Jewelry from Raleigh

A while back I shared with you that I recieved a gorgeous necklace from my friend Allison's etsy store. She is having a giveaway on her blog for one of her gorgeous button rings

My personal favorite is Muffy:


So head over to her blog and leave a comment for a chance to win your choice of a button ring!

Jewelry from Sweden

I ordered some beautiful jewelry from Linda Joona in Sweden. Her work is beautiful, timely, and can be ordered to your specifications! She's also a wonderful scrapper as well!

Thank you Linda for the beautiful jewelry!

Lemonade!

The July Kit from The Nook arrived on Monday. Can I just say that it is beyond FABULOUS!?!?
I ordered a ton of add ons as well.

This kit includes:
Basic Grey Lemonade Line: Papers and Alpha
Copic Pen Glitter
Maya Road Ribbon & Chipboard Words
Bazzill Paper
Prima Flowers & Tags
1 yard of pretty American Crafts ribbon
Webster's Fancy Lace Ribbon
CLP Stamp

I purchased the Canvas Album from Prima and have been dying to get my hands on it! I have only just begun the work on this album, but i can't wait to share a little sneak peek!


I'm so excited about this kit and I hope to show some finished work later this week!

Quick update!

Here is a layout that I completed using the June Kit from My Scrapbook Nook! The Cosmo Cricket is adorable and I love the bright colors and chipboard accents. I'm finding that for me, in order to use the Early Bird line, that it is best that I just keep things clean and simple.



The journaling reads:

Growing up in Pensacola, FL I loved hanging out at the beach. Now I prefer the cool summer breezes of the mountians. Sure, I'd like to have a vacation at the beach, but I don't like hot weather. I think I'll stay in the mountains!

I'm off to create some more!

Beautiful Cosmo Cricket

Today I completed a layout using a picture from my childhood. I love the picture because it reminds me of one of my favorite things in the whole wide world---sleeping in my Papaw's tee-shirts. I loved getting to pick out which shirt to sleep in from his closet.

I used Sketch # 15 by Allison Cope from the So Sketchy Blog. I am so inspired by her sketches and I have a few layouts floating around in my head that I just don't have time to create!

Once again, I used the fabulous June Kit from The Nook featuring Cosmo Cricket:

Horn In The West

Here are some pictures that Ryan's mother took last Saturday:





I cannot say it enough. I love my job. I get to dance every night (except Mondays) and earn a paycheck doing it!

Another Pencil LInes Sketch

I have been trying to up my mojo this week by creating from sketches. I need to get some new pictures printed so that I can scrap some recent photos!

I used Sketch # 139 by Maria Kress.



I used the always fabulous kit from The Nook to create this page and added Prima flowers, a journaling tag, ric rac, and brads.

I had an idea for this page, but when I sat down to create it, everything went in a totally new direction.



The picture is from last year's Halloween game at ASU. Wes dressed as Dan'l Boone and I wore my German outfit that I bought in Munich! What a pair we make!

Pencil Lines

Becky posted this sketch over on The Nook and a lot of the girls have been working on this sketch. It is neat to see all of the different takes on the sketch!
The sketch is from Pencil Lines and I have been looking at the rest of their sketches and I really hope to try a few of them soon!

I used the June kit from The Nook with a few extra buttons, and a journaling spot from my stash!

Rehearsal photos

Here are a few pictures from the past couple weeks:

Poor tired feet and a petticoat.

Mac Dance Partners

Rachel the Redcoat

Blue eyed babes! 

Finally!

My first day off in 16 days! I have tried to scrap during my lunch and dinner breaks, but I have been missing my mojo. Not enough sleep combined with expressing myself through dance equaled a total lack of creative juices. I had the desire to scrap, but nothing was going.

I finished this layout tonight with the fabulous June Kit from The Nook!



I'll be taking my scrappy things to the ticket office this week in hopes of scrapping some more!

It's good to be back!

Two more days!

We finally ran the entire show today! TWICE! We have an amazing show that is just full talented people! I cannot wait until Friday night!

I have still not had time to craft, but look forward to having some downtime once the season opens and I have a bit of rest!

I have some very exciting news so stay tuned!

Time

I have not been able to scrap since Sunday. My days are as follows:
9:00-12:15/12:30- Fight call/ Work call
12:30-1:30- Lunch break
1:30-5:15- Dance call
5:15-6:30- Dinner break
6:30-until- Blocking

Today I rushed to the grocery store on my lunch break and bought some real food. I'm trying to get some laundry done on my extended dinner break. Clean clothes is a must.

During fight call today I rolled around on the sand stage and now there is sand EVERYWHERE. It is like being at the beach with none of the perks.

In the big battle of the show I get killed twice. The first death is pretty gruesome. The second one is where I am recycled and shot again and stumble off stage.

The world of Outdoor Drama is so wonderful and I cannot express how happy I am to be performing again. I hope to get some pictures soon and find some time for paper crafting!

Good news!

I submitted my "Keepin' it Real" layout to the Basic Grey website for their gallery and it was accepted!! You can find it here

Also, I was named Dance Captain for Horn In The West! I'm really honored!

