My Crazy Life with TWINS times TWO!

First TBall game!!!

2009-04-21T17:38:00.001-04:00

Nick and Vanessa had their FIRST TBall game this past Saturday. I missed the game because I had to work in the Snack Bar (UGH!!). My friend Jolly's husband took these. (The one with Nick batting is a whole series of shots. I can't wait to scrap the entire series!!). And isn't Vanessa just the CUTEST EVER??!!!! OMG!!!

A Million Memories - April 2009 Kit Projects!!!!

2009-04-02T14:30:00.002-04:00

Here are my projects using the April 2009 Kit at A Million Memories. I'm so happy with them....yet so sad that they are my last projects for AMM. I had an AWESOME two years on the Design Team. THANK YOU to Michelle for giving me such a great opportunity!!!!

~a sweet Lil girl~

~Springtime memories~

~a day to remember~

~you color my world~

~Happy Birthday {card}~

Congratulations to the new AMM Design Team!!!

2009-04-02T14:23:00.004-04:00

Congratulations goes out to the new Design Team at A Million Memories. SOOOO much talent. I can't wait to see what they do with the kits. And congrats to Michelle for selecting a wonderful team!!!!

Spring Cleaning Sale at A Million Memories!!

2009-03-15T13:51:00.002-04:00

Check it out!! You can get 15% off your ENTIRE order at A Million Memories this weekend.

Excludes classes and monthly kit memberships.

ENJOY!

AMM DT Challenge: 3/8 - 3/20 "Algebra Lesson"

2009-03-09T11:00:00.002-04:00

Hey all!!!

I'm up for the DT Challenge this week over at A Million Memories and I thought we'd have fun with a little bit of ALGEBRA. Don't worry...there is REALLY SIMPLE match involved!!

Your challenge is to come up with a layout using the following equation:

B&W+1C=GLO WHAT??? LOL!!

Black & White plus ONE color equals a great layout!!!

You have to create a layout using ONLY BLACK AND WHITE plus ONE color. (You can used colored photos or black& white). The color can be the complete range of that color from white to black and every shade in between. Using red as an example would include pink, ok?!!

You cannot add ANY other color (unless you have a flower or something with leaves...but that's sort of cheating...LOL)!!

You have until Sunday, March 20th (MIDNIGHT PST) to post. I'll be giving a little RAK to the winner (I just have to photograph and post it). Check it out HERE.

HAVE FUN!!! Here is my digital layout!!

A Million Memories - March 2009 Kit Projects!!

2009-03-06T17:44:00.002-05:00

I had SOOOO much fun with this kit. It's so springy and colorful. Each month Michelle's kits get better and better. You can grab your kit HERE.

~dolce bella~
I just love how this came out. It's one of my favorite photos of Vanessa and her cute smile.

(Dolce=sweet, bella=beautiful)

I added the MME flowers and some Prima bling.

~Playing Mommy~
Love these photos of Vanessa holding her Webkinz Cat. She's going to make a good Mommy someday!
Everything is from the kit...I just added some Primas, stickles and bling (I think from JoAnn's).

~goofy grin~
Goofy picture of Vanessa. I added some MME pp (background) and K&Co Wild Rasberry embellishments.

~q & a~
I had SO much fun with this mini album!!

I loved the idea of the envelopes so I made a little Q&A with the kids.

Each child has there own photo. I changed them all to B&W and then pumped up the exposure to really make them intense. They look SO cool IRL!!

On the back side is a quick (funny) quote they said during the "interview".

Inside each envelope is the answer to the questions. For the envelopes I used my {old} foam stamps and paint, regular stamps and ink, and Glimmer Mist. It was SO much fun!

The instructions for making the envelopes will be posted soon!!! So check back!!

Editing your layouts for blogs and galleries!

2009-03-03T13:29:00.003-05:00

I created this post for the A Million Memories Blog for today!! I also wanted to share it with my friends and family.
------

Layouts are not just for albums anymore!! These days, scrapbookers all over the world are posting their work to online galleries and personal blogs. They are submitting their work to magazines and trying out for design teams. They want to showcase their projects and really make them stand out. So, for this week’s technique, I thought it would be fun to show you some ideas on how to edit your projects to really make it POP!!

(I will be using my personal photo editing program from ACD Systems but these or similar options are available in most popular photo editing programs. Check your user guide for more information)

Lighting:
The best way to take a good picture is to use natural lighting. Try your best to not use artificial lighting unless you really have no alternative. Artificial lighting will cause unexpected color changes and in most cases will cause a glare on your photos.

When using natural lighting, don’t use direct sunlight because this will cause harsh shadows on your project. Instead, use diffused light or find another spot further away from the door or window.

Editing:
When I take photos of my projects, the first think I do is select which photo is the best (I usually take at least 3 of each shot) then I delete the rest.

The next step is to CROP the photo. I try to get as close to the edges as possible so that my project fills the entire screen.

Next, I edit the EXPOSURE. Most editing programs will have an “Auto Exposure” option which works fine in most cases. But I prefer to use the “levels” or “histogram” option. This is where you get to play with the “shadows”, “midtones” and “highlights” of the photo.

The idea is to move the “slider” for each of the three options until you like what you see. The most successful way that I’ve found is to move the shadow and highlight sliders closer to the “peek” of the histogram. This will usually give you the most natural exposure. From there, you can change the midtone slider a bit. Mostly, just tweaking the shadows or highlights is all you need.

As you can see, I moved the highlights slider to the left a good bit to reach the first peak and I moved the shadows slider just a bit to the right.

Next, depending on the lighting in the first step, you might have to change the COLOR CAST. This is where you will see either a bluish or yellowish cast on the part of your project that is supposed to be white.

I don’t always need this step but sometimes it really makes the difference. Right now, I think my photo has a yellow tint so I’m going to use the Color Cast option. The flower over the lower black circle is what I’m going to use as my source.

Find your editor’s COLOR option. Take your mouse and hover over the area where you want your photo to be white. (Usually you will see an eyedropper). Click on that section and you will notice the entire project will look much better. If you don’t like what you see, keep clicking on different areas until you like the color change.

There are loads of other options you can use like sharpness and noise but I don’t use them unless they are absolutely necessary.

The final step before saving is to RESIZE your document. Typically, I resize my projects so that the largest side is no bigger than 600 pixels. This will work perfectly on most websites and will be accepted by most magazines and other calls. Anything smaller and you might just loose too much detail. (You can always make it smaller if needed for a specific call but you can never make it bigger without losing detail and resolution).

Now I know this may seem like a lot of work in order to post a project but you will love the results and it will be worth it!!

~KISS~ Digital layout

2009-02-18T16:54:00.001-05:00

~KISS~

Quick digital layout. I just loved this photo of Vanessa and wanted to do something really quick.
Paper is by Katie Pertiet (ScrapPink). Everything else is Jen Wilson Designs.

~Bliss~ AMM & My Acrylic Album

2009-02-08T18:44:00.002-05:00

A HUGE THANK YOU to Michelle at A Million Memories and the folks at MyAcrylicAlbum for sending me this really cool "Perfect Postage" album.

The edges are cut like a postage stamp and the front cover is smaller then all of the inside pages.

I used the new K&Company Que Sera Sera line, some ribbon, border punches and a huge Prima flower.

Another AMAZING class at A Million Memories!!!

2009-02-04T16:14:00.002-05:00

A Million Memories Design Team Member Corien has designed one of the most beautiful classes called "Winter Wonderland".

Have you always wanted to do a clear album, but were too scared to try it? Now is your chance to go for it! This will include lots of fun techniques. You can also use a chipboard album for the class, if you choose to. You can purchase the kit at AMM, or you can use your own stash.

You can purchase the CLASS HERE and you can purchase the CLASS KIT HERE.

The class starts at Februar 14th and takes about 2 weeks!!!!

CUTE Project Kit at A Million Memories!!

2009-01-19T15:53:00.002-05:00

Design Team member Lori Gentile created this sweet Gift Card Mini Book and Family Frame Project for A Million Memories.

You can purchase the kit with instructions, or use your own supplies and purchase the instructions only HERE. You can check out Lori's VIDEO on YouTube.

February AMM Kit - Sneaky Peeky!!

2009-01-18T20:06:00.002-05:00

You are going to LOVE this kit from A Million Memories !! I love the sweet colors and accents. And check out that CLOCK!! Have you ever seen anything like it?? And hurry.....you can order your February Kit HERE.

10....20.....30!! 30% off!!!

2009-01-18T11:51:00.002-05:00

A Million Memories is having 30% off Saturday and Sunday ONLY!!! Use code 120 at checkout. Applies to everything but monthly kits. GO NOW!!!

January LOVE from A Million Memories!!!

2009-01-05T14:31:00.003-05:00

Here are my kit projects using the JANUARY KIT from A MILLION MEMORIES. I just LOVED this kit (as usual). Design Team Member Jennifer helped design the kit with Michelle. They did a fantastic job.....SO much like my style!!! I hope you enjoy.

~You are FIVE~ FLAG Mini Album
I had SO much fun making this cute little mini album. You can make it as big or small as you want. You can add lots of flags or just a few. Give it a try!!!

You can find the directions HERE on how to make this mini album using just paper and chipboard.

