(RED)

As I am sure I have mentioned before, I am sort of big on the whole (RED) campaign. Between the two of us there are several shirts, jackets, and other (RED) products in our house...including my iPod Shuffle. Thus, the inspiration for the Cardboard Challenge over at The Art is Found was a given for me! The challenge was to use cardboard in your project. Okay...easy enough. But the thing is, I have already used cardboard for a layout before, I've used it for a mini album, too, so I wanted to do something different to make it a genuine challenge for me. Thus, I decided to create a wall hanging. I pulled out my MM Cranberry paint and got started! Here is what I came up with. I love it!





Supplies used are:
Cardboard Base
Chocolate Ink: Close To My Heart
Cranberry Paint: Making Memories
Tags, safety pins, fibers: Gap, product(RED)
Metal (RED) tag: Hallmark, product(RED)
Glitter: Martha Stewart
Rox: Magic Scraps (Advantus)

Thanks for looking!!!

Ahhhh! Time to Play With Paper!

I do so love it when I get a good dose of time to play with my paper! And it is even better when it is a totally unexpected dose of time! Last night Sean had to go to a meeting and it turned out to be a late night, so I was at home by myself for the evening. What does that mean? Laundry? Nope. Dishes? Nope. Vacuuming? Nope. SCRAPBOOKING!!! That's right, folks! I took some much needed time to focus on crafting. In that time, I managed to complete two cards and one layout that I am really pleased with. I used challenges this time around to get me moving and BOY did they! I think I work will with a little push from the outside! LOL! Okay...enough jibber jabber....here is what I made!

First off, this is a Precious Moments card that I created for the Alzheimer's Care Takers Card Challenge that is posted on Carolyn King's blog. I think it is so cool that she is doing this and even cooler that so many people have stepped in to make it an amazing event! Thanks, Carolyn!

I have to admit, this isn't my favorite card that I've ever made, but I think that is partly due to the fact that these are not colors that I normally work with and the Precious Moments idea isn't one that I normally go with either! LOL! So...it was a challenge, but I think it looks nice and I would love to know what you think of it.

The patterned paper is Sunborn, the shimmer paper is Prizm. I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and blended them adding just a touch of reflection with my Uniball Signo pen. I added the Bazzill flower with the CTMH sparkle to finish it off along with the American Crafts gingham ribbon.



My second card of the evening was for the House Mouse Monday Challenge Blog. I love these stamps and I had three brand new ones sitting on my shelf that I hadn 't used yet because I was afraid to get them dirty! LOL! So...I took this challenge as a push to get one of those stamps dirty! And I LOVE the card! The challenge was to include stitching on your card. Other than that...no rules! Just be sure to use a House Mouse stamp, of course!

Patterned Paper is BoBunny, Embroidery Floss is DMC, Stamp is House Mouse, Markers are Prismacolor markers, Grey pen is a Zig Chalk Writer by EK Success, White pen is my Uniball Signo, Stickles are by Ranger, and the trim, I believe, is Basic Grey. It is stamped in Close to My Heart Archival Black ink.





And....finally...the layout that I created was for yet another challenge! LOL! The challenge over at Got Mojo? was to create a layout inspired by the Cirque du Soliel. To be honest, I don't know if anyone will see the inspiration in my piece or not, but this is where it led me. I had an impression of Cirque from things I had seen on television and in print ads, as I've not seen them live. And yes, the obvious bright, bold colors and contrasts certainly did come to mind. However, after visiting the website I noticed that some of the more recent stuff appears to be more on a surreal level. Well, I guess they have always been a bit surreal, but the images on the website invoked a softer tone than I normally associate with them. This led me to create a rather surreal looking layout. Another thing that stands out to me when thinking of Cirque is the fluidity of motion. I was sure to incorporate that into my layout, as well. I kept my edges soft, but I played with line and motion. The shapes are strong, but subtle all at the same time. What do you think?



The patterned papers are Dreamstreet (background and text) and American Crafts (brown leaf). Ink, stamps, and twill are all Close To My Heart. Chipboard letters are American Crafts Thickers coated with Martha Stewart Glitter, Sparkles are Close To My Heart, and the glitter glaze is Making Memories, the flower is Bazzill, and finally, the trims are from my jar.

I apologize for the poorly lit photos. I usually take my photos either really early in the morning before the sun is up or at night due to my work schedule. I am working on a solution to this problem, though, so hopefully you will see improvement!

So, what do you think? Do you utilize all those great challenge blogs out there? Let meknow your favorites! I have a long list, but I'm always looking for new ones!

Evil Monkeys and Such

Hi! Thanks for stopping by!

