KitsNbits

Lookie What I Got

2012-01-21T12:39:00.002-05:00

As promised below are the tags that I received in my Tag Swap. I met up with the girls at the Paper Niche last night and we swapped our tags. I love all my tags and the ladies did such an awesome job on them all. I had a very good time and I even got some scrapping time in.

Starting from the top and to the right:

1. Mindy: http://prettylittlepaperlove.blogspot.com/

2. Liz:

3. Gine: http://ginesscraproom.blogspot.com/

4. Luci: http://lucisscrapoddities.blogspot.com/

5. Me :)

6. Jean: http://jeansworldabound.blogspot.com/

Such talented ladies!! Thank you!

Scrapstreet EZine Spring 2012 Call

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do you want to get published at Scrapstreet? I am having a call for Spring. Make a card, layout, or altered (album) item with a "Timeless" theme and send it in.

Here is the call:

"Timeless. It’s a new year, where has the time gone? Get out your clocks,
time pieces, and clock images to create a timeless layout, album or card.
Take back some time by remembering the past with a time inspired theme."

Deadline is midnight February 18th for all calls.

Please send your work to submissions@scrapstreet.com.

Please send a separate email for each submission you would like to be
considered for publication. Please keep the image size around 600 x 600
pixels.

Check out more call at Scrapstreet

Thank you!

Tags with Wings

2012-01-17T20:13:00.000-05:00

I was invited to do a tag swap with some girls from my local store - The Paper Niche. The theme is ''Wings.''

I thought about doing angel wings but figured most of the girls would do that so I decided to go a little off path and made Butterfly wings instead.

FLY

Manilla Tag measures 3 1/8 by 6 1/4

I used the Fiskars "threading water" punch and added layers of paper at end of tag then finished it with the last layer of trim from fancy pants. This is one of my favorite trims.

I cut out a heart to fit the Maya Road tin out of Vintage Blue "stripe" paper then I used my melting pot and heated up Utee. I dipped the heart into the Utee. I added stickles around the inner heart to fill any "gaps" then I popped up and layered my butterfly.

Products Used:

Maya Road heart Tin

Martha Stewart butterfly punch

Cuttlebug butterfly die

K & Company script paper

Glitz Designs "Vintage Blue"

Glimmer Mist "Attic Blue" and "Sunflower"

Cuttlebug "dots" embossing folder

October Afternoon "kitchen cupboard"

Jenni Bowlin "Haven"

May Arts brown organza ribbon

Fancy Pants trim

Utee

Petaloo flowers

Zva leaves

Mark Richards bling

office tag

jewerly tag

Tsukineko "jumbo java"

Ranger "silver" stickles

Fiskars "threading water" border punch

7 Gypsies Photo Tray and Monthly Kit

2012-01-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Altered items make great gifts. I made this photo tray for my niece, who is all grown up now. I thought it would be nice for her to have a picture of her and her mom (my sister) when she was only 9 months old.

I used the Paper Niche Monthly design team kit for January. It is full of paper and embellishments. The 7 Gypsies 4x6 Photo Tray was not included in the kit, but I’ve wanted to make a photo tray for a long time and thought it would make a great birthday gift for my niece.

I used mostly the Glitz Girls “Vintage Blue” collection which was included in my kit as my back ground 4x6 matts. Then I added the peek-a-boos transparencies to give my background an easy and pretty extra layer and pattern. I then used the October Afternoon Farmhouse “clothesline”paper and cut out the flags, and added pretty ribbon to string along the front of the tray.

The journaling card is from Prima and the background from Glitz Designs. The flowers are prima also. The key was given to me at CHA but can't remember what booth.

The poem on the upper right is from the Glitz Design peek-a-boo vintage blue collection.

You should try making a photo tray; it was fast and I think makes a great gift. One tip I can give you on the photo tray is to "pop" up your matted photos. Happy Scrapping.

Layout with Prima

2012-01-11T08:42:00.003-05:00

Hi, here is another layout that I designed for the Paper Niche using their monthly kit. This pic was also taken at the farm for the Johnson reunion.

Most of the paper I used on this layout is from Prima Marketing. I also used my zutter distresser (yes noisy but efficient). Notice how I "framed" my layout and mitred the corners then added eyelets. Its an old trick I use to use from the old days ...

On the corner I used some Jenni Bowlin paper and diecut about 7 flowers, then glimmer misted them, stacked them and added a small brad in the middle. Then I crunched them and heat set them dry. I love the crunching part.

I received a pack of pretty Prima buttons, tiles and flowers from my kit; so I stacked them in the corner. I also added a strip of Jenni Bowlin towards the bottom of my layout to ground my page with the black. This grouping also extends your field of vision, otherwise your eye would go to what is inside the "frame" especially since most of the colors are muted.

Happy Scrappin and dont forget to go to the Paper Niche blog to see what the other ladies have designed for you.

@ the Farmhouse

2012-01-08T14:40:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken (a while ago) @ our grandparents farmhouse in Minnesota. We went there for their 60th wedding anniversary and family reunion.

I created this layout for the Paper Niche Design Team

added beautiful prima flower then used some Jenni Bowlin paper and diecut flowers, then glimmer misted the petals, and layered to make a ruffle flower.

Cut out the banner image then added more flags to layer on top for a 3D effect. Added rock candy to flags then some tassle trim ribbon.

I used the design team kit and this layout has a mixture of prima, glitz girls, october afternoon and Jenni Bowlin.

JAN 2012 PAPER NICHE MONTHLY KIT

2012-01-06T10:09:00.002-05:00

Hi there, it's that time again. Today I am showing you a banner I made with the Paper Niche Monthly kit (on sale now).

January's kit features

Paper - Ocotber Afternoon, Jenni Bowlin, Prima, and Glitz

Embellishments - Prima flowers (2), Glitz tini alpha, Glitz stickers (Peekaboo and Paper Layers), Webster Pages sparklers, crepe paper, Maya Road chip board letters, Prima bling tiles and buttons, and yummy candy from the candy bar.

Ribbon - 5 yards ribbon from Maya Road, American Craft, and Prima

*The kit is packaged in a beautiful printed paper bag that can be incorporated into any of your layouts.*

I made this banner using the quick quotes tags I had from a while back and the mostly the Jenni Bowlin collection along with prima flowers, crepe paper, prima bling, tiles, buttons and of course some ribbon. For technique I used distressing, inking lots of glossy accents, glitter and some rock candy.

Please check out the Paper Niche blog to see what the other designers have created for you. Be back later to show you some layouts and altered item I made with my kit.

Happy Scrappin

Weave It

2012-01-01T11:31:00.002-05:00

The new January edition of Scrapstreet is out!

If you haven't read this magazine yet, make it your New Years favorite. This mag is loaded with lots of examples, fun articles and a Free Digi kit!

I wrote an article on revising the old (but still cool) technique of weaving. Go here to read my article and see all the submissions using this technique. WEAVE IT

This is the example I made for my article using the weaving. It's my fresh new idea book for 2012!