~nessa~
I love these fun photos of Vanessa!!I used a sketch from GotSketch? I added the little snowflakes that I found at Michael's on clearance.

~best buds~
I had a blast with this layout. I wanted to make something for the boys so I really "grunged-it-up" on this one.Inspiration from a Pencil Lines sketch. I used my MS circle cutter, LOTS of ink and distressing. I added the little Prima TAPE in under the vertical strip.

~fly~
I used my MS and Fiskers border punches. Added some little letter stickers. Added the HS clock. I also used the Prima packaging to make the flourishes near the flower.

~lucky~
This kit was PERFECT for my family photos! (Photo is not as dark IRL).And again, I used my Tim Holtz mask!!

~Happy Birthday~
Just a quick card using scraps from the kit. Label is Making Memories (OLD). Largest flower is EK Success, next is a flower cut from the MM Slice, then an old Marvy flower punch, then a regular circle punch, and finally the Prima Pebble.

Ring in the New Year at AMM!!!

2009-01-01T14:19:00.002-05:00

What better way to see out 2008 and ring in 2009 than a big ole giveaway!!
That's right - Michelle has generously decided to share these two books with one lucky winner!!
Frame it! by Tonia Davenport

and that's not all - this book is included as well:
Wild Tiles by Chrissie Grace

What do you have to do to be included?Just share your resolutions for 2009 here in this thread before Sunday, 11:59PM EST, January 4, 2009.On Monday, we will include the name of all participants in a drawing to receive both books!!

Not done shopping?

2008-12-18T14:46:00.001-05:00

Well....before you spend all of your money on your family....save some for yourself!!! A Million Memories is having a HUGE sale. Right now through Sunday night, you can take 15% off of all orders using code 1215 at checkout. Also, most of the Christmas paper in the store is marked down 10% - 25% off ~ so this will be in addition to 15% off of the entire order.

Here are some of my favorites!!

Creative Imaginations - Hollyberry
Creative Imaginations - Mistletoe

Lots of awesome LIMITED EDITION kits!!

HOT Bargin of the Day!!

MERRY SHOPPING!!!

New Graphics 45 projects!!

2008-12-08T16:54:00.002-05:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH to Graphics 45 and to Michelle at A Million Memories for giving me these gorgeous papers to work with. Although they are not Christmas papers, I just love how they worked for the Christmas theme.

~J is for Joy~
This is probably one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE layouts!! I just love how this turned out. This is a pic of Vanessa from last year sitting next to this big, blow-up Santa.Stickers are from 7G's, tags are K&Co, flower is MM.

~Gingerbread Men~
I dug out the Sizzix Gingerbread Man for this one and also used Stickles Pearls. I also found these old buttons in my stash. The background is made using some paper scraps. I then added a Tim Holtz mask with distressed inks. Chipboard letters are Basic Grey and stickers are 7Gypsies.

~Noel~
Fun little card using scraps. Flowers are Making Memories. Tag is K&Company.

New GCD Studios Projects!

2008-12-08T16:48:00.002-05:00

THANK YOU so much to GCD Studios and A Million Memories for giving me these beautiful products to work with. The colors were perfect for all of my fall photos.

~Pumpkin Patch~
I had SO much fun making this little mini album. It's very big. Each page is 4x8.5". I used mostly regular sized 4x6 photos and then just filled in the rest of the page with PP.

LOTS of things going on here. Paint chips (yum-o), transparencies, 3D stickers, cool ribbon, and journaling spots. Album is Maya Road.

(This thing is SO stuffed that the binder keeps coming open...ahhhh! So I might have to ask DH to weld it shut or I might have to cut the covers off and use my Bind-it-all).

~Riding Tractors~
I had SO much fun making this little mini album. It's made using large Paint chips from Home Depot. I added some Maya Road sheers, K&Co journaling spots and stickers, Jolee's 3d stickers, AC Thickers and some old Scrabble letters.

~Picking Pumpkins~
This is just a simple layout I made with scraps. I just LOVE these photos of the kids with their pumpkins.

A Million Memories - NOVEMBER 2008 Kit Projects

2008-11-07T16:19:00.002-05:00

WOW! Another gorgeous kit from A Million Memories to work with. This kit was designed by DT member Becca. Great job!!

~Just be U~

~life unscripted~

~YOU crack me up~

~bella~

~live for today~

Mollie & Mac MFG projects!!

2008-11-07T16:17:00.002-05:00

A HUGE THANK YOU to Mollie & Mac and A Million Memories for giving me these gorgeous products to work with!!!

~LIVE~

~HUG~

~hi~

~thanks~

Wanna win a FLIP?

2008-11-05T16:04:00.001-05:00

Check it out!!! Michelle from A Million Memories is giving away this COOL FLIP camera. But, it's not that easy. Check out the details HERE. GOOD LUCK!! I hope you try it.

Create a vintage/shabby art journal!!

2008-10-29T14:43:00.004-04:00

My VERY TALENTED friend Hilde (a DT Member at A Million Memories) will be teaching an incredible class. You will NOT want to miss this. Here are some of the details:
This class will show you how to create a real vintage/shabby chic art journal. It will be filled with gorgeous vintage images, together with your innermost thoughts, the art book and journaling will be a real treasure.

When complete the album will measure 5x5 and be 13 pages thick. It holds a lot of techniques like using beeswax, glimmermist and stamping. You will be able to purchase a kit through A Million Memories for this class, or you can use products from your own scrapbooking stash.

The class will run from November 1st- November 15. Every day you will get detailed instructions to complete the project. After signing up, you will have access to a private forum where the links to the instruction files will be posted as well as being a place for you to share your pages and ask any questions. This forum will open a few days before the course begins and after it ends. You can purchase the class HERE for $14.99 and the kit HERE for $32.99

And to give you some sneaks:

Five Fall Favorites - Online class with Becca

2008-10-08T14:28:00.001-04:00

A Million Memories Design Team member Becca will be bringing you this CUTE online class called "Five Fall Favorites". I hope you consider checking it out because it's going to be an amazing class!!

You can buy the class HERE for 14.99
and you can buy the kit HERE for 18.50

Here are a few photos of the class...don't you just LOVE that cover??

AMM October Kit is up!!

2008-09-30T17:03:00.003-04:00

WoW!! Can you believe how pretty this kit is? I just LOVE the colors and textures. And my fellow DT Member Karen Grunberg designed the kit!! You can get the kit HERE.

Lots of cool stuff going on at AMM!!

2008-09-18T13:29:00.003-04:00

A Million Memories is just bursting at the seams!! We are offering SO MANY new things it's exciting. This weekend alone is going to be so much fun!!!

First, I want to let you know that my FIRST online class "The Perfect Day" starts TOMORROW!! TGIF!! There are just TWO kits left so grab it while you can. And don't forget the kit is a separate purchase from the class. And you can sign up for the class even after it starts!!

You can purchase the class HERE. And the KIT HERE. (You can use YOUR OWN supplies if you'd like)!!

Also happening this weekend is our 2nd ANNIVERSARY CROP!!! Be there or be square!! There are tons of challenges, games and chats. OH and Take 10% off of your purchases using code 917 at checkout. Good through Sunday night.

You can find the SCHEDULE HERE.

And check out some of the fabulous prizes you can win!!!

Another SNEAK PEEK of my class - The Perfect Day!

2008-09-14T18:40:00.002-04:00

Here are a few more sneaks to tease you!! I hope you consider taking my class. It's going to be a lot of fun!!

You can purchase the class HERE.
And the KIT HERE. (You can use YOUR OWN supplies if you'd like)!!

COVER:

INSIDE "sneak":

JOURNALING SPOTS "sneak":

The Perfect Day - it's YOURS FREE!!!

2008-09-09T10:42:00.002-04:00

I'm not giving away the perfect day...but I AM giving away a FREE SPOT in my new online class - THE PERFECT DAY (hosted by A Million Memories)!!!

How can you win? You just have to register for the class at A Million Memories by close of business on Wednesay, September 17th. During the checkout process, write "PHUTCH BLOG" in the COMMENTS section. I will pick a random winner on Thursday, September 18th. If you win, you will receive a refund for the class!!! (Remember, the class kit is a separate purchase and is not included in this contest). Good luck!!!!

So...what are you waiting for? You can register HERE.

And here's another sneak peek at the class!!!! And, check back later in the week for another peek!!

(***And if you look at the previous post....you will see more information about the class).

More information about my class - THE PERFECT DAY!

2008-09-04T13:59:00.001-04:00

Here are more details about my class that will be starting on September 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions. I will try to answer the best I can without revealing too much information.

This class will show you how to create a “huge” mini album. When complete the album will measure 6x12” closed and 24x18” open. It’s very impressive! You can either purchase the kit from AMM (available 9/10/08), that will have the same products that I used, or you can simply use your own products. (If you purchase the kit the album WILL be included in the kit. If you do NOT purchase the kit, you will receive instructions on how to make your own album). The kit will cost around $30. If you choose to purchase the kit, it is a separate purchase from the $14.99 class fee.

You can purchase the class HERE. And you will also find a list of supplies that will be used. This will be helpful so that you can start planning. I used the Cosmo Cricket “Hello Sunshine” paper in the kit that I think will work for just about any theme. The bright colors are so cheerful. Besides what is listed, you will need your basic supplies like a trimmer, scissors, pen, and adhesive (wet and dry).