Last night I went to visit one of the boys in our youth group as he managed to land himself in the hospital after a dirt bike accident. He broke his leg something fierce and had to have surgery, so Sean and I went to see him and spend some time with him and his mom last night after the surgery. He is doing pretty well now, but he has to quite a bit of recovering to do and may beep in airports due to the two screws they placed in his bone to put it back together! I made him a quick card before we left to help cheer him up a bit. Yes...17 year old boys do actually appreciate handmade cards! LOL!

Here is the card I made:




I love that little Monkey! He is just too adorable! He is a Close to My Heart stamp (which, by the way...I have an order open until tomorrow if you need anything!) colored with Prismacolor markers on Basic Grey patterned papers. Too much fun! The sentiment stamp, ink, and brads are all CTMH, as well.

And this....my friends....is why one should not leave scrapbook supplies out where a husband could possibly find them. You know....like ANYWHERE in your HOUSE! LOL!

I'd like to introduce you to the "ANGRY Monkey" by my wonderful husband:



What is it about adorable little critter stamps that automatically sends a grown mans mind into a wild frenzy of either images of "pooping" animals or, as showcased here, EVIL animals! LOL! It made me laugh. I have to admit that! LOL!

So, what do you think? Does the monkey look angry to you? I don't think so...I think he is adorable...well, unless you add a bloody sword and crooked eyebrows!

Hey! I am working on my Guest Designer Layout for the next challenge over at Use Your Stash! Be sure to keep your eye on the blog for the next announcement and join in the fun! I can't wait to see your layouts!!!

On another note: Check out this cool blog giveaway! It's for a gift certificate to Modbe! Find the giveaway HERE.

Do you love to use adorable critter stamps? I'd love to see what you have done with them! Post a link in the comments and I will go check out your work!

TOOT!!!

I am excited to announce that I have been selected to be the October Guest Design Team Member for Use Your Stash!!! If you haven't ventured on over to UYS yet you should totally go check it out! Kimmie and Corey work together to come up with awesome challenges that force you to really use all that stuff that we have been collecting! For September they have us breaking out the chipboard and using it on cards and layouts! Imagine that?! ACTUALLY USING that beautiful collection that I have?! LOL! Break out of your "I am a supply collector" mentality and put that stuff on pages!!! It's way fun!

I am very excited about being a part of this team for October! It is an honor to have a chance to work with Kimmie and Corey and I hope you join in the challenge! Watch for more info as we get closer!

Now...for a little fun...

HAPPY TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY TO ONE AND ALL!!!

Reverse

reverse.

This is a layout I didn't expect to happen. Does that ever happen to you? Out of the blue comes true, heartfelt journaling that you never planned to write? Well, that is what happened here. I started this layout working on the challenge over at The Design Experiment. I loved the concept of opening a dictionary and dropping my hand on a word to start a layout. Well, my finger landed on "reverse". I started to flip through my photos to see what inspiration hit me and...here you have it. I wish I could reverse time. If for nothing else, than to develop a true, strong relationship with my little sister. Funny how scrapbooking can do this to us. Bring out our deepest feelings in our art. I love that, but it's a bit hard to swallow sometimes when I have to face the reality of my thoughts.

Breakfast for Dinner - and it's even Weight Watchers Freindly!

Yesterday I found this recipe over on Monkey Giggles and I thought it sounded SO good! I love doing the breakfast for dinner thing, so I really wanted to make it! However...there was one tiny little problem...while I have met my Weight Watchers goal, I am in maintenance right now and working toward my lifetime membership and I happen to really like where I am right now and things like egg-laden breads tend to be a wee bit calorie heavy. BUT...I really wanted it. So...I decided to alter the recipe to make it WW Points friendly and serve a healthy serving of fruit on the side with just a quick shot of zero point Ready Whip!

This was dinner last night...and it will soon be breakfast this morning because MAN was it good! No...like seriously, I know the photos don't do it justice, but this was REALLY REALLY good! Moist and Yummy! Sean liked it a lot, too...although...he did add a side of bacon to his! LOL!



Tell me this doesn't just look fabulous! It totally was! LOL!



And...on the plate....(I'm sorry I didn't grab my camera until we had taken it out of the dish I baked it in...otherwise I would have taken a shot of that.)



And here is my version of the recipe:

French Toast Bake

* 9 Slices Fiber One Cinnamon Raisin Bread (or other high fiber bread) Cubed.
* 1 cup Egg Beaters
* 1 1/2 cups 1% milk
* 1/4 Equal Sweetener, divided
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon Land O' Lakes Light Butter with Canola Oil
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pam Butter Flavored Spray

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray 8x8 (or similar volume) baking dish with butter spray.
3. Line bottom of pan with bread cubes.
4. In a large bowl, beat together egg beaters, milk, 2 tablespoons Equal, salt and vanilla.
5. Pour mixture over bread. Mix to coat all bread with liquid.
6. Dot with margarine; let stand for 10 minutes.
7. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
8. Bake in preheated oven about 45 to 50 minutes, until top is golden.

