this beautiful morning?! I am croppin' today and am so ready to scrap!!! But first, I wanted to blog since it is debut day for me at a lot of my DT's.

First up, it's time to get FIT at ScrapFIT! We have a fun new challenge up today! Go and check it out! We'd love to see what you can do!!!

http://scrapfit.blogspot.com/

"Family"
This is the layout I created for this challenge. This is my Daddy and Carter decked out in their Alabama football outfits. I miss Carter being this age sometimes. He was such a sweetie! He still is, but he was so loving when he was this small!! Anyways, I used my Cricut to cut the large circle. I used a Martha Stewart border punch called Scallop Dot for the other piece of paper. I inked both of these, as well as the exterior of the layout, with some Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Fired Brick. I used the EK Success Swiss Cheese border on my photo mat. I hope you can tell that part. I also brought in some stitching, Jenni Bowlin embellishment stickers, Pink Paislee alpha stickers, 7 Gypsies Gaffer tape, metal turnmounts, and a metal hinge. Here is this one:

Up close so you can see the outer edge of the photo mat:

"A Southernbelle's Scrappy Room"
Here is my altered project for the month of August for Treasured Scrapbooking. I used Kit #1 to create this cookie sheet board for my scrappy room. The small butterflies that you see are actually magnets. I simply hot glued some tiny round magnets to the back of them. With the cookie sheet being metal, this makes a great board to tack notes up on. I used my Crop A Dile to punch 2 holes (at the top and bottom) of each side of the cookie sheet. This allowed me to thread toile through for the top portion to hang it up and at the bottom for the pennant part. The pennant's are chipboard from Jenni Bowlin that came in the kit. I simply covered them up with some paper and decorated them. I used my Cricut to cut the medallion that the alpha's are on. The green alpha's are Thickers. I also brought in some ribbon, buttons, rhinestones, and more butterflies. This is so cute hanging in my scrappy room! I wish yall could see it in person! You should make one today!!! It was so inexpensive! I bought the cookie sheet in a pack of 3 for a little over $3 at Wal-Mart!!! Then just alter it up with paper and make you some magnets! Easy Peasy! Here it is:

The little butterflies are the magnets:

I used the magnets to put some postcards up so you can see how it looks when things are tacked up on the board:

"Heartstrings"

This is my second DT layout for the month of August for Treasured Scrapbooking. I used the August Kit #1 to create this layout. I had so much fun with this one. It took me forever to cut up all the little strips and stick them down where I wanted, but I think it was worth it. I love the effect it gives. This is also a new color palette for me. I do not work with orange very much, but it is growing on me. I used my Cricut to cut out 1-3" and 2-1 1/2" squares of double sided paper in order to make my pinwheels. I painted the Thickers alphas with some orange scrapbook paint. I also brought in a rub on, rhinestones, ink, and some stitching with my machine. Here is this one:

***Image Removed for Publication In ScrapStreet Magazine!!!***

Also, we have another fun sketch for ya over at Unscripted Sketches!!! So hop on over and join us:

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

This week, I decided to make a little sign to hang up in my home during Halloween. I was inspired to do this by looking at all the new Halloween decoration they are beginning to put out in the craft stores. I also was just itchin' to use my new Martha Stewart Spiderweb Continuous Punch system. I am in love!!!!! Love it! Love it! LOVE IT!!!!! I added some embellishment from K & Co. along with some ribbon, pom pom trim, and toile. The lettering is from the Cuttin' Up Cricut cartridge. I added Stickles glitter glue to the lettering for some bling. The sign is actually a page out of a chipboard book that I altered up to meet my needs. Here it is:

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!!! Thanks for stoppin' by!

I'm So Excited!!!!

Hey yall! Guess what? Brandon just bought me the Sure Cuts A Lot software for my Cricut Expression! I am so excited and can't wait to learn how to use this program to cut anything I want!! Whoo hoo! It is a anniversary gift! Wasn't that so sweet? He had been listening to me ramble on about it for weeks and out of the blue got it for me!!! I tell ya, he's a keeper! Giggle!

Anyways, I hope yall have a great weekend! I am scrappin' this weekend so I hope to have some new stuff to put up. Thanks for droppin' by!!!

Arghhh!! It Be Time To Crop!!!

Yo Ho Matey's! It be time to crop! Come on over to Treasured Scrapbooking and join us for our week long 'X Marks The Crop.' We'd love to have ya!!! Here is the direct link to the challenges/games:

http://www.treasuredscrapbooking.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=81

My challenge for the crop is called 'Drink Up Me Hearties, Yo Ho.' I asked that you base your creation around a tropical drink (more info on the TS board if you wanna play). I chose 'coconut milk as my inspo behind this layout. I used my Cricut Printing Press cart to cut my circles and ring. I also used my new Martha Stewart continuous loop border punch....it is so awesome! Yall know my addiction to those punches and I am ashamed to say I have given in to the addiction again! I've already bought the loop system, spiderweb system, frosty village, graveyard, and turkey dinner ones! Shhh! Don't tell my husband! LOL. Anyways, back to the layout. I also added in some bling around my circle and Stickles glitter glue to my alphas, which are Thickers by American Crafts. This is Carter running and playin in the surf on the beach at Gulf Shores.

'Wave Runner'

Also, I have a few more things debuting today. This next layout is for my DT at The Chirper Challenge blog. We are highlighting the 'New Arrival' cartridge this week. If you would like to join in on this fun challenge, go here:

http://chirperchallenge.blogspot.com/

I used NA for my train. I also brought in some stitching, toile, ric rac, brads, and alpha stickers.

'In TRAINing'

Also, it's Monday and you know what that means!!! Another fun challenge at The Cuttlebug Spot! This is one of my fave blogs! Come on over and join us:

http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/

This week we are having a sketch challenge and the sketch was designed by yours truly! Giggle! I love creating sketches and am so thankful I was asked to create one for the blog. The sketch is on my sketching blog too if you want to see it. I created a layout using the sketch. I used the MS border punch again. I also embossed the circles with the Fleur De Li's embossing folder. I brought in some stitching, ribbon, bling, and alpha stickers too.

'Grin'

That's all from me today! I plan on croppin' all week along with the 'X Marks The Crop' at TS, so lots more to come!

Yall have a wonderful day and thank you for stoppin' by!!!! Happy Croppin'!