The class will run on weekdays from September 19th to September 29th. Every other day, you will receive a new PDF file with instructions and photos to help you complete each “section” of the album. You will also receive custom journaling spots and Word Art that you can use in your album. And, if you’ve seen any of my project instructions you can be confident that they will be very detailed – so any level scrapper can complete this project!

I will include details about the photo sizes that I used but you can use any that you want. Basically, we will be working on each “section” of the album like it was a 6x12 layout and a 6x6 layout. I will also provide sketches for each section to help you plan.

You could also start thinking about what makes “The Perfect Day”. You can make the whole album about one perfect day, several perfect days or a special event. Maybe even a perfect “year” (one each of four seasons). What about those “every day” think that make your life perfect? You might even consider that “No-so-Perfect Day”. I think it would even make a great gift album for a new baby or a wedding. The best part is that once you complete your album you can use what you learned to duplicate the album for more than one project or event!

The registration fee will give you access to a private forum where the class instructions and photos will be posted and you can share and discuss details about the class. I will be available on the forum daily, answering any questions. And like all of the AMM classes, if you do not have the time to create your mini during the weeks that the class fall, you can always register, and save the PDF instruction files to your computer and create your mini at a later date.

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks!! I hope you consider taking my class. I’m very excited and I think it will be a lot of fun.

Basic Grey GRANOLA - Giveaway!!

2008-09-04T09:01:00.002-04:00

My friend Michelle is giving away a free collection of Basic Grey's new GRANOLA line!!! All you have to do is make a post about something for which you are thankful!! You can do that HERE.

The Perfect Day - ON SALE NOW!!!

2008-09-03T09:03:00.002-04:00

Ok...so I'm not really selling The Perfect Day!! But I am going to teach my FIRST ONLINE CLASS at A Million Memories and it will be a "HUGE" album describing your Perfect Day. The class will run from September 19th - 29th.

Here is a sneak peek at the class.

You can purchase the class HERE and there will also be a kit for sale starting September 10th. I'll be adding more details in the next few days so check back. And TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!!

Thank you American Crafts and A Million Memories

2008-08-31T19:42:00.002-04:00

A HUGE THANK YOU to American Crafts and A Million Memories for giving me these awesome products to work with. I had SO much fun using these funky papers. I really enjoyed mixing textures and colors with some of my favorite photos! I hope you enjoy!!

~you make me smile~

~fast asleep~

~charge!~

~you make me smile~

~hi~

~hi~

My September AMM Kit Projects!!!

2008-08-31T16:25:00.003-04:00

I just LOVED this kit!! It was designed by the super-talented, Design Team Member JENN!!! The kit was perfect for the photos I wanted to use. And if you haven't gotten your kit yet, hurry!! I'm sure it will sell out. You can grab it HERE.

~me&you~

~run free~

~natural goodness~

~some bunny loves you~

~here's the scoop~

I LOVE you because

2008-08-11T17:13:00.003-04:00

Here is a cute little album I put together with recent pictures of the kids. I used a ton of Fancy Pants Products because I was going to enter this as my altered project for the Fancy Pants Design Team call. I ran out of time and didn't get it finished before the deadline. I really love how it turned out. And what's cool is that it's 4" tall and almost 9" wide....so it's pretty big.

~I LOVE YOU because~

10 tips for summer fun!! A new class at AMM!!

2008-08-11T17:04:00.002-04:00

My friend and fellow Design Team member Kimmi is giving this awesome class at A Million Memories. It's the cutest ever and if you are familiar with Kimmi's style, you won't be disappointed!!

Here's a sneak peek.

Here's what Kimmi has to say about the class:

Here are some more details about the class that will be starting on August 25th:The mini book that I will be teaching on is an 8X8 chipboard book, in which I have also added additional pages, using patterned paper and a Hambly overlay. The book is divided into 10 different topics (the "tips"). Each "tip" houses journaling about that particular summer activity, a few photos and embellishments, including handmade crumpled paper posies, and lots of paper layering. More...

August AMM Kit is UP!!

2008-08-02T14:26:00.003-04:00

OMGOSH....Michelle is so talented at putting kits together and the August Kit is NO exception. Check out this gorgeous product!!!

HURRY!!! It is sure to sell out...you can grab it HERE.

And here what is included.

Papers:

4 Autumn Leaves Heather Bailey Papers

2 Collage Press Papers

1 Hambly Overlay

Embellishments:

1 American Crafts Thickers Alphabet - LAX

1 pack Hambly Chandelier Rubons

1 pack Heidi Swapp Felt Butterflies (mixture of pink & blue)

1 Autumn Leaves Heather Bailey Freshcut Journaling Stamp

1 pack Prima Flowers Painterly Petals

1 yard pink mini pom pom trim

1 yard pink & cream trim

1 Scenic Route Index Chipboard Album

A sneak peek of my new ONLINE CLASS at AMM!!

2008-07-31T19:09:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited to show you a sneak peek of my new class that I will be hosting at A Million Memories. It will start September 8th.

It's going to be a HANDMADE album that will be 6" wide and 12" tall (closed) and 24" wide by 18" tall (open)!!!!

Like the other online classes, you will be able to register to gain access to the private forum where you will get the instructions. You can use your own products or by a kit!!!

I'll post more information about registration when it becomes available. So tell all of your friends!

"Nobody's Perfect" AMM Design Team Challenge

2008-07-28T16:47:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone!!! It's been quite a while since I hosted a DT Challenge so I'm very excited. I hope you decide to play along.

My theme for this challenge is "Nobody's Perfect". We seem to always scrap those perfect moments. The perfect photo of our kids or family with a perfect smile. We scrap all of the nice things in life.

Your challenge is to scrap those "IMPERFECT" moments in your life or someone else's. Maybe you can even scrap your (or their) imperfections. Either way...you want to include this in your families' memories!! ENJOY AND HAVE FUN!!!

Post your project/layout in the gallery and then a photo or link on AMM to be considered for the PRIZE!!!! You can enter as many times as you want. I'll put everyone's name in a hat and then pick one person to WIN the PRIZE below.....on or about Monday, August 11th.

Here is my layout. Vanessa was so bored while the boys enjoyed their friends during their 8th Bday party. Normally I would have her facing into the center of the page as a design "rule". But she just looked more bored when I faced her looking off the page. What do you think??

And here is what you are playing for.......A cool prize package which includes some of the same October Afternoon paper and tags that I used on my project. I also included some of my favorite Making Memories paper and embellishments...along with some 7Gypsis, K&Company and large "Tim Holtz-type" tags. I inlcluded a cool wooden box with a handle that would make a cool gift or a spot for a cute mini album.

Yummy goodness from Tattered Angels!!

2008-07-25T21:51:00.002-04:00

Thank you SO much to Tattered Angels and A Million Memories for giving me this awesome products to work with!!

~Atlantic City - Mini Album~
LOTS of stuff going on in this mini album.

It's just a sampling of photos from our recent trip to Atlantic City.

I used a bunch of the screens, and Glimmer Mist (Peach Delight, Honey Dew, and Patina).

I used the large tags that Tim Holtz uses for the inner pages and handmade the cover using my Bind-it-all. I sprayed all of the cards in different colors or color combinations. Some of the color "blead" onto the back so I just worked with it and tore the PP so it would not cover it. Or I just sprayed more mist or used distressed inks.

Patterned Paper is K&Co's new Ancestry line (it's GORGEOUS) and matched the color mist I had perfectly! Tons of Tim Hotlz, 7G's and Autumn Leaves (border) stamps, distressed inks, rubons, SR chipboard butterflies, flowers and bling from Kaiser, journaling spots and shapes from Amy Butler, AdornIT mini alphabet, and MME rubons.

~Let your light shine~
I had SO much fun with the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and Screens!!! (Can you tell)?? I used the butterfly, two flourish screens, and Glimmer Mist (Peach Delight, Honey Dew, and Patina).

I sprayed the background in two colors with the screens in place. I also used some distressed ink to dirty it up even more! I made the photo frame using the Peach Delight and a light spritz of Burnt red.

The butterflies are from Scenic Route and on those I used Sapphire.The journaling shape is Amy Butler with a K&Co rubon. Journaling card is also K&Co. Stamp is Autum Leaves.

~Thank You~
Thank you SO much to Tattered Angels and A Million Memories!!!

Some SWEET new giveaways!!!

2008-07-21T14:19:00.002-04:00

WOW!!! Wait until you see what the girls from A Million Memories brought back from CHA!!! While in CHI-town this past weekend....owner Michelle brought back a TON of stuff to give away. Just follow the links below and you can win!!!!

BASIC GREY OFFBEAT COLLECTION. (Ok...probably my FAVORITE of all new lines at CHA).
Enter HERE to win.

And don't you just LOVE the colors in SEI's POPPY COLLECTION. Enter HERE to win.

And keep checking back on the CONTESTS FORUM because I'm sure Michelle has even MORE stuff coming soon.