Total Servings: 4 Weight Watchers POINTS: 4 per serving

Enjoy!

WOW - Blog Candy to the MAX!

Check this out! Vanilla Joy is offering some amazing blog candy!!! She is actually going to GIVE AWAY a MiniBox from the Original Scrapbox!!! Can you believe it?! I can't! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to WIN this amazing prize!!!



So go over to Vanilla Joy right now and enter the contest! Oh...wait...but don't do all that stuff to get the extra entries because I SO want to win THIS! LOL!

Walk With Me Daddy...the layout version

After giving my Dad the mini album that I shared with you a few days ago, I realized that I wanted to have something with that sentiment to hold onto for myself! So, I took one of the prints, chose a 5x7 this time, and created this layout. Much of what I used was part of a wonderful kit filled with goodies from the Coconut Scrapshop! The kit was sent to me by dear, sweet Pamela! Pamela, thank you SO much! This kit is a blast to work with! I will get a lot of pieces from it, too! I can't wait to do more!

This photo is a picture of my Daddy and me walking down the beach...gotta love a husband who understands the kinds of pics that scrapbookers need to tell the whole story!!!

Patterned Paper and Letter Stickers: Rose Moka
Text Paper: Jenni Bowlin
Crayon: Crayola
Flowers: Prima
Eyelets: Kurio by K&Company
Lace Paper: KI Memories
Gold trim and gem stones: from my stash
Brown pom-pom trim: Coconut Scrapshop Kit

Thanks for looking! Tell me what you think!!!

Giveaway

I just wanted to let you all know about this amazing bag giveaway! Check it out!

The Ghost of the Suicidal Squirrel

I had the most horrible experience on Monday morning. Seriously. It was tragic.

I was on my way into work, quite sleepy due to the fact that it was 6:45am, I had been in the car for nearly an hour, and, well, it was Monday. That makes for a tired me. However, I was not so tired as to be driving poorly or to not be paying attention. So, I saw the adorable little squirrel run out into the road as I approached. As any animal loving person would, I hit the brakes allowing time for the squirrel to go on by. He did and I began to move back to my original speed...HOWEVER...this is where the tragedy began...that darn squirrel just simply DID NOT WANT TO LIVE! No, REALLY! As soon as he got across he jerked his little self around and ran RIGHT in front of my tire! There was nothing I could do! I felt that horrible "bump." I murdered that poor, innocent squirrel.

I have NEVER hit anything before! I have been driving for 14 years and never ONCE have I hit an animal of any kind! A pole, a stone wall, yes...but NEVER a living creature!!! I was very close to work, so I pulled into the parking lot before the tears got too bad to see! I called my husband, who was worried until I told him why I was so upset...LOL! Although, because he is wonderful, caring, and understanding...he did not get mad that I had woken him up and he told me that it was okay and that there was nothing I could do. I was still pretty sad about it, but, alas...Sean was right...there really wasn't anything I could do. I am officially a squirrel killer. I just need to live with that now. (Although, I had to smile when I was able to avoid the two that ran out in front of me this morning...at least it doesn't look like a habit!)

So...yesterday I got home from work and for some reason I didn't go into my scrapbook room, which I usually do shortly after arriving home. Sean told me that I should go in there....he got me something. Ooo! Fun! A present! For no reason! I love those! WELL....

This is what I found:



And the OTHER side of his little ATC sign reads:





HA! HA! HA! Very Funny!

So...I now have the ghost of my squirrel living in my scrapbook room. LOL! At least he is cute! The only thing is...Maggie (black lab #1) was VERY interested in Mr. Squirrel! We'll see how long he is mine! LOL!

Beauty in Boston

Just a quick CTMH reminder before I show you my fun photos! The order is still open and I can accept your orders for at least another week! Let me know if you have any questions or, if you have not yet received an invite let me know and I will get one sent to you! The new catty is FANTASTIC!!! Now is the time to stock up on Holiday stamps and papers to get those cards made!

We spent our Saturday in Boston over the Labor Day weekend and I decided to look a bit touristy and take pics that I wanted to take! LOL! I know I've lived here forever, but seriously...the place has so many wonderful shots just begging to be taken! Here are a few photos that I took that day...

The City



China Town Map...on the ground, of course.



Bamboo growing in Boston...yeah...since that is a native Massachusetts crop! LOL! It is wicked cool, though!



Buskers!



One of the best sites in the city! LOL!



I was SO excited when I saw the Farmer's Market in full force! I snapped a bunch of pics because I just LOVE the color!!!



We noticed something odd in this cemetery. Some stones had skulls and others had angels...do you think those were predictions of sorts?



My future home! HA! If only....



Bridge Shots! I love the lines and the colors and contrast in this one!



