I needed a change....

Hey yall!! Well I spent several hours on the computer last night browsing for a new look for my blog. I know this look is way different, but I was really feelin' it! What do you think? Love it or hate it??? Of course, you know me, I will change again in a few weeks. But for now, I'm in a skull mood and when I found the skulls with the old fashioned ladies.....I was like 'gotta have it.' I don't mean for it to look scary or anything though...just something different. Anyways, I hope all of you have a wonderful day today! Enjoy the rest of this beautiful weekend!!! Happy Scrappin'!

Unscripted Sketches #23

Hiya! How are you doing on this beautiful morning?? Good I hope!!! It's my fave day of the week....Saturday! Whoo hoo! Saturdays always mean another new sketch at one of my fave blogs, Unscripted Sketches. Here is the link for ya:

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

This weeks sketch was very unique. To be honest, it was a hard one for me. But that is what a challenge is all about, so I'm glad I finished this layout. I really struggled with the 2 vertical lines. I'm not that crazy about them on my layout, but am pleased with everything else. I cut the lettering with my Cricut using the SCAL software. I love love LOVE this font!!!! It is called 'Brock Script.' I also used my Cricut and the Plantin' Schoolbook cartridge to cut the hearts. I ran the hearts and strips thought my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots folder. I also brought in some black velvet ribbon and stickled my alpha's. Here is my layout...'Sweet Kisses'

So if you are up for a good challenge today or this week, do hop on over to US and join in on the fun!!! We'd love to see your interpretation of the sketch! As always, thanks for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of you and always love reading your comments! THANK YOU!!! Happy Scrappin'! Hugs!

A Tweet For You

Hey yall! How are ya doin' today? I hope you are enjoying this long weekend! My family came up to stay with us for a few days. We had a wonderful time! I hated to see them go though!!! But maybe I can go down to Bama in a few weeks.

Anyways, we have a new challenge for ya over at The Cuttlebug Spot. We want you to create any project that includes a bird and the use of your Cuttlebug. Easy Peasy and fun!!! Here is the link to the blog for ya:

http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/

This week I created a little altered project. I recycled a jar that some scrappy stuff came in. I filled it with Brandon's fave...Mike-n-Ike's. I used some red cardstock, embossed with the Distressed Stripes folder, around the jar. I also added some ribbon. I pulled out my Cuttlebug again and cut out the sentiment with the 'stamp' die that comes with the Cuttlebug. Then for the top, I folded this little bird gift box, which was cut with my Cricut using the Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) software. I found the template for this on the SCAL forum. Here is the link to the file if you are interested:

http://forums.surecutsalot.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=6781&hilit=bird+gift+box

I changed mine up just a tad. I decided to add some real feathers instead of cutting mine from the box. This was kinda tricky to put together, but very fun!!! I tied a bow to add to the head of the bird...had to girl it up! LOL. Here it is:

I already have given it to Brandon. He loved it! He said it made his day, so that made my day!!!

So do hop on over to The Cuttlebug Spot and show us your 'tweet' projects!!! As always, thanks for droppin' in today! Happy Scrappin'!!!!!

Unscripted Sketches #22

Good Morning Everyone! How is it goin' today? I am soooo excited! College football officially starts today!!! Roll Tide! We (Alabama Crimson Tide) play tonite and I can't wait to watch!!! The hubby and I are big football fans and this is our fave time of year. I think I will make this new dip I found called 'Touchdown Taco Dip' too. I'll try to remember to post some pix for ya!