Idea Journal by Veronica Johnson

Supplies: Paper: Webster’s Pages, BasicGrey, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Ribbon: May Arts, Buttons: Webster’s Pages, Alphabet: American Crafts, Jillibean, Chipboard: Jenni Bowlin, Tape: 7 Gypsies, Leaves: Zva Creative, Wood Spool: Maya Road, Other: canvas, metal clip, eyelets, netting, yarn, crystals. Tools: Stamps: Inkadinkado, Other: sewing machine.

Design Notes: I wove several different elements together to give the journal a “want to touch” it feeling. This is my inspiration journal; therefore I wanted to make sure the surface portrayed my personality. It’s a little bit of everything.

Journaling: My Scrapiness.

Hope you enjoy my article and the Scrapstreet mag. Happy Scrappin in 2012!

Mixed Media Canvas

2011-12-29T10:34:00.000-05:00

Now that we are heading toward the New Year, my mind goes directly to my resolutions. One of my resolutions is to clean up, simplify and make my scrap room pretty. I think I get more creative when my surroundings are pleasant and clean. So how about a little wall art?

I made these four "seasonal" 4x6 canvas art and left room for litle wallet size photos. I will line them up on my wall and not only have something I made to look at but also photos that I cherish.

I have Spring, Summer Fall and Winter. I used the Blick Studio stretched canvas on a 4x6 wood frame. I first painted the canvas then I started layering stencils, paper, foam stamps, and rubons.

I made these little tags to mount my photos and I matched them to the canvas.

These dont take a lot of time because they are 4x6, and you can make them any theme you want. For instance how about, Peace, Love, Happiness, and Art? That is my wish for the New Year.

Blog Hop Winners

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick one to announce the 2nd and 3rd blog hop winners. I had such a good response and so many comments - I just had to draw a couple more names.

The 2nd drawing goes to: Debbie (love life's little pleasures)

The 3rd drawing goes to: Ceci's blog

Thank you again for participating, debbie and ceci please send me an email with you addy.

Beatriz and I are planning another blog hop the first 8 days of April for Easter. The details have not been worked out yet, but I will start making bunny albums.

Happy Scrapping

25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop WINNER

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and a very Happy Holiday. I wish you all health and happiness for the New Year. Thank to everyone that played along with Beatriz and I on our blog hop and thank you so much for all the sweet comments.

The winner of my Graphic 45 Christmas album is: DEBBIE (Two lady bugs from china blog). Debbie please send me an email with your mailing addy. Congratulations!!

I feel so blessed and grateful for all my new followers and comments that I think I will draw two more names tomorrow for some 2nd and 3rd prizes.

Merry Christmas and come back tomorrow.

Day 25 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's Day 25!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone! Thank you for playing along with Beatriz from Amazing Grace and I. We appreciate all of you and I want to thank for becoming a follower and leaving me such nice comments.

Today's Album is the Album that I am giving away! I love the vintage paper from Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium collection. In order to win this album you need to be a follower. All the comments from 1 through 25 will be put in the bin for a random pick. Good luck!

This is a pocket so that you can slip your tags, journaling or extra photos behind the clock.

This piece of acrylic has been emblossed and inked. It makes a great easy page and adds interest to the album

This page has a pocket sewn onto the page to add extra photos and it also has a nice tag

This page has chipboard frames that I popped up so that you can slip either a photo in the frame or a tag.

The album was made with Bascially Bare. I love these albums because they come with different textured pages, in this case; the album has a canvas page, a felt page and chipboard pages.

For more pictures of this album go to my Youtube channel Kitsnbitscraps.

Thank you again for participating. Be sure to go over to see what Bea has posted for Day 25. Come back tomorrow - I will post the winner. Merry Christmas and Happy Scrapping.

Day 24 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE!! I can't believe our blog has only one more day left. Thank you everyone; I hope we inspired you and you had fun looking at what we posted everyday for the last 24 days. I still can not believe I did it!! Wow, 25 albums in 25 days! A special thank you for all of you that became followers and left me such sweet comments. I feel all fuzzy inside feeling all the christmas spirit and blessings.
Please go to my sweet and talented friend Beatriz's blog Amazing Grace and see what the scrapping layout queen has for today. Remember to leave your comments because tomorrow I will show you my final album and pick out the blog hop winner!

Today's album is made with My Little Yellow Bicycle's Wonder and Wishes. Hope you enjoyed our blog hop and Merry Christmas Eve.

I hope you enjoyed the "Merry Little Christmas Home" album. The album is the Maya Road Tabbed ablum. I am off to make chocolate dipped pretzels coated with peppermint chips (yumm). See you tomorrow Christmas Day!!

Day 23 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays its Day 23!! Was off from work today (doing this post the night of the 22nd) so I went out to brunch with my mother in-law and sister, went shopping and wrapped the LAST of my Christmas presents. Whoohoo, I am ready for my christmas to start so I can relax eat lots of goodies and visit with friends and family.

I also had time to make this cute little notebook using My Little Yellow Bicycle's "Wonder and Wishes". I love the reds and browns in this collection - it really feels like home. I am using this notebook to write my "to do" list. Hope you likey.

Please visit with my talented friend Bea from Amazing Grace and see what beauty she has posted for us today.

Our 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop is almost to an end. It's been a lot of fun and I'd like to thank everyone for hanging in there with us. Just two more days then on the 26th I pick a name to win one of my albums. Beatriz is giving away a two-page layout. Come back for Day 24, see you tomorrow!

Day 22 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Holidays everyone, and thank you for stopping by for Day 22 of our Christmas blog hop.

Today's inspiration album is another electic style album with a very intricate folding technique. My girlfriend showed me how to do this and she found it from "just a few designs" so I'd like to give just a few designs credit you can check her out on you tube.

I made this one a while ago and haven't used the folding technique since. Anywho here is my version of this folding technique. I personally do not know if I will do this again because the pages do not allow for much 3D embellishments and layers and I really like to add 3D. If you add too many embellies then the pages do not close correctly. Also there are A LOT of pockets so keep that in mind with the photos.

Please be sure to "hop" on over to Bea's blog Amazing Grace and see what she has for you today.

I know that was a lot of pictures! Thank you for stopping by, see for Day 23!!

Day 21 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Day 21 is here and first I would like to say Happy Birthday to my twin sisters - Rebecca and Idette. Love you!!

Ok, lets get to the inspiration for today, I actually have a couple of them :) I have a mini of course, the album is from Tattered Angles and I used A LOT of glimmer mist on it LOL.

The second inspiration is a couple of layouts I did for Paper Niche. I am on their design team and every month we receive a fabulous monthy kit that is loaded with product. I already showed you the mini I made with the kit on Day 13, here are some layouts I did and I still have left over product.

First the mini:

Here are the layouts. That is ziggy my kitty cat and my sweet daughter Vanessa.

Happy Scrappin and please go on over to my sweet friend Bea's blog Amazing Grace, be sure to leave us some comments. See you for Day 22!

Day 20 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Whoot Woot its DAY 20! Oh my gosh only five more days left!! My tree is looking all pretty with the presents and lights; my inlaws are on their way from Texas. I have several Christmas parties to go to .... wow, busy busy busy and so into the Holiday spirit right now. I feel alot less pressure now that my cards, presents, tree and menu are done :) I am a list maker so my list items need to be crossed off so I can relax LOL.