I {HEART} this sign!!! Isn't it just fabulous???



Old Ironsides



Me! I love the background of this shot!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Well, okay, so it isn't until tomorrow, but I finished his gift and wanted to show it to you! This is also a part of the recycle/upcycle challenge over at Scrapbook Takeout.

I covered the Maya Road tin with buttons to keep the album masculine but still dress it up a lot! I love the results! The paper I used to cover the chipboard pages is from My Minds Eye, the American Crafts Thickers were the perfect soft touch to the front of the album, too! The flowers are all from Prima except the small brown flower on the cover, which is from Close To My Heart. I added tiny seed beads to the flower centers on the inside using Zip Dry - my new favorite liquid adhesive!!! The grid patterned paper is from Rusty Pickle - one of my all time favorite companies! I used Carolee's Creations tiny alphabet stickers that I inked with CTMH ink to get the yellow toned color on the front cover. I really love how it turned out! It's perfect for my Daddy!













Have a wonderful day! Thanks for looking!

So...you want some stamps and stuff, huh?

Wow! How exciting was it to have Jennifer McGuire ask if she could let people know that CTMH products are available through me!!! Pretty cool! THANK YOU JENNIFER!!!!! I showed you her awesome video the other day and I am also happy to answer any questions at all that you may have about Close To My Heart products!

So...if you decide that you would like to order some of the wonderful goodness please leave a comment here (be sure to put your email addy in the requisite spot) or email me at jinglesells@gmail.com so that I can send you the email invite! From there, you will be able to click that you "cannot attend" (because it is online only...) and that will lead you directly to the online shopping goodness!!! You can order right away or wait a bit and place your order through that same email any time before the date provided. If you have ANY questions you can contact me via email or here on the blog! I love helping people out!!! Your items will be shipped directly to you, so it is fast, easy, and efficient! ALSO! Let me know that you heard about this special from Jennifer McGuire's blog and I will send you (separate from your order) a small thank you! Be sure to check out this great special, too!!! You can get two sets of stamps absolutely FREE!

Just to whet your appetite a bit...Here is an awesome project that I made using the From the Heart card kit! It's a mini album!!! You use the cards and the envelopes as the pages! I got the instructions from this great video over at the Scrapbook Lounge!







And here are two GORGEOUS paper collections!!!

Boom Di Ada has such a unique and fun color combination!



And Game On is just a fabulous set with blacks and creams and gorgeous vintage-like patterns! I used it on a layout that I posted last week and I plan to pull some out for some great photos that I took in Boston over the weekend, too! I love these papers!



And...of course...stamps and ink...CTMH has the BEST ink!!! I really love it! It gives such a smooth and finished look to your stamped images! Also, because it is developed by CTMH it works great with both woods and acrylix! Gotta love that! All Close To My Heart stamps are Acrylic stamps making them Faster, Simpler, and Easier to use!

What's Tiny and Red and Helps Someone Out?

My New iPod Shuffle!!! I am so excited to FINALLY be the proud owner of one of these wonderful little things. I am also SO excited to have been able to get the (product)RED version! This means that Mac will give a portion of the proceeds to buy medications for those who are suffering from AIDS in Africa. This is SO important to me. And...of course, it helps that RED is my favorite color in the whole world! LOL! Here she is, folks...tiny, but just plain wonderful!

Jennifer McGuire and Close To My Heart!

Jennifer McGuire did this fantastic video showing off some of the BRAND NEW products now available from the Fall/Winter Close To My Heart catalog! I love how she used the box to store the 9x9 folio album! So cute! Check it out! If you love it...remember...you can always email me with orders that will be shipped directly to you! I can take Paypal!

Banana Cream Cuppy Cakes!

Well, I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend, however, I didn't get much scrapping done, unfortunately. By much...I really mean any! LOL! I hope to do some stuff in the evenings this week,though if I can steal some time. However, we did have a wonderful weekend and I will share a few things over the next few days. BUT...I MUST show you these cupcakes that I made on Sunday! They are Banana Cream Cuppy Cakes!!! How could that be bad? It can't, really! LOL!

Here is a photo for you:



They are super easy to make, too! I just used my favorite White Cake recipe (although, next time I may use a vanilla or just a simple yellow cake). Then, after baking and cooling I cut out the centers of each cupcake and piped in some lowfat banana cream pudding. (Thank you, JELL-O!) Then, I topped the cupcakes with light Cool Whip and tucked in two mini Nilla Wafers...mind you...they MUST be Nabisco brand "Nilla" wafers. My husband was quite adamant that they could not be the "VAnilla" wafers...they had to be "Nilla" wafers. It will make or break your cupcakes! LOL!

Here are a couple more yummy-graphs for you to look at!





I hope you had a fabulous weekend! What did you do? Let me know! I love reading your comments!