Scrap-off - part 2

I have LOVED being a part of the Nook Scrap-Off and I am so excited to move on to Round 2! I'm also excited about the June Kit! I have almost used up both of my kits from the Nook from May. I have LOVED the Lily Bee papers and hopefully will have a great mini album to show you tomorrow.

Just read about and take a gander at the June Kit from My Scrapbook Nook:

2 sheets of bazzill cardstock
1 set of Cosmo Cricket Chipboard
American Crafts Rockabye Alphabet Thickers
American Crafts Lullaby Alphabet Thickers
Chatterbox Treasures- buttons, bling ,felt & vintage bits and baubles
1 yard of pretty American Crafts ribbon
Maya Road leaf pins
A Cosmo Cricket Spinner Card
10 gorgeous Cosmo cricket Early Bird double sided papers
Jenni Bowlin Tickets

Tomorrow I will write a VERY LONG post. Promise!

Weekly Challenge #3

The Weekly Challenge this past week was to complete a layout that expressed a deep emotion. It had to have journaling and could only have on picture. Here is my layout:

The journaling reads:
I'm at a crossroad of my life. Torn between fulfilling my dream of going back to school full time and remaining the ever-responsible Rachel. I'm excited about spending another summer on stage as a dancer, but will I have enough money to eat? What about health insurance and tuition? I feel like I'm making an irresponsible decision to return to school full-time. Last summer, I promised myself that I would take this leap. Why am I so afraid? I'm worried that I'm not making the right choice, yet I'm so happy that I will get to focus on my academics. I'm sure that I will grow through this experience, I just wish I weren't so uncertain. 5-23-09

I used the always beautiful Lily Bee papers featuring a die cut frame, American Crafts Thickers letters, Maya road flower, Jenni Bowlin mini bingo card, and textured cardstock that I have had for a very long time. The ribbon came with the May mini kit from The Nook.

There is a small spelling error on the layout. I guess I was journaling too late at night. I will try and fix it, but I'm not going to stress too much about it because mistakes happen. I really like this layout and it was very therapeutic to get those emotions down on paper.

More Scrap-off Challenges

I have completed three more pages for the scrap-off.

I'm really making use of my Nook kits (past and present) and trying out some new things.

This layout was based off of a sketch by Becky Fleck. I used the May kit featuring the gorgeous Lily Bee papers, Maya Road flowers, Basic Grey letters, and Maya Road chipboard bird and tree. I added from my stash the prima pearls and butterflies from Michael's $ bin. I love the way this layout turned out!



This layout was created for the challenge that involved using NO ADHESIVE! I used staples to secure my paper as well as brads to secure the flowers and the GROW card. The picture is secured with a cute paper clip from Wal-Mart's school supply section.
I used the fabulous Lily Bee papers again with Making Memories flowers, Jenni Bowlin bingo card and journaling spot, Pink Paislee letter stickers and American Crafts letter stickers.
The picture is of my little brother and me as munchkins taking a nap at Mamaw and Papaw's house. I LOVE this picture.




This layout was inspired by a challenge to create a card with and animal made from buttons or a layout with over 20 buttons. I tried to create a little critter, but I really wanted to scrap this picture so I decided I would use it for this challenge. I used the April kit featuring Pink Paislee papers. I love these papers, but I was really stumped by them when I got them. I still have a ton of that month's kit left and I hope that I will be inspired to continue to use it!



I am really enjoying this competition. I have the weekly challenge still on my to do list, but I will work on that one tomorrow.

Thanks a bunch!

Hello everyone! This is a THANK YOU to everyone that has supported me over the last few weeks. Life has been stressful and hectic and I don't think I could have made it through without the support and prayers of my friends and family! So a big ol' THANK YOU!

The card was created for a challenge at The Nook. You should totally check out their recently redone website and store! The June Kit has been posted and OH MY is it gorgeous. I still have a lot of the May Kit and Limited Kit left, but I'm already planning out what I will create with the beautiful June kit.

For my card I used Bazill cardstock, Bo Bunny papers, Michael's $ bin ribbon, and AC letters. I love those Bo Bunny papers! I have used almost every inch of the papers and I adore the colors!

I am working on three other challenges at the moment. Hopefully I will be ready to show them off tomorrow or Saturday!

Also, I'd like to create a mini album for the Lily Bee Contest, but I don't know that I will have the time!!

Rain, rain...

I don't want to say go away, because it is wonderful to have some relief from the drought that we have been in. HOWEVER-I'm ready for some sunshine!! It has been rainy for almost a month straight. We have had some sunny days here and there, but they are few and far between.