Ok, I still have to make some more mini's to show you but lets start off with this little (as in 2 1/4 x 6) treasure I made with Maya Road. Do you like Maya Road as much as I do? Again this little baby is inspired by snowmen, winter and blues. I am beginning to find out some things I didnt know before about myself. First, apparently I love snowmen and second blue must be a favorite color - either that or I miss winter? Being that I live in Florida we dont have cold weather here, its pretty much summer all the time. Hmmm, maybe I should move to Montana?

Hope you enjoy today's inspiration

This is the Maya Road Scroll Album I used.

Again, thank you for hanging out with us and our 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop. If you are new to my blog, my friend Bea from Amazing Grace and I are having a 25-day Christmas blog hop. She is giving away one of her beautiful two page layouts and I am giving away a mini album. All you have to do is: become a follower and leave us a comment. The more often you visit the more chances you have to win.

Happy Scrappin and see you for DAY 21!

Day 19 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

I really can't believe that our blog hop is almost finished! December is such a busy month and I appreciate you all "hopping" along with my and Bea's blogs. I can't believe I have had 19 days straight of albums, and projects. Whew! its been a challenge! Well Bea and I were talking that we are going to do this again! I can't believe it but yes, we are going to have another blog hop in April for Easter. So stayed tuned for bunny albums LOL.

Today my inspiration for you is a banner. I used canvas corp fabric banners and sewed on some October Afternoon Holiday Style collection and all kinds of embellishments. Hope you enjoy the banner and thank you for continuing with our countdown.

Be sure to visit Bea's Blog today and leave us some sweet comments. See you tomorrow for DAY 20!

Day 18 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wowza its Day 18! Geeze only 1 week till Christmas! Oh my gosh I still have to get some gift shopping finished. Thank goodness I already mailed out my gifts to my family in California Texas and MN. Now I need to figure out the menu and get ready for company :) my inlaws are coming to town.

Thank you for hanging out with me today, I have another mini inspiration for you. This one is made with My Little Yellow Bicycle ... I also added in some Reminisce. The cover is acrylic and the rest is chipboard

Thank you for hopping with us. Be sure to head on over to Bea's Blog Amazing Grace to see what amazing layout she has posted today. Tomorrow I have an altered project that I am finishing up today. See you for Day 19 as the count down continues!

Day 17 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Oh My Gosh, its Day 17! Today I am showing the rest of my Noel Christmas Album using My Little Yellow Bicycle. I dont make too many of these kind of albums because they take a long time and during the Holidays there just isn't enough time. Each page has at least four tags and 5 places for photos and or journaling. So if you really look at each page individually you will notice all the details that go on just the one page. So imagine how it takes hours to make a full album :)

Please stop by my talented friend Bea's Amazing Grace blog and see what she has for us today.

This is where we left off yesterday ...

Thank you for stopping by and playing with me. Please dont forget to leave me some sweet comments. I am off to make another mini :) I just bought a cute Maya Road chipboard mini and having snowy ideas running through my head. Happy Scrappy Day 17 and see you tomorrow for DAY 18!

Day 16 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello there its Day 16!! Thank you for stopping by as the countdown blog hop continues.

Today I will show you the first half of a cute christmas mini using My Little Yellow Bicycle paper and embellishments. The album cover is chipboard which I painted red and the inside pages are from catalog envelopes.

Be sure to stop by my friend Bea's Amazing Grace Blog and see what this talented lady has posted.

There are tags in every pocket. The poinseittias are used as tabs to pull out the large tags.

Each tag is decorated and can be used for more photos or journaling.

I am beginning to see a trend here. It seems that I really like snowmen. Thank you for stopping by and be sure to come back tomorrow for the rest of the album pics and Day 17!! Linda161 your tags are on their way :)

Day 15 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas Blog Hop DAY FIFTEEN! Wow, only 10 more days till Christmas, hope you are almost already for Christmas and have enjoyed mine and Bea's inspirational countdown. Remember we are randomly drawing names on the 25th and we will announce the winner from our blog hop on the 26th. Beatriz from Amazing Grace my talented friend is giving away a two page layout and I am giving away an album!

Please remember to:

1. Become a follower
2. Leave me a comment

Today's inspiration is a snowman album.

Hope you enjoyed my snowman album. I used a mix of christmas paper, shapes, chipboard and acrylic. Be sure you visit my friend Bea at Amazing Grace and see what she has to inspire you today. Thank you for looking, have a scrappy day. See you for Day 16!

Day 14 of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well thank you for playing along, and hope you are having as much fun as I am. Please go see what Bea from Amazing Grace has for you today. We got to visit a little bit this past weekend and Bea is the nicest lady.

Day 14 mini album today is a sort of fold out pocket. I used the Anna Griffin "Calisto Christmas" collection. The paper has a very traditional look. It was hard to photograph this album because there are so many different fold outs - kind of like a gate fold album. The colors are much more red, but I took the pics in doors so the pics do not do the colors justice.

25 Days of Christmas Countdown continues. Come back for Day 15!

Day 13 of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

Yay its Day 13!

First I'd like to say that wow, we have had a good response to our blog hop and for that we thank you. Today's inspiration is a mini I did for the Paper Niche Design Team. I always get really cool kits to work with every month - so go on over and see what the other design team members have done with their December kit. By the way Beatriz is also on the Paper Niche design team with me. We have some great designers on the team.

OK, now to the announcement. Who wins my Christmas Tags?

The winner for the my tags is Linda161.

Congratulations! Linda I will send an email so you can give me your addy and let me know which tags you want. Thank you again for participating everyone.

Remember I am giving away an album and Beatriz is giving away a two page layout at the end of our 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop. We are at the midway point and 12 days away from Christmas.

Now here is today's inspiration mini I made with my Paper Niche December kit. Don't forget to go visit my talented friend Beatriz at her Amazing Grace Blog and see what she has posted today.

The pocket in the front is a Mellissa Frances kraft pocket and I titled the album Merry and Bright.

The outside album is chipboard and the inside pages are 12x12 cardstock that is folded to make this the pocket pages. The paper is a combination of simple stories and also authentique.

The pocket pages all have tags in them.

The back side of the pocket pages can be folded in different ways to make different pockets and flaps

Thank you for playing with us. Please continue leaving us sweet comments and become a follower. Hope you have a great day and please go over to see what Bea from Amazing Grace has for you for Day 13.

See you tomorrow for Day 14 the count down till Christmas continues.

Day 12 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Day 12! We are at our midway point and today whomever comments (remember your names have been placed in a hat everytime you leave a comment - and are a follower) will be picked randomly for a midway blog candy giveaway. I will announce the winner tomorrow on Tuesday Dec. 13th. I will contact the winner and ask that they Go to Day 5 and pick out two Christmas tags. This is my way of saying thank you for participating in our blog hop. Remember that at the end of the 25 days you will be eligible to win an album. Now head on over to Bea's blog Amazing Grace and lets see what she has to inspire us today.

For my inspiration on this beautiful Blog Hop Day 12 I've decided to show you this altered frame I made using the 7 Gypsies 6x6 shadowbox tray. The picture is of hubby and I with our friends at Epcot. We go every year because my hubby-man loves the food and wine festival they have. I just go to have fun but I am not much of a foodie so usually dont try a lot of foods.