Travel Journal Paper Bag Mini Album - INSTRUCTIONS

2008-07-07T17:44:00.001-04:00

Here is a link to the INSTRUCTIONS for my TRAVEL JOURNAL - Paper Bag Mini Album using the July 2008 kit from A Million Memories.

Give it a try....and post a link to yours here!!!!

A Million Memories JULY KIT PROJECTS!!!

2008-07-06T23:26:00.002-04:00

Just when I thought I had the perfect kit then....the JULY KIT from A MILLION MEMORIES COMES ALONG!!! This kit is nothing short of AMAZING!!! It's so versitle and fun. The colors are awesome.

Here are my JULY KIT projects. I hope you are inspired.

~travel journal~ paper bag album

I'm am writing INSTRUCTIONS for this project so check back for a link so that you can download the PDF file from A Million Memories.

I made this cute little paper bag album with supplies from the July Kit at A MILLION MEMORIES. We're going on vacation and I wanted something to take with me to write down some of the things we will do on our trip.

Everything is from the kit except: Standard size paper bags, cardstock, Jenni Bowlin sticker letters, extra flowers, brads, staples and some titles/quotes that are included in the instructions.

~freedom isn't free~
This is an old photo of the kids on the 4th of July but it's my favorite and I never scrapped it yet. When I had this paper left from the kit, I just HAD to scrap it!! The boys were about 4. Nick and Vanessa were 6 1/2 months. Additions to kit are some Prima flowers, button and Jenni Bowlin stickers.

~laugh~
Just a fun photo of Nick and Vanessa after their Luau party at school.

Everything is from the kit. I added the Treading Water border punch and roughed up the edges(FUN). I added the rubon to a transparency then cut it out and attached it behind the flowers on the postcard. The small alphabet is from AdornIt.

~today you are you~
I just LOVE Dr. Seuss and this seemed like the perfect quote for this photo!! "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is Yourer than You". Dr. Seuss Additions to kit are: border punch (Martha Stewart) and blue sticker letters (Basic Grey: Boxer). Font: CAC One Seventy.

Chloe Celebration Giveaway * Win some AWESOME goodies!!!

2008-06-26T22:49:00.003-04:00

Please read this story about my Dear Friend Michelle's daughter Chloe. She's such a brave little girl and has become a part of our family through prayer.

As you probably already know, my daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) last November at the age of 4. She and my family have been through a really rough last 7 months. She has been in the hospital numerous times, she has been really sick, angry, on all kinds of nasty drugs that have increased her apetite, had her physically acting out, had her in bed for weeks, left her with no emotion but sadness and a sense of joylessness.

She was taken out of preschool and because of her illness we were unable to put our 3 year old son in preschool. The doctors worried that the kids would get sick in school and Chloe would end up in the hospital again.

However, today, she went for her weekly doctor's visit and her blood count was at a safe level and she was given the go ahead to begin the next phase of her treatment, which is called "Maintenance." In maintenance, her blood count levels stay significantly higher than they are when she was undergoing the intense treatment that she has been receiving in the first 7 months of her treatment. She will be able to begin Kindergarten and Daniel will be able to start Pre-school. We are really excited!

Chloe will have a bone marrow test on Monday and then she will officially begin her first "course" of Maintenance, which will go on for the next 2 years.

In celebration of Chloe's milestone, I wanted to give-away some goodies for you. Here's the catch ~ Please post HERE a photo that brings you joy when you look at it.

I will pick a random winner on Monday, June 30th.Here is a photo that I love of Chloe that I took at Easter:

And here is the PRIZE you could win. Isn't it GORGEOUS??? Michelle is SOOO generous.

Thank you to all of the people that have been so supportive and have said prayers for Chloe and our family.

Creative Imaginations - Rock Star!!!!

2008-06-26T14:59:00.001-04:00

THANK YOU so much to Creative Imaginations and Michelle from A Million Memories for giving me this cool stuff to work with.

I had the ROCK STAR line from Marah Johnson and the Sierra Ring Book-Home.

The book is for my nephew who goes to the "School of Rock". He's studying to be a drummer. I left the journaling spots blank for him to write on himself.

I added Maya Road journaling spots and some Tim Holtz Grungeboard and Crackle Paint.

~School of Rock~

~Thank You~

July AMM Kit - Summer Passport

2008-06-24T13:16:00.002-04:00

Can you saw GORGEOUS?? Can you saw ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS??? That's that I'm talking about. This kit is even more amazing in person. I don't even know where to start!! HURRY...this kit will definitely sell out!!! You can get it at A Million Memories!!!

Cosmo Cricket "Hello Sunshine" Project Sneak Peek

2008-06-23T13:36:00.002-04:00

I'm such a tease!! Here is a quick SNEAK PEEK of a project I'm working on for A Million Memories using Cosmo Cricket's awesome new line "Hello Sunshine". I just LOOOVE this line. It's so perfect for all of the photos I'm using!! It's called "The Perfect DAY". I can't wait to share it with you.

The cool thing is that I'm writing instructions for this to share and I'm hoping that it might be available as a CLASS at AMM!!! HOW COOL!!!

OH! The agony!!! I hate waiting!!!

2008-06-21T18:50:00.002-04:00

Well....I sent my DT Submission to Cosmo Cricket. Now I'm on pins and needles. I have no idea when the calls will be made or when they will announce the team. So I guess I should relax and maybe scrap a while!! (Don't tell DH cause he thinks I should be cleaning the house).

My friend Kitty used to be on the team and said how STINKIN COOL they are (you can tell by the funny videos on their blog). I met them at CHA last summer (and I'm SURE they remember me..LOL)!!! I would LOVE to create project instructions and teach classes at LSS's or conventions. What do you think? Would you go? (OK...Chris...I know you'd go)!!!

Ok....back to life....I should get off this cloud for now!!! Wish me luck!!

How did I get SO LUCKY???

2008-06-20T09:13:00.002-04:00

OMGOSH!!! How did I get so lucky? Nick and Vanessa had a Luau party for their last day at PreSchool. Here are just a couple of photos that I took (at home) after the party.

They are SOOOO CUTE!! I can't wait to scrap them. (I'm working on a project using Cosmo Cricket's HELLO SUNSHINE line but you can't see it until it's done. It's only fair, right??)

Cosmo Cricket - Dutch Girl

2008-06-20T08:54:00.003-04:00

A HUGE Thank You to Cosmo Cricket and A Million Memories for giving me this GORGEOUS product to work with!!!

I'm not sure but I think the Dutch Girl might be one of my all time favorite lines to work with. And I just LOVE Cosmo Cricket. It's so easy to work with and always has the perfect theme for my projects!!

Here are the projects I did with the Dutch Girl line!!

~Watch Us Grow~
This book is HUGE!! Closed it's 6x12"....but open...it's 24x18". It's awesome in person!!

This view is 12x24"

Open view: 18x24..it's SO cool. The best is that each "section" is like doing a 6x12" layout!

~Mr Potato Head~
One of my rare two pagers I made with one of my sketches. Ijust love these photos of Nick.

~Me and V~
I just LOOOOVE the CC die cuts. They are perfect for layouts and make the cutest embellishments. I polished off this layout with lots of stickles!!

~Thanks so Much~
A HUGE Thank You to Cosmo Cricket and A Million Memories for giving me this GORGEOUS product to work with!!!

How about some AROUND THE BLOCK projects??

2008-06-12T16:17:00.002-04:00

A huge THANK YOU to Around the Block and A Million Memories for giving me this beautiful products to work with!!!

~nessa~

~be yourself~

~Bunch of cards~

~Thanks~

~Best Wishes~

~happy birthday~

~make a wish~

Chat with Marah Johson from Creative Imaginations

2008-06-11T14:01:00.002-04:00

I cannot WAIT to chat with Marah Johnson!!! She'll be chatting with us at A Million Memories on Thursday, June 12 at 9:00pm EST.

Be there or be square!!!

Here is a link to the chat forum: AMM Online Chats Just check in around 9:00pm and you'll see the chat thread started. (If you are not a member of AMM, you'll have to sign-up for a new account first....we'd LOVE to have you aboard)!!!

Marah's Blog

June is CREATIVE IMAGINATIONS MONTH at A Million Memories!!

2008-06-07T13:56:00.002-04:00

Can you believe it?? There is SOOOO much going on a AMM this month. And it's all about CREATIVE IMAGINATIONS!!!

WE ARE DEDICATING THE WHOLE MONTH OF JUNE TO

CREATIVE IMAGINATIONS

**AMM's GUEST DESINER for JUNE is CHERYL MEZZETTI**

We have an amazing month planned for you. Not only are we gonna have chats with some of the most amazing and talented scrappers and designers from CI and in the scrapbooking industy, but we are also going to have a contest that could *WIN* YOU* a spot as a Guest DT for Creative Imaginations.

Here are the CHAT dates we have scheduled for this month:

Thursday, June 12 - Mara Johnson Chat - 9pm est
Tuesday, June 17- Samantha Walker Chat - 9pm mst
Friday, June 20 - Karen Russell Chat -9pm est
Tuesday, June 24 - Christine Adolph Chat - 9pm est

AND....if that's not enough.....

A MILLION MEMORIES is having a layout contest that will end on June 30th. The winner will receive a guest spot designing for Creative Imaginations in the month of August, a 3 month AMM kit membership beginning with the August kit and will be the AMM featured Guest Designer for the month of August.