The past week has been crazy busy. We just wrapped up the dance season with a FANTASTIC recital weekend. Both the Star Showcase and the Recital went smoothly and it was wonderful to see so many young ladies who LOVE dancing.

Two of my loved ones have had surgery this week and I've only been able to take care of one of them. It has been frustrating not being able to be in three places at once.

I have a lot to post able, but I'm going to keep this one short and try to come back tomorrow and share a longer post with you all!

I'm still competing in the Scrap-off at The Nook.

Here are my latest creations for the challenges:

Scrap-off

Here are some more creations for the Scrap-off over at The Nook!!

Challenge #1- Use the same photo at least 2 times. No tinting a la Andy Warhol.

I feel like it needs a little something else. It isn't due until Monday at 6:00 pm, so I might make some changes to the layout...

Mini Challenge- Make 2 mini cards.

I don't know why I found it so hard to create these little buggers, but they were a pain! I just wasn't satisfied with anything.

All About You Challenge- Picture of self with journaling.

I really like this layout. I love the picture of me with Dan'l Boone's coon skin cap on my head. I kind of stepped out of my comfort zone and created a page with white space. I really want to try more of this. Also, LOVE the lined Jenni Bowlin paper because my handwriting is so neat on this page!

Nook Scrap Off

One of the 'mini' challenges at The Nook was to scraplift a layout from a member of the current Design Team. I chose the layout "Fetchin Fellas" by Selena Kimsey



I used the FABULOUS May kit with a few additions from my stash. The additions are the larger letters with are Provo Craft sprayed with Maya Mist and the blue scrapper's floss by Karen Foster.

There are a couple other challenges at The Nook and I need to get scrappin'!!

Scrap Street

I competed in the Scrap Street Star contest and boy were those challenges tough!!! Here are the projects I created for the contest:

Challenge #1 - Use pictures no bigger than 1 inch by 1 inch.
Result- A layout about all of my mom's fur babies using Pink Paislee papers and chipboard and Prima flowers.

Challenge #2- Use a hole punch on two projects.
Results- An altered frame using Basic Grey's Bittersweet collection and a layout with BG papers, Prima flower and bling swirl and stash ribbon.




One of my layouts completed with a sketch from Scrap Street will be featured in their online magazine!!

Welcome, May!

My May kit and May mini-kit arrived from The Scrapbook Nook yesterday! Can I say just HOW GORGEOUS they are! I cannot wait to scrap with them, but I have to be out of town for work and I'm not sure that I will have the change to play until Sunday...



I really need to get to work, but I thought I would tell you all that they are having a contest over at The Nook and the Grand Prize is a 6 MONTH spot on the DT!! WOW! There are two more Guest DT spots and lots of RAK and other prizes. I do hope I get to play along. If you decide to play, tell them I sent you!!

I'll be back with some projects on Sunday!!

Another quick update!

Look for a layout/card class by YOURS TRULY to appear in Christian Paper Crafts Magazine!

I'm so excited. I started my layout last night. I probably won't have a chance to finish the layout and write the article until Sunday or Monday.

I will be busy selling Pinto Beans with Communities in Schools at Merle Fest!

Pictures will follow!

SBS Lesson #7-Goodness

Check out Scripture Scrappers to see my full post on Goodness!

WOOHOO!

So I don't know that I have talked about it being officially announced that I am the Design Team Coordinator for Scripture Scrappers! I'm so honored and blessed that Danielle felt that I could handle this position! I'm also blessed to be working with three amazing women! Danielle, Melissa, and Ramsey are FABULOUS girls and I'm honored to call them my friends! The Scripture Scrappers Community is up and running! Come check us out!!

I found out today that one of my cards is going to be included in the first issue of Christian Paper Crafts Magazine due out this fall!!! I'm so excited! This is going to be my first time being published!! So just a little toot of my own horn!

I'll share a preview of the card, but not enough to give it away! ;)



I am the WORST keeper of good news! I just have to shout it out loud!!

Hopefully I will be back again this week to post some layouts and cards!

SBS Lesson #6-Kindness

Here is a shortened version of my post over at the Scripture Scrappers blog!

When I think about kindness I think about thoughtful gestures that are done, not for thanks, but for the simple fact of helping someone in need. My church has a Prayer Shawl Ministry. Volunteers knit and crochet prayer shawls for people in need of prayers. They can be given to those with terminal illnesses, someone having surgery, a woman who is having a baby, or someone who is just in need of a hug and some prayers. They do not sell them, they are given away and donations are accepted in order for the ministry to continue. I adore this ministry for what they do. Wrapping yourself in one of the shawls is like being hugged a thousand times over.