Have a scrappy day and come back for the tag blog candy winner announcement tomorrow. Plus of course another mini album inspiration for Day 13!

Day 11 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

It is Day 11 and I can't believe I have this many mini albums! The album that I am showing today is an oldie but I hope you think is still a goodie. Its made with Kaiser Craft and the tabs spell out "Toys". Be sure to check out Bea's Amazing Grace blog and she what my talented friend has for you today.

Remember tomorrow is the big midway DAY 12! I will be picking a name out of the comments left for tomorrow and the winner gets two of my Christmas Tags. Go to Day 5 to see the Christmas Tags. So start blogging my friends, and leave me some comments (and follow please) I will announce the winner on Day 13.

Be sure to go visit Bea on her blog and see what she has for you today. I will see you on Day 12!! Whoohoo, its the midway point!

Day 10 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Day 10! Today I am showing the rest of my October Afternoon Envelope Album titled "JOY" my mini album is 6x6 and has 12 pages. I used the Holiday Style collection which I love. I really like the turquoise and red combination. I used the 8x8 paper pad and got some of the matching embellishments to go with it. Of course I added flowers and extra goodies.

The binding of this album is canvas with pretty twill ribbon along the edge . I hope you like the rest of the album

This album also has 4 large pockets for extra photos and/or journaling. If you came here first, then head on over for Bea's Amazing Grace Blog and see what she has posted for you. See you for Day 11. Remember to follow our blogs and leave us some sweet comments. Happy Scrapping Day 10.

Day 9 of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness, its Day 9 and I cant believe it. Today I want to announce that we are so grateful you are following our Christmas Blog Hop that we want to reward you early! We are having a midway blog candy giveaway. I will be giving away two Christmas tags. So be sure to follow us and leave lots of comments on Day 12! I will pick one random name from the comments on Day 12 (remember you need to be a follower on my blog) and I will send the winner an email. You let me know which two tags you want from Day 5. Be sure to go to Beatriz blog Amazing Grace and see what she has for you.

Now on to inspiration Day 9. I am going to split the pictures of this album for today and tomorrow. So come back for Day 10 to see the rest of this album.

This cute little album is made from the October Afternoon Holiday Style collection. Is this paper not adorable!!

If you came here first be sure to head on over to Bea's blog to see what this very talented lady has for you today. Come back for Day 10 for rest of this cute album. Have a scrappy Christmas Blog Hop Day 9.

Day 8 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wow, it is Day 8 and Beatriz from Amazing Grace and I stillhave a lot more to share with you. Sostay with us, get your coffee and get inspired.

For Day 8 Album I chose this cute Christmas Tree. Yes, I got this chipboard at Michaels too. I bought the chipboard Christmas tree album just like the mitten album from Day 6.

Hope you enjoyed the mini for Day 8. We would love to know what you all think ofour 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop, so please leave Bea and I some comments and be a followerer.

I have some finishing touches on my current mini – it isgoing to be a cutie with some nice soft reds, cream and turquoise. So stay with us and come back for Day9.

Happy Scrappy Christmas Hoppin.

Day 7 of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Whoo Hoo it's Wednesday and the weekend is almost here! The weekend is when I catch up on most of my scrapping, blogging, emails, yada, yada. This weekend however hubby and I are going to the beach :) I was raised on the beaches of Southern Cali so I will always be a beach girl.

OK, onward and counting ... it's Day 7! Bea and I have more goodies to share with you today. Thank you all for participating, some of you already have your names in blog candy hat more than once, so remember the more you comment the more chances of winning.

Since it is winter somewhere (not here in South Florida where it is in the low 80's) I thought I would show you another wintery album.

The album is from Bobunny and the paper is doodlebug. Do you ever keep paper because you think its cute - then save it forever? I do. I also buy paper whether its old or new just because I like it.

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your lovely comments. We love it. Don't forget to go to Bea's blog @ Amazing Grace and see what she has for you today. I have another album for you tomorrow so please stop by for Day 8 and say hello.

Day 6 of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Blog Hop Day 6 andthe countdown continues. Hope you are having fun with our Christmas blog hopbetween Beatriz from Amazing Grace and me. Please leave us your comments – at the end of our 25 days of Christmaswe will randomly pick out names for our blog candy giveaway. Remember Bea is giving away a fabulous 2 pagelayout and I am giving away an album.

So let’s get started onInspiration Day 6. I would like to showyou this Christmas mitten album. Thealbum is made out of chipboard which I bought at the dollar bin atMichaels.

As you can see fromabove – I used another cut-out from the same snowman greeting card I received J

Isn’t that felt birdhouse cute. I love mixing textures together. Notice the red glittered leaves? They were from the flower department at Michaels. I scored that day!

Cute felt (hand made by me) and wire beaded trees.

Notice the white paint around the chipboard edges? I like doing that alot, whether its paint as in this case to make the mitten look cold and snowy. Or sometimes I use brown to soften the look of the album and to make it look worn. I use color to set moods. Notice there was alot of blue on this mitten because blue sets the mood for cold.

Well, tis the season and I hope that Bea and I are making this blog hop inspiring and fun for you. Please become a follower if you are not already and leave us a comment. Thank you and see you for our 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Day 7.

Day 5 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

Its Monday and we have inspiration for those Monday blues! We hope you are in the Christmas spirit and we are helping with that :)

So yesterday I said that I had been inspired by Tim Holtz christmas tags, so today I will be showing you some tags that I made. Tim Holtz is amazing and he is very inspiring, I used alot of Tim Holtz inks, die cuts and ranger products. I also love taking bits and pieces of leftover kits or just odds and ends that are left over after my album making frenzy.

I hope I can inspire you to make some Christmas tags too. Now go on over to see what the amazing Bea has in store for you. She is so talented and I have seen her at work. That girl is FAST!! Check her out for our DAY 5 of our 25 Days of Christmas.

Thank you for all your lovely comments, I love it!!

Thank you everyone for participating ... Happy Scrappy Day 5!

Come back and see what Beatriz from Amazing Grace and I have for Day 6.

Day 4 of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas Blog Hop DAY FOUR!

After you:

1. Become a follower
2. Leave me a comment

Don't forget to go over to Bea's blog and see what she has to inspire you. Hope you like my inspiration album for today.

For Day Four I thought I would make it pretty in pink. Christmas doesn’t always have to be just red and green. Christmas can be pink!!

This album is made with catalog envelopes. The binding is canvas but this time I decided to sew buttons on thecanvas before wrapping it around my album.

I also added eyeletsto the center of the binding before wrapping

For my tag tabs I chose to adherethese pretty poinsettias; I think they look great the way they cascade and thecolor gives so much interest to the album.

Notice the 2 smaller tags with the bottle cap tabs. They go into extra pockets I made on these pages.

I added a coin envelope to the page so that it creates another panel plus a pocket.

Also when adhering two envelopepages together; I folded over the envelope instead of cutting it short so thatI could get another panel. Then I gluedthe two 3 inch panels together and got an extra “short” page.

I love adding lots of embellishments. It always makes my albums real chunky, but I can't help myself. I love embellies!