How does this sound? Interested?

Here is what you need to do:Your layouts must consist of 80% Creative Imaginations products ~ any line! You can mix up the lines, or do whatever you want, just make sure that 80% of the products on the layout are by Creative Imaginations. One layout per entry and the layout may be any size. If you would like to look at all of the products that CI manufacturs, you can look here: http://www.amillionmemories.com/shopbycom.php?id=250 or you can look on their site here: http://www.creativeimaginations.us/stor … ndList.phpPost your project in the AMM Gallery and here. That's it!!! Easy peasy, right? Now get to work and most importantly, have fun!!!

Rusty Pickle - POP STAR!!!!

2008-05-31T13:20:00.002-04:00

A HUGE THANK YOU to Rusty Pickle and A Million Memories for giving me this fun, cool products to work with. It made me feel like a kid again!!!

~THANKS~

~Happy Birthday~
(My niece Lauren received this for her 8th BDay!!)

~My Sunshine~
I used CRAYONS to color the images!! It was so much fun.

~Smile~
I used Gel Pens to color the elements. This is Mike and the kids on St. Patrick's Day.

~YOU~ Acrylic Mini album
I wanted the photos to stand out so I used very little paper. Instead I used just the (Scenic Route) letters and Rusty Pickle Rubons.

~Smile~ File Folder Mini Album
Just some fun photos of the kids playing in the yard. I used American Craft Galaxy Markers so they would pop off the black folder.

More lovliness!! It's the JUNE KIT!!

2008-05-31T12:42:00.001-04:00

Wow!!! Can the kits get any prettier? Every month we all say, "This is the best kit ever". Until the next month. And YES!! The JUNE KIT is just that..."THE BEST KIT EVER"!!!

You can grab it here because it won't last!!!

The kit includes:
Papers:
1 Marah Johnson Paper
1 Daisy D's Paper
4 Narratives Papers
2 Making Memories Noteworthy Papers

Embellishments:
1 American Crafts Thickers Alphabet - Black Poolside
1 pack Daisy D's Rubons
1 pack Narratives Epoxy Stickers
1 sheet of Carolees Tiny Whoopsy Alphabet - Teal
2 Making Memories Noteworthy Clips (styles will vary)
1 Woven Butterfly Applique
1 Woven Scroll Applique
1 yard Cream Vintage Trim
1 yard Soft Violet Blue Velvet Ribbon
1 Vintage Lace Hanky

Do you love JOURNEY???

2008-05-29T16:14:00.001-04:00

I saw this on the ELLEN show yesterday. It's AMAZING and I'm SO excited!! The band actually found this guy on YouTube!!! Enjoy.

Cosmo Cricket Giveaway at AMM!!

2008-05-20T23:17:00.003-04:00

You all know that Cosmo Cricket is my ALL TIME FAVORITE manufacturer. I have this lovely little stuff in my stash all ready for some FUN scrapping. But you don't have to wait to see it.

The incredibly generous owner of A Million Memories, Michelle, is giving away this AWESOME prize package filled with the brand new COSMO CRICKET "Sunshine" line. Don't you love it? It's just screams SUNSHINE!!!

All you have to do is post a reply HERE at A Million Memories about what you'd do with this prize package. HURRY....the contest ends Sunday night!!!

My A Million Memories May 2008 Kit Projects

2008-05-07T10:26:00.002-04:00

The May 2008 A Million Memories kit was just GORGEOUS!! I had a million ideas swimming in my head for what to do with it. Here is what I came up with. (No peeking Mom...there's something here for you for Mother's Day....LOL!!)

~Heavenly~

~Vanessa Marie~

~Pure Luck~

~Mother's Day Mini Album and Gift Box~

~Happy Mother's Day! MOM~

Mike and Luke's First Holy Communion!!

2008-05-07T10:22:00.002-04:00

Just a few photos from Mike and Luke's First Holy Communion!!

All of the kids outside of church. I LOVE how Vanessa has her hand on Nick's shoulder!!

Michael

Luke

Together right before the service. (Can you tell Mike was a bit nervous??)

Vanessa

Nick

Vanessa with Celia and Ella at the party.

My PHutch Sketches Design Team is up!!

2008-04-21T21:40:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited to announce my first ever PHutch Sketches Design Team!!! I'm thrilled to have such AMAZINGLY talented ladies on my team.

Check it out here.

AMM May Kit Sneak Peek!!

2008-04-21T21:37:00.002-04:00

It's that time again....here is a sneak peek at the A Million Memories MAY Kit. Hurry...this one will sell out!!!

CHECK THIS OUT!!! New classes at AMM!!!

2008-04-18T11:22:00.002-04:00

I am SO excited. A Million Memories is going to host ONLINE CLASSES!!! The first one is hosted by DT Member Karen. She is amazing....check it out!!!

The cool thing is you can buy the class and use your own stash...OR...you can by the Limited Edition kit to go along with the class.

Welcome Spring Kit at AMM!!!

2008-04-15T23:11:00.003-04:00

Check out this GORGEOUS kit by the fabulous BECKY HEISLER available now at A Million Memories.

Includes full color instructions with various photos and template for making your own flowers.

6 Fancy Pants Papers
1 Hambly Butterfly Paper
1 pack American Crafts Poolside Thickers in Pink
1 Jenni Bowlin Transferware Rubons
1 Creative Imaginations Scalloped Wooden Sign
A few Maya Road Chipboard Piecs
A few gold buttons
1 yard of pearls
1 sheet scalloped paper

All for only $25.99. You can grab the complete kit HERE or just the instructions HERE.

My AMM Design Team Entries!!

2008-04-13T09:51:00.002-04:00

Can you say, YAAAAHOOOO!!!!!! I made the Design Team again at A Million Memories. I'm SOOOO excited. The talent this time around was amazing and I am honored to be a part of the team for another term!!!!

~Thank Heaven for Little Girls~
-Mix of MM Noteworthy and Garden Party with a touch of Websters Pages. Handpainted, glittered embellishments.

~Yum-o ~ (like Rachel Ray says it!!)
- New Basic Grey "Sultry", Crackle Painted Title Tag, cute daisy trim and Hot pink MM glittered Letters.

~Watch Us Grow ~
- Custom made acrylic album (Christine Peneflor RAK), K&Company "Wild Saffron", lots of ink (of course), bling, Hambly, MME, felt, vintage trim, masking, and lots of hand cut embellishments.

The DESIGN eXperiment!!! Challenge#.

2008-04-07T15:21:00.005-04:00

Here is my layout for The Design Experiment - Challenge #4.

Head over to The Design Experiment blog to check out the rest of the team's entries!!

I mixed the new BG Boxer and Sultry PP. Journaling card (behind title) is Prima, title is Tim Holtz Grungeboard and Crackle Paint (Aged Mahogany), Felt accent is American Crafts, Brown trim is Fancy Pants, Font is AL Worn Machine.

Journaling:It's only a few months until I turn FOURTY-FIVE . The last few years have been a fog but this year is going to be better…much better!

-I love that most people can't guess my age.
- My kids think I can sing.
- I'm working out 5-6 days/week.
- Mike and I are married 13 years and together 20!
- I'm almost in my "skinny" jeans.
- I think my freckles are cute.
- I'm hooked on Teavana Jasmine Tea.
- I've been teaching Aerobics for 20 years and still going strong.
- I "bleed green".
- I love to make people laugh.

AMM April Kit Projects!!

2008-04-01T15:31:00.002-04:00

Well....I finally had enough light outside to take pictures of my projects!!! I know that every month I say "This is my favorite kit" but this ONE IS!!!! It's just gorgeous...and I didn't want it to end. The paper was gorgeous and the embellishments and thickers...a perfect match!!

~pure beauty~
I can't get enough of this little face. When I saw this kit I knew these pictures would be perfect. For the letters I used Tattered Rose Crackle paint. Then like 2 or 3 different colors of Distressed Ink to make it "messy". The flower embellishment is two layers of PP cut with the Sizzix "Blazing Sun" die, inked and crumpled. I added an (inked) flower from the kit, a Prima and an MM brad. The brown CS border at the bottom is a Fiskers punch (which I got at Target while looking for the Treading Water punch).

~nessa~
My girl can pose!! I just love this shot and how her hair is to the side and how you can see the blue in her eyes!I only used one piece of PP here. Then I added the cardstock border (using the SU! border punch). I added LOTS of stickles and Primas. Bling brads are Deja View (Michael's). The journaling block is the backside of a piece of PP in the kit. The stamp is from the March kit.

~10 Things I love about YOU - Mini Album~
Just a fun little mini with current pics of the family unit. I wanted it to be simple so I just used PP and stickles on each inside page. On the cover I used Distressed inks with a Heidi Swapp butterfly mask. I used Peeled Paint crackle paint on the frame, added stickles to the CB letters and about 3 colors of distressed ink on the flower. Wooden button is Deja View (Michaels).

~Happy Birthday MOM!!!~
My Mom's Bday was on Sunday so this card was perfect timing!! I added the SU! border punch.