Anyways, of course Saturday means a new sketch for ya at Unscripted Sketches. Here is the link for you if you would like to join us for this awesome challenge:

http://unscriptedsketches.com/

This week I decided to go back into my comfort zone and create a layout. But even still, I am just feeling out of my element. I don't know if it's the new scrappy space or if my scrappy mojo is on hiatus???? But I do know one thing, it is driving me crazy! I hate not feeling 'on.' I am enjoying my time when I scrap, but am not always happy with the end result. Does that make sense?? But, I'm gonna keep at it and maybe soon I will fall back in my groove. Anywho, this layout is called 'Silly Girl.' This is Olivia. She makes the cutest little faces and I had to scrap this silly face. These papers are older. They are K&Co. I have had them for quite some time and decided they needed to be used. The accordion flower embellishment is a recycled item. My good friend Cristal made it. It was originally on a tag that she had given me. I just pulled it off and it worked perfect with this layout. So the credit for it goes to her. The alphas are Thickers. I also brought in some bling and buttons. Here it is....hope yall will like it:

I want to thank you for taking the time to come by and visit my blog today. I hope each and every one of you have a fabulous weekend! Maybe we all can get some scrappy time in too! :)

Hugs!

ScrapFIT Workout #3 and Treasured Scrapbooking September Debut'

Hey yall! Can you believe September is here??? I sure can't! August just flew by for me!!! Well, I have some new stuff to share with yall today. First, we have another fun workout challenge for you at ScrapFIT with a great prize up for grabs. Here is the link for you:

http://scrapfit.blogspot.com/

Here is the layout I created for the challenge. These pix our from my parents recent cruise to Cozumel. They visited some Mayan Ruins while they were there. I used Plantin' Schoolbook to cut my circle. The border around the page was created with the Martha Stewart Loop Punch Around the Page system. The challenge required us to 'hide' our journaling. On the right, you will see three ribbon tabs. If you pull on the middle one, a tag with my journaling comes out. I will post a pic of that too. The large star is chipboard from 7 Gypsies. The small stars are rub on's from American Crafts. Here it is:

Here is the tag pulled out....

A new month also always means new stuff to debut for Treasured Scrapbooking!!! Whoo hoo! Do go on over today and check out all of the DT's awesome stuff! You will want to look under 'September 2009.'

http://treasuredscrapbooking.com/gallerypp/

So, I wanted to share with yall what I have done for this month. First, each month we are to create a original layout and coordinating sketch with the kit we are assigned. This month I have Kit #2. Here is my sketch:

"These Everyday Memories"
This is my layout for the first of the month. I had so much fun working with the kit this month. I used my Cricut and the Plantin' Schoolbook cartridge to cut out the circle. I also brought in some stitching.

Next, each month as a DT member, we are to post a challenge for the members of the forum. This month I used a fun little holiday coming up this month for my inspiration. September 10th is 'Swap Ideas Day.' For this challenge, you go into the gallery at TS and find a layout, card, or altered project to lift. But, you must 'swap' something out about the page. Let's say the layout you are lifting uses ribbon, well you could 'swap' that out and use twine (jute). Or let's say the layout you are lifting has one large 5x7 picture, you can 'swap' that out for two pix. Or you could even pm the person of who you are lifting and ask them an idea of what they could swap out for the project. I chose to lift ksuscrapper's 'Forbidden Love' layout. Here is the link to her page:

http://www.treasuredscrapbooking.com/gallerypp/showphoto.php?photo=18910&cat=742

Now, I lifted not only the layout, but also the idea. The moment I saw this layout, I fell in love. I LOVE Spongebob Squarepants! LOL. I know, I know, but I can't help it! It is just so addicting. So I chose to lift her idea, with permission of course, on using Spongebob pix. I printed the picture onto white card stock. I had never tried this before, but have seen it and always wanted to try. I like the effect it gives. It really gives the photo some texture. Now, for the 'swap' part, I decided to swap out several things. I swapped out the title, used machine stitching instead of hand stitching, added some different embellishments, and used a different shaped arrow. Here is my layout..."Spongy Love"

Okie dokie, that is all for me today. I hope you all have a wonderful day! Do go on over to Treasured Scrapbooking to join in on the challenges this month! They are always so much fun and really get the creativity going. As always, thanks for stopping by! Happy Scrappin'!!!

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'!