For those of you that just tuned in to Bea's and my blog hop we are giving way blog candy at the end of our 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop. I will be giving away an album so please leave a comment and follow me :)

I think for Day 5 I will make a couple of tags. I was looking at Tim Holtz 12 Days of Christmas Tags and he has inspired me to make some tags.

Thank you for playing along with us and I will see you for Day 5!!

Day 3 of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

It is Day THREE of Beatriz andVeronica’s Christmas Blog Hop and I want to thank you for joining us. I am abusy mad scrapping maniac right now. There are embellishments, paper and chipboard all over my scrap room andleaking into the dining room. Like Ididn’t have enough Christmas stuff - I went out and bought MORE PAPER! Luckily for me, I will have most of the daytomorrow to spend in my scrap room. Idid start a (I must say very cute) album last night but didn’t get to finish ittoday as I had hoped.

I am teaching a class this weekend at the Paper Niche, so spent the daymaking my class kits. So while at thePaper Niche a couple of ladies asked about my Christmas Album that I amteaching, then I started to think to myself - should that album be thegiveaway?

I would like to hear your comments on that. J In the mean time,here is my DAY THREE CHRISTMAS BLOG HOP INSPIRATION.

Please remember to follow me and leave me a comment. Remember all names will be picked at randomfor the Blog Candy alias album.

I actually made this album last year. It is kind of an eclectic style with many different lines of paper andpatterns. The cover has an adorable woodsnowman and the album itself is made from paper bags. The cover is chipboard and the binding is fauxsuede from K and Company. I placedeyelets in the suede binding and threaded through the fiber before adhering itto the album. Of course I love adding charms and goodies to my bindings.

I used Hambly screens and Hambly Christmas print paper. As always I sewed my mattes

On this page I used a “floating matte” You can slide a tagunderneath the matte which is always good for journaling or adding extraphotos. You can have a tag sliding infrom the side or you could have had the tag slide in from the top ofthe matte.

I cut this cute snow man off a Christmas card I received,then all I did was embellish the snowman with glitter brads, jewel, flowers,and die cut leaves. Makes a greatembellishment right?

I used Tim Holtz distress inks and Glimmer Mist on thesetags to prepare them. Then I stamped myimages and colored it the images in with Copics.

All the tags have very fuzzy, furry fiber tied on them. When the tags are put in the pocket pages ofthe album – it brings out the eclectic feel of the whole album.

Thank you for playing along with Beatriz and I. Dont forget to head on over to Bea's blog and leave her a comment.

Remember Bea is giving away a beautiful two page layout and I am giving away an album. If you "click" onto classes on my blog (up top front page) you will see what "christmas album" I am teaching at the Paper Niche this weekend.

Happy Day three, stop in and see us for Day 4!

Day 2 of 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Happy Blog Hop Day Two!! Thank you for participating in our blog hop and for your wonderful comments. Beatriz and I are so very happy with the way the blog is going and its only day two!! So dont forget to go over to Amazing Grace after you leave me a comment or become a follower :)

Well, I just finished this little album. Its been rolling around in my head for a couple of weeks and I am very happy to have finished it. I got inspired by the paper of course, and I tried to keep the same country primitive feel throughout the album.

The pages are made from envelopes so that gave me extra room for large tags, which of course I also decorated.

The cover has a cutetin ornament. I started adding layers to the cover because I am all about theLayers!!

All my double mattesare sewn and I try to put an embellishment on every matt. I like details so Ithink it adds a little extra when you do that. There are more pages but I justwanted to give you a taste for the album.

Ilove it when the album has lots to look at; which is why when I create tags Itend to put tabs on them that have interest. These tab-snowflakes on the tags not only makes it easy to grab and pullout but I think they add to the whole album.

Fora little extra I went back through the album and stickled the snowflakes, andsome of the holly.

Hope you enjoyed day two of Beatriz and Veronica's Christmas Blog Hop, please remember to:

Be a Follower

1st Day Of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

WhooHoo! December is here and it’s the first day of Veronica and Beatriz Christmas Blog Hop!!

Remember to:

Follow our blogs

Leave comment on our blogs

OK, so as you know I love making altered items. So for my first album sample I chose thiscute mini album. I like to add trinkets (orin this case a dolly) to my binding. Ithink it adds to the album theme and makes the album seem more complete. I really like the cute wood doll.

The cover has a pocket and a journaling card "10 Things I Love About Christmas"

I wanted the colors to be subdued and traditional so I choose brick reds and browns. Isn't this dolly so cute? I wish I remember where I bought her so I could get more. The album is from My Little Yellow Bicycle.

Notice how I sewed my mattes. I really love sewing the mattes to give my album a finished look.

I used these flag stickers, double mounted on cardstock, strung them with fiber and pop dotted.

Since the title of the album was "10 things I love about Christmas" I chose to use the numbers as tabs for the pages with room for journaling.

There are 12 chipboard pages including the covers. It measures approx 6x6. Each page has a sewn double 4x4 matte with 10 journaling strips for you to title your favorite things. Also notice how the album pages have different edges.

Beatriz from http://www.beatrizguzman58.blogspot.com and I are so excited to be participating together on this blog hop and hopefully we will inspire you.

So dont forget to follow the blog and/or leave a comment in order to be entered in the blog candy drawing.

Happy 1st day of Christmas! Come back tomorrow.

Join our 25 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-11-30T08:11:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone, lets have some fun together for the month of December and start off every morning with an inspiration.

My good friend Beatriz from Amazing Grace and I decidedto get together this year and do a blog hop. Beatriz loves to create layouts and she truly is amazing at them. I love to create altered items such as albums,tags, journals. We both love to scraptogether when she is in S. Florida so we thought that doing a collaborationblog hop would be a match made in Christmas Scrappy Heaven.

We would love it if you decided to join us on our blogs and be inspired by the scrappiness of Christmas. Here is how we are doing our joint hop.

Eachday you stop by both of our blogs and leave us a comment. Every time you leave us a comment you getyour name dropped in a hat.

You also need to become a follower of our blogs (if youare already a follower we thank you - please leave us a comment.)

If you are a new follower to either Beatriz or myself let us know while posting yourcomment. Please be sure to leave us an email so that we can contact you if yourname is a winner.

By the end of the 25 days, and if you have become afollower and left comments you will have 25 chances to win the blog candy!

What kind of blog candy do you ask? Well for those of you that know me, you might have already guessed :) I will be giving away an Album! Beatriz is giving away a beautiful Christmas 2 Page Layout.

Please check in every day from December 1 through the 25^thand see samples of what Beatriz and I love to do. We love to Scrap!! We will be announcing the winner on December 25th.

Happy Holidays to everyone, and be sure to check in forour 25 Christmas creations. If you camehere first then don’t forget to visit Beatriz at http://beatrizguzman58.blogspot.com. I hope we can inspire you and that you play along with us. Now, back to my studio for me ... I have alot of albums to make !!

Paper Niche December Monthly Kit

2011-11-27T11:53:00.001-05:00

OK, folks my turn for scrappy sneaks!! This month's Paper Niche kit was perfect!! I loved getting a head start on my Christmas pages and especially with such awesome papers. I was able to make an album, two layouts and one card, and yes, you guessed it still have lots of goodies left.

Can't wait for the full reveal because I am so excited about showing my
mini album, so stay tuned for December 1st!!