~Matchbook Mini Album~
This was made from the scraps I had left from the kit. When I sorted everything out, there seemed to be a bunch of equal sized square pieces and one long piece of PP. I thought OH!!! MINI ALBUM. Then the matchbook idea came to mind. (It's really just like the Basic Grey ones they used to make). I stapled the inside pages in and then used my xacto to cut a little notch on the front. I added the bling swirl, rubon and lace trim to the front. I think I'll use it for quotes or just some random pictures. Seriously...it took about 10 minutes!!!

The DESIGN eXperiment!!! Challenge#3.

2008-04-01T15:20:00.002-04:00

Here's is the layout I did for challenge#3 over at The Design Experiment. It's all digital. Everything is from Jen Wilson Designs except the title letters...they are Little Dreamer Designs.
Thanks for looking!

~FULL CIRCLE~

AMM April Kit - full preview!!

2008-03-24T10:18:00.003-04:00

WOW, WOW, WOW!! Can you believe how pretty this is??? And as I type this my package is on its way!!!

AMM April Kit SNEAKIE PEEKIE!!

2008-03-17T10:47:00.002-04:00

OMGOSH.....can these kits get any more beautiful????? Check out this sneak peek of the April Kit at A Million Memories. (hee, hee, hee...cause I know what else is in the kit)!!!!

If you want to make sure you get this kit....hurry...and grab it HERE.

~Charm~ Another Digital Layout!!

2008-03-11T14:19:00.002-04:00

Here's my layout for Michelle's challenge at A Million Memories.

I went totally DIGITAL!!! (And I might say THANKS to my friend Christine for first introducing me to digital....I am SO hooked).

All of the papers and elements are from the new PrimaHybrid lines (Corina Nielson, Doris Castle, Dianne Rigdon, Trish Jones, and Weeds&Wildflowers)...also stuff from the Vintage Garden collection.

New header....what do you think?

2008-03-07T22:39:00.001-05:00

I just made the new header for my blog. All digital elements are from JEN WILSON DESIGNS (love her). The only other elements are the "TWINS X 2" alphabet by Erica Hernandez (2peas Vibe kit).

What you you think??

Tagged by Kimmi

2008-03-07T22:23:00.002-05:00

So my friend Kimmi tagged me.

I have to make a list of 7 Random Facts about me....not sure what to say.

I was on the Swim Team from age 8 until I graduated from college. Now, I HATE swimming. (Laps...not really the pool).
I grew up in the city (Philadelphia) but when to an Agricultural High School (you know FARMING....LOL)!
I am a Certified Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer. I don't do PT right now but I teach two GroupEx classes a week.
I'm afraid of the DARK. Seriously....VERY AFRAID....run from my bathroom to my bed (3 feet away) afraid.
I've changed my hair style and color like a MILLION times in my life. I have no idea what my natural shade or style is.
I played Flag Football for about 10 years. I played defense cause I liked to try and intercept the ball. I was pretty good.
I can't snap my fingers on my right hand...no sound....at all...nada!

Design Team call at A Million Memories!!!!

2008-03-04T19:28:00.003-05:00

A Million Memories is having a DESIGN TEAM CALL!!!! Check it out...it's an AWESOME team to be on. I'm going to try out again!!!!!

Here is the information. If you want to try out, just register on the site and get chatting on the Message Board. We want to get to know you!!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are looking for 8 Design Team Members and will be accepting applications through March 31st, 2008.

We will announce the eight new designers once they have been contacted and have accepted their posts. The design team position is a commitment through September 30th.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

We are looking for eight energetic, outgoing, talented, versatile and creative individuals who are team. Strong photography, digital scrapbooking and class experience is a plus, but not required.

Interested applicants must register and post on the message boards at AMM during the DT call. We want to spend the next month getting to know you and we want you to get to know us and our community. Your design team experience at AMM will require daily activity on our boards.

Read more here......

If you have any comments or questions, please email us at michelle@amillionmemories.com

The DESIGN eXperiment!!!

2008-03-03T21:15:00.003-05:00

So....my friends Emily, Kimmi and I created this really cool challenge site called THE DESIGN EXPERIMENT!!! You seriously have to check it out!!

Here is my first layout. It's all DIGITAL!!!

~note to self:~

All digital supplies are from PrimiaHybrid. (I'm LOVING these products)!

Another DIGITAL layout!!!

2008-02-26T23:06:00.003-05:00

Yes...you read that correctly! I'm really digging this digital stuff.

I know you've seen these pics of Vanessa already but I just had to use them for a DIGITAL layout using the February Sketch. (Check out My Sketches Blog for the sketch).

I had SOOOOO much fun with this layout. Everything digital is from Jen Wilson Designs (Pink Lemonade). The cool thing about this layout is that I learned how to merge (don't know the real term) TWO of the background papers to make one!!! It's really fun!!

Thanks for looking!

PageFrames Product Spotlight

2008-02-26T23:00:00.003-05:00

I had SO much fun working with these beautiful products from PageFrames. I used the Mini-Heart album, mini-tag album and 8x8 Frame. THANK YOU so much to PageFrames and AMM for giving me this beautiful products to work on.

~Sweet~ 8x8 Frame
This was SO much fun to make. I wanted to make sure I balanced the products between the actual layout and the frame. I used paper from MME (Front Porch), rubons from American Crafts & Basic Grey, Journal transparency from Hambly, Bling from MM and K&Company, puffy hearts from MM and ink. (I don't "love" the ribbon I have hanging it up so I cut that out for now).

~beautiful~ Heart Mini Album
This is one of my all-time FAVORITE projects. I had so much fun with this and trying to figure out what I wanted to show and what I needed to hide!! PP, ribbon, journaling cards and some rubons are from Fancy Pants (Aged Florals), Ring is from Junkitz, bling is from K&Company, Chipboard words are EK Success, other rubons are BG and American Crafts, "Coupon" is MME, "Newsflash" is 7Gypsies, and some Prima flowers.

I alternated pages with a whole piece of PP (on the BACK) and one with just a photo frame. It's looks so much nicer IRL. On the 4th page I used the PP flowers to decorate the page.

A2Z Product Spotlight

2008-02-26T22:46:00.002-05:00

I had the opportunity to work with these awesome papers from A2Z Essentials. Thanks SO much to A2Z and AMM!!!!

~stylin~
Pic of Vanessa showing off the outfit she selected. I added the Fancy Pants transparency, AC fuzzy thickers, and AC Detailed Embellishments (don't they look like Kimmi made them??)

~Yurtle~
Pic of Michael with his Build-a-Bear Turtle. I know Dr. Seuss spells it Yertle but he wanted it with the "u"...LOL!!! I added the AC rubons, Big Honkin Stickers, and journaling tag from Every Jot & Tittle.

~Jupiter Justice - saving the universe~
This is totally outside the box for me. I always wanted to do a layout with a picture of a toy. It started out as me just practicing with my new camera. Then, when I got this paper the lightbulb went off!! I added AC Thickers, MAMBI star accents, buttons, and MR Sheer journaling tags.

~Build-a-Bear Mini Album
I made this with the scraps of paper left over from the layouts. I added misc rubons and ribbon. For the journaling I added MR Sheer journaling tags and a Fancy Pants jouraling card. I also found these cool NAME stickers at the crop. They had ALL FOUR KIDS NAMES!!!

~Bunch-o-Cards~
You know I LOVE to make cards. This paper was SO much fun to play with. I added some misc rubons and an AC Details Embellishment. (LOVE them)!!

Can you say GORGEOUS!!!!

2008-02-25T12:50:00.002-05:00

Here is the March Kit at A Million Memories. HURRY....it will sell out fast!! You can grab it here.

March Kit Sneak Peek!!!

2008-02-20T09:00:00.004-05:00

Here's a sneak peek of the March Kit from A Million Memories. I have a feeling this one will sell out fast so grab it here. (Just make sure you write in the comments that you want to start with the March kit).

Enjoy!!!

Win some NOT-YET-RELEASED products at AMM!!!

2008-02-20T08:46:00.002-05:00

Do you love NEW STUFF? Then keep reading.............

A photo like this could win you a lot of LOOT!!!! There is a really cool RAK going on at AMM right now. All you have to do is post a funny photo and you are entered to win this prize!!

There are 2 new paper collections by Fancy Pants! This stuff is not even available in the stores yet! Also included is a Making Memories Slice T-shirt, a stamp by Pink Paisley, an 8 x 8 stamp collection from Fancy Pants and a paper pad from a new company called GCD! I don't think the GCD papers have been released yet either!

So....head over to AMM now and post on this link.

AMM February Kit Projects!!!

2008-02-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

The FEBRUARY A Million Memories kit was SO much fun to work with. It had all of my favorite colors and products.

~The Bribe~
The only way to get a good photo of Vanessa is with candy. I added sewing, MM paint and computer journaling!

~First Take~
Sometimes you have to quit while you're ahead. The got ONE good picture and then it went downhill from there. I added sewing, MM paint and computer journaling!

~Weight-loss Goals~
I decided to use this mini book to track my weight-loss goals. I started in November and I'm going to add to it as I go along. I cut the butterfly from the paisley PP. The small stickers are Making Memories from a previous kit.

~Bunch 'o cards~
I LOVE making cards and this kit was just the right mix of colors.

AMM February Kit Preview!