In my layout this week I used a picture from my church when the prayer shawls were being blessed. I also used verse 21 from Proverbs 21

"Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor"

Thank you for allowing me to share with you!

I took a little mini-vacation with my parents and Ryan. It was wonderful! I loved being able to relax and have fun with my loved ones! I'm sure there will be some Pigeon Forge layouts soon!

I have been competing in the Scrap Street Star contest and boy were those challenges tough!!! Here are the projects I created for the contest and I am going to continue to create using the challenges as inspiration!
Challenge #1 - Use pictures no bigger than 1 inch by 1 inch.
Result- A layout about all of my mom's fur babies using Pink Paislee papers and chipboard and Prima flowers.

Challenge #2- Use a hole punch on two projects.
Results- An altered frame using Basic Grey's Bittersweet collection and a layout with BG papers, Prima flower and bling swirl and stash ribbon.




I have a lot of pent up creativity and I hope that it all comes out as planned!!

SBS Lesson #5-Patience

I have posted a layout and some thoughts on this week's topic over at Scripture Scrappers. This week's topic is patience and it is definitely something that I need to reflect on more often.

In creating this week's layout, I thought about Spring and how we have to be patient all Winter for the sunshine and warmth. This past weekend I took a tour through Duke Gardens and saw the most beautiful flowers and trees. It was warm and the sun was so bright, the flowers were in full bloom. (It is back to freezing temps where I live...a little more patience I guess...) Here is one of the tulips that I photographed on Saturday.




So head over to Scripture Scrappers and check out my post!

Weekend in the Triangle

This weekend I spent some time in the Triangle area with Ryan and his parents. On Saturday we went golfing and met up with my best friend from High School, Allison. We all had a pretty miserable day of golf, but it was great fun! I got a little sunburnt. Shame on me!! Allison has an etsy store with some other people and her jewelry is beautiful!

This is a layout of Allison and me that I created using the Ltd. Edition kit from The Nook. I've been getting the kits since February and they keep getting better and better.




I'm really excited that I have made it to the second round of the ScrapStreet Star3 contest!! This week's challenge is to use a hole punch. I'm off to dig one out of a box somewhere!! Their online magazine is full of inspiration!!! Love it!

That is all for tonight! I'm pooped!

Busy week

It has been a busy week! I have so much homework and choreography and work work to keep up with and I'm trying to juggle a lot of balls in the air right now.

I'm hoping for a laid back/creative weekend. Hopefully some golf as well!

Be patient with me...I'll be back in the swing of things really soon! Promise!

SBS Lesson #4- Peace

This week's lesson at Scripture Scrappers is on PEACE. I had a very peaceful day yesterday and seeing the sunshine again was an added benefit. While we needed the rain, it seemed like it was never going to end!! As I reflected on the idea of peace I realized how much I enjoy The Peace during the service on Sunday mornings. I love exchanging handshakes and hugs with those around me and holding up a peace sign to those I cannot reach. Usually we exchange greetings to one another such as 'Peace be with you' or 'God's peace'. Yesterday Kathi reached over and said 'Live Long and Prosper'. I love her!

On my layout I used a picture of the small chapel at St. Paul's and beautiful flowering trees that I took on Sunday morning. I was so glad to have my camera with me to capture the beautiful blue sky and the lush green grass (thanks to the rain!).

Here is my layout for the week:


This shows the hidden journaling that is behind the picture:


May the peace of the Lord be always with you.

I created this layout using Danielle's Sketch at Right at Home. It was very challenging for me. I don't know how many times I have tried the paper strips look, but it never looks quite right. I can't tell you how long this layout took because I had to leave it overnight and come back to it. I really enjoy the finished product!

Here is the layout:



I used Cosmo Cricket papers, ribbon, chipboard, and rub ons and Prima pearls from the March kit over at the Nook. I also used a Maya Road sheer from the April kit. Love their kits!

SBS Lesson #3-Peace

This week's lesson at Scripture Scrappers is on PEACE. I had a very peaceful day yesterday and seeing the sunshine again was an added benefit. While we needed the rain, it seemed like it was never going to end!! As I reflected on the idea of peace I realized how much I enjoy The Peace during the service on Sunday mornings. I love exchanging handshakes and hugs with those around me and holding up a peace sign to those I cannot reach. Usually we exchange greetings to one another such as 'Peace be with you' or 'God's peace'. Yesterday Kathi reached over and said 'Live Long and Prosper'. I love her!