Be sure to check out the rest of the Paper Niche design team girlies and what they have in store for you. This month's kit is a definate "MUST HAVE."

It's All About the Layers!

2011-11-23T13:53:00.001-05:00

Thought I would show you some Fall tags I made. These tags are all about layering and using texture. One of the main reasons that I am not a digi scrapbooker is because I love texture. I have to be able to touch it. So when creating my pages, tags, cards or whatever I always want texture.

When making these tags I used yarn, buttons, jewels, fiber, transparencies by hambly, pockets, metal, chipboard, corrugated boxes.... you name I used it. I also stamped, dry embossed and embossed with gold. Oh, I also used old stickers that I mounted on cardstock, then sanded the sticker, inked it and popped it up.

I like making tags because I used scraps (I get a thrill using up my scraps), I can use the tags as a gift tags or I can use the tags to wrap around napkins at my thanksgiving dinner, or I can use the tags as an embellishment for a Fall page. You can also make your tags any size you want. Enjoy, Happy Thanksgiving!

Graphic 45 Christmas Album Class @ Paper Niche

2011-11-22T19:13:00.001-05:00

Paper Niche is having a 3 day Santa's Workshop Dec. 2, 3 and 4. Check out the Paper Niche.

I am teaching this Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium Album on Dec. 4th. 12:30P - 6:30P

I will post more pictures of this album soon. Happy Thanksgiving

Christmas Album - One Down More to Go

2011-11-20T16:10:00.001-05:00

Well its time to start making Christmas Albums. This is my first one, already got a second one going and thinking about my third. I usually design albums in my head first - at least the theme - whether its vintage (like my 2nd album) or primitive/country (like my third).

This album is pretty easy to make and I loved the Anna Griffin classic Christmas patterns. Holly and poinsettias, it doesn't get more Christmas than that. This album isn't as chunky as usual only because if I did that then the album would not close. So for me it was a little limiting. Anyway my girlfriend gave me the pattern to construct this album. It is called a wallet album because it folds and closes kind of like the "explosion box album". You make this album with six pieces of 8.5 x 11 card stock and the album itself turns out to be 6 1/4 square.

Its kind of hard to get the perfect pictures for this album because there so many flaps. If you are interested in this album its on my etsy. KITSNBITSCRAPS. The mattes on this album are doubled matted and sewn and there is enough space for 8 photos plus a pocket with several tags.

Happy Holidays

Thanksgiving Layout and MyLYB

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

It’s November, fall is in the air and Thanksgiving is aroundthe corner. Even though I live in S.Florida, which means, I do not see the foliage change colors; I still can feelthe season changing. For me it is nottoo early to start thinking about my Thanksgiving layout.

One of my favorite paper companies and the collection that Iam using this year is the Hello Fall collection by My Little Yellow Bicycle. I usually go back and forth between vintageand cutesy, but for this thanksgiving layout it’s MLYB for me!

I thought the colors of this collection would be perfect formy thanksgiving photos. The entirecollection gives me that warm, cozy, homemade feeling. As you can see by my layout below, I addedsome family homemade favorites. Yep,pumpkin pie, and a side dish with yams, cinnamon and brown sugar. The pumpkinpie is my daughter’s favorite. My nephew and hubby go for the turkey. I personally like the yam side dish best.

This is an easy and quick layout to make. I decided to playcatch-up and used some photos from the past. But now that I am in the mood, I am going to make another layout and getready for my Thanksgiving Day photo shoot. Why don’t you do the same, and get a headstart on your layout before you have your Thanksgiving photo shoot!

Supply List from My Little Yellow Bicycle:

· Stick leaf pins

· Canvas border stickers

· 5 things envelope package

· Journaling cards

· Chipboard package

· Paper flower pack

· Walnut Knit paper

· Happy Fall paper

· Harvest Ring paper

· Bazzill Basics Paper – 1 each 12x12 Nutmeg andApricot

Instructions:

Nutmeg cardstock base paper 12x12

Cut Walnut Knit paper 11x11center on base 12x12

Cut strip from Happy Fall 1.5 x 12 and adhere approx 1 inchfrom left

Cut Harvest ring paper 8.5 x 8.5

Matte your photoswith Apricot cardstock

Happy Thanksgiving

Christmas Cards using Melissa Frances

2011-11-04T22:47:00.001-04:00

Simple and Sweet Christmas Cards using Melissa Frances

Tuesday, November 22nd 6:30p-8:30p $20

@ Paper Niche

Get a head start on the holidays and make four 3D cards for Christmas. The cards are simple, sweet and simple to make.

MONTHLY KIT REVEAL

2011-11-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

Yay!! its time for my reveal. The Paper Niche will also be posting all the designers reveal on their blog so be sure to head on over. This month's kit had a wonderful assortment of brights and darks so here is my take. Enjoy

Though this paper was not meant for halloween, I thought the combo of colors and my daughters greenish viking costume inspired a halloween theme.

I decided to make this layout more monochromatic and added little bits of color.

One thing about the Paper Niche monthly kits, you always get bling!

Mini album is a fold over out of cardstock. This is a quickie way to make a mini album as a gift for a friend. I got the idea from my girlfriend who made me one for my birthday.

Since I had to "fold over" the pages in order for the mini to close - I had to really watch and minimize my embellishments. That was SO HARD FOR ME TO DO. But I managed to use semi-flat embellies by stamping images and cutting them out then of course popping them a little. I also used the transparency in our kit to cut out more embellies.

Happy Scrapping everyone!

PFOP is getting ready for the Holidays

2011-11-01T22:09:00.001-04:00

The PFOP team is getting ready for the Holidays!! Be sure to check us out weekly for new posts. We have a new member Daphna and we are having our first challenge for the holiday season. So come "jingle all the way" with PFOP!!

MONTHLY KIT @ PAPER NICHE

2011-10-29T10:28:00.002-04:00

Well its that time again and my turn to give you some sneak peeks of the Paper Niche November Monthly Kit. What can I say? Gine has done it again, that girl really has the midas touch for selecting just the right papers and embellishments to get your mind and creativity stirred.

This month's kit has such a nice combo of bright colors and muted along with graphic and vintage designs. Sounds weird right? But hey its not - the combos work fabulously together. Dont forget to check out the Paper Niche blog for the sneak peaks from our talented team :)

Here are some peeks of what I did with this luscious kit.

Happy Scrapping!!

Halloween ATC Swap

2011-10-23T17:22:00.000-04:00

I went to the ATC Swap Club at the Paper Niche today and had a great time. I received 10 awesome ATC's from very talented ladies. So much work goes into these little treasures, I really enjoyed myself.

Here are the ATCs that I made for the swap.

I used the following to make the ATCs :

Bazzill cardstock
Cricut cartridge - a child's year
Maya Road tags
Best Creations Glitter Paper
Bazzill Fiber
Jewerly Tag
Martha Stewart Punch
Printworks Stamp
NRN Designs Demin Paper
Copic Markers
Versamagic Java Ink
Michael's - Glitter Ghosts

PFOP Charity Challenge

2011-10-20T18:03:00.003-04:00

The PFOP team has another challenge this month. It is a charity auction with a western theme. Corral A Cure.