2008-01-31T14:54:00.000-05:00

Check out this GORGEOUS kit. It's the February kit at A Million Memories. Get it before it sells out.

Love, Elsie (ZOE) projects!!

2008-01-29T15:11:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to the gals at A Million Memories and KI Memories for giving me this uber cool products to work with!!

~I Love Art - Mini Album~
A fun little mini album using ALL Love, Elsie ZOE papers and embellishments. The mini album is from Maya Road. The photos are all from my studio showing off all of my favorite things!!

~Style~
Cool new picture of Vanessa (loving that headband)!!

Just a fun layout using my scraps. I chalked the embossed paper so that you can see the images (you CAN see them IRL)!!

~Thanks a Bunch~
A fun way to say THANKS and use the round epoxy stickers!

Autumn Leaves - Product Spotlight

2008-01-20T11:20:00.000-05:00

I had SO much fun with these Manhattan Papers! They go with just about EVERY project you can imagine! Thanks to Autumn Leaves, Alison and Michelle for allowing me to work with these products.

I used the MANHATTAN papers for all of the projects. In addition, I used:
Autumn Leaves Stamps (New Whimsical Frames by Andrea Victoria)

Fancy Pants Big Board Chipboard - Flourishes

Bare Naked Chipboard by Cosmo Cricket

Butterflies – K&Company

Glitter Glue – Stickles by Ranger

Journaling Tag – Every Jot & Tittle

Ribbon - May Arts
Design Board (for wall hanging) - Junkitz
Paint - Making Memories
Die Cut Flourish - QuicKutz

~DREAM~
Close-up photos of Vanessa's eyes when she was around 2 years old. I've used this photo before but it was just perfect with these papers. I just loved using the rust/orange color to complement the colors in the paper...it really brings out her eyes. The butterflies are just the perfect combination of colors and bling to match.

~School Photos 2007/2008 - Wall Hanging~
I made this wall hanging using the Junkitz 8x8 Design Boards. I had to add extra jump rings to hook them all together. The flourishes are made using a QK die and stickles. I covered the CC chipboard with coordinating patterned paper. The journaling tags are from the NEW! Whimsical frames set. After I stamped them on cardstock, I smudged them with two colors of distressed ink and then added stickles.

THANK YOU again to Autumn Leaves, Alison and Michelle!!!!

MAMBI Projects - Thanks to A Million Memories

2007-12-30T15:42:00.000-05:00

More projects for A Million Memories!!

I was SO inspired by the bright colors of this line that I couldn't resist making layouts and projects. Thank you so much to MAMBI, Michelle & Alison. All papers, rubons and 3D stickers are from MAMBI. I also added some of the following products.

Maya Road Sheer Journal Spots
Ranger – Stickles
Melissa Frances Fold-out Album
Heidi Swapp Flowers
American Crafts "Thickers" Chipboard Alphabet
Fancy Pants Big Board Chipboard Shapes
Journaling Spots – Every Jot & Tittle

~Wait~

~Among the flowers~

~Altered Notebook~

~Various Cards~

~Turning 4~(Misc pics of Nick and Vanessa together this past year)

Happy New Year!!! The AMM JANUARY KIT IS HERE!

2007-12-28T15:12:00.000-05:00

Can it get any better???? Check out the GORGEOUS January Kit from A Million Memories. Hurry...this one won't last long.

Win some new RUSTY PICKLE Snowflake & Mittens papers!!!!

2007-12-11T19:42:00.000-05:00

Win some new RUSTY PICKLE Snowflake & Mittens papers!!!! Check it out.

Here is a sample of how gorgeous they are.

AMM December Kit Projects!

2007-12-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

Okie, dokie!!! Here are my projects for the December Kit. It was another AMAZING kit to work with. I have a million more ideas (but ran out of product)!!! Thanks again to Michelle and Alison for this kit!!!

~Stubborn @4~
Vanessa would NOT let me take her picture...so I did anyway.

~Naughty or Nice?~
Pic of Vanessa from last Christmas that I had laying around. I love her eyes!!

~UR My World~
Pic of the kids this Christmas right after we put the tree up. It's not perfectly focused but it is the best shot (out of like 50). I love how they bunched together.

~Likeness~
This is my Mom. She hates her picture being taken. It's amazing when I see this how much we look alike. I hope I look just as good when I reach 70!!

~LOVE coupons - closed~

~LOVE coupons - open~
Just some handwritten little "To Do's" for DH (massage, breakfast, etc).

~Misc Cards~
This kit was so much fun I couldn't stop so I used every scrap of paper I had!!

Cosmo Cricket - HEY SUGAR!!!!

2007-11-27T16:23:00.000-05:00

Thank you So much to Cosmo Cricket and Alison & Michelle from A Million Memories. I can't get enough of this product and the HEY SUGAR line is saaaa-weeeet!!!! Check out the projects I made.

~Right Now~ Peek-a-boo Mini Album

~I love you~

~because I love you ~

~We R Family~ altered chipboard letters in a frame

~forget me not~ Card

~Thank You~ to Cosmo Cricket, Alison and Michelle

Scrapworks Christmas line!!!!

2007-11-04T23:12:00.000-05:00

Christmas came early at A Million Memories when Scrapworks generosly sent the Design Team their new line of papers, shimmer shapes, cardstock stickers, rubons and stamps!!! Here are my designs with the cool line!!!

AMM November Newsletter is up!!!

2007-11-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

I hope you take a second to read through the A Million Memories November newsletter. I'm SO lucky to have the change to put it together for the team. Everyone did an OUTSTANDING job again this month. You can find it HERE.

Another DIGITAL layout!!!

2007-11-01T18:54:00.000-04:00

This is a DIGITAL layout...maybe my 3rd or 4th one. I'm really getting hooked!!

The layout is based on my November one page sketch which was highlighted in the November AMM Newsletter! (Check out my sketch blog for details and more layouts)!!!

All elements are Jen Wilson except alphabet cards are Erica Hernandez (Phonetically Phloral - 2peas).This is Vanessa's first day of PreK!!!

Rusty Pickle ~ French Market

2007-11-01T18:47:00.000-04:00

I am SO lucky!!! I had even more free stuff from A Million Memories and this time it was RUSTY PICKLE. Don't you just LOVE these papers? Here are my projects.

~Dear Vanessa~
Just me and Vanessa hanging out in the yard.

~Home - Altered Letters~

THANKS to Rusty Pickle and A Million Memories!!!!

A Million Memories NOVEMBER KIT is HERE!!!

2007-10-31T12:57:00.000-04:00

Just when you thought you've seen it all....Michelle and Alison have done it again!! Check out this GORGEOUS kit from A Million Memories. Hurry....this one will NOT LAST!!! You can get it here.

AMM November Kit Sneak Peek!!

2007-10-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

Check it out!!! Another GORGEOUS kit from A Million Memories. Don't wait...this is SURE to sell out. Here is just a sneak peek at the kit. (I saw everything that's going into the kit. I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you....LOL)!!!! So.....check back later this month to see the entire kit.

AMM October Kit Projects

2007-10-12T15:11:00.000-04:00

Did I tell you how much I LOVE the kits at A Million Memories? Every time I think the new kit is the absolute best every....the next kit comes out and I have to change my mind. The October kit is no exception. OMGOSH!!! Check out the projects I did with this kit!!!

~You Take My Breath Away~
I just LOVE this picture of Vanessa!! And THANKS to Emily for the title idea!! Everything is from the kit with the additions of:
- shaped cardstock: Bazzill; Stamps: Technique Tuesday (Big Timber Line); extra rubon letters: 7Gypsies; Birdie rubon: Jenni Bowlin Studios (previous kit); ink: StazOn

~a little birdie told me~
Love this picture of Nick. It's not perfectly focused but it shows hit blue eyes and chubby cheeks. Everything from the kit except:
- foam letters: American Crafts (thickers...previous kits and AMM store); shaped cardstock: DCWV. I also used distress ink on the doillie so it matched the paper.

~Moments Like This~
Pic of Vanessa last Thanksgiving hanging out on our new stairs in the foyer. I caught her by surprise. Everything is from the kit except:
- Shaped cardstock: DCWV; black velvet ribbon: Michaels

~Art Journal~
It was time for me to make a new Sketch Journal. I can't wait to get started using it. Everything is from the kit except:
- Stamps: Hero Arts, Nick Bangkock, Inkadinkado; journal: Target. I used PPA to attach paper, coat paper and attach flower.

~You Should See My Brothers~
My poor Vanessa. You can see in the journaling how I cried. (Michael "stabbed" her with a plastic straw while they were playing. DH came up with the title!! Everything is from the kit except:
- Extra alpha rubons: 7Gypsies & MM; Shaped cardstock: Bazzill (October cardstock add-on kit); metallic pen: American Crafts; large photo corner punch: EK Success

A Million Memories OCTOBER KIT is HERE!!!

2007-10-02T16:24:00.000-04:00

WOW!!!! Just when you thought it couldn't get any better....IT DID!!!!

Check out the OCTOBER KIT at A Million Memories. Hurry....it's sure to sell out!!! (You can get it HERE).

More 7Gypsies in da house!!!