On my layout I used a picture of the small chapel and beautiful flowering trees that I took on Sunday morning. I was so glad to have my camera with me to capture the beautiful blue sky and the lush green grass (thanks to the rain!).

Here is my layout for the week:


This shows the hidden journaling that is behind the picture:


May the peace of the Lord be always with you.

Joy

This week's lesson at Scripture Scrappers is on JOY. And what a topic I needed to reflect on!!

We shouldn't only rejoice in the Lord when things are going our way. We should praise the Lord even in when times are tough. Doing so will bring more joy into our lives. I tend to keep a positive attitude about things and be joyful in all that I do, but I have been struggling lately to be my normal self.

A great moment of joy for me this week was on Monday night when my dance classes received their costumes. The looks on the girls' faces were priceless. They LOVED their costumes and looked beautiful wearing them. To see their happiness really made me smile. I was responsible for the joy that these girl's had. ME! (They also said "Miss Rachel, you have really good taste!"--- I loved hearing that!)

I created this layout for this week's topic. A place that brings me great joy is St. Paul's. I love the Labyrinth and have many peaceful and joyful memories there.



God is good!

Start Your Engines..

I spent ALL day yesterday at Bristol Motor Speedway. It was a blast! We sat in one of the suites above turn #4. It was a great view. They fed us wonderful food and we didn't have to wear ear plugs!!! I loved spending time with Ryan and going to my very first race!



When I got back from the race I made this card using the March Kit from The Nook:


I also made this card today:



I made this card and layout last week with the March kit last week, but failed to blog about them...





Speaking of The Nook and their FAB kits- I cannot wait to receive the April Kit! So far I have had two kits from The Nook and they are amazing and inspiring! You will not be disappointed! I splurged this month and also ordered this Limited Edition kit and several kit add ons!

SBS Lesson #2

This week's lesson at Scripture Scrappers is on love. Before I go any further, the Scrapbook Bible Study has a new site and it is a great growing community in Christ. It is a great place to gather inspiration from other great scrappers!

I have had a rough week at work. Working with children in foster care can be challenging, but I feel that I deal with the emotional parts of work pretty well. I try not to let work spill out into my personal life, but this one case has consumed my life since Friday. My attitude has been less than peachy and I have truly been challenged this week. Rather than give my stress and anger up to God, I held it in my heart this week and I really felt the effects of it. I am so grateful for Danielle and her lesson this week. Perfect timing, in my opinion. I needed to focus on Christ's love and bring His love back into my heart. I feel a lot better after praying about it and scrapping my layout about Christ's love. 

Here is my layout for this week:

I want to end this post with the way that I began my blog, with the Prayer of St. Francis:

Lord, make me and instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

What powerful words to try and live by. I know that I can sow love. I have faith!

Thanks for stopping by!

No Fast Food

In addition to taking on a daily Bible study and devotional I gave up all things fast food for Lent. I cannot tell you how amazing I feel! I have energy galore and I feel truly satisfied with what I am eating. I am making better choices and I'm conscious of what I am eating. 

I slipped up on Saturday because my mother bought Bo*Jangles for the family and I felt bad that she spent that money and I wasn't going to eat with her. I had the delicious fried chicken, but it wasn't as tasty as I remember it being. I also had cole slaw, dirty rice (they call it dirty for a reason), and green beans. The green beans tasted completely like ham and fat drippings. YUCK! 

I encourage you all to try a fast food free diet for a couple of weeks. It really makes a difference in the wallet and the waistline!

2 months down, 10 to go!!!

For my 24th birthday I set 25 goals for myself. Since it is the 16th of March I thought I would update on my progress...

1-Train for and finish a 5k race. - I'm working on this. Getting in shape is HARD work!

2-Learn to sew.   Haven't started...

3-Learn to enjoy sewing.   Ditto....

4-Be fiscally responsible and save money.  - I'm doing pretty well, but I want to keep it up

5-Cook at least two meals a month for my family. - I've cooked a couple times for my 

family/friends, but I need to cook more often.

6-Make a piece of wall art (Supplies).  Haven't done this yet...

7-Take at least 6 classes towards my masters degree.  - I'm taking 2 now, hopefully 3 this summer and 4 in the fall. Hopefully I will meet this goal!

8-Re-learn to play the piano. - I don't know that this one will happen...

9-Practice reading music. - I'm practicing more at choir of trying to sight sing. I need way more 

practice!

10-Visit friends more often.  I need to find/make more time for this one...