I decided to make this mini album and will donate 100% to the Susan G. Komen for a cure Breast Cancer Foundation.

Please stop by PFOP and see what the PFOP team has posted on ebay.

Using 3D Elements

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

I love making all kinds of mini albums. I personally like to make the cover firstbecause that helps me set the premise for creating the rest of the pagesinside. I also want to make sure that myalbum cover gets your attention from the first moment you see it.

One of the ways that I initiate interest on my album coversis by using 3D elements whenever possible; and using a wood piece is anexcellent way to decorate an album cover and catch your attention.

Wood pieces come in different patterns, below are fouralbums I have made with 4 different themes. The covers or introduction to the album speaks for itself. There is no mistaking what the theme of thealbum will be by the wood piece that is shown on the cover.

Next time you are contemplating making an album, think aboutyour theme first - and then go shopping for a cute 3D wood piece. You will be amazed at how many choices youhave. Oh, as an added tip, when adheringyour wood piece to your cover be sure to use a strong liquid glue such asBeacon’s fabri-tac or zip-dry. Theseadhesives dry fast and clear. HappyScrapping!

Layouts for October

2011-10-17T08:20:00.001-04:00

The Paper Niche reveal was late in coming this month due to the store moving into a bigger location. So then it kind of messed up my routine and I forgot to post my design kit. This month I created four layouts and didnt make an album. I know shocker, but the end of the year is always so busy for me and then added to that was the move of the store. I just got back from a family trip to Minn (it was cold) and now getting ready to go to Epcot. I hope to get lots of really good pictures at Epcot.

The monthly designer kit was again fabulous and loaded with cool goodies -

I used a stencil for the base page with glimmer mist then I added paint

For added texture I used water and glimmer mist on patterned paper then crunched it and added ink

I used my zutter distress machine on these papers then sprayed glimmer mist

I used a paint brush and flicked the paint on the base page

New Mini Albums

2011-10-09T14:51:00.001-04:00

I've been very busy lately but still had time to make these two cute albums. I started them while in Orlando at SDV.

Fall Album - cover made of chipboard and pages made with envelopes. The binding is heavy fabric. This album was made for a challenge I participated in with PFOP

For more pics click here

Baby Onesie Album - cover and pages made of chipboard. Perfect for baby girl.

More Sneak Peaks

2011-10-07T11:23:00.003-04:00

The final reveal of the October Paper Niche Kit will be posted soon, in the meantime thought I would give you some more sneak peaks!

Scrapstreet Oct Issue is revealed

2011-10-03T08:25:00.000-04:00

I am so excited about this issue because it has my first published article!!

http://scrapstreet.com/ss11/10ooo/contents.htm

If you have not subscribed to this awesome e-mag you must go check out - its loaded with lots of inspiration and tips.

See the rest of the new staff writers and their work and check out my article!!

Fairy Weekend Class @ Paper Niche

2011-10-02T13:57:00.000-04:00

The fairy weekend classes are almost over .... I taught my Fairy Album class yesterday and wanted to show some pic I took. The new location for Paper Niche is now open!! The space is huge and the crop room is fabulous.

I want to thank everyone that came to class, and those that ordered kits. For the ladies that ordered the kits I promised a you tube video of the pages and of course just email for any questions.

Thank you and enjoy.

October Kit Sneak Peak

2011-09-29T18:50:00.000-04:00

Well its another fabulous kit from the Paper Niche. These kits never cease to amaze me. I did a couple of layouts with "white space" well not exactly white they do have color. Im havent gone crazy after all. But still, I did leave more space than I normally do. I know I've said this before, but really these kits are so easy to use. The papers just seemed to merge together by themselves and voila I did two layouts in half an hour. You will love all the goodies in this months kits and the papers are soooo inspiring.

Dont forget to come over to the new location and check out what the rest of the design team has created.

The Art of Paper Piecing

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

My favorite things to create are mini albums, but once in awhile I get in the mood to make a cutesy page. I also have a grown daughter but I still have some “catching up” to do on her childhood photos.So what better way to make a cutesy (child themed) layout than to use some paper piecings.

I get my ideas for paper piecings in several ways.I buy coloring books, I go card browsing at my local card shop and I also get ideas from cartoons.There are also websites that will sell you a paper piecing pattern in an svg file to load onto your computer for your cutting machine. You can also get a light box, especially if you are using a cute image from a coloring book. I personally prefer to make my own paper piecings - so I draw them.

All you have to remember when making paper piecings is to“pull apart” your image.For instance when I drew this bear (got the idea from a card I saw), I first drew my bear, then I copied the image on the Xerox several times. Then I cut the image apart by first cutting out the head, then I cut out the muzzle, then the nose, then arms, etc. I did the same thing with the bunny head.

Here are some other paper piecings that I have drawn.All my drawings are very simple, but that is all it takes.Remember It’s all in the details, by layering, inking and embellishing your paper pieces - you can give them character.

With this owl, I “textured” its head and wings by running them through a cuttlebug embossing folder. Then I made the feathers by punching out several rows of a fiskars border punch and “layering” them one on top of the other.

My next paper piecing is this mermaid I originally made for an underwater layout class I taught.My thought was that it would be cute for a little girl’s pool party or for a Halloween “little mermaid” costume layout.

With this mermaid, I “layered” her hair, and then I made her scales by layering circles in rows.

Then to give the mermaid that "wow", I added lots of bling.

So next time you are stuck for an idea for a layout - go buy a coloring book and get some ideas for a paper piecing layout. Enjoy.

Once Upon a Springtime Album

2011-09-27T14:43:00.000-04:00

The last date to sign up for the Paper Niche Fairy weekend is Wednesday Sept. 28th. I will be teaching my fairy album at the new location!!

8970 W. State Road 84
Davie, FL 33324
(954) 577-0997

FAIRY GARDEN GATE

using Graphic 45 "Once Upon A Springtime"

Saturday, October 1st 10a-3:30p $55

Paper Niche, Plantation, Florida

Scrapbook Class FAIRY GARDEN GATE Album with Veronica

Join Veronica in creating a magical fairy gated album. You will create your way through the shabby gate and through each page embellished with lots of flowers, Graphic 45 once upon a springtime, ribbons, tags and yes lots of glitter!!

Please bring: basic kit plus brown chalk, liquid glue, pop dots or mounting tape, crop-a-dile, and 3D glue dots. Also a heat gun if you have it

Remember to take advantage of the perks at the Niche

Take Something Old and Refresh It

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Holidays are just around the corner, so why not get anearly start? You can begin by makingsome embellishments for Halloween since there are only a couple of days left inSeptember. I started rummaging throughmy box of Halloween embellishments (I organize by theme) and saw these two“VERY OLD” die cuts. I don’t evenremember where I got them, that’s how old they are. But, I love a challenge, so I went from this:

To this by “refreshing” my old die cuts by inking,adding cutesy brads and ribbon.

Mynext challenge was what to do with this plain non-descript sack die cut?

What to do? I couldhave inked it and added some ribbon, but still it would have looked prettyplain. So I decided to revamp the oldshaker box idea, remember that? Shakerboxes were more popular several years ago, so why not kill two birds with onecandy sack?