I'm so excited!

Last Round 2 Project

The challenge was to create a card to send to another competitor! I only created one, but I am going to make another and send them out as soon as I have some down time:
I used the always fantastic June Kit from The Nook for this card:


Rehearsals have begun for Horn In The West and I am so thrilled about the show this year! We have an extremely talented cast this season! I have dance call in a couple of hours and I think I'm going to get ready and take a stroll in the sunshine!

Double or Nothin'

So this week there is a Double or Nothin' challenge for the Scrap-off. The scoring goes like this: the 5 favorite layouts will earn 15 points, the next 5 layouts will earn nothing, and the remaining will lose 5 points.
So- I really wanted to create something awesome for this challenge in hopes that I could score those extra five points. I'd really like to move on to the final round, but there is a TON of talent competing in the Scrap-off!!

I used the fabulous June Kit from The Nook to complete this layout. I have never been disappointed in their kits. They are always filed to the brim with gorgeous things!


The journaling reads:

I felt so special on my last day of work. April made Dorothy and me share the tiara since we were both leaving RCCFS.
Koren- I miss calling you at ext. 235. I miss our secret meetings in Juanita's office. I'm so glad that we will still be friends...
When I was packing my office on my last day of work I had to remember to make room for the most important thing! We are goofs!

Just some more scrappin'...

I have been creating projects left and right.

Yesterday I posted a challenge on the CPCM board. Go check it out. Here is the layout that I created for this week's challenge:

I used Bo Bunny papers, stickers, and brads; Scripture sticker by Flair designs, and some beautiful ribbon.


I have also been creating for the Nook Scrap-off.
This is my main entry for the theme of Keepin' It Real:

I used Basic Grey papers, American Crafts rub ons and alphabet, Maya Road pins, and Ribbon
The journaling reads:

While I would love to be a bronzed beauty, I have come to terms with my pale skin. I used to strive for a tan, but now I hide from the sun. I hope that by protecting my pale skin I can avoid getting skin cancer.

I have created a few other projects, but I have not been able to photograph them in the daylight. I will share those later!

In print! (Kinda)

So one of my layouts is in this month's edition of Scrap Street's Magazine!

My layout is under the Page Maps section, but the whole thing is full of inspiration! Check it out!

Wow!

Friday was my last day at work. More about that later...

Whoever said "you are going to have a lot more time for yourself"...totally wrong! 

Tonight I have Scrap-off challenges to work on, an ENTIRE book to read, and I have to write up my challenge for Tuesday at CPCM . I have finished my layout-which I really LOVE- and I can't wait to share with you. Please stop by the CPCM boards and meet the other great women that I fellowship with! 

Not that I'm complaining, I really love all of these things that keep me on my toes! 

I have so much to say, but I really have some pressing things to accomplish. Hopefully I will be back tomorrow with an update! 

Oh- I also have to pack for my move up the mountain! 

Really quick-

Here are some things I created for the Scrap-off today:

This layout was for Stacey's Challenge. She challenged us to have an artistic eye and seek out inspiration in the world around us. I found this adorable statue that inspired the layout below:

Paper- Marks Paper Company

Letters- Provo Craft

Flowers- Prima

Pins- Maya Road

The next challenge I completed was to create three cards using the same paper. Since I already had scraps and the Marks Paper Company papers out I decided to create these three cards:

Lily Bee: Just Be Me Mini Album Contest

I've said this a lot recently:
I LOVE LILY BEE PAPERS!!! I am thrilled with my subscription to My Scrapbook Nook and their GORGEOUS monthly kits! May's main kit and their mini kit were BOTH full of Lily Bee.

There is a contest on the Lily Bee blog to create a mini album with their papers on the subject of "Just Be Me"

Here is my mini album:




Journaling reads: I learned a long time ago that in order to grow as a dancer, that I must stay true to myself.


Journaling reads: I love my family despite our ups and downs. My family has taught me that it is okay to be different and to seek my own happiness.


Journaling reads: I cherish how you allow me to be myself. Goofy, nerdy, messy me!


Journaling reads: My journey of faith has led me to a wonderful church. My church family support and care for me 100%. It is wonderful to be loved!


Journaling reads: I love all of the pieces of the puzzle that make up who I am. Every single experience- good or bad- has led me to where I am today. I love the person I have become and hope to grow even more in the coming years.

I used a Maya Road album as my base, all papers are Lily Bee.
Supply List-
Cover- Basic Grey alphabet, Michael's felt coaster flowers, Colorbok bling, Ribbon unknown
Dancer- Basic Grey alphabet, Michael's felt flowers, Maya Road flowers, American Crafts ribbon
Family- Pink Paislee alphabet, Maya Road flowers, Michael's felt flowers, Colorbok bling, Colorbok butterfly sticker, Prima pearls, Jenni Bowlin accent bingo card
True Love- Maya Road Flowers, Recollections pearls
Faith- Maya Road Flowers, Recollections pearls, Jenni Bowlin accent bingo card
Final pages- Pink Paislee alphabet, Maya Road flowers, Colorbok sticker, Reflections pearls

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!!