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!!

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!