2007-09-28T22:01:00.000-04:00

OH MY!!! Can I get any LUCKIER???? It's like winning the lottery because I got selected to work with more 7 Gypsies products. And if you know me...they are my NUMBER ONE, ALL-TIME FAVORITE scrapbook manufacturer!!! WOhooooohoooo!!!

Here are my projects with the 7Gypsies Zanzibar collection, Nake Journal and Pizza box. You all know I JUST LOVE 7Gypsies and try to use them on EVERY project I do....so I was excited to be able to use them AGAIN!! THANK YOU 7Gypsies, Alison and Michelle!! It's been a privilege!!!

~I is for INSPIRATION~ Tabbed Mini Album

I just LOVE how this album came out. It was a lot of fun. I used LARGE photos (4 x 8.25) which was the same size as the page. I also cut some of the inside pages shorter and then used two pages and the gaffer tape to make them into a pocket. I used lots of paint and ink for the outside and inside. Like Katie, I added a ton of extra 7G's stuff like the tags, 97% complete stickers, 97% complete stamps (which fit PERFECTLY into the circled-tabs). I also added a bit of fabric strips and ribbon. Oh...and you KNOW I LOVE those doorknobs so I HAD to add one to the cover. I just loved using the naked chipboard shapes. They are very sturdy but not too bulky. For some of the chipboard, I just painted. On the others ("?" and "!") I just smashed them into distressed ink and just let it happen. I love how they turned out.

~PMH - Pizza Box

It was SOOOO easy to cover this pizza box. It comes flat so I added all of the inking and patterned paper first...then folded it and put it together. VERY EASY!! I added the wooden letters (Michael's), paint (MM), distressed ink (Tim Holtz), and 1 1/2" twill (May Arts).

~Thank You~ A HUGE Thank You to 7 Gypsies and to Alison and Michelle at A Million Memories for allowing me to work with such awesome products!!!

New CONTEST at A Million Memories!!!

2007-09-28T21:56:00.000-04:00

This month we are so excited to be hosting a Sassafras Lass Contest!

Here are the Rules: Create an ALTERED project using at least 80% Sassfras Lass products.

Your altered project can be anything that is not a single or double page layout. I.E. Altered Item, Mini-Book, Garland, Home Decor, Gift, etc.

What does 80% mean? Well the paper, embellies, alpha, etc should be mostly Sassfras Lass if not all. The other 20% could be the actual mini-book or item, adhesive, ribbon, etc.

You have until: October 15th at 12am PST to upload your project into our user galler and post the image or link here. Please be sure to put "October Contest" somewhere in the title of your uploaded layout so we are sure not to miss anyone (for example: Birds of a Feather - October Contest Submission).

Instructions on how to post the image can be found here: How to post your LO directly into a Message Board Thread by Meera. Please make sure you put the Challenge Name in the title of your layout. Instructions on how to post the link can be found here: Posting a link to your AMM Gallery in a thread by Collette.

Need to stock up on some Sassafras Lass goodies? Check out these Sassafrass Lass products at AMM.

I will be posting the photo of the awesome prize sponsored by Sassafrass Lass here as soon as possible!

Good Luck Everyone and we can't wait to see what you all create!

Check HERE for more information and the photo of the prize!! GOOD LUCK...and tell them PATTI SENT YOU!!!

Hero Arts Fall 2007 Projects!

2007-09-17T16:03:00.000-04:00

Another HUGE thanks to the gals at A Million Memories for giving me these incredible stamps from HERO ARTS!! I had a blast!

9/11 - Do you remember where you were?

2007-09-11T13:08:00.000-04:00

I remember how beautiful the weather was that day. I used to get up and take Mike and Luke for a walk in the jogger everyday (they were only 1). For some reason that day, I didn't get out the door on time. I was watching the Today show when they broke into the story and showed the first plane hit. They thought it was an accident and was a small plane. So I watched for a few minutes. I remember called DH on the phone at work (got his machine) and told him about the plane. We have a lot of friends who live and work in NYC.

For some reason, I just wanted to watch at not walk. Then, I remember seeing the second plane hit. It scared the crap out of me. At first I thought, there must be something going on in the tower...they are not "seeing" these planes or something. When they started saying it was a big plane and probably not an accident, I panicked. I called DH crying that "something was happening". Being a new Mom, at home, alone scared me. When the 3rd plane hit the Pentegon, I called DH again and begged him to come home. We live just outside of Philadelphia and all of our family is in Philly....I really thought it was going to be next. Then, later when that last plane crashed in PA, I was in shock. All I could think of was all of the people I worked with who might be traveling that day or be IN NYC.

I also remember being in a fog for days. Even people the supermarket, bank, and gym were quiet. It was like no one was talking. I continued to take the boys for a walk the next day. It was really an eery feeling to NOT hear airplanes. Then, the first day when I DID hear them again...it really scared me.

Days and weeks later we started to hear about people we knew who lost loved ones in the Towers. I didn't know anyone personally but I knew a lot of people who did. I also knew a few people who were SUPPOSED to be there that day but were not....missed train....cancelled meeting, etc. It was a day I'll never forget.

Design Team call at A Million Memories!!!!

2007-09-06T13:20:00.000-04:00

Everyone!!! Check this out. A Million Memories is looking for THREE (YES THREE) new Design Team Members. Make sure you show us your BEST, UNSEEN work!!! And tell them Patti sent you!!!

-----------------------------------
Due to the growth at A Million Memories - we are looking for three new design team members. If you're interested in designing for AMM, please read the information below. We are accepting applications now through September 30, 2007. We will announce the three new designers once they have been contacted and have accepted their posts. The design team position is a commitment through March 31, 2008.

Read more here....

My Crazy Life with TWINS times TWO!

First TBall game!!!

A Million Memories - April 2009 Kit Projects!!!!

Congratulations to the new AMM Design Team!!!

Spring Cleaning Sale at A Million Memories!!

AMM DT Challenge: 3/8 - 3/20 "Algebra Lesson"

A Million Memories - March 2009 Kit Projects!!

Editing your layouts for blogs and galleries!

~KISS~ Digital layout

~Bliss~ **AMM & My Acrylic Album**

Another AMAZING class at A Million Memories!!!

CUTE Project Kit at A Million Memories!!

February AMM Kit - Sneaky Peeky!!

10....20.....30!! 30% off!!!

January LOVE from A Million Memories!!!

Ring in the New Year at AMM!!!

Not done shopping?

New Graphics 45 projects!!

New GCD Studios Projects!

A Million Memories - NOVEMBER 2008 Kit Projects

Mollie & Mac MFG projects!!

Wanna win a FLIP?

Create a vintage/shabby art journal!!

Five Fall Favorites - Online class with Becca

AMM October Kit is up!!

Lots of cool stuff going on at AMM!!

Another SNEAK PEEK of my class - The Perfect Day!

The Perfect Day - it's YOURS FREE!!!

More information about my class - THE PERFECT DAY!

Basic Grey GRANOLA - Giveaway!!

The Perfect Day - ON SALE NOW!!!

Thank you American Crafts and A Million Memories

My September AMM Kit Projects!!!

I LOVE you because

10 tips for summer fun!! A new class at AMM!!

August AMM Kit is UP!!

A sneak peek of my new ONLINE CLASS at AMM!!

"Nobody's Perfect" AMM Design Team Challenge

Yummy goodness from Tattered Angels!!

Some SWEET new giveaways!!!

Travel Journal Paper Bag Mini Album - INSTRUCTIONS

A Million Memories JULY KIT PROJECTS!!!

Chloe Celebration Giveaway * Win some AWESOME goodies!!!

Creative Imaginations - Rock Star!!!!

July AMM Kit - Summer Passport

Cosmo Cricket "Hello Sunshine" Project Sneak Peek

OH! The agony!!! I hate waiting!!!

How did I get SO LUCKY???

Cosmo Cricket - Dutch Girl

How about some AROUND THE BLOCK projects??

Chat with Marah Johson from Creative Imaginations

June is CREATIVE IMAGINATIONS MONTH at A Million Memories!!

Rusty Pickle - POP STAR!!!!

More lovliness!! It's the JUNE KIT!!

Do you love JOURNEY???

Cosmo Cricket Giveaway at AMM!!

My *A Million Memories* May 2008 Kit Projects

Mike and Luke's First Holy Communion!!

My PHutch Sketches Design Team is up!!

AMM May Kit Sneak Peek!!

CHECK THIS OUT!!! New classes at AMM!!!

Welcome Spring Kit at AMM!!!

My AMM Design Team Entries!!

The DESIGN eXperiment!!! Challenge#.

AMM April Kit Projects!!

The DESIGN eXperiment!!! Challenge#3.

AMM April Kit - full preview!!

AMM April Kit SNEAKIE PEEKIE!!

~Charm~ Another Digital Layout!!

New header....what do you think?

Tagged by Kimmi

Design Team call at A Million Memories!!!!

The DESIGN eXperiment!!!

Another DIGITAL layout!!!

PageFrames Product Spotlight

A2Z Product Spotlight

Can you say GORGEOUS!!!!

March Kit Sneak Peek!!!

Win some NOT-YET-RELEASED products at AMM!!!

AMM February Kit Projects!!!

~Bliss~ AMM & My Acrylic Album

My A Million Memories May 2008 Kit Projects