I cut out a square in the middle of the die cut, and then Iadded a square piece of plastic I got from an embellishment package. Next I added some beads to put into thesquare to make the beads look like candy. It was that easy to make a shakerbox!

I also “prepare” my embellishments by layering them to a pieceof cardstock or pattern paper. By doingthis I create a sort of “border” so that I can glue down the ready-madeembellishment to a layout or album. Voila! I am ready for at least a two page layout, and I feel good aboutthe fact that I used some of my old stash!

Featured on Paper Issues

2011-09-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

Well, its been very busy for me lately and I havent kept up with all my blog reading so I totally missed this, but hey, better late than never :)

My school bus album was featured on Paper Issues!!

School time at Paper Issues

Fairy Garden Gate Mini Album

2011-09-16T08:48:00.000-04:00

FAIRY GARDEN GATE

using Graphic 45 "Once Upon A Springtime" Paper Collection and Maya Road Gate Album

Saturday, October 1st 10a-3:30p $55

Paper Niche, Plantation, Florida

Scrapbook Class FAIRY GARDEN GATE Album with Veronica

Join Veronica in creating a magical fairy gated album. You will create your way through the shabby gate and through each page that is embellished with lots of flowers, Graphic 45 once upon a springtime, ribbons, tags and yes lots of glitter!!

Please bring: basic kit plus brown chalk, liquid glue, pop dots or mounting tape, crop-a-dile, and 3D glue dots. Also a heat gun if you have it

Remember that the Paper Niche gives you 20% discount on day of class

Scrapstreet is having their 6 year Anniversary!!

2011-09-15T10:23:00.000-04:00

Scrapstreet has been around for 6 years and they have published over 10,000 scrappy entries. Go on over to Strapstreet - they are giving away some blog candy to celebrate!! Also take a look at their call list - your layout, card or altered item may be the 10,001 to be published!!

Featured Artist Today on Brave Girls

2011-09-06T08:39:00.000-04:00

I sent in this mixed media canvas to Brave Girls Club

and it is the "birdie" of the day. Yeah!! This is very exciting for me because I read their emails everyday. I recommend you subscribe to their "daily truth." Melody Ross always sends out a message that makes you feel good and gives you encouragement.

Exciting News!!

2011-09-05T19:45:00.002-04:00

I have been accepted as a ScrapStreet staff writer!! I am so excited about this new adventure, I get to scrap then write about, how cool is that?

Scrapstreet is a really cool e-zine that has been around for 5 years and publishes an issue every month. The magazine is loaded with ideas and tips on scrapbooking layouts, altered projects and cards. There is also a Digi magazine called GingerScrap Street if you are interested in digital scrapbooking.

I have my first assignment and will be busy coming up with ideas for the October Issue. You must check this magazine out - there are some really talented scrappers (and writers) on staff. I also want to send a shout out to the other new staff writers. Whoot Whoot!!

Memories Album

2011-09-02T12:33:00.002-04:00

This was a fun kit to play with and I was able to make an album (my favorite pass time.) I titled the album "memories" using the Tim Holtz alpha parts letters that I received in my Paper Niche Sept. Monthly Kit.

So guess what? I still have paper left over!!! Ok, I dont have any embellies or ribbon left over but really - I use ALOT of embellies. Any who here are the pictures of the rest of the projects that I made.

The album is not included in the kit, and I did die cut some of my own leaves ... but all else is in the kit. Enjoy!

The Reveal ...

2011-09-01T10:41:00.000-04:00

Today the Paper Niche "reveals" their monthly kit. I now can show you some pages I did with the september goodies I received. As always this kit is so loaded, I've made 3 Layouts, 1 card and 1 album. Can you believe it! That is alot of goodies all wrapped up in one kit.

Here is a double page layout I did using the My Mind's Eye "Lost and Found". I still need a picture of the 3rd layout, so will have to reveal that later.

I also used some of the 7 gypsies tissue we received, along with some basic grey and echo park, prima and pink paisley. Yes, I tend to always work with several lines at once.

I will take a picture of the 3rd layout and post it later along with my card and album. Enjoy and dont forget to go to the Paper Niche to see what the other designers have done with the monthly kit!

September Monthly Kit Sneak Peak

2011-08-30T08:23:00.000-04:00

Hi, its my turn to show some sneak peeks of this fully loaded and colorful September Kit from the Paper Niche. Well, Gine has done it yet again, this kit is fabulous!! There are tons of papers and embellies and some BRAND SPANKING NEW just released lines too!!

Here is a couple of pics of what I did with this awesome kit. Be sure to check out all the Paper Niche designers to see what they did. It always amazes me how the team can come up with such amazing and totally different work all from one kit. Enjoy!

Summer Envelope Class at the Paper Niche

2011-08-27T20:52:00.000-04:00

First I would like to thank all the ladies that came to my class today. You are all so AWESOME!! For being a large group, we were totally on time and the class went smoothly. Thank you for that ladies!! I had a great time with all of you. I hope you all enjoyed your experience with me and with the Paper Niche. It's pretty cool you get that 20% discount right?

Well as promised, I made a you tube video of the album. Enjoy!

Fairy Weekend at the Paper Niche

2011-08-25T09:13:00.000-04:00

I am so excited about the Fairy Weekend at the Paper Niche! The Paper Niche will be having a 3 day fairy extravaganza from Sept. 30th - Oct. 2nd. I will be doing an album (of course). My album is titled "Fairy Garden Gate" and I put pics of flowers but you can use the album for a childs b-day party or even a bridal shower.

Here is a peek at the cover

The album is from Maya Road made of chipboard and the paper line is Graphic 45 "Once Upon a Springtime." The book (as you can see) is packed full of embellies. There is even a sweet bottle charm full of pink fairy dust.

There will be several classes during the 3 days so go to Paper Niche and check it out. Thank you for looking ...

Brave Girls Club

2011-08-24T11:03:00.000-04:00

Have you been to the Brave Girls Daily Truth website site? I get their newsletter and I read it almost everyday. I thought I would share Melody's daily truth for today ....

Dear Invaluable Girl,

In a world where we are one of 3 billion other women, it is easy to feel like a grain of sand somewhere on a remote island.....it is easy to get discouraged and feel like we could never possibly make a difference or that we could not possibly have anything to offer than someone else is not already doing better. It is sometimes hard to see what our value is at all, what our purpose could possibly be.

Please remember, incredible girl, that there are thousands of species of flowers, there are tens of thousands of species of butterflies and birds....there are countless species of trees. Each creation is designed to grow and become and change until its purpose has been fulfilled. Every living thing is this way. And...if plants and insects and birds are created with such care and purpose....how could it ever be that we are not created with the same care and purpose?

Never before has a woman been born with your eyes, your smile and your heart...combined with your talents, your desires and your personality. Never has a woman just like you been in the exact place that you are, with the exact people that you are with, doing the exact things that you are doing. Never, ever. YOU are the ONLY ONE who has the impact that you have....there are so many many many incredible things that will never happen if you do not do them.

Look around today at the people around you, the circumstances you are in and the power that you might have to make the exact difference that you could make. It is big...very very big. Please work hard to see it, every day....and use this beautiful heart that you have been given. The world so needs you and your ideas and your kindness.

You are unforgettable, irreplaceable and valuable...
and oh so loved.

*****