11-Keep my closet and drawers organized.  - I'm not doing so well with my organization. :(

12-Write more Thank You notes.  - I've been doing a good job with being thankful.

13-Use my YMCA membership.  - I've going at least once a week, which is great considering my 

schedule!

14-Finish every scrapbook that I start. - I think I will modify this goal...I have new scrap related goals!

15-Give handmade cards for all birthdays, holidays, etc.   I'm doing very well with this.

16-Recycle more. (Which includes convincing my grandparents to recycle their stuff too!) -Needs more attention!!

17-Drink more water.  I'm doing well and carrying water everywhere!!

18-Hike several sections of the Appalachian Trail. I'm going to wait until it is a touch warmer!

19-Go see the gingerbread houses at the Grove Park Inn.  I have to wait until November/December

20-Go whitewater rafting at least once.  Summertime goal!!

21-Let my hair grow out.  So far, so good...

22-Practice Pilates basic mat at least three times per week.  Needs work!

23-Plan a trip out of the country.  This may have to wait...

24-Plan an awesome 25th birthday bash.  No plans yet!

25-Be creative everyday.  I think I'm doing alright here!!

Scripture Scrappers

Danielle Wycough has started a Scrapbook Bible Study blog! I'm so excited for her and for the chance to grow in faith through something I love so much! The group is called Scripture Scrappers and here is the adorable blinkie:



I'm using the new Bo Bunny Edgy mini album for this topic. I had planned on using some Christian themed paper, but it looked so cliche'- so I went with the new Bo Bunny which is bright and cheery! I used a clear cut sticker from Flair Designs. I really enjoy my title page for this album!




I look forward to creating with Scripture Scrappers in the future. I hope I will be able to complete this entire album!

Fun Frilled Goodness!

I received a VERY full box of goodies today from Fun-Frilled! I won the goodies for this card.

With the goodies that I received I created this birthday card:



I will add pictures of the rest of the goodies and credit the companies tomorrow. I'm pooped!

Cousins

I created this layout tonight for a challenge at The Shaker Box and I absolutely ADORE it.

*EDIT* I won a prize for this layout!!! Yay!!!

I was inspired to create a layout about my amazing cousin Brittany. She is so passionate and I love being her friend and family.
(She kicked my butt running tonight and agreed to help me train for the 5k race I mentioned in my 25 by 25 post.


Everything I used in this layout is from the March kit from The Nook.





I had an amazing, relaxing, perfect weekend. That is all. Here is a layout about my day at Westglow Spa:

Focus on Me Friday

Challenge #2 at My Scrapbook Nook was to take a picture of your purse and all it's contents and scrap what it says about you. Here is my layout for this week's challenge:





The hidden journaling tag reads:
Contents of my purse on 3*6*09
Planner, wallet, pens, hairbrush, makeup, toothbrush from my dentist appointment, Westglow Spa gift certificate, highlighter, work phone, MY phone, & post it notes.

What this says about me:
These are the things I carry every day (minus the toothbrush and the gift certificate). I rarely brush my hair or wear makeup, but I carry those things everywhere just in case. My planner is my security blanket. I rarely leave home without it. I hate carrying two phones, but at least I'm not on call this week...that means three phones. I went to the dentist on Tuesday, but I haven't cleaned out my purse since then. I bet there is some floss in there too! I also have a fantastic boyfriend that gave me a day at a spa for my birthday and this is the first free time I've had since January!!!

2 Sketches 4 You- Kazan's Sketch #21

I created this card using Kazan's Sketch #21 at 2 Sketches 4 You. I used Basic Grey papers and rub on, American Crafts letters, Making Memories flower, ribbon from Wal*Mart, and a button and twine from my stash.



I created this card with my mother in mind. I *think* I can save it for Mom's Day, but I may not be able to keep it that long, it may just be a just because card!

Today was a lazy snow day! I cleaned up a bit and organized my scrap stuff! I needed a day like today!

I'm hoping to get some more scrapping done today...maybe there will be another update later!

love

I made this card based on Card Sketch #84 from {Sketches} by Tamara.

I used Bazill cardstock, Basic Grey Bittersweet patterned paper and rub-on, Maya Road flowers and chipboard, bling from Michael's, and some ink that I can't track down right now. I made this as a quick card to give to my ever supportive boyfriend, Ryan. I inked the chipboard in a very pink ink, but felt it was too bright for the papers so i tried to give it a sort of distressed look with a brown ink. I also tried to outline the letters to give it some definition.



It has been a very busy hectic week. I haven't had nearly enough time to be creative lately!!!

I must